CHANDIGARH: Demanding the early completion of survey to explore the Potash mineral in the State, Punjab Mining and Geology and Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today called upon Union Minister of Coal and Mines Mr. G. Kishan Reddy at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi.
During the meeting, Sh. Goyal informed that the deposits of potash mineral have been found in Sri Muktsar Sahib and Fazilka districts of Punjab. He urged the Union Minister that a geological survey should be completed at the earliest to explore the full potential of this mineral in the state, keeping in view that potash is a rare mineral and India currently depends on imports to meet domestic requirements.
The Cabinet Minister stressed the need for a speedy survey to determine the extent of potash deposits in Punjab, which in one way will help to boost State's economy and on the other reduce the country's dependence on imports.
While interacting with media after the meeting, Sh. Goyal said that the AAP National Convener Sh. Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann are making earnest efforts for the comprehensive development of the state. He said that in align with these efforts, the state government is in touch with the central government to expedite the potash survey in the state.
Sh. Goyal added that during the meeting, Union Minister Mr. G. Kishan Reddy responded positively to Punjab's demand and directed senior officials of his department to prepare an action plan to complete the survey in Sri Muktsar Sahib and Fazilka districts at the earliest.
The Mining and Geology Minister expressed optimism, saying that the survey will be completed soon and the discovery of potash deposits will benefit the state's economy. He said that the state government is committed to exploring its all possibilities for further development and growth.
Sh. Goyal told the media that the presence of potash deposits in Punjab was discovered in 1985, but successive state governments failed to take adequate steps to explore this vital resource, resulting in delay of necessary surveys and drilling activities.
He said that Punjab government is making concerted efforts to expedite the exploration of this mineral, aiming to harness it for the state's development. Sh. Goyal mentioned that he had previously met Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy in Odisha to discuss the matter, adding that so far drilling has been conducted at 10 locations in Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts, but a comprehensive survey is needed to determine the extent of potash deposits in other areas.
Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal highlighted Punjab's historical contributions to India's freedom struggle and its role in achieving food security. He expressed hope that the state would now play a crucial role in mineral resources as well. He said that the discovery of potash reserves in the state will enable Punjab to contribute significantly to India's self-reliance in this sector while promoting its own development.
Sh. Goyal mentioned that he also briefed the Union Minister about other challenges facing the mining sector, to which Union Minister Sh. G. Kishan Reddy responded by stating that a joint meeting of central and state officials would soon be conducted in Punjab to devise strategies for resolving these issues.
He expressed gratitude to the Union Minister for preparing an action plan regarding potash surveys in Punjab and for his positive response to mining sector-related issues.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Additional Chief Secretary, Mining and Geology Mrs. Jaspreet Talwar and Director Sh. Abhijit Kaplish.