Islamabad
In Indian Occupied Kashmir, of the total 95 percent mineral blocks auctioned by Delhi-run regime in the territory, the non-local mining companies have bagged almost all the contracts for extraction of minerals from water bodies with locals saying the authorities are twisting clauses in favour of the outsiders.
Majority of mineral blocks auctioned for extraction of minerals are now under the control of non-local contractors who have won online bids invited by the Geology and Mining Department, Kashmir Media Service reported
‘Prior to August 2019, the minerals from water bodies were extracted exclusively by locals who used to pay royalty to the department. The abrogation of special status of Jammu and Kashmir paved the way for non-locals to compete in the e-auctioning for extraction of Kashmir’s minerals,’ the locals said. According to Geology and Mining department’s data, the non-local contractors have bagged majority of mineral blocks in all the districts of Kashmir where the bidding has been completed.
In Srinagar, all 10 blocks have gone to the non-resident contractors against the bidding amount of Rs 5.08 crore. In North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, 38 blocks of minerals have fetched Rs 20.15 crore to the department.—
