PUNJAB LEADS NATION IN MINING REFORMS; REVENUE SURGES TO OVER Rs.825 CRORE, POTASH, GOLD AND OIL EXPLORATION GATHERS MOMENTUM
Chandigarh, August 6:
Punjab Water Resources and Mining & Geology Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal on Thursday categorically dismissed speculation regarding the structural safety of the Bhakhra Dam, asserting that the dam is completely safe and there is absolutely no reason for panic among the people of Punjab.
Speaking during Zero Hour in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the Cabinet Minister said misleading reports had created unnecessary fear among the public and clarified that the dam’s temporary movement is an integral part of its engineering design. He also highlighted the Punjab Government’s notable achievements in the mining sector, including a sharp rise in revenue, national recognition for reforms and renewed efforts to unlock the state’s mineral wealth.
Referring to media reports claiming that the Bhakhra Dam had tilted, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said the misleading reports had created unnecessary panic among the people of Punjab. He clarified that the Bhakhra Dam remains one of the world’s finest engineering marvels and has earned global appreciation, with expert teams from countries including the United States and Canada acknowledging its robust design and engineering standards.
The Water Resources Minister explained that the dam is designed to experience slight movement under increased water pressure and return to its original position once the pressure recedes. He said the reported movement of merely 1.03 inches falls well within the engineering design parameters of the dam. Between 1995 and 2025, such movement was recorded 15 times and on every occasion the structure reverted to its normal position without any safety concerns.
Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said the recent movement observed in 2025 was also part of the dam’s normal structural behaviour and did not indicate any structural weakness or danger. He urged people not to be misled by misinformation and reiterated that the Bhakhra Dam is completely safe.
Addressing concerns regarding silt accumulation, the Cabinet Minister clarified that the deposited silt is located nearly 12 kilometres upstream of the dam wall and has no connection with the structural stability of the dam. He acknowledged that nearly 26 percent silt accumulation has reduced the storage capacity of the reservoir but stressed that it has no bearing on the dam’s safety. He said the responsibility for desilting rests with the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the Union Government.
The Water Resources Minister said, “Punjab has consistently raised the issue of desilting during meetings of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).” He informed the House that the State Government had recently written to the BBMB and the Union Government, urging them to undertake desilting operations at the earliest, as it falls within their responsibility. He said removal of silt would restore the reservoir’s storage capacity and enhance water availability.
Taking on the opposition’s allegations regarding mining, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal rejected the allegations and said Punjab has emerged as the country’s top-performing state in mining reforms. He said the criticism ignored the remarkable transformation witnessed under the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government. He pointed out that mining revenue, which stood at around Rs.120 crore during previous regimes, has increased to over Rs.825 crore during the current financial year under the Aam Aadmi Party government.
He further informed the House that Punjab has secured the top position in the country in its category in the Centre’s assessment of mining reforms. As a recognition of these reforms, the State has also received an appreciation award of Rs.200 crore from the Government of India. He said the award is testimony to the State Government’s sustained efforts to ensure transparency, accountability and efficient resource management.
Sh. Goyal said the Punjab Government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining. Whenever complaints are received, prompt action is initiated and FIRs are registered against violators. The State has significantly strengthened enforcement mechanisms to curb illegal mining activities, he added.
Sh. Goyal said previous governments confined their focus largely to sand mining while neglecting Punjab’s vast mineral potential. He said despite the discovery of potash deposits in Punjab in 1989, no serious efforts were made for decades to harness this strategically important mineral.
He said that after the Mann government took office, the matter was vigorously pursued with the Union Government during meetings held in Odisha and Gujarat, where he personally urged the Union Minister to expedite action, highlighting that potash is a critical mineral with immense national significance. Following these interventions, the Centre sanctioned around Rs.19 crore for detailed exploration and drilling has now commenced at 10 more locations. He said preliminary assessments by Central agencies have indicated encouraging potash prospects and expressed confidence that successful exploration could help reduce India’s dependence on imported potash while opening new avenues of economic growth for Punjab.
The Cabinet Minister also revealed that official geological surveys had indicated the presence of gold-bearing zones in Punjab. He said historical reports of the Geological Survey of India dating back to 1985-86, 1986-87, 1991-92 and 1993-94 had indicated the presence of gold-bearing zones in parts of Punjab, including stretches along the Siswan and Budki rivers.
He said the Geological Survey of India reports had recorded encouraging gold values in the samples collected during reconnaissance surveys. He added that modern exploration technologies are now being deployed to undertake detailed investigations and scientifically assess these mineral reserves for future development.
He said that no detailed follow-up exploration was undertaken by previous governments, while the Mann Government has now assigned a dedicated geologist to monitor exploration of both potash and gold and will extend full cooperation for scientific investigations to accurately assess the mineral potential. He added that only detailed exploration using modern technologies can establish the commercial viability of gold deposits.
Sh. Goyal further informed the House that oil exploration activities are also progressing in Punjab. For the exploration of hydrocarbon reserves in sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda and Faridkot districts, the State Government has assured complete cooperation to central exploration agencies. He said directions have already been issued to Deputy Commissioners and district authorities to facilitate surveys and provide all necessary administrative support for the exploration work.
Referring to claims regarding additional mining revenue, the Cabinet Minister said the State could have generated substantially higher earnings of Rs.20,000 crore, as stated by the Aam Aadmi Party Convener Sh. Arvind Kejriwal, had the Union Government extended timely support for developing Punjab’s mineral resources. He asserted that several proposals requiring Central assistance have remained pending despite repeated representations by the State Government.
