Auction of seven limestone sites in Anantnag, Rajouri and Poonch launched today. All details here.

Ziraat Times Team Report

Jammu: The Union Government and the Jammu & Kashmir administration on Monday launched the Union Territory’s first-ever limestone block auction, marking a major reform-driven shift to transparent and competitive mineral allocation under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2015.

The auction process was formally launched in Jammu by Union Minister of Coal & Mines G. Kishan Reddy, in the presence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary. Officials described the move as a milestone that brings J&K into India’s national digital auction ecosystem for the first time.

Seven limestone blocks across three districts up for bidding

A total of seven limestone blocks, covering approximately 314 hectares, have been offered across Anantnag, Rajouri and Poonch, with resources classified under UNFC G3 and G4 exploration stages. The government expects strong industrial interest, particularly from the cement and construction sectors.

District-wise details of the limestone blocks

Anantnag district – 3 blocks (56.75 hectares total)

1. Dooru Shahabad Block – 28.96 ha | 2.27 million tonnes

2. Koot–Kapran Block – 22.43 ha | 4.75 million tonnes

3. Wantrag Block – 5.36 ha | 10.85 million tonnes

Rajouri district – 3 blocks (248.93 hectares total)

1. Darhal–Chittibatti Block – 216.00 ha | 18.53 million tonnes

2. Khablian–Bharot–Danna Block – 23.28 ha | 11.64 million tonnes

3. Lah Block – 9.65 ha | 4.56 million tonnes

Poonch district – 1 block (9.26 hectares)

1. Rajpura Block – 9.26 ha | 5.20 million tonnes

Officials said Rajouri accounts for the largest share of auctioned acreage, while Anantnag hosts some of the highest-grade deposits in smaller blocks.

Auction process and timelines

The auctions are being carried out under Section 11(4) and 11(5) of the MMDR Act, allowing the Centre to lead the process where the UT requires administrative support.

Key dates announced:

• Tender documents on sale: From November 28, 2025

• Pre-bid conference: December 12, 2025

• Last date to buy tender documents: January 19, 2026

• Bid submission deadline: January 20, 2026 on the MSTC e-auction portal

MECL presented the geological assessment of each block at the roadshow, while SBI Capital Markets explained the transactional structure and MSTC demonstrated the digital bidding process.

Leaders underline investment, jobs and transparency

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy said the initiative would unlock mineral wealth, boost industrialisation and generate jobs while ensuring benefits reach local communities. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the auction would diversify J&K’s economy, deepen investor confidence and create new opportunities for youth. The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the strong Centre–UT collaboration behind the reforms.

The government said the auction aligns with broader efforts under the Prime Minister’s Industrial Development Scheme to make J&K an emerging investment destination with improved connectivity and infrastructure.