Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary reaffirmed the J&K Government's commitment to eradicating illegal mining across the Union Territory during a high-level review meeting of the Geology and Mining Department at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar.
Emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach, the Deputy CM instructed District Mineral Officers (DMOs) to maintain strict on-ground vigilance and take full control of all mining operations. “Any negligence will invite disciplinary action,” he warned.
He also directed immediate cancellation of mining licenses if any damage is reported to critical infrastructure like roads, bridges, and water supply systems. “Penalize the responsible firms without delay,” he added.
The Deputy CM stressed timely auctioning of mineral blocks in full compliance with Central and UT mining laws. A comprehensive enforcement mechanism was also ordered, involving district-level task forces, flying squads, informant networks, checkpoints, and e-challan systems.
Officials briefed the meeting on the status of mineral exploration and extraction, including limestone, granite, gypsum, blue sapphire, lithium, and coal. To date, 36 major and 233 minor mineral leases have been issued.
The department has generated ₹150.49 crore in revenue in FY 2024–25, with an additional ₹16.79 crore from vehicle and machinery seizures related to illegal mining — totaling 6,219 seizures. Gypsum mining alone contributed ₹4.38 crore in 2025–26.
Highlighting the sector's potential, the Deputy CM urged promotion of mineral-based industries to boost local employment and revenue.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Mining Anil Kumar Singh, Director Geology and Mining Suraj Prakash Rukwal, MD JKLM Pawan Kumar, Special Secretary Mining Dr. Suraya Fatima Tak, and other senior officials.