In a strongly worded circular aimed at ending misuse and ensuring timely supply of construction materials, the Odisha Steel & Mines Department has directed all Collectors and District Magistrates to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Odisha Minor Mineral Concession (Amendment) Rules, 2025 while granting quarry permits.
The letter, issued by Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, IAS (No. 7790/S&M dated 3 August 2026), clarifies that quarry permits under Rule 35 can be issued solely for Central or State Government projects and public-purpose works. Grant of such permits for private or non-government purposes is explicitly barred by statute.
According to the amended rules (notified on 28 Nov 2025), the Competent Authority—or any officer authorised by him—may issue a quarry permit in Form-R for extraction and removal of minor minerals from specified land. This is allowed only on advance payment of surface rent, royalty (as per Schedules I and II), additional charges, compensatory afforestation fees (if forest diversion is involved), District Mineral Foundation contribution, and Environmental Management Fund dues.
Crucially, the Competent Authority is defined as the Mining Officer for areas within village boundaries (non-forest land) and the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) for forest areas. No other authority has the power to grant these permits.
The quantity permitted can cover the entire sanctioned requirement of a project or an identified phase. The permit remains valid for up to two years, or until project completion or phase closure—whichever is earlier. Extensions beyond two years require prior approval of the State Government to keep the permit co-terminus with the project.
The department noted that the 2025 amendments were introduced specifically to ensure smooth and timely availability of minor minerals for infrastructure projects of national and state importance. However, irregularities have come to light, including issuance of permits for non-government projects and discriminatory treatment among different government project proponents. The letter warns that unscrupulous elements may attempt to obtain permits by camouflaging private activities as government or public works.
“Such people are to be dealt with a heavy hand and denied quarry permit at the initial stage itself,” the circular states. Collectors have been instructed to ensure continuous supply of minor minerals for genuine government and public-purpose projects while protecting government revenue.
Any deviation will be viewed very seriously, and exemplary action—including disciplinary proceedings—will be initiated against the officers concerned.
