Chennai, Jan 28 (NationPress) The government of Tamil Nadu has revised essential elements of the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959, by instituting a refundable security deposit system for those seeking permission to extract sand and other minor minerals from lands and water bodies managed by various government departments.

This initiative is designed to enhance regulatory oversight, curb excessive quarrying, and promote the conservation and recovery of waterbodies.

According to the updated regulations, applicants requesting permission to extract sand or other minor minerals are now required to pay a refundable security deposit in addition to the application fee. This deposit will amount to twice the seigniorage fee applicable for the requested mineral quantity.

Moreover, the government has raised the application fee significantly from Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000. The revised guidelines also redefine the process for cases where a permission-holder surpasses the allowed quantity of mineral extraction or breaches the conditions tied to the permission.

Under the new regulation, the District Collector has the authority to revoke permission after granting the permission-holder an opportunity to present their case. In such scenarios, the difference between the seigniorage fee and the mineral cost for the quantity extracted will be collected from the permission-holder.

Furthermore, any costs incurred by the government for restoring tanks or other impacted areas will be deducted from the security deposit. If the recoverable amount exceeds the deposited security, the remainder will be collected from the permission-holder in accordance with the Revenue Recovery Act, 1890.

Previously, the rules allowed for automatic cancellation of permission if excessive extraction or condition violations were detected, with damages calculated based on the excess quantity and the damage caused to the water bodies.

The revised framework brings about a more organized process, featuring hearings and detailed recovery protocols, while imposing increased financial accountability on permission-holders.

A new clause has also been added to ensure accountability post-extraction. Upon the conclusion of the permission period or when the permitted quantity is fully extracted, authorities are mandated to conduct inspections to confirm adherence to the stipulated conditions.

A report on this inspection will be forwarded to the relevant District Collector. Based on this report, the District Collector must issue a written order to refund the security deposit to the permission-holder, contingent upon compliance with all conditions.

These amendments are anticipated to deter illegal mining while facilitating better preservation of tanks and public lands.