* Stresses on modernization of Transport Deptt
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 7: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a comprehensive review of the functioning of the Mining Department, with a special focus on the implementation and performance of the Integrated Mining Surveillance System (IMSS), a technology-driven platform designed for real-time monitoring of mining operations across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Mining; Chairperson, Pollution Control Committee; Director, Geology & Mining, and other senior officers of the concerned departments.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of leveraging the IMSS for ensuring transparency and curbing illegal mining activities across the UT.
He directed that every trigger or alert generated through the system must be followed up with concrete action on the ground. He stressed on fixing accountability in each case and taking strict legal action against delinquent officers or violators.
He further instructed that Deputy Commissioners be given access to the IMSS platform to enable them to take prompt and effective action against illegal mining activities within their jurisdictions.
Reviewing the progress on identification and auction of mineral blocks, the Chief Secretary urged the Pollution Control Committee to provide a comprehensive checklist of clearances and requirements so that all necessary formalities can be completed in one go, rather than in piecemeal fashion, which often causes unnecessary delays.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed the ongoing exploration of key mineral resources including Lithium, Sapphire, Lignite, Granite, Dolomite, Graphite, and Gypsum across various districts.
To strengthen enforcement, the department has constituted multi-nodal Quick Response Teams (QRTs) under respective DMOs and established control rooms under the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) framework to ensure a robust and coordinated surveillance mechanism across all districts of J&K.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary chaired a high-level review meeting of the Transport Department to assess its overall functioning, modernization initiatives, and measures aimed at enhancing road safety across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Secretary, Transport Department, Avny Lavasa; Transport Commissioner; Managing Director, J&K RTC; Director, Motor Garages; RTOs of Kashmir and Jammu, besides other senior officers of the department.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary laid strong emphasis on the early completion and operationalization of key infrastructure projects, including the Institute of Driver Training & Research (IDTR), Jammu, and the Inspection & Certification Centre (ICC), Samba, terming them as critical to modernizing transport services in the Union Territory.
He directed all implementing agencies to ensure mission-mode execution and time-bound completion of projects so as to improve public service delivery and efficiency.
Underscoring road safety as one of the department’s top priorities, the Chief Secretary called for a comprehensive action plan to curb traffic violations and reduce road accidents. He reviewed enforcement measures such as the cancellation of driving licences and Registration Certificates (RCs) and the seizure of vehicles belonging to repeat offenders.
On the Vehicle Scrapping Policy, it was revealed that the draft Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility Policy is in its final stage of formulation. Once notified, it will operationalize a Rs 10 crore incentive fund on a First-Come, First-Served basis, facilitating the scrapping of around 3,500 government vehicles, potentially generating ?170 crore in incentives within the government transport sector alone.
Reviewing the efforts to revive Inland Waterways (NW-49) on the River Jhelum, the Chief Secretary directed the department to adhere to firm timelines. Work on seven floating concrete jetties is scheduled to commence by October 15, 2025, while the installation of navigational aids and onshore development are to begin by October 31, with overall completion targeted for December 2025.
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