Expedite operationalisation of non-operational mineral blocks: Chief Secy

Jammu, Dec 16: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Tuesday chaired a review meeting of the Mining Department to assess the progress of mining sector reforms, revenue realisation measures, technological interventions and enforcement mechanisms aimed at curbing illegal mining across J&K.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary reviewed the department’s performance in implementing policy reforms, auctioning of mineral blocks and strengthening monitoring systems, while underscoring the need for transparency, sustainability and maximisation of revenue from mineral resources.
The Chief Secretary, on the occasion, commended the role of BISAG-N in creating a robust and efficient mining surveillance system equipped with modern technological features.
He took a live demonstration of the vehicle tracking system, public grievance redressal platform and ATMC cameras installed at key exit points, and expressed satisfaction over the system’s potential to significantly deter illegal mining and unauthorised transportation of minerals.
Emphasising the importance of scientific assessment of mineral resources, the Chief Secretary directed the department to undertake G3-stage geological studies of major mineral blocks such as lignite, marble, graphite and granite through MECL, so as to establish clear estimates of mineral reserves and attract better investor response during future auctions.
The Chief Secretary impressed upon the department to expedite the operationalisation of 110 non-operational minor mineral blocks across various districts to unlock their revenue potential and ensure availability of construction material for developmental works. He also directed the department to remain uncompromising in dealing with illegal mining and to create sufficient deterrence through strict enforcement and penal action.
About the mining reforms and major achievements made by the Department, the ACS Mining, Anil Kumar Singh informed that the e-auction of seven limestone blocks was formally launched by the Union Minister of Coal and Mines on November 24, 2025, marking a major step towards scientific and transparent exploitation of major minerals.
Under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) 2025–26, he added that the Department had secured a grant of Rs 100 Cr after implementing key mining reforms, including adoption of a Minor Mineral Policy, allocation of all minor mineral blocks through auction mode, introduction of mine closure provisions with monitoring mechanisms, and initiation of survey, mapping and exploration of identified minor mineral blocks.
In addition, the department has operationalised a star rating system for minor mineral mines, established the State Mineral Exploration Trust, and notified District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) Rules in accordance with revised PMKKKY guidelines, thereby strengthening institutional frameworks for sustainable mining.
A major focus of the review was the Integrated Mining Surveillance System (IMSS), developed for the first time by the department in collaboration with BISAG-N (Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics). The system integrates GPS tracking, RFID, e-challan, weighbridge data and public grievance redressal mechanisms on a real-time digital dashboard to enhance transparency, accountability and compliance in mining operations.
The department reported that 114 system-generated triggers were verified on the ground, resulting in confirmation of 14 cases of illegal mining and imposition of penalties amounting to Rs 90 lakhs.
Moreover it was given out that a pilot run of GPS-enabled mineral-carrying vehicles has been successfully conducted in District Samba, with plans to extend GPS, RFID and e-challan compliance to all mineral transportation across the UT by January 26, 2026 after carrying out an extensive IEC campaign.
The department is also setting up Quick Response Teams (QRTs) at the district level with modern gadgets and logistics to respond swiftly to illegal mining activities, supported through SASCI, DMFT and regular budgetary resources. PoS machines for on-the-spot digital challaning and compounding are being provided to enforcement agencies to ensure immediate action on violations.
For the financial year 2025–26, the department has set a revenue target of Rs 300 Cr, including Rs 200 Cr from minor minerals and Rs 100 crore from RCC-related activities, while revenues from major minerals are projected in FY 2026–27 following completion of the limestone auction process.
The Chief Secretary stressed the need for time-bound implementation of reforms, deeper use of technology, and close coordination among departments to ensure transparent, environmentally sustainable mining here.
He directed the department to adhere to set timelines, strengthen field-level monitoring and fully leverage digital systems to eliminate illegal mining and maximise public benefit from mineral resources of the UT.