Response to Discrimination Allegations in Punjab Potash Exploration

09 May 2025 CW Team

GSI, a premier scientific agency under the Ministry of Mines, has been undertaking potash exploration in Punjab as part of its long-term national strategy. Potash-bearing formations in Punjab are part of the larger Nagaur-Ganganagar Evaporite Basin (NGEB), the majority of which lies in Rajasthan, with a smaller extension into Punjab.

GSI has carried out five reconnaissance (G4 stage) exploration projects in the districts of Ferozepur, Muktsar Sahib, and Fazilka in Punjab since 1985-86. These studies revealed the presence of potash mineralization at significant depths ranging from 630 to 770 metres, primarily associated with halite, clay, and dolomite.

Two new G4 stage exploration projects have been taken up by GSI in the current Field Season 2025-26 in Rajpura-Rajawali and Gidranwali-Azimgarh blocks, Fazilka District, Punjab, covering 128 sq. km with 5100m of drilling across six boreholes. These projects were initiated based on the request of the Government of Punjab during the 64th meeting of the Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB), held in January 2025 at Bhubaneswar clearly demonstrating the GSI’s responsiveness to State inputs.

Exploration work in these two blocks is currently in progress, and based on the outcome and promising indicators, GSI will consider scaling up these blocks to G3 and G2 stages in future programmes. Additionally, GSI is undertaking gravity-magnetic surveys under its National Geophysical Mapping Programme (NGPM) in the region to delineate mineralised zones, given that the area is mostly covered by thick soil and Quaternary sediments.

GSI reaffirms its commitment to the mineral development of all Indian states, including Punjab. In addition to the ongoing potash projects, GSI has regularly included Punjab in its national exploration strategy.

GSI urges all stakeholders to appreciate that scientific exploration is a technical endeavour driven by geological evidence, resource viability, and national priorities.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) strongly refutes the recent claims made in the newspaper “The Morning Standard” on 7th May 2025, under the caption “Potash reserve found, AAP Govt. says Centre discriminating on exploration.” GSI clarifies that decisions on exploration activities, including those pertaining to potash, are based entirely on scientific merit, geological data, and techno-economic feasibility—not on regional preferences. GSI, a premier scientific agency under the Ministry of Mines, has been undertaking potash exploration in Punjab as part of its long-term national strategy. Potash-bearing formations in Punjab are part of the larger Nagaur-Ganganagar Evaporite Basin (NGEB), the majority of which lies in Rajasthan, with a smaller extension into Punjab. GSI has carried out five reconnaissance (G4 stage) exploration projects in the districts of Ferozepur, Muktsar Sahib, and Fazilka in Punjab since 1985-86. These studies revealed the presence of potash mineralization at significant depths ranging from 630 to 770 metres, primarily associated with halite, clay, and dolomite. Two new G4 stage exploration projects have been taken up by GSI in the current Field Season 2025-26 in Rajpura-Rajawali and Gidranwali-Azimgarh blocks, Fazilka District, Punjab, covering 128 sq. km with 5100m of drilling across six boreholes. These projects were initiated based on the request of the Government of Punjab during the 64th meeting of the Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB), held in January 2025 at Bhubaneswar clearly demonstrating the GSI’s responsiveness to State inputs. Exploration work in these two blocks is currently in progress, and based on the outcome and promising indicators, GSI will consider scaling up these blocks to G3 and G2 stages in future programmes. Additionally, GSI is undertaking gravity-magnetic surveys under its National Geophysical Mapping Programme (NGPM) in the region to delineate mineralised zones, given that the area is mostly covered by thick soil and Quaternary sediments. GSI reaffirms its commitment to the mineral development of all Indian states, including Punjab. In addition to the ongoing potash projects, GSI has regularly included Punjab in its national exploration strategy. GSI urges all stakeholders to appreciate that scientific exploration is a technical endeavour driven by geological evidence, resource viability, and national priorities.

Infrastructure Transport

19 Dec 2025

Tripura Rail Survey Approved For Jirania–Bodhjung Link

The Ministry of Railways has approved a Final Location Survey (FLS) for a proposed new railway line between Jirania and Bodhjung Nagar in Tripura. The planned section will span 14 km and is estimated to cost around Rs 4.2 million, with the entire alignment located within West Tripura district. The approval marks a key step towards strengthening railway infrastructure and supporting industrial growth in the state. Bodhjung Nagar is Tripura’s principal industrial and commercial hub, developed mainly for resource-based industries such as rubber, bamboo and food processing. The proposed Jirania..

Infrastructure Transport

19 Dec 2025

MCF Raebareli Rolls Out Its 15,000th Passenger Coach

The Modern Coach Factory (MCF) in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, has reached a major production milestone with the manufacture of its 15,000th passenger coach on December 15, the Ministry of Railways said. During the current financial year 2025–26, the unit has produced a total of 1,310 coaches so far. Established in 2007 at Lalganj in Raebareli, MCF is among India’s most advanced passenger coach manufacturing facilities. Built at a cost of around Rs 31.92 billion, the factory has an installed annual capacity of 1,000 coaches and is located about 3 km from Lalganj on the Kanpur–Raebareli Roa..

Infrastructure Transport

19 Dec 2025

RVNL Wins Gandak River Rail Bridge Contract

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has received a Letter of Award from North Eastern Railway for a major railway infrastructure project valued at Rs 1.65 billion. The contract relates to the construction of the substructure for a key railway bridge over the Gandak River. The bridge will be constructed between Paniyahwa and Valmikinagar stations as part of the doubling of the Gorakhpur Cantt–Valmikinagar railway section. Designed to enhance capacity and operational efficiency, the structure will comprise 14 spans of 61 metres each and will be supported by double D-type well foundations. The des..