The Jammu and Kashmir Government is exploring all possibilities to invite private sectors to extract world-class granite and limestone found in Kargil district of the mountainous Ladakh region.
As per documents tabled on the floor of the Assembly, the Department of Geology and Mining by way of G-4 level geological investigation, has explored and established 102.7 million cubic metres of granite reserves in Kargil district. These reserves have been found at Manjigund, Shilkchay, Channigund, Bhimbat and Kharbu areas of the district. The department has also explored and established 36.97 million of limestone reserves at Matian, Drass and Mulbuk areas of Kargil district.
Although a huge quality of granite and limestone deposits have been found in Kargil, due to unavailability of round-the-year connectivity and adequate infrastructure, the authorities are finding it difficult to extract them.
Responding to a query of Kargil MLA Asgar Ali Karbalai about setting up of a granite processing, cutting and finishing plant at Kargil, the government announced a comprehensive plan to explore this huge reserve. The granite deposits are of good quality having grey and black shades and can be developed as dimensional and decorative stones. “In light of availability of enough reserves of granite, there is a scope for setting up of a granite processing, cutting, finishing plant at Kargil through private investment depending upon round-the-year connectivity of Kargil with a large consumption market and quality power availability,” Minister for Industries and Commerce stated in a written reply. “The department has prepared seven geo-referenced blocks for putting them to auction through Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, who is the chairman of the district auction committee”, the minister stated. Regarding the steps taken to extract deposits of limestone available in Kargil, the government said, “In light of the availability of enough reserves of limestone, there is a scope for establishment of a cement plant at Kargil by private entrepreneurs depending upon the quality, power supply availability and connectivity so that the investment is financially viable.”
Inadequate infrastructure
- Although a huge quality of granite and limestone deposits have been found in Kargil, due to unavailability of round-the-year connectivity and adequate infrastructure, the authorities are finding it difficult to extract them.
- Responding to a query of Kargil MLA Asgar Ali Karbalai about setting up of a granite processing, cutting and finishing plant at Kargil, the government announced a comprehensive plan to explore this huge reserve.
