Uttarakhand No. 1 in mining: Centre releases report, Uttarakhand tops mining readiness index
Uttarakhand has secured a leading position in the ‘C’ category in the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) released on Thursday by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. This achievement is a result of the state government’s continuous efforts towards transparency, efficiency, sustainable development, and technological advancement in the mining sector.
Uttarakhand in ‘C’ Category
This index, prepared in accordance with the announcement made in the Union Budget 2025-26, evaluates various states across the country based on several parameters such as mining reforms, policy transparency, environmental balance, mineral exploration potential, and administrative efficiency. Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan have been ranked in the ‘A’ category, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam in the ‘B’ category, and Uttarakhand, along with Punjab and Tripura, has been ranked in the ‘C’ category. According to the Ministry of Mines, this index will encourage benchmarking and positive competition in the mining sector across states, further accelerating the pace of mining reforms and implementing environmentally friendly policies across the country.
Satellite-based monitoring system implemented to control illegal mining
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state government has taken several important steps to ensure transparency and accountability in the mining sector. The e-auction system has been further strengthened, bringing transparency to the allocation of mining leases. Digitizing mining-related processes has simplified the process for the public and entrepreneurs. A satellite-based monitoring system has been implemented to control illegal mining. Strict enforcement of the e-Ravanna system for mineral transportation has effectively curbed revenue loss. Concrete steps have been taken to adopt sustainable mining practices in environmentally sensitive areas.
What did CM Dhami say about the mining achievement?
On this occasion, the Chief Minister stated that this achievement is the result of the Uttarakhand government’s strong governance model, transparent policies, and people-centric approach. He stated that the government’s goal is to move the mining sector towards sustainable development by establishing a balance between development and environmental balance. The CM stated that the government has eliminated corruption and opacity in the mining sector and developed a responsible and modern system. Our priority is not exploitation of the state’s natural resources, but their sensitive management.
Chief Minister Dhami stated that the Mining Department, in particular, has performed exceptionally well in terms of increasing the state’s revenue. He stated that the unprecedented increase of ₹800 crore in the state’s mining revenue is clear evidence of the government’s effective, transparent, and robust implementation of the new mining policy. The CM added that representatives and officials from states like Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir are also visiting Uttarakhand to study the model implemented in the mining sector and are attempting to implement the policies and systems implemented in their respective states.
Concrete Action Plans Being Implemented to Protect Local Interests
The Mining Department stated that concrete action plans are being implemented to ensure proper regulation, continuous monitoring, and protection of local public interests in the mining sector in the state. In the future, the balance between scientific exploitation of mineral resources and environmental protection will be further strengthened. The Uttarakhand Government aims to establish itself as a model state in the country for transparent processes, innovation and environmental protection in the mining sector in the coming years.
