HP Mineral Revenue Jumps 70%; CM Sukhu Addresses Challenges

Shimla, Jul 29 (PTI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday said revenue generated from mineral extraction in the state has surged 70 per cent in the last three years.

While chairing the meeting of the Mining Wing of the Industries Department here, the chief minister said the revenue from major and minor minerals has increased from Rs 200 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 340 crore in 2025-26.

He also said that the neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttarakhand have imposed additional charges on the transportation of minor minerals originating from Himachal Pradesh.

"This has led to a decline in the movement of minerals from the border areas of the state, thereby affecting revenue generation," Sukhu said.

He directed the department to take up the matter with the neighbouring states through appropriate legal and administrative channels.

The central government has not revised the royalty rates of limestone since 2014, which has adversely impacted the state's revenue, he pointed out.


The state government will strongly pursue the matter to secure its legitimate dues, he added.

Sukhu further directed the concerned departments to ensure that mineral extraction in the state is carried out in a scientific and environmentally sustainable manner.

"Development and environmental conservation must go hand in hand and natural resources should be exploited strictly in accordance with the prescribed rules and standards", he said.

He also directed the authorities to ensure that rivers, streams, forests and other natural resources are not harmed in any manner and all environmental norms are strictly enforced.

The chief minister also instructed officers to take effective measures to curb illegal mining and initiate stringent action against those violating the rules.

"Mining activities should be confined only to the notified areas and the concerned agencies must conduct regular inspections to ensure strict compliance with all statutory provisions," Sukhu said.

He further directed officers to maintain continuous monitoring of all mining-related activities so that environmental conservation is effectively ensured alongside developmental activities.