Key Takeaways
- Mehbooba Mufti of the PDP urges the Government of India to ensure a fair share of lithium revenue for local communities.
- The region’s Lithium reserves are estimated at 5.9 million tonnes, attracting national interest and potential auction soon.
- Calls for transparency focus on preventing exploitation by crony capitalists and safeguarding regional development.
Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday sought accountability from the Government of India regarding the share that Jammu and Kashmir will receive from the exploitation of its lithium reserves.
The former Chief Minister was reacting to reports which suggest that the union government is likely to auction lithium reserves in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir in the next few weeks.
Mehbooba said that after the “takeover” of Jammu and Kashmir’s “water resources and minerals by the Government of India (GOI), the focus has now shifted towards the vast lithium reserves” that lie beneath the region’s surface.
“…Jammu and Kashmir is home to substantial lithium deposits that are pivotal in meeting this growing global demand. It is imperative to note that while the electricity generated by Jammu and Kashmir has historically been supplied to other regions, sometimes even free of cost, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have often found themselves in darkness due to inadequate power supply.
Now, with the exploitation of these lithium reserves on the horizon, there are concerns that the benefits may not adequately reach the local population.,” she said in a statement.
Mehbooba expressed apprehension that the Lithium reserves in Jammu will be exploited and offered to the crony capitalists associated with the ruling BJP.
She warned that this could deprive the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their fair share in the wealth generated from these resources.
The PDP Chief demanded accountability from the Government of India regarding the share that Jammu and Kashmir will receive from the exploitation of its lithium reserves.
She emphasizes the need for transparency, fair compensation, and the active involvement of local stakeholders in the decision-making process.
Mehbooba Mufti called upon all concerned citizens and stakeholders to join her in advocating for a fair and just distribution of the benefits derived from these valuable resources.
Earlier this year, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) reported the discovery of 5.9 million tonnes of inferred lithium resources (G3) in Jammu & Kashmir’s Reasi district.
