MEAI Rajasthan Chapter Charts Roadmap for 2026–28, Plans National Technical Conference on Aravalli Hills and Ranges

Udaipur,  The newly constituted Executive Committee (2026–2028) of the Mining Engineers' Association of India (MEAI), Rajasthan Chapter, Udaipur, held its first meeting at the MEAI office in Indraprastha Complex. Chaired by Chapter President Mahesh Mathur, the meeting focused on a comprehensive roadmap for technical, institutional, and professional development over the next two years, with several key resolutions approved unanimously.

On the occasion, former National Presidents, Patrons, Past Presidents, Past Secretaries, senior members, and mentors of the Association were felicitated in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the mining engineering profession and the growth of MEAI. Speakers observed that the success of any institution depends on the synergy between the experience of senior mentors and the enthusiasm of young professionals.

Vice President Asit M. Ansari, Secretary Dr. Hitanshu Kaushal, Joint Secretary Dr. Makbool Ahmed, and Treasurer R.C. Purohit, along with other office-bearers, welcomed the senior members and the newly elected executive committee. Presenting the agenda, Dr. Hitanshu Kaushal outlined the proposed activities, technical programmes, and strategic initiatives for the 2026–2028 term. After detailed deliberations, all proposals were approved unanimously.

The Executive Committee also approved the appointment of R.P. Gupta, A.K. Kothari, and Akhilesh Joshi as Chapter Patrons. It further sanctioned the formation of permanent invitee panels, an advisory committee, and several functional boards and committees covering technical programmes, training and skill development, publications and media, industry relations and resource mobilisation, digital communication and website management, environment and plantation, membership and office administration, hospitality and event management, mine visits, industrial outreach, and research. Mentors for student chapters were also nominated.

A major decision taken during the meeting was to organise a National Technical Conference on "Aravalli Hills and Ranges" in October or November 2026. The conference will bring together mining experts, scientists, industry leaders, academicians, and policymakers from across the country to deliberate on issues related to the Aravalli ecosystem and sustainable mining.

The committee also resolved to constitute an expert panel to prepare technical recommendations on behalf of the MEAI Rajasthan Chapter, Udaipur, for the ongoing stakeholder consultation process concerning the Aravalli region.

Another important agenda item was the proposal to recommend the establishment of a Mining Museum and Mineral Gallery in Rajasthan. Members discussed forwarding the proposal to the State Government, stating that such an initiative would showcase Rajasthan's rich mineral heritage, technological advancements in mining, and strengthen mining-based tourism at both national and international levels.

Among those present were Abhay Agrawal, Dr. Anupam Bhatnagar, S.S. Rathore, Naveen Airan, M.S. Paliwal, Dr. S.K. Vashishtha, Y.C. Gupta, R.P. Mali, and D.D. Sripath, along with several senior members and executive committee members.

The meeting concluded in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, with all members reaffirming their commitment to taking the chapter to new heights of technical excellence, professional development, and institutional growth during the 2026–2028 term while actively contributing to the sustainable and scientific advancement of India's mining sector.