Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that Siddha Pahar is the centre of public faith in Satna district. No excavation work of any kind will be done here.

As soon as the review meeting of the activities of the Mineral Resources Department began, CM Chouhan gave clear instructions that while maintaining the purity of Siddha mountain, considered as an invaluable cultural heritage, no excavation work should be done near it.

Siddha Pahar has a distinct identity as it is revered by the general public.

Chief Minister Chouhan said that in the past also instructions have been given not to do mining in the area near Siddha Pahar.

So far no mining activity has taken place but ensure the same in future also. CM Chouhan gave clear instructions to Principal Secretary Mineral Resources and Collector Satna that in future also no mining operation should be undertaken in Siddha Pahar area.

If anyone is trying for illegal mining, then they should be completely controlled. No mining mafia will be allowed to flourish in the area.

Chief Minister Chouhan congratulated the Mineral Resources Department for the success achieved in its efforts to provide employment through scientific exploitation of mineral resources under self-reliant Madhya Pradesh.

In the Minor Mineral Policy, mainly for auction of major minerals, a notification has been published regarding the provision of allocation of minor mineral mines by amending the Madhya Pradesh Minor Mineral Rules, 1996.

The work of rationalization of deadrant in mines, preparation of annual calendar of auction of important minerals and revision of royalty rates of important minerals has been completed cent percent.

Apart from this, the work of allotting coal mines to private sectors for mining services, inclusion of minor minerals in the District Mineral Fund and re-operation of inactive mines of important minerals – limestone, bauxite, manganese, dolomite etc has also started. About 100 inactive mines of major minerals have been re-operationalised.

CM directed that a roadmap should also be prepared for the future for income growth and work in the mineral sector.

Chouhan directed to prepare a list of such primary subjects related to mineral sectors, which are related to the approval given by the Central Government.

Chouhan said that he would discuss and request the concerned Union Ministers and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi if required.

It was informed that survey work is being done in Betul, Chhatarpur, Sidhi, Katni using the latest technology to increase income from minerals. According to the target set in the financial year 2022-23, the work of earning revenue is being done.

In the last year 2021-22 also, 37 percent more income was generated from minerals as compared to the previous financial year.

Last year income of Rs.1019 crore was earned from sand mining, which was 47 percent more.

This year also the target of earning Rs. 1150 crore is being achieved. Chief Minister Chouhan instructed to take a decision after considering the options of free sand supply to the poor section under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.