Under the visionary leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Department of Mining and Geology By 2024 by setting new standards in transparency, efficiency and sustainable mining activities. Excellent milestones have been established.
Highlighting the people-friendly approach of the department, Mining and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goel Told that “the overall objective is to ensure maximum benefits for the common people by modernizing the mining sector.”
18.37 Sale of lakh metric tons of sand
He said that the department has implemented the Punjab Minor Mineral Policy-2023 and The mining program has achieved remarkable success, under which 73 public mining sites have become operational. He said that while these sites have helped in stabilizing the prices of sand, An income of Rs 16.07 crore has been collected for the state and Rs 13.77 crore for the residents of local villages. He said that so far 18.37 lakh metric tonnes of sand has been sold, which has met the demand of the people. To show the effectiveness of the program.
Earned income of Rs 9 crore
Similarly, the department has issued 41 orders covering 65 sites under commercial mining activities. Successful auction of clusters has been done, due to which the state has earned an income of Rs 9 crore. He told that to take this success forward, the department has decided to increase the rate of Rs. 5.50 per cubic foot (with GST). There is a plan to auction 100 clusters while maintaining affordable sand and quarry rates.
Online mining portal linked with “Invest Punjab”
Minister Goyal said that digital transformation Important reforms have been implemented to create a conducive environment for doing business. The department has streamlined the basement expenses and integrated the online mining portal with “Invest Punjab”. 72 through an automated approval system with greater efficiency and transparency. Issuance of permits within hours is ensured. He told that if there is a delay in the process, the permit is automatically approved after 72 hours.
“Tighten the noose against illegal mining”
Mining and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goel Said that the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann will completely stop illegal mining activities. Committed to making fun. He said that by setting up toll-free complaint numbers and forming flying squads at sub-divisional committees, The fight against illegal mining has been further intensified. He told that from April 2022 to May 2024, 1169 cases have been registered by the department and illegal Challans have been issued against 867 persons involved in mining activities.
Increase in money recovery
The Cabinet Minister said that a significant increase has been recorded in money recovery. He said that the revenue recovery in the financial year 2023-24 was Rs 288.75 crore, while in the financial year 2022-23 it was Rs. The figure was Rs 247 crore.
He told that the department is working in DSR to provide more mining materials to the people at affordable rates. Working to include more sites and verify data from mining plans, which To avoid any issues or objections from SEIAA/SEAC. For this purpose, officers at the level of Superintendent Engineers and representatives of the Head Office will be appointed. Committees have been formed. So far, these committees have visited 45 sites in Punjab. Apart from this, many other sites have been selected by sub-divisional level committees for inclusion in DSR. Has been visited.
Punjab Mines Inspection App launched
Referring to the technological advancements in the department, Minister Goyal Told that with the launch of “Punjab Mines Inspection App”, the department has taken a big step in the field of technology. Pete hot. This allows citizens to prevent illegal mining of multimedia such as images, videos or both. Have been able to provide immediate information about activities
Additionally, an estimated Rs 37 crore will be spent to install modern containment and monitoring systems at crusher sites. A historic PPP initiative with a cost of Rs. 1,000 has been launched in which ANPR, PTZ, etc. State-of-the-art technologies like cameras and RFID readers have been incorporated.
Cabinet Minister said that Punjab Crusher Policy-2023 will be prepared to solve the issues faced by crusher unions. has been implemented and under the Punjab Public Procurement Transparency Act and the reduction shown by the crusher units Transparent e-tendering planned for selection of public crusher units based on mineral value below Rs. Gujarati. He said that Punjab Crusher Policy- 2023 will launch e-tendering processes for public crusher units. The department's commitment to maintaining transparency as well as addressing industry issues through Shows.
He said, “We are creating such a mining sector which will not only contribute to the economy of Punjab. contributes, but also ensures environmental sustainability and community cohesion."