SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government is set to tighten its crackdown on illegal mining with the expanded use of GPS-based surveillance, as Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday reviewed mining sector reforms, enforcement mechanisms and technology-driven monitoring systems aimed at improving transparency and revenue realisation.
Chairing a review meeting of the Mining Department, the Chief Secretary assessed progress on policy reforms, auctioning of mineral blocks and strengthening of monitoring frameworks. He emphasised the need for sustainable mining practices, strict enforcement and maximisation of public revenue from mineral resources.
A key focus of the review was the Integrated Mining Surveillance System (IMSS), developed in collaboration with BISAG-N, which integrates GPS tracking of mineral-carrying vehicles with RFID, e-challan systems, weighbridge data and public grievance redressal platforms on a real-time digital dashboard. Dulloo took a live demonstration of the system, including vehicle tracking and ATMC cameras installed at key exit points, and said the technology has strong potential to deter illegal extraction and unauthorised transportation of minerals.
The Chief Secretary also directed the department to undertake G3-stage geological studies of major mineral blocks, including lignite, marble, graphite and granite, through the Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), to establish accurate reserve estimates and attract stronger investor participation in future auctions.
He instructed officials to expedite the operationalisation of 110 non-operational minor mineral blocks across districts to unlock revenue potential and ensure timely availability of construction material for development works. Stressing zero tolerance towards illegal mining, Dulloo called for strict penal action to create effective deterrence.
Additional Chief Secretary, Mining, Anil Kumar Singh informed the meeting 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 significant step towards scientific and transparent exploitation of major minerals.
Singh said the department secured a Rs 100 crore grant under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) 2025–26 after implementing major reforms, including adoption of a Minor Mineral Policy, allocation of minor mineral blocks through auction, introduction of mine closure provisions and initiation of survey, mapping and exploration of identified blocks.
He added that 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 line with revised PMKKKY guidelines.
Officials said 114 system-generated alerts under the IMSS were verified on the ground, resulting in confirmation of 14 cases of illegal mining and imposition of penalties amounting to Rs 90 lakh. A pilot run of GPS-enabled mineral-carrying vehicles has been completed in Samba district, with plans to extend GPS, RFID and e-challan compliance across the Union Territory by January 26, 2026.
The department is also setting up district-level Quick Response Teams equipped with modern tools and PoS machines for on-the-spot digital challaning to ensure swift action against violations.
For the financial year 2025–26, the Mining Department has fixed a revenue target of Rs 300 crore, including Rs 200 crore from minor minerals and Rs 100 crore from RCC-related activities, while revenues from major minerals are projected from 2026–27 following completion of the limestone auction process.
The Chief Secretary directed officials to adhere to timelines, strengthen field-level monitoring and fully leverage GPS and digital systems to eliminate illegal mining and maximise public benefit from the Union Territory’s mineral resources. -(KL)
