286/2026-2027

Aizawl, August 12, 2026: The 31st State Geological Programming Board (SGPB) Meeting was held today at Secretariat Conference Hall No. 1, MINECO, Aizawl. The meeting was chaired by Dr. H. Lianzela, Secretary, Commerce, Industries, Geology & Mining Department and Chairman of the State Geological Programming Board (SGPB).

The meeting reviewed the activities undertaken by the Directorate of Geology & Mining (DGM), Mizoram, during 2025–26 and discussed the work programmes proposed for the coming year. Deliberations were also held on strengthening coordination and joint planning with various Line Departments and agencies in the State.

As part of efforts to enhance public safety against landslides and other geological hazards, the meeting discussed proposals for identifying landslide-prone areas and weak or loose rock formations along National Highways, Major District Roads and other District Roads. Discussions were also held on exploration of natural resources, including the opening of new Coal Exploration Blocks and the continuation of reconnaissance surveys for Rare Earth Elements (REE) across Mizoram.

The meeting further discussed measures to curb illegal extraction of stone, sand and other mineral resources and to ensure that mining activities are carried out in accordance with the law. A proposal to establish additional Mining Check Gates for better monitoring of mineral transportation and plans for coordinated action with the District Magistrates of all 11 districts of Mizoram were also considered inorder to ensure that the extraction and transportation of minerals, particularly stone and sand, are regulated in accordance with the prescribed laws and procedures.

In the meeting, it was also decided that, wherever matters requiring intervention at the Central Government level arise, appropriate agendas would be taken up with the Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Coal, and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Deputy Commissioner Offices from various districts, Disaster Management & Rehabilitation Department (DM&R), Finance Department, Land Revenue & Settlement (LR&S) Department, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and other concerned Government departments. Representatives from educational institutions and universities also participated in the meeting to facilitate comprehensive and coordinated planning.

The 31st SGPB Meeting commenced with the welcome address by Chairman Dr. H. Lianzela. This was followed by the release of the Annual Report of the Directorate of Geology & Mining (DGM), Mizoram for 2025–2026 and the Citizen’s Charter for 2025–2026. DGM Geologist Pu V. Lalbiakmawia presented the Annual Report for 2025–2026 and the minutes of the 30th SGPB Meeting were subsequently discussed and adopted. Thereafter, Action Taken Reports were presented by the Directorate of Geology & Mining, Geological Survey of India (T-M Circle) and SGPB members, following which the proposed work programmes were taken up for discussion. Various agenda items were deliberated upon during the afternoon session. Following the concluding remarks by Chairman Dr. H. Lianzela, the 31st State Geological Programming Board Meeting came to a close with a vote of thanks delivered by DGM Senior Geologist Pu Benjamin Roluahpuia.