Under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar in the presence of Mining and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal. This MoU aims to establish a Centre of Excellence for Mining and Geology in Punjab.
Disclosing this in a press communique Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal, Mining and Geology Minister said that this Centre of Excellence will play a crucial role in strengthening the scientific assessment and monitoring of mining activities in the state. He said that by utilizing advanced technologies like SONAR and LiDAR, the center will assist in accurately determining the quantity of minor minerals and conducting pre- and post-mining surveys. Additionally, it will aid the department in conducting surveys before and after the monsoon season, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of riverbeds and mining sites.
Cabinet Minister Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that Punjab has become the first state in India to implement a Digital Mining Management System. The newly established center in Ropar will ensure scientific and transparent evaluation of mineral resources, contributing to increased government revenue. He emphasized that these technological advancements will help curb illegal mining activities and prevent financial losses, making Punjab’s mining sector more structured and sustainable. The Minister said that beyond monitoring, the center will also develop district survey reports and mining plans, enhancing the efficiency of mining operations in the state. This MoU will be enforce for five years.
Mr. Goyal reiterated that today is a significant day for mining officials, the Punjab government, and the people of Punjab. He said that to combat illegal mining, the government will conduct satellite surveys, drone surveys, and ground surveys.
The Cabinet Minister further said that the system will function entirely online, with daily data updates and clear accountability for officials. The collected data will help track both legal and illegal sand extraction at mining sites. Additionally, the system will provide insights into sand deposits in dams—determining the levels before and after the monsoon.
Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that with this system, the exact number of active legal and illegal mining sites will be identified. The data provided by the center will assist in managing sand deposits in rivers before the monsoon, ensuring effective flood prevention measures. The system will measure subsurface sand and gravel deposits every 20 meters, helping protect villages from flooding.
He said that dams and rivers that previously caused flooding and hardships for people will now become valuable resources for Punjab. This initiative will protect farmers’ lands from floods, providing significant relief to the agricultural community. Additionally, it will eliminate the exploitation and corruption by contractors, ensuring a fair system.
Minister Goyal has also issued clear directives to officials that these measures should not remain limited to paperwork. He instructed all officers to conduct field visits, hold regular meetings, and manage the mining sector with complete honesty and transparency.
“This agreement is a major step toward eliminating past mismanagement and ensuring that people get sand at fair and reasonable prices.” added the Minister
The digital module will enhance efficiency, bring transparency to site evaluations, and ensure real-time monitoring while complying with environmental regulations.
Prominent amongst other who were present during the event included Secretary of Geology, Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh; Chief Engineer of Drainage and Mining, Dr. Harinder Pal Singh Bedi; all district mining officers; Dean of IIT Ropar, Sarang Gumfekar; and Professor Dr. Reet Kamal Tiwari.
