Tahsildars get 14 days to clear mining land NOCs, delays to go to Collectors automatically

Mines and Geology's Principal Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena has mandated officials to adhere strictly to deadlines for processing land No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for mining applications, aiming to eliminate delays via the OMEPS 2.0 system. During a video conference review, Meena emphasized that each application must be processed within the stipulated timeframe, with any delays to be escalated through the online portal immediately.

In the revised process, a Tahsildar has 14 days from notification to issue or reject an NOC. Failure to act within this period results in automatic escalation to the Joint Collector, who has seven days to act. If further delays occur, the application moves to the District Collector, with another seven-day timeline. The system alerts the Director of Mines and Geology at each stage.

Meena instructed Joint Collectors and Revenue officials to closely monitor pending applications, and District Collectors to ensure compliance by Tahsildars. He warned that wilful delay or negligence would be considered responsible behavior. Additionally, he directed Mines officials to thoroughly scrutinize applications and submit area plans indicating existing leases.

Requests involving land within 500 meters of Reserved Forests should be simultaneously sent to District Forest Officers. Officials from all 26 districts participated in the implementation review.