Mining Dept to re-auction 10 riverbed sites in Kangra

The Mining Department has initiated the process to re-auction 10 mining sites located on riverbeds in Kangra district after the previous round of auctions failed to attract any bidders.

Last year, no bids were received for these sites as the reserve prices fixed in the tender process were considered too high and economically unviable.

Confirming this, district mining officer Shelja Chaudhary said the department has revised the terms and conditions of the auction to make them more feasible and competitive. Directions have been issued to re-examine all 10 proposed sites, she added.

The department is considering reducing the lease area of the sites and rationalising the base or reserve price to encourage wider participation, particularly from local contractors. Feedback in this regard is also being sought from the Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) concerned.

Once reports are received from the SDM offices, the department will carry out fresh inspections of the sites, re-determine the lease areas and base prices and initiate the re-auction process, the mining officer said.

She said the revised approach aims to promote legal mining activities while ensuring better revenue generation for the government.

At present, 52 mining leases have already been allotted across various sub-divisions of Kangra district. The addition of 10 new sites is expected to strengthen regulated mining and help curb the illegal extraction of sand and gravel from riverbeds and khuds. Expressing optimism, Chaudhary said she hoped the revised auction terms would attract better participation and streamline mining operations in the district.