Ziraat Times Team Report
Srinagar, July 16: The Jammu & Kashmir government is formulating a Comprehensive Minor Mining Policy-2026 aimed at strengthening regulation of minor mineral resources, curbing illegal mining and creating a transparent, technology-driven framework for sustainable mining governance across the Union Territory.
The proposed policy was reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, who called for a legally robust and environmentally sustainable framework that aligns with central laws while addressing the specific needs of Jammu & Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Mining Department, Ashwani Kumar, administrative secretaries of stakeholder departments, representatives of the divisional administration, Pollution Control Committee and other officials.
A detailed presentation by the Centre for Innovation, Technology Assessment and Good Governance (CITaG) highlighted gaps in the existing regulatory system and outlined key reforms proposed under the new policy.
During the deliberations, Dulloo stressed that all proposed amendments must conform to the provisions of central legislation governing minor minerals and be capable of withstanding legal scrutiny. He directed officials to study and adapt best practices from states such as Odisha while tailoring them to local conditions.
The Chief Secretary also emphasized safeguarding the interests of traditional mining communities through a transparent digital ecosystem that facilitates their participation while ensuring mining rights remain non-transferable and are not misused through subletting arrangements.
Expressing concern over the growing incidence of illegal mining, Dulloo asked departments to explore stronger deterrent measures against habitual offenders within the legal framework. He said provisions relating to penalties, seizure and enforcement must be firmly rooted in law.
The meeting called for extensive inter-departmental consultations before finalising the policy and directed preparation of a detailed implementation roadmap outlining timelines, departmental responsibilities, technological interventions and required amendments to existing rules.
Officials identified several shortcomings in the current system, including the absence of mechanisms for priority supply of minerals to government infrastructure projects, inadequate river-bed management practices, lack of standardised bidding documents and delays caused by multi-department approvals.
Among the key reforms discussed were the creation of a single-window clearance system, a transparent “mine-to-market” tracking mechanism, periodic revision of penalties to maintain deterrence and third-party audits for mineral extraction from private lands.
Stakeholder departments proposed priority allocation of minerals for public infrastructure projects, scientific assessment-based replenishment rates, advance processing of statutory approvals and institutional mechanisms for engaging traditional miners in dredging and desilting works.
Officials also highlighted the scale of illegal mining and recommended stronger enforcement measures, provisions for emergency mineral extraction for irrigation and flood management projects and protection mechanisms for whistleblowers reporting illegal activities.
The meeting stressed the need to strengthen the Department of Geology & Mining through enhanced institutional capacity, better enforcement capabilities and improved resource management systems.
Recognising the role of technology in improving transparency and monitoring, the meeting discussed the development of an integrated digital ecosystem featuring e-challan generation, geo-fencing and real-time transportation tracking of minerals. Officials also proposed associating the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) in developing the digital platform.
It was decided that CITaG would incorporate suggestions received from stakeholder departments into the draft policy.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparent governance and sustainable resource management, Dulloo said the proposed Comprehensive Minor Mining Policy-2026 should create an efficient, accountable and technology-enabled mining ecosystem that balances environmental protection, ease of doing business and public welfare.
