THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, June 3: Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday directed officials to expedite the operationalisation of 300 auctioned sand ghats and intensify action against illegal mining, vehicle overloading and the sand mafia, while reviewing the performance of the Mines and Geology Department and the Building Construction Department.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Jharkhand Secretariat, Soren stressed the need to strengthen state revenue and set a target of generating around ₹3,000 crore through effective sand mining operations.
Focus on Revenue and Mining Reforms
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure immediate commencement of mining activities at auctioned sand ghats and speed up the auction process for the remaining sites.
Of the state’s 820 sand ghats, extraction is currently underway at 376 Category-I ghats through panchayats, while 300 of the 444 Category-II ghats have already been auctioned.
Soren also instructed officials to expedite statutory clearances for auctioned coal blocks that are yet to become operational, saying faster implementation would boost state revenues.
Strict Action Against Illegal Mining
Emphasising zero tolerance towards illegal mining, the Chief Minister ordered coordinated action involving the mining department, police and district administration.
He called for the use of modern technology, regular inspections and intensive surveillance to curb illegal mining, illegal transportation of minerals and vehicle overloading.
Inactive Mines May Face Lease Cancellation
The Chief Minister directed officials to identify non-operational mines and initiate steps to either restart production or cancel leases.
He specifically asked authorities to examine inactive mines operated by BCCL, CCL and ECL and reassess the revenue potential of auctioned mineral blocks that have remained non-functional for extended periods before re-auctioning them.
Push for Gold Mining and Mineral Exploration
Reviewing the state’s seven operational gold mines, Soren directed officials to increase production, noting that current annual output stands at around 20 kg.
He also asked departments to accelerate the auction process for new gold mining sites and remove bottlenecks affecting existing operations.
The Chief Minister further instructed Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation Limited (JSMDC) and Jharkhand Mining and Exploration Company Limited (JMECL) to reserve more mineral-rich areas to enhance revenue generation and create employment opportunities.
Coal Supply and Hostel Energy Needs
Soren directed JSMDC to strengthen coal trading mechanisms and facilitate coal supply to eligible MSMEs.
He also asked officials to map hostels across the state, particularly residential schools, and explore coal-based energy solutions in view of challenges related to LPG availability.
Quality and Timely Completion of Construction Projects
During a separate review of the Building Construction Department, the Chief Minister stressed quality, transparency and timely completion of government infrastructure projects.
He sought updates on government buildings, office complexes, residential quarters, educational institutions and healthcare facilities under construction and directed regular monitoring and technical inspections to ensure quality standards are maintained.
Environmental Safeguards Emphasised
The Chief Minister reiterated the importance of sustainable and scientific mining practices, directing officials to strictly enforce environmental safeguards and prioritise rehabilitation and development activities in mining-affected areas.
He also called for measures to curb the excessive export of stone materials and protect Jharkhand’s hills and mountains.