India to Benefit from Reduced Potash Imports; Punjab to Gain Royalties Without Land Acquisition
Punjab Newsline, Fazilka/ Chandigarh February 6-
Punjab’s Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, announced a major breakthrough in potash mining, stating that the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government has successfully positioned Punjab as a leading state in mineral exploration. Extensive surveys have led to the discovery of large potash reserves in three mining blocks in Southwest Punjab.
Addressing a press conference, Minister Goyal revealed that India currently imports 50 lakh (5 million) tonnes of potash annually, primarily used in fertilizers and industrial applications. However, with the newly identified reserves in Muktsar Sahib and Fazilka districts, Punjab has become the first state in the country to have significant potash deposits. The key locations have been found which include Kabarwala block (Muktsar Sahib),Sherewala & Ramsara block (Fazilka), Shergarh & Dalmir Khera block (Fazilka).
Goyal addressed public concerns by clarifying that no land acquisition will take place, and no harm will come to agricultural land. The potash extraction will be conducted using an advanced drilling system, ensuring zero impact on land ownership.