Shimla: Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday claimed that revenue from the extraction of major and minor minerals in Himachal Pradesh rose by 70% over the past three years, from Rs 200 crore in 2021–22 to Rs 340 crore in 2025–26.Chairing a meeting of the industries department’s mining wing, Sukhu attributed the growth to improved management while highlighting challenges affecting the sector. The CM said that additional charges imposed by neighbouring states, including Punjab, Haryana and Uttarakhand, on the transportation of minor minerals from Himachal Pradesh have reduced the movement of minerals from border areas, impacting the state’s revenue. He directed the department to pursue the issue through appropriate legal and administrative channels.Sukhu also pointed out that the Centre had not revised limestone royalty rates since 2014, resulting in revenue losses for the state. The state govt, he said, would strongly pursue the matter to secure Himachal’s legitimate dues.Emphasising sustainable development, Sukhu directed officials to ensure that mineral extraction was carried out scientifically and in an environmentally responsible manner, without harming rivers, forests, streams or other natural resources.Sukhu also ordered stringent action against illegal mining, directing authorities to confine mining activities to notified areas and conduct regular inspections. He said preserving the state’s fragile ecology and natural heritage remains a top priority and called upon all stakeholders to adopt responsible mining practices. The meeting was also attended by industries minister Harshwardhan Chauhan and senior govt officials. MSID:: 132711025 413 |
