Raipur (Economy India): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday stressed the need for quality-driven and time-bound implementation of mining projects, highlighting the state’s vast mineral potential and the importance of transparent, technology-led governance in the sector.
Chairing the 21st meeting of the Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Fund Advisory Committee at Mahanadi Bhavan in Raipur, the Chief Minister said Chhattisgarh is a mineral-rich state, with significant reserves of rare earth minerals and other critical resources, making efficient and responsible mining essential for long-term economic growth.
Focus on Technology to Curb Illegal Mining
CM Sai directed officials to further strengthen surveillance against illegal mining and mineral transportation by deploying modern technologies such as IT-based monitoring systems and drones. He said technology-enabled oversight would ensure continuous and effective monitoring, helping curb unlawful activities in the mining sector.
Monitoring Through Mineral 2.0 Portal
The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of projects and expenditure under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) through the Mineral 2.0 portal. Emphasising accountability, he instructed officials to ensure strict quality control and timely completion of projects.
To enhance implementation efficiency, CM Sai ordered the establishment of a state-level Central Programme Management Unit (CPMU) under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Act for improved monitoring and execution of DMF-funded works across districts.
Major Approvals for Rail and Mining Infrastructure
The committee approved significant investments to strengthen mining-linked infrastructure. This includes:
- ₹328 crore for the Chirmiri–Nagpur railway line under the transport network,
- ₹60.10 crore for construction of the Chhattisgarh Railway Corridor, covering the 1-East Corridor and 3-East-West Corridors, and
- ₹24.10 crore as quasi-equity funding for railway projects.
Support for Joint Ventures and Mineral Development
The committee also approved ₹112.70 crore for project development through the NMDC–CMDC Company Limited (NCL) joint venture, representing 49 per cent equity participation by the Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC). Additionally, ₹10 crore was sanctioned for departmental works of CMDC.
Further, an amount of ₹138.17 crore was approved for departmental activities under the Directorate of Geology and Mining. These include:
- Auction of mineral blocks,
- Payments through Mineral Online 2.0,
- Geological surveys and exploration,
- Execution of technical works via external agencies, and
- Deployment of IT and drone-based systems to monitor illegal transportation of major and minor minerals.
Review of Previous Decisions
The meeting also reviewed the implementation status of decisions taken during the 20th meeting of the Advisory Committee, ensuring continuity and accountability in policy execution.
Senior Officials Present
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary, Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the CM Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary to the CM and Finance Secretary Mukesh Bansal, Secretary to the CM and Mining Secretary P. Dayanand, Director of Mining Rajat Bansal, along with senior officials.
Strengthening the Mining Economy
The Chief Minister said that with effective governance, transparent fund utilisation, and technology-driven oversight, the mining sector can play a critical role in Chhattisgarh’s economic development, infrastructure expansion, and employment generation.
(Economy India)
