Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Mining Department at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar, to assess modernization initiatives, reforms, and technological advancements in mineral surveillance and management.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretaries Dheeraj Gupta and Anil Kumar, and senior officers from across the Union Territory.
A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation and live demonstration of the Integrated Mining Surveillance System (IMSS), a digital initiative developed in collaboration with BISAG. The IMSS enables real-time monitoring of mining operations through GPS-enabled tracking, e-challaning, and digital dashboards to curb illegal mining and enhance transparency.
While appreciating the innovation, the Chief Minister directed the department to integrate IMSS with the existing digital portal and to expand its functionalities for citizen participation and grievance redressal. “Public complaints supported by satellite imagery and mobile inputs should become part of the system to ensure accountability,” he said.
Omar Abdullah emphasized time-bound exploration of mineral blocks, transparent auction processes, and strict compliance with environmental norms. “Illegal mining cannot persist without internal collusion. The new technology must be used effectively to eliminate such possibilities,” he said.
The Chief Minister also reviewed reforms under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) 2025-26, including the introduction of auction-based allocations, mine closure provisions, advanced mapping, and the operationalization of District Mineral Foundation Trusts (DMFTs) for local development.
He commended the Mining Department’s digital reforms, urging continued focus on transparency, sustainability, and efficiency in mineral operations across Jammu and Kashmir.(KINS)
