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LATEST NEWS UPDATES | Farmers thwart bid to sell mining lease in Bichwa, Tekadi by Vijay Pinjarkar

Farmers thwart bid to sell mining lease in Bichwa, Tekadi by Vijay Pinjarkar

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published Published on Feb 2, 2012   modified Modified on Feb 2, 2012
-The Times of India
 
The farmers from Bichwa and Tekadi in the district have thwarted an attempt to sell mining leases which have already been suspended by Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM).

The state government had granted lease for manganese and dolomite mining over 17.25 hectares in Bichwa and 11.5 hectares in Tekadi to one AD Kuhite of Nagpur on March 22, 1996. The 20-year lease period expires on August 10, 2016.

However, following stiff opposition from farmers against grant of mining leases in Bichwa and Tekadi, 55-60km from Nagpur in Saoner, the directorate of geology and mining (DGM) has already recommended suspension of these leases. The DGM's recommendation came after directions from the IBM, a watchdog for mining activity, on February 17, 2011.

Moreover, in a relief to farmers, in August 2011, the additional district collector had set aside an order of Saoner subdivisional officer (SDO) directing farmers to hand over possession of their lands for mining. The proposed mines also fall in the buffer zone of Mansinghdeo Wildlife Sanctuary.

Despite the facts on record, attempts are being made by the Kuhite family to settle a deal by transferring these leases to mining firms having operations in other states. Earlier, the Kuhites had entered into an agreement with Ultimate Alloys India Limited and Asia Pacific Global Limited, Delhi, and transferred the lease without prior permission.

However, Balwant Kuhite, legal heir of AD Kuhite, refused to divulge details over phone and asked this reporter to meet in person. When reminded about some mining firm owners visiting Bichwa-Tekadi recently, he denied any attempts to sell the leases.

In January first week, farmers had foiled an attempt to sell the leases to mining firms from Raipur and Bangalore.

"I still till my agriculture land which is being shown as part of the mining lease. We have expressed strong resentment to the parties coming to verify the area," said Gajanan Dhole, who owns land in Bichwa.

"A couple of farmers whose land has been identified for mining have committed suicide earlier. A similar situation cannot be ruled out," warned Yuvraj Boriwar, another marginal landholder.

A Patnaik, owner of a mining firm in Raipur, admitted having visited Bichwa on January 4, but said the chapter is closed for them. "Looking into the opposition from locals, we are not at all interested in the mines," he said.

As per the provisions of Mineral Concession Rule 1960, the lessee has to start mining work within one year of the date of grant of lease. However, neither the lessee nor his legal heirs have started work till date in the case of Bichwa and Tekadi.

Besides, transfer of lease without government permission is a breach of condition and hence the lease is liable to be cancelled, officials told TOI.


The Times of India, 2 February. 2012, http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Farmers-thwart-bid-to-sell-mining-lease-in-Bichwa-Tekadi/articleshow/11721559.cms


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