Check on mining boosts TS’ revenue

■ Mining department in Telangana received 1,116 new lease applications

Controlling illegal mining has boosted the state’s revenues. In fiscal 2017-18 Telangana’s revenue from mining reached `3,704.38 crore. There has been an increase in revenue every year.

In 2018-2019, the mining department received 1,116 new lease applications as of date. There are about

2,902 working leases and

104 non-working leases in the mineral rich state. There are about 1,647 active mineral dealer licences in the state.

As new industries are being established, mineral consumption is increasing every year. The manufacture of mineral based products has also added to the demand. Telangana produces about 33 million tonnes of industrial minerals, 55 million tonnes of coal and 54 million cubic metres of dimensional stones and building material every year.

The state lost huge revenues in the past because no proper policy was in place and there was no control of illegal mining. The minor minerals were completely neglected in the united state. Soon after the formation of Telangana state, the government concentrated on the mining sector and ministry was given to K.T. Rama Rao who brought in several reforms in the mining sector.

Director of Mines and Geology B.R.V. Susheel Kumar said, “Our regulatory mechanism helped us increase the revenue. We did everything online and even the lease approvals were placed online. Physical inspections have increased to ensure that illegal mining is not taking place. Mining is now done with official permits. In the unauthorised sector like minor minerals, Telangana state has the best system in the country. It has all been possible with the support of our former minister K.T. Rama Rao.”

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has said in the Assembly that “in 10 years of Congress regime the revenue earned from the sand mines was `9.56 crore and in four years our government has got a profit of `2,208 crore.”