Centre’s nod to quarrying in Ganga: Minister

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 19

To ensure removal of rubble from the Ganga, the Centre has in principle given approval for quarrying in the river and eight of its tributaries in the state. As many as 1,380 hectares will come under its ambit, Forest Minister Dinesh Agarwal told mediapersons here today.

He said new areas of about 1,380 hectares would now be opened for quarrying. Official quarrying in the Ganga and its tributaries, mainly Ravasan, Ganga Bhogpur, Ganga Bisanpur and Kotawali, would help in checking illegal quarrying in the region, he added.

Agarwal said two conventions of Van Panchayats in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions would be held shortly. A total of 12,089 Van Panchayats had been set up in the state so far. Of these, 6,278 Van Panchayats had been set up in Garhwal and 5,811 in Kumaon, he added. Meanwhile, the minister released the latest edition of ‘Van Vani’, a Forest Department periodic book.