CM Omar Launches E-Auction of Limestone Blocks | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to transparent mineral auctions as Jammu Kashmir launched the e-auction of its first seven limestone blocks, a move aimed at unlocking economic potential in some of the UT’s most underserved regions.

The initiative was formally launched at a roadshow in Jammu’s Convention Centre, jointly inaugurated by Union Minister for Coal Mines G. Kishan Reddy and the Chief Minister. Senior officials from the Centre and the JK Government, including Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary and Additional Chief Secretary (Mining) Anil Kumar Singh, attended the event alongside representatives from the mining and industrial sectors.

Addressing the gathering, Abdullah said the shift to e-auctioning marked a major step toward economic revival and sustainable development in mineral-rich but economically distressed areas of JK. He noted that despite possessing valuable resources such as limestone, sapphire from Paddar and marble deposits, the region’s mineral wealth had long remained commercially underutilised.

The Chief Minister thanked Minister Reddy for proposing the formation of a special group in the Ministry of Mines to fast-track mineral exploration in the Union Territory, adding that the Union Minister had personally intervened to ensure the commencement of the e-auction process.

Abdullah said the current revenue from mineral blocks stands at around Rs 500 crore, expressing hope that earnings would rise significantly as more blocks are identified and auctioned. He added that the ultimate goal was to make the UT self-sufficient rather than dependent on central funds.

Reiterating his pledge to good governance, the Chief Minister assured full transparency in the auctioning process and said the administration would facilitate, not hinder, further rounds of e-auctions.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary described the day as “historic,” stating that the government is committed to responsibly harnessing the mineral wealth “hidden in the mountains of JK.” He said e-auctioning will soon extend to other high-value minerals, including lithium and sapphire, with further announcements expected in the coming months.