SAMBA, Nov 27:Minister for Industries and Commerce Chander Prakash Ganga convened a meeting to review the functioning of Geology and Mining department.

            Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce Shailendra Kumar ,Secretary in Industries & Commerce Department, R. K. Bhagat, Director, Geology and Mining Department, Farooq Ahmad Khan, Director, Finance, Industries and Commerce, Mohammad Yaqoob Itoo, Deputy Director, Administration, Geology & Mining, Sonali Arun Gupta, Joint Director (P&S) Pervez Malik and  concerned officers were present in the meeting

                The Minister reviewed in detail the functioning of all the three wings of the Department including, Geology, Mining and Drilling. Director, Geology and Mining Department, Farooq Ahmad Khan, gave a detailed presentation regarding physical and financial achievements of the Department.

            Director apprised the Minister that the department envisages exploration of minerals resources and ground water in the state. He also informed that about 13334 Sq kms of area of the state is mineral bearing area and 60 percent of the deposits are commercially viable for mining.

                While apprising the chair about the ongoing programmes of Geological, Groundwater exploration in Jammu the Director informed that for the year 2014-15, revenue of Rs 3013 Lakh has been realized by the department during the financial year 2014-15 and for the year 2015-16 upto October , Rs 2065 Lakh has been realized from both Minor as well as Major minerals from Jammu division.

                The Minister was also apprised about various issues for improving the functioning of the development of the department including shortage of Technical staff, creation of posts for District Mineral Offices, infrastructure for the district offices, amendment in gazetted and non-gazetted recruitment rules, shortage of office accommodation, purchase of new machinery and equipment etc.

The Minister assured early redressal of all the genuine issues on priority and asked the officers to ensure effective mechanism is put in place for scientific exploration of minerals in eco-friendly manner ensuring sustainable development and promotion of mineral based industries in the state . He stressed that the department should work in synergy with the line departments for optimal use of resources and assessing feasibility of projects. The Minister asked the Department to submit a proposal for construction of office complex at land available with the Department.

Mr. Ganga also expressed serious concern over unchecked mining/quarrying of minerals in various rivers across Jammu region and directed the officials of the department to closely monitor the mining activities in the riverbeds of the region to curb illegal mining. He stressed on the strict implementation of laws to tackle with illegal mining.