HP to be cement state soon, says Industries Minister

Shimla, Nov 6 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh will be developed as cement state of the country with its production likely to reach 14 million tonnes per annum soon, state Industries Minister Kuldeep Kumar today said.

Speaking at Mineral Advisory Council meeting at New Delhi, he said the production was likely to touch 14 million tonnes after five new cement plants were set up in the state.

Mr Kumar said three cement plants were producing 4.2 million tonnes of cement per annum as of now, adding that Himachal was one of the limestone rich states and was ranked sixth in terms of total reserves and eighth in limestone production in the country.

Himachal was the only state to have rock salt mines, besides being known for good quality slates, which were known for pleasing colour, durability and uniformity in thickness all over the world, he said.

The Industries Minister urged the Centre to provide exemption for granting lease of minerals to non-tribals in tribal areas to complete various developmental works, while no concessions should be provided to non tribals in mining sector without the consent of the concerned panchayat.

The state government was also considering a proposal to de-reserve the entire Sirmaur district, which was up till now reserved under the Rule 58 of the Mineral Concessions Rule 1960, for economic and scientific exploitation, he said.

He said the government was also framing River, Stream Bed Mining Policy Guidelines 2004 to support an appropriate environmental friendly utilisation of natural resources of rivers and streams in the state.

Asserting that the state government was concerned over illegal mining activities in the state, he said the government had notified the ''HP Mineral (Prevention of Illegal Mining), Transportations and Storage) Rules 2004'' to check mining.

Himachal has also set up state and district level committees to check illicit mining, he added.

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