Says “Legally robust, technology-driven, sustainable mining governance must for J&K”
Srinaga: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a high-level meeting to deliberate upon the broad contours of the proposed Minor Mining Policy-2026, being formulated by the Department of Geology & Mining to address existing policy gaps, strengthen regulatory mechanisms and establish a transparent, technology-driven and sustainable framework for scientific management of minor mineral resources across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting besides the ACS, Mining Department, Ashwani Kumar was attended by Administrative Heads from the stakeholder departments, Divisional Administration, Pollution Control Committee and other stakeholders.
A comprehensive presentation on the proposed policy framework was delivered by the CEO, Centre for Innovation, Technology Assessment and Good Governance (CITaG), outlining the deficiencies in the existing system, proposed policy interventions and the roadmap for creating a modern, efficient and legally compliant mining governance framework.
The Administrative Secretaries and Heads of the concerned departments actively participated in the deliberations and offered valuable suggestions for further strengthening the draft policy.
Addressing the meeting Chief Secretary underscored the necessity for proposed amendments to align strictly with Central legislation governing minor minerals, ensuring they can withstand legal scrutiny. He advocated for the incorporation of best practices from progressive states like Odisha, tailored to the specific needs of Jammu and Kashmir. Emphasizing the protection of traditional mining communities’ livelihoods, he called for the establishment of a transparent digital ecosystem that facilitates their involvement while ensuring that mining rights remain non-transferable and safeguarded against misuse. The Chief Secretary highlighted the importance of legal foundations for penalties, seizure, and enforcement, noting that any amendments to the Rules must be consistent with statutory provisions. He expressed grave concern regarding illegal mining and directed relevant departments to consider stronger deterrent measures against habitual offenders. A coordinated institutional approach was deemed essential, with a call for comprehensive inter-departmental consultations prior to finalizing the policy to address all operational, legal, and administrative aspects. The meeting identified critical gaps in the current regulatory framework, such as the lack of priority supply mechanisms for government infrastructure projects and the need for a standardized Request for Proposal (RFP) format. It was suggested that a robust single-window clearance mechanism be established to streamline approvals and improve river-bed management practices. Discussions also included the necessity for a transparent “Mine-to-Market” tracking system, periodic penalty revisions, and third-party audits for mineral extraction from private lands. Stakeholder departments proposed several measures, including prioritizing mineral allocation for government projects, engaging traditional miners in dredging operations, and adopting dynamic replenishment rates based on scientific assessments. The alarming scale of illegal mining prompted calls for enhanced enforcement mechanisms and special provisions for emergency extraction related to irrigation and flood management. Additionally, a mechanism for protecting whistleblowers reporting illegal activities was deemed essential. The meeting concluded with a commitment to strengthen the Department of Geology & Mining by enhancing its capacity and resource management systems. It was decided that CITaG would draft amendments based on stakeholder feedback to create a comprehensive and future-ready policy. The role of technology in improving transparency and enforcement was recognized, with plans to develop an integrated digital ecosystem for regulatory purposes, potentially in collaboration with the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N). The Chief Secretary reiterated the government’s commitment to transparent governance, sustainable resource management, and scientific mining practices, aiming for a Comprehensive Minor Mining Policy-2026 that balances environmental sustainability with public interest and community welfare.
