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Chandigarh, December 24: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann provides dynamic leadership. Under his guidance, the Mines and Geology department has achieved remarkable milestones in 2024 in mining sector. They have established new benchmarks in transparency, efficiency and sustainable mining practices.
“Our focus has been on modernizing the mining sector,” stated Punjab Mining and Geology Minister. “We are focused on making sure benefits reach the common citizen.” Barinder Kumar Goyal highlighted the department’s citizen-centric approach.
73 sites generated Rs.16.07 crore for the state
He said that the department’s Public Mining Program has seen outstanding success. This success is through the implementation of the Punjab Minor Mineral Policy 2023. As a result, 73 public mining sites have become operational. These sites generated Rs.16.07 crore for the state and Rs.13.77 crore for local villagers while helping stabilize sand prices. He said that so far 18.37 Lakh MT of sand has been sold, which shows the program’s effectiveness in meeting public demand.
Mining sector :41 clusters covering 65 sites, generating Rs.9 crore
Similarly, in commercial mining, the department has successfully auctioned 41 clusters covering 65 sites, generating Rs.9 crore in revenue. The department plans to expand this success by auctioning 100 clusters, maintaining affordable pit head sale prices at Rs.5.50 per cubic feet (excluding GST).
Goyal informed that the digital transformation efforts have yielded significant improvements in ease of doing business. The department has streamlined basement charges and integrated its online mining portal with “Invest Punjab.” This integration ensured permit issuance within 72 hours through an automatic approval system, enhancing both efficiency and transparency. He added that if there is a procedural delay, the system automatically approves the permit after 72 hours.
“Fight against illegal mining intensified”
Mining and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal stated the government’s commitment. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government actively curbs illegal mining. The fight against illegal mining has been intensified with comprehensive measures. These measures include establishing toll-free complaint numbers. They also include the formation of Sub-Divisional committees and Flying Squads.
He said that between the period of April 2022 and May 2024, the department registered 1,169 FIRs. They issued 867 challans to the person involved in illegal mining activities.
Revenue collection has grown substantially
The Cabinet Minister said that the revenue collection has grown substantially, reaching Rs.288.75 crore in financial year 2023-24, up from Rs.247 crore in financial year 2022-23.
The department aims to provide more mining material to the general public at cheaper rates. They are working to include more sites in the DSRs. They also aim to verify the data provided in the mining plans. This will prevent any issues or objections from the SEIAA/SEAC at a later stage. Avoiding these problems could lead to a waste of time and government resources. Committees have been formed for this purpose. These committees consist of officers at the level of Superintending Engineers. They also include representatives from the Head Office. As of now, 45 site visits have been conducted by these committees across the state of Punjab. In addition to these sites, Sub-Divisional Level Committees have visited many more sites. They aim to include them in the DSRs.
Pb Mines Inspection App launched
Barinder Kumar Goyal discussed the technological advancements in the department. He mentioned that technological innovation has been at the forefront. This is marked by the launch of the “Pb Mines Inspection APP.” This enables citizens to report illegal mining activities in real-time. They can use multimedia capability, including photos, videos, or both.
Besides this, the government has launched a landmark PPP initiative worth around Rs. 37 crore to install modern weighbridges and surveillance systems at crusher sites. Moreover, the initiative seamlessly incorporates advanced technologies such as ANPR, PTZ cameras, and RFID readers, thereby enhancing efficiency and security.
uphold transparency through e-Tendering processes for Public Crusher Units
The Punjab Crusher Policy 2023 was introduced by the Cabinet Minister. It addresses crusher unions’ concerns. The policy plans transparent e-Tendering for selecting Public Crusher Units. This will be under the Punjab Transparency in Public Procurement Act. Selection is based on the lowest mineral price quoted by a crusher unit. He said that the introduction of the Punjab Crusher Policy 2023 shows the department’s commitment. They are addressing industry concerns. Moreover, they actively uphold transparency by implementing e-Tendering processes for Public Crusher Units. Additionally, this approach ensures fairness and accountability in their operations.
“We are building a mining sector that contributes to Punjab’s economy. Moreover, it not only ensures environmental sustainability but also actively promotes community welfare. Additionally, this initiative fosters long-term growth and strengthens local engagement,” added Barinder Kumar Goyal.
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