Directs departments to ensure environmental protection during mineral extraction
Shimla: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has said that the revenue generated from extraction of minerals in the state has registered an increase of 70 percent during the last three years. While chairing the meeting of the Mining Wing of the Industries department here today, the Chief Minister said that the revenue from major and minor minerals has increased from Rs. 200 crore in the financial year 2021-22 to Rs. 340 crore in 2025-26.
He said that the neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttarakhand have imposed additional charges on the transportation of minor minerals originating from Himachal Pradesh. This has led to a decline in the movement of minerals from the border areas of the state, thereby affecting revenue generation. He directed the department to take up the matter with the neighbouring states through appropriate legal and administrative channels.
He further said that the Central Government has not revised the royalty rates of limestone since 2014, which has adversely impacted the state’s revenue. He added that the state government would strongly pursue the matter to secure its legitimate dues.
Sukhu directed the concerned departments to ensure that mineral extraction in the state is carried out in a scientific and environmentally sustainable manner. He said that development and environmental conservation must go hand in hand and that natural resources should be exploited strictly in accordance with the prescribed rules and standards.
The Chief Minister stressed that environmental protection must remain the top priority during mining operations. He directed the authorities to ensure that rivers, streams, forests and other natural resources are not harmed in any manner and all environmental norms are strictly enforced.
He also instructed the officers to take effective measures to curb illegal mining and initiate stringent action against those violating the rules. He said that mining activities should be confined only to the notified areas and that the concerned agencies must conduct regular inspections to ensure strict compliance with all statutory provisions.
The Chief Minister said that preserving Himachal Pradesh’s fragile ecology and rich natural heritage is among the state government’s foremost priorities. He urged all stakeholders associated with mining activities to adopt an environmentally responsible approach and promote sustainable and responsible mining practices.
He further directed the officers to maintain continuous monitoring of all mining-related activities so that environmental conservation is effectively ensured alongside developmental activities.
Various issues relating to the mining sector were discussed in detail during the meeting.
Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, Principal Secretary M. Sudha Devi, Secretary Environment, Science & Technology and Climate Change Dr. Sushil Kumar Singla, Director Industries Vivek Bhatia, Joint Member Secretary, HIMCOSTE, Dr. Suresh Chand Atri and other senior officers were present in the meeting.
