UP government to formulate new mining policy soon: Minister

Uttar Pradesh will soon formulate a new mining policy to check illegal mining which is a major problem in the state, Revenue Minister Ambika Chaudhary said here today.

Talking to reporters, he said illegal mining in the state is becoming a major problem in the state as it has prompted not only competition between the contractors but is also causing floods in rivers during monsoon. Earlier, holding a review meeting of irrigation, flood division and revenue officials, he instructed the authorities to make fool-proof arrangements for flood protection by June 15. He said relief and rescue material and equipments should be stored near the villages that are flood-prone. Chaudhary said flash floods in Bihar cause much damage to life and property in the bordering areas of the state. The matter would be taken up with authorities in Bihar in forthcoming meeting of the flood relief related officials of the two states in Patna, the minister said.