January 14: The government has approved that all quarries leased out by the Agriculture Ministry will be under the purview of the Mines and Minerals Management Act 1995. This is being done resolve the dual control issue over sand and stone collection and quarries. The decision is based on the recommendation of a meeting between the Agriculture and Economic Affairs Ministries.

The Department of Forest will no longer issue permits for commercial operation of sand and stone quarries even if its is for surface collection.

However, the Department can issue permits for surface collection to individuals and communities in rural areas for non commercial purposes.

The release says the surface collection permits will apply to collection of stones and boulders where excavation is not permitted. Blasting and use of any type of excavators will be not allowed to the permits issued by the Forest Department.

The Department of Forest will continue to provide Forest Clearance as authorized under Forest and Nature Conservation Rules 2006.

Sand and stone quarries and collection in Forest Management Units will only be leased to Natural Resources Development Corporation.

The news release also says that Department of Geology and Mines will the sole authority in planning and management of sand and stone quarries.