Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its Meeting, presided by Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, approved to check the illegal and unscientific mining in different river beds and forest areas all over the State to protect environment and other hazards emerging out of such activities by directing the concerned authorities to take effective steps and stern action against the errants, especially in the forest areas, under the prevalent rules and regulations enacted for the purpose by the State Government.
In its meeting, Himachal Pradesh Cabinet also takes a serious note on smuggling of ‘Nag Chhatri,’ ‘Trillium Govanimum’, a perennial medicinal plant found in the temperate zone of the State, and directed to check effectively, so that its indiscriminate and excessive exploitation that is posing a serious threat to it, will be checked and stopped it at the movement.
Cabinet also granted approval to the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for Citrus Fruit during 2012-13 to procure Kinnow, Malta, Santra and Galgal etc. fruit from the growers by designated agencies of HPMC, APAIC and HIMFED through 54 procurement centres proposed to be set up in fruit growing areas all over the State.
Out of the estimated total produce of 27,395 MTs. 500 MTs. Kinnow/Malta/Santra and 100 MTs. of Galgal is proposed to be procured under the Scheme. The B grade Kinnow/Malta/Santra shall be procured at a rate of Rs. 6.00 per kg, C Grade at Rs. 5.50 per kg. and Galgal at Rs. 4.50 per kg. Designated agencies shall be entitled to get Rs. 2.65 per kg. as handling charges for procurement of Kinnow/Malta/Santra while for Galgal a rate of Re. 1.00 per kg. shall be paid. The Scheme shall be implemented during the period from November 20, 2012 to February 15, 2013.
In the meeting it was decided to provide 10,000 MTs or actual apple procured under MIS during current apple season, to HPMC free of cost for production of apple juice. It was approved to allow HPMC actual sale price of Rs. 1.46 per kg. and HIMFED Rs. 1.57 per kg., against the estimated price of Rs. 3.00 per kg. for the apple procured under MIS during the apple season of 2010, when the State had record apple crop.
