Archive · 1 Dec 2025
Jharkhand Delays Adopting Revised Mining Norms
The Jharkhand government is taking a long time to adopt new rules for mining small minerals.
These rules were made by the central government earlier this year.
The delay is causing problems for many small quarry operators who are unsure about getting the necessary permissions.
Industry representatives met and asked the government to quickly issue the new rules.
The new rules change the distance requirements for mining near forests, settlements, and water bodies.
This affects many operations, especially those near homes or forests.
The government has formed a committee to look into the issue, and officials say a decision might come soon.
The situation shows the challenge of balancing environmental protection with the livelihoods of people working in the mining sector.
Jharkhand government is delaying the adoption of revised mining norms issued by the Centre earlier this year.
The delay is causing uncertainty for thousands of small quarry operators regarding clearances and compliance.
Industry representatives urge the government to issue the notification quickly to enforce revised distance standards.
Revised norms reduce buffer zones to 200 meters from forests, 75 meters from water bodies, and 200 meters from settlements.
The situation highlights the challenge of maintaining environmental safeguards while supporting livelihoods in the minor mineral sector.
- Who
- Jharkhand government, mining industry, quarry operators
- What
- Delay in adopting revised mining norms
- When
- Revised norms issued earlier this year, committee met on November 24
- Where
- Jharkhand, India
- Why
- To align with Centre’s revised environmental norms and support the livelihoods tied to the minor mineral sector
- State
- Jharkhand
- Issue
- Delay in adopting revised mining norms
- Affected Industry
- Mining and quarry operators
- Revised Buffer Zones
- 200m from forests, 75m from water bodies, 200m from settlements
- Meeting Held
- Joint meeting of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Mining and Environment Sub-Committees
- Committee Meeting
- Forest Department’s committee met on November 24
- Key Officials Met
- Forest and Environment Secretary, Director of Mines, Member Secretary of Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board, SEIAA officials