MPs review mineral fund at Bhiwani meet

A review meeting on the implementation of the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Fund was held in Bhiwani on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by Bhiwani-Mahendragarh MP Dharambir Singh and Rajya Sabha MP Kiran Chaudhry.

Advertisement

The meeting focused on the utilisation of the fund in mining-affected villages in the Tosham subdivision of Bhiwani district, especially for improving groundwater levels and promoting environmental conservation.

Mining was being undertaken in Khanak and Kharkari Sohan villages, and special attention was needed within a 15-km radius of these areas to safeguard public health and the environment, the meeting concluded.

Bhiwani Deputy Commissioner Mahavir Kaushik said the current fund amount was Rs 22.89 crore, with Rs 5 crore deposited in a fixed deposit as per the guidelines of the Mining Department.

The meeting also included discussions and suggestions from departmental officials on future steps for environmental protection in affected areas.

Both MPs emphasised the importance of carrying out developmental works in these areas to ensure that the area residents did not face hardships due to mining activities.

“It is important that departments take action to protect the environment and improve the conditions of those living in mining zones,” Singh said during the meeting. Chaudhry echoed similar sentiments, and urged officials to utilise the fund efficiently for sustainable development.