Principal Secy orders crackdown on illegal mining, strict action against violators

The Geology and Mining Department has been directed to expedite the auctioning of mining resources strictly as per the existing guidelines.

Chairing a meeting to review the functioning of the department at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar, Principal Secretary, Anil Kumar Singh, emphasised the need for stringent monitoring and a complete crackdown on illegal mining and related violations.

He instructed the officials to take strict legal action against the violators and ensure full compliance with the Central and UT mining Acts and Rules during all mining operations. He further stressed that the revenue generated from the mining activities must be effectively utilised for public welfare, with a focus on road development, health and other social sector initiatives that directly benefit the public.

During the meeting, it was informed that Rs 16.79 crore revenue has been generated from the compounding of vehicles and machinery involved in illegal mining and transportation, with 6,219 seizures made in 2024–25. Furthermore, the department recorded a total revenue generation of Rs 150.49 crore during the same period. Additionally, gypsum mining generated revenue of Rs 438 lakhs during 2025–26.

While reviewing the human resources, the Principal Secretary emphasised the importance of filling up of vacant positions within the department to ensure efficient functioning.

The meeting included detailed presentations updating the chair on the progress in exploration and extraction of major and minor minerals including limestone, granite, blue sapphire, gypsum, lithium and coal. It was reported that during 2024–25, 36 leases for limestone and 205 leases for minor minerals were granted.

The Principal Secretary also directed for robust monitoring mechanism through multi-departmental district-level task forces, flying squads, informant teams, checkpoints and e-challaning systems to curb illegal mining. He reiterated the department’s core mandate to identify and explore mineral resources, prepare mineral blocks, grant concessions, and conduct geo-scientific and hydro-geological investigations to assess the feasibility of infrastructure projects and mitigate geo-hazards like landslides and subsidence.

The Principal Secretary called for promotion of mineral-based industries to boost employment and revenue generation and ensure uninterrupted supply of essential construction materials to various government departments in alignment with the UT’s developmental priorities.