Secretary reviews Mining department; Exhorts officers to achieve set financial targets

JAMMU, March 25: Secretary, Mining, Amit Sharma, today convened a comprehensive review meeting regarding functioning of the department.

Secretary had a detailed discussion on multiple issues concerning working of the department. He issued explicit directions to the officers to achieve the set financial targets in full.

The meeting was attended by O.P Bhagat, Director Geology & Mining, Vikram K.Gupta, Managing Director, J&K Minerals Limited, Joint Directors Geology & Mining, Nisar Ahmed and Harbans Langeh, Arun Kotwal, Additional Secretary, Geology & Mining Department, Aamir Rather, Deputy Secretary, Geology & Mining and District Mineral Officers.

Secretary exhorted upon the officers to leave no stone unturned for achieving the set targets. He appreciated the proactive approach adopted by the District Mineral Officers who have taken stringent measures against the habitual offenders through constant seizure of illegal vehicles and imposing fines/penalties in almost all the districts during the last quarter of this financial year. He asked for continuing such efforts in order to curb tendencies towards illegal mining in our already e-auctioned mining blocks.

Amit Sharma was apprised by the Director G&M that a healthy e-auction amount has been realized during the ongoing e-auction of mining blocks in Kishtwar and Jammu districts. It is expected that more e-bid amounts shall come from remaining blocks soon, he added.

Secretary also had a detailed discussion about upcoming visit of Union Mines Secretary next week in which two important issues shall be discussed regarding proposed exploration works on precious Sapphire Mines in Padder area of Kishtwar and e-auction of major mineral blocks in the UT in the coming months.