Lignite Exploration in Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir
Background
The Jammu and Kashmir government has resumed exploration of lignite reserves in Kupwara district (North Kashmir) after a gap of over 30 years.
The project was abandoned in the late 1980s due to the outbreak of militancy in the Valley.
Current Initiative
The renewed exploration is conducted by Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Services (MECS) an agency under the Union Ministry of Mines.
Objective: To assess the quality and quantity of lignite deposits through detailed drilling and exploration.
Expected benefits:
Boost local employment
Stimulate economic growth in Kupwara and adjoining areas
Historical Context
Lignite deposits in Kupwara (Nichahom & adjoining Handwara areas) were first identified in the 1970s, linked to the Karewa Group formations.
Initial exploration by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) and J&K Department of Geology and Mining estimated ~7.2 million tonnes of lignite reserves.
J&K Minerals Ltd utilized these deposits in the late 1970s for briquette production at Zainakot Industrial Estate, Srinagar.
1980s Exploration & Suspension
In 1989, the government engaged Mineral Exploration Consultancy Ltd (MECL) for detailed exploration.
Target: To establish a 20 MW lignite-based thermal power plant.
MECL’s 1989–90 investigation revised reserves upward to ~9 million tonnes.
However, the programme was suspended in December 1989 due to militancy in the region.
Key points
Lignite (brown coal): Low-grade coal with high moisture and lower carbon content; used mainly in power generation and briquettes.
Kupwara District: A frontier district in North Kashmir, now gaining economic significance.
Karewa Group: Geological formation of lacustrine origin, known for fossil-bearing sediments and economic minerals.
Lignite Deposits and Distribution in India
Overview
Lignite (Brown Coal) is a low-grade coal with:
High moisture content (35–50%)
Low carbon content (≈60–70%)
Moderate calorific value
It is primarily used for electricity generation and briquette production.
India holds substantial lignite reserves, contributing significantly to the country’s energy mix, especially for thermal power in southern and western regions.
Major Lignite-Bearing States
State / UT | Key Deposits / Mines | Notes |
Tamil Nadu | Neyveli (Cuddalore District), Jayamkondan | Largest lignite reserves in India; home to Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC India Ltd) — one of Asia’s largest open-cast mines. |
Gujarat | Bhavnagar, Kutch, Surat, Bharuch | Second-largest lignite producer; used for both power generation and industrial fuel. |
Rajasthan | Barsingsar, Bikaner, Nagaur, Jaisalmer | Houses Barsingsar Lignite Thermal Power Plant; major lignite-based power region in North India. |
Jammu & Kashmir | Nichahom–Handwara (Kupwara), Chowkibal, Nichama | Deposits associated with Karewa formations; exploration recently revived after 30+ years. |
Puducherry | Neyveli extension areas | Deposits contiguous with Tamil Nadu lignite belt. |
Kerala | Neendakara–Kayamkulam region | Minor deposits; limited commercial exploitation. |
Geological Context
Lignite in India is primarily of Tertiary age (Eocene to Miocene).
Found in depositional basins such as:
Cauvery Basin (Tamil Nadu–Puducherry)
Cambay Basin (Gujarat)
Barmer–Sanchore Basin (Rajasthan)
Karewa Basin (Jammu & Kashmir)
Prelims Practice MCQ
Q. The majority of India’s lignite deposits are geologically from which era?
(a) Precambrian
(b) Paleozoic
(c) Mesozoic
(d) Tertiary
✅ Answer: (d)
Q. Match the following lignite regions with their associated basins:
Region | Basin |
A. Neyveli | 1. Cauvery Basin |
B. Bhavnagar | 2. Cambay Basin |
C. Barsingsar | 3. Barmer–Sanchore Basin |
D. Kupwara | 4. Karewa Basin |
Select the correct code:
(a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
(b) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
(c) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
(d) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
✅ Answer: (a)
The Barsingsar Thermal Power Plant, a lignite-based station, is located in Rajastan