THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Geology Department's financial report until October 31 of the current fiscal year indicates a noteworthy increase in income from the mining sector. Revenue soared to Rs 273.97 crore compared to the Rs 165.96 crore generated during the same period last year. Minister P Rajeev, overseeing Industries credited this 70 percent surge to the efficient collection of mining royalties and fees. He emphasized that pivotal reforms such as the adoption of e-office and compass software were instrumental in achieving this remarkable increase.

The upsurge in revenue this fiscal year marks a substantial deviation from the past trends. While the highest annual revenue growth stood at 17 percent until the fiscal year 2021-22, the current year is witnessing an impressive 56 percent increase. This demonstrates a monumental leap in revenue compared to previous years.

Examining historical data, in 2016, the state housed 3,505 quarries contributing a total revenue of Rs 138.72 crore. However, the current fiscal year has seen a considerable jump in revenue collection to Rs 273.97 crore, notably sourced from 651 existing quarries.

The breakdown of income across districts showcases a notable shift in earnings. Palakkad district leads the chart with an income of Rs 45.46 crores, a significant surge from the previous year's Rs 13.54 crores. Following closely is Malappuram district with Rs 37.28 crores, marking an increase from Rs 25.08 crores in the previous year.

Other districts' income (in crores) along with their previous year's figures

- Ernakulam - Rs 33.17 (previously Rs 13.96)

- Thiruvananthapuram - Rs 27.22 (previously Rs 24.78)

- Kottayam - Rs 22.29 (previously Rs 20.79)

- Kollam - Rs 20.62 (previously Rs 16.14)

- Kannur - Rs 20.10 (previously Rs 7.89)

- Pathanamthitta - Rs 19.87 (previously Rs 10.35)

- Thrissur - Rs 13.07 (previously Rs 10.95)

- Kozhikode - Rs 11.91 (previously Rs 4.84)

- Idukki - Rs 9.47 (previously Rs 5.04)

- Kasaragod - Rs 6.51 (previously Rs 4.08)

- Alappuzha - Rs 3.27 (previously Rs 2.05)

- Wayanad - Rs 2.86 (previously Rs 1.6)

This remarkable revenue increase across various districts substantiates the substantial strides made by the Geology Department in revenue collection from the mining sector, signaling positive growth and development prospects.