Lahore: The Punjab government has issued as many as 22 no-objection certificates (NOCs) for the establishment of new cement factories, in a bid to regulate the cement industry, according to news published on Sunday (September 19).
The provincial government has ensured that no new factory is established in areas that were declared ‘negative’. An earlier study to this effect, had declared areas around Kallar Kahar to be ‘negative’ for setting up these factories, owing to the fast depletion of the underground water table.
According to Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar, the new cement factories will create job opportunities for millions of people, which will boost economic development and elevate the area. He went to say that the steps taken for the development of salt and coal industries were producing positive results.
The chief minister further revealed that the Punjab Mineral Development Corporation collected PKR 1.64 billion and 21 rock salt exploration licenses were issued. In addition, the production capacity of the department was increased with the establishment of 8 salt and 4 coal mines.
Moreover, CM Buzdar disclosed that the ban on coal mining has been lifted and Mineral Cadastral System has been introduced to provide timely information. It was reported that the minerals and mine department has developed a state-of-the-art in-service training academy in the Punjab School of Mines, Katas. So far, 3,000 workers have been provided professional training.
Iqra holds BS in International Relations and is passionate about writing engaging content on trending real estate topics. When not working, she is either spending time with family, shopping, or discussing shows & movies.
