Sonbhadra in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh may gain popularity on the global platform soon. Gold deposits of about 3,000 tonnes have been discovered here. Experts believe the value of deposits may Rs 12 lakh crore. This is about five times of current precious metal reserves of the country.
Geological Survey of India discovered such a huge gold deposit in the Son Pahadi and Hardi areas. However, it finding by GSI was not overnight, but the work had started some two decades ago, in 1992-93.
According to GSI, the government would auction the blocks soon through e-tendering.
District mining officer KK Rai said the estimated gold reserves in Son Pahadi is around 2,943 tonnes. In the Hardi block it is around 646.16 kilogram.
Apart from gold, reserves of some other precious metals have also been found in the areas.
According to World Gold Council, India now has 626 tonnes of gold reserves and the gold reserves discovered are five times of the national reserves.
Sonbhadra, the second largest district of UP, is a Naxalism-affected region and the British were first to initiate gold finding process.
Sonbhadra shares borders with Bihar, Jharkhand, Chattishgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
With the good news come some disappointing facts too. The region is land of more than 400 tribal families, mostly the Baiga and Gond tribes, and they are now in fear to get homeless and loose lands. They make their living from hunting and agriculture.
However, the UP government has promised compensation to the affected families.
