Sapphire extraction from Paddar mines to start soon: Jammu and Kashmir government

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government said the extraction of Sapphire from famous Paddar mines will begin soon.

"Global tenders for extraction of Sapphire from the famous mines of Paddar Tehsil in Kishtwar district have been floated and the extraction will start shortly," Minister of State for Industries and Commerce Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo said.

He was speaking at a function here, organised by the Buddhist Youth Association, Paddar, to celebrate Losar (Tibetan world for New Year.}

The residents of Paddar will benefit from the job opportunities that the extraction of Sapphire will generate, Kichloo said.

Asserting the Omar Abdullah-led coalition government is committed to development of backward areas, the Minister said all necessary steps have been initiated by the government to expedite the pace of construction on 32-km Gulabgard-Machail road.

Kitchloo said the process of construction of Karthi power project has already begun and added it will benefit unemployed youths of the region.