No need to take NOC to remove sand, silt under ‘Jehda Khet, Ohdi Ret’ scheme: DC

Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain announced that the Punjab Government has granted farmers permission to remove silt, sand and other river-borne deposits from their agricultural fields under the special one-time scheme, “Jehda Khet, Ohdi Ret.” The initiative aims to help farmers prepare their land for the upcoming sowing season following the recent floods.

Under this scheme, farmers will be allowed to clear their fields of silt and sand without needing a permit or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the concerned departments. The relaxation will remain in effect until December 31, 2025, in accordance with Rule 90 of the Punjab Minor Mineral Rules, 2013.

Clarifying the nature of the decision, Deputy Commissioner Jain emphasised that the removal of silt and sand will not be classified as “mining.”

To ensure maximum participation, the Deputy Commissioner directed officials from the Water Resources Department and other relevant agencies to publicise the scheme widely. She stressed that this initiative would not only assist farmers in sowing their crops on time but would also offer much-needed relief to those affected by the economic consequences of the floods. She further emphasised the importance of maintaining transparency, promptness, and responsibility during the scheme’s implementation to ensure that no farmer is deprived of its benefits.