Srinagar, Nov 24, KNT: The Central government on Monday launched the first-ever limestone mineral block auctions in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant step in its effort to transform the Union Territory into what it described as a mineral-rich region. The initiative, undertaken by the Ministry of Coal and Mines in collaboration with the J&K administration, is aimed at boosting employment, revenue generation and industrial activity through a transparent auction process.
Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, while speaking to reporters after inaugurating the auction exercise, said the Centre is committed to expanding mineral-based development in the region. He said the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah is to ensure that Jammu and Kashmir benefits from mineral prosperity and that mining activity becomes a source of livelihoods for locals.
Join our WhatsApp Group
Reddy said major reforms in the mining sector were introduced after the 2014 Supreme Court judgment, and that under these reforms limestone mining across the country is now conducted through transparent auctions. He noted that more than 95 per cent of states have accepted and implemented this auction-based framework.
📢 8,000+ readers already joined for instant Kashmir News Trust updates
Join our Telegram Channel
The auction being conducted in Jammu and Kashmir is the first since the amendments brought through the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act in 2015. .
Seven limestone blocks covering approximately 314 hectares across Anantnag, Rajouri and Poonch have been identified for the auction. Categorised under the UNFC G3 and G4 exploration stages, these deposits are considered suitable for cement manufacturing, construction material and other industrial uses. [KNT]
