Kupwara, Oct 20: In a major step toward tapping the mineral potential of north Kashmir, the Government of India has resumed lignite exploration in the Nichihama–Rajwar area of Kupwara district after a gap of more than three decades. The renewed geological investigation marks the ‘J-1’ stage — the final and most crucial phase of resource assessment — signaling a possible turnaround for the region’s economic landscape.
The exploration project, originally launched in 1986, had been stalled due to the region’s adverse conditions. Now, drilling operations have restarted, with nearly 40 boreholes identified for sampling to evaluate both the quantity and quality of lignite deposits.
Officials believe the initiative could significantly boost local industry and employment, particularly benefiting youth in the region.
District Mineral Officer (DMO) Kupwara, Mumtaz Ahmad, told Greater Kashmir that experts from outside Jammu and Kashmir have been working at the site for the past month, conducting intensive fieldwork and sample collection.
“Experts are collecting around 50 samples to assess the economic viability of the mineral blocks in the Handwara sub-division. Once the ‘J-1’ stage is completed, findings will be submitted to the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) for review before being forwarded to the Government of India,” Ahmad said.
He added that the central authorities will then evaluate the project’s feasibility and decide on the next steps, including possible e-auctioning.
“The revival of lignite extraction can be a boon for industrial and financial growth. It can provide a dependable fuel source for brick kilns and cement plants across the Valley, reducing reliance on imported coal. If the quality turns out to be high, it will generate substantial revenue,” Ahmad said.
Assistant Project Manager, Sibin Saifudin, said the exploration is expected to continue for about six months before any decision is taken on the project’s commercial rollout.
“We began the investigation last month, and the process of collecting samples is progressing smoothly. Once completed, the government will take a call on auctioning and extraction,” he said, adding that the project would “certainly create job opportunities” for locals.
Meanwhile, residents of Nichihama have welcomed the resumption of work but remain cautiously optimistic.
“We are happy to see men and machinery back in our village. However, there’s also a fear that the project may again be abandoned midway, like in the past. We are ready to cooperate fully, but this time, the government must ensure continuity so that it benefits the local population,” said a group of villagers.
