Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu January 7; 2026: Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo on Tuesday strongly raised the long-pending issue of exploration and regularisation of the world-famous Blue Peacock Neck-Colour Sapphire mines of Padder in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, during a meeting of the Standing Committee on Coal, Mines & Steel.
Highlighting the rare global significance of the Padder sapphire belt, Kichloo informed the Committee that these sapphires are renowned for their distinctive blue peacock neck colour, a unique natural shade found only in Padder, making it the only known sapphire mine in the world producing stones of this exceptional colour and quality.
Sharing details on his official Facebook handle, Kichloo wrote:
“Attended the Standing Committee on Coal, Mines & Steel today. Raised the long-pending issue of regularising Paddar sapphire mines so that local youth get jobs and livelihoods. Also urged revival of village-level steel depots to ensure affordable, quality steel for rural areas. Development must reach the last mile.”
The meeting of the Standing Committee on Coal, Mines & Steel was chaired by former Union Minister Anurag Thakur.
During the deliberations, the MP pointed out that the sapphire mines are located above Suncham village in Padder and remain accessible only for a brief period of nearly two months during summer, when snow conditions allow approach by the public and government agencies.
Sajjad Kichloo stressed that scientific exploration, proper fencing, surveillance and regulated mining are essential not only to prevent smuggling but also to safeguard a globally rare natural heritage asset. He said that regularisation of the mines would enable transparent operations, generate employment for local youth and provide sustainable livelihoods to residents of the remote Padder region.
In addition, the MP raised the issue of reviving village-level steel depots, stating that their restoration would ensure the availability of affordable and quality steel in rural and far-flung areas, boosting housing, infrastructure development and local economic activity.
Recalling his tenure as Minister of Industries & Commerce in the Omar Abdullah-led government in Jammu and Kashmir, Kichloo said that harnessing local resources in a regulated and sustainable manner for employment generation has always been a priority. He reiterated that focused attention on Padder and similar remote regions is crucial to ensure balanced development and to make sure that development truly reaches the last mile.
It is pertinent to mention that their is concern about the prolonged non-operational status of these mines and lack of regularisation have, from time to time, encouraged smuggling activities, with illegal elements attempting to exploit the rare gemstone deposits during the short accessible window.
