Punjab to expand access to affordable sand with 12 new public mining sites

To ensure the easy availability of sand on cheaper rates in the state, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has decided to open 12 more Public Mining Sites (PMS) in various districts.

The official spokesperson today informed that Punjab Mining and Geology Minister S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra will dedicate 12 new public mining sites under 4th and 5th Phase in five districts namely, Ferozepur, SBS Nagar, Amritsar, Moga and Jalandhar on February 28.

Notably, public mining sites has been wholeheartedly welcomed by the general public and a total 60 PMS are currently operational in various districts.

Collectively, 15.90 Lakh Metric tonnes of sand has been extracted at Rs.5.50/cft by the general public till date, which shows the remarkable success of this initiative all in itself.

The motive of this ambitious initiative of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is to provide sand to the public at cheaper rates.

"Now, with the inauguration of new public mining sites, identified by the Department of Mines and Geology, the total number of sites would be increased to 72 PMS, thus enhancing these benefits for the general public even more.

He further said that these public mining sites will allow public at large to excavate and sell the sand on their own resulting into increase the supply of sand in the market which will further leads to decrease in market rates of sand.

It is worthwhile to mention here that first three phases of these Public Mining Sites in ten districts have already been inaugurated by the Chief Minister, Punjab to ensure the availability of sand at affordable rates to public at large.