The 25th meeting of the State Level Geological Program Board, marking its Silver Jubilee, was held at the New Circuit House in Civil Lines under the chairmanship of Secretary to CM Vishnu Deo Sai – Mr. P. Dayanand (2006-batch IAS officer). The session was attended by Mr. Rajat Bansal, Director of Geology and Mining, along with representatives from various central and state government departments and undertakings. The primary agenda was to draft a blueprint for optimal mineral utilization, assess new mining projects, and review the state’s mineral sector performance over the past year.
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Rs. 15,000 crore revenue strengthens state economy
During the review, it was revealed that Chhattisgarh earned nearly Rs. 15 thousand crore in mineral revenue in the financial year 2024-25, marking a 34 percent increase over 2023-24. Officials noted that this growth has significantly boosted the state’s economic framework and opened new opportunities for investments in the mining sector.
The meeting also assessed the geological work carried out during 2024-25 by state and central agencies in mineral exploration and exploitation. Additionally, the board finalized exploration projects planned for 2025-26 to further expand resource discovery and utilization.
Push for strategic and critical minerals
Addressing the meeting, Secretary to the Chief Minister and Mineral Secretary Mr. P. Dayanand said that minerals form the backbone of holistic development for any state. He highlighted the discovery of strategic and critical minerals in Chhattisgarh as the beginning of a new era for industrial growth.
Mr. Dayanand emphasized the need for systematic and continuous exploration to establish new mineral-based industries in the state. He urged all departments and institutions to employ their expertise, resources, and latest technologies in exploring Chhattisgarh’s vast mineral reserves. He also advised effective data sharing and enhanced coordination among exploration agencies to ensure efficient utilization of resources for the state’s development.
