MINISTER NIRANI WARNS QUARRY OWNERS, ASKS THEM TO RETURN HOARDED EXPLOSIVES IN THREE DAYS
• Minister asks quarry owners to return explosives within four weeks
• Nirani warns of action against quarry owners as per law
• Officials to conduct inspection and strictly monitor stone quarries
• New mining policy to be introduced soon
• Quarry owners and miners to be trained on mining activities
Koppal, February 27: Toughening the position following recent incidents, Mines and Geology Minister Murugesh Nirani asked the owners of stone quarries to return explosive items hoarded illegally within three days. The minister warned of action against quarry owners as per the law if they fail to return explosives.
Issuing stern warning to quarry owners, Nirani said government will monitor quarries. “Officials have been instructed to conduct inspection and retrieve illegally hoarded explosive items in mining areas. Strict vigil will be maintained on quarries. Tough legal action will be taken against quarry owners if they fail to return explosives”, Nirani warned after meeting with the department officials here on Saturday.
“Quarry owners must get permission from government to use explosives. We will make amendment to the current rules. We have taken enough precautionary measures after Shivamogga and Chikkaballapur incidents”, Nirani added.
QUARRY OWNERS & MINERS TO GET TRAINING
Elaborating government’s plan to provide training to miners, minister Nirani opined that lack of training in handling explosives led to blasts. “Unscientific use of explosives and lack of training resulted in blasts. Government is planning to provide three to seven-day training to quarry owners and unskilled workers. FIR registered against those found supplying and transporting explosives illegally”, Nirani said.
Stressing on the need to sustain mining activities, the minister said closing sand and stone crushers was not a solution. “Sand and stone gravels are essential for developmental works. Closure of sand mining and stone crushers will hamper developmental works. We will introduce a new mining policy that will help generate revenue for government” Nirani maintained.
