Omar launches e-auction of J&K’s limestone blocks

Jammu, Nov 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring transparency in the auctioning of mineral blocks in Jammu & Kashmir, stating that the new e-auction mechanism will unlock economic potential in some of the most underserved regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Minister made these remarks during the launch and roadshow of the e-auction of the first seven limestone mineral blocks of J&K, held at the Convention Centre, Jammu. The e-auction was jointly commenced by Union Minister for Coal & Mines, G. Kishan Reddy and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Sanjay Lohiya, Additional Chief Secretary, Mining Department, Anil Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Farida M. Naik, senior officials from the Government of India, J&K Government, and representatives from the mining and industrial sectors.
In his address, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the e-auction initiative marks a crucial step towards economic revival and sustainable development in mineral-rich but economically weaker areas of J&K.
“At least, we have limestone — and that limestone lies in areas where the economic situation is very bad,” he said.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy for proposing a special group within the Ministry of Mines to fast-track mineral exploration in Jammu and Kashmir.
He recalled how J&K’s mineral wealth — including the famous Neelam (sapphire) of Paddar and marble deposits — have remained commercially underutilized for decades.
The CM revealed that Minister Reddy personally intervened and urged J&K to take renewed interest to complete the process.
“In between, Mr. Reddy picked up the phone from Delhi and spoke to me. He asked me to push this forward so that these e-auctions are concluded successfully.”
The Chief Minister said the initiative is aimed at increasing J&K’s own revenue, which currently stands at around ₹500 crore from these mineral blocks.
“When more blocks are identified, I hope our earnings will grow. I look forward to the day when the Chief Minister of J&K will not have to go to Delhi seeking funds. On the contrary, we will be self-sufficient and capable of contributing to the Centre.”
Reiterating his commitment to good governance, Omar Abdullah added, “Our effort is to have these blocks auctioned in a transparent manner. I assure you that the J&K Government will not create any obstacles. Instead, we will ensure that this process — and the next one — is successful. I hope this programme proves beneficial for J&K and for the entire country.”
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary described the day as “historic,” marking a transformative step toward harnessing the mineral wealth of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the government is committed to responsibly extract the “scattered wealth hidden in the mountains of J&K,” and will soon extend e-auctioning to other high-value resources.
“Besides limestone, we are exploring all options for auctioning lithium, sapphire, and other valuable minerals. Very soon, people will hear good news about these resources,” he said.