Question : DIAMOND DEPOSITS IN VIDARBHA REGION

(a) whether there is evidence of availability of large deposits of diamond in Vidarbha region (Gujarat) during a survey conducted by the Geological Survey of India:

(b) if so, the details thereof ;

(c) whether the Government have also received information about the illegal mining activities that are going on in the region;

(d) if so, the steps taken by the Government to check these activities; and

(e) whether the Government are contemplating to take recourse to commercial mining in this region?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINES ( SHRI JAYSINGRAO GAIKWAD PATIL )

(a) Geological Survey of India (GSI) has not found evidence to suggest the existence of deposits of Diamond in Gujarat. However, a programme of detailed search for Kimberlite, Lamproite bodies has been taken up in parts of Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts, Vidharba region of Maharashtra. Incidence of small diamond grain, weighing 0.15 carat in Wairagarh area, Gadchiroli district has been discovered from the matrix of a conglomerate.

(b) Question does not arise.

(c) & (d) Central Government have no information on illegal mining. Responsibility for checking illegal mining, if any rests with the State Governments. Several provisions exist in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 to curb illicit mining.

(e) In view of (a) above question does not arise.