Sasaram: There is fresh relief for businesses associated with the stone mining sector in Rohtas, with the process to withdraw certain mining blocks linked to forest department land in Karwandiya and Gijuwahi reportedly nearing completion.
The development is expected to clear the way for the settlement of the identified stone mining areas. As part of the process, the district administration has made available nearly twice the identified land in Kaimur district to the Forest Department. The proposal has also received approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Forest Department NOC obtained
According to officials, 1,473 hectares in Block-4 of Karwandiya mauza and 5.33 hectares in Block-3 of Gijuwahi mauza had been identified as land associated with the Forest Department.
An NOC from the Forest Department has already been obtained for the identified land for the settlement process.
The district administration has provided land in Kaimur district equivalent to twice the identified area to the Forest Department as part of the required process. With the necessary consent from the Union Ministry in place, officials expect the next stage of the mining settlement process to begin soon.
Mining department to initiate next steps
Mukesh Kumar, District Mining Officer, Rohtas, said the path for settlement of the identified stone mining areas in the Karwandiya hills was almost clear.
“The formalities for withdrawing the area that came under the Forest Department have also been completed. Twice the identified area has been made available to the Forest Department in Kaimur district. Very soon, the next process will be initiated at the headquarters level through the PARIVESH portal,” Kumar said.
The district mining department is expected to take further steps towards settlement of the mining blocks after completion of the remaining formalities.
The development is significant for Rohtas, where stone mining has been an important commercial activity. The resolution of the forest land issue is expected to provide greater clarity over the future of the identified mining blocks.
