Chandigarh, July 16 -- The cash-strapped Punjab government has identified 133 crusher mining sites (CRMS) and granted environmental clearances for 18 of them as it looks to regulate the sector and boost revenue.

The mining and geology department expects to generate Rs.73 crore in royalty from eight sites which have become operational during the current financial year. All 18 sites, including eight operational ones, located in Pathankot district have received environmental clearance from the state environment impact assessment authority (SEIAA). Once all the identified sites become operational, the department is expecting to supply 116 lakh tonnes of legal gravel to the industry.

A detailed survey report (DSR) for crusher mining sites in...