From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Mar 29: The state government has decided to allow resumption of operations installed stone mining and crusher units in Karnataka, mines and geology minister Murugesh R Nirani announced in Bengaluru on Monday.

The mines and geology department has issued a circular allowing stone mining in quarries, the minister said.

For resuming the units, the owners of quarries and stone crushers have to give a written undertaking to the authorities stating they would abide by the rules and regulations and would submit NoC (No-Objection Certificate) from Centre’s Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) to use explosives within 90 days.

Addressing a news conference in Bengaluru, he said, “Owners of stone quarries and crusher units must obtain permits from the DGMS. They must also submit undertaking letters to the authorities over safe usage of explosives in the mining areas.”

The minister, who has been taking overall stock of the situation since the closure, said the closure of stone quarries and crusher units resulted in heavy revenue loss to the state exchequer and loss of jobs or income to a large section of people.

“Almost all stone quarries and crusher units stopped operating following tragic incidents of blasts of explosives in Shivamogga and Chikkaballapur districts. The state exchequer has suffered a loss of more than Rs 300 crore due to closure. Allowing the resumption of stone mining will bring create significant employment opportunities,” Nirani said.

While explaining the ramifications of stalled stone mining operations, the Minister expressed concern over job loss and impact on construction works.

“Construction activities affected in the state as the government laid more emphasis on safety measures following two tragic incidents. Owners have been laying off a large number of workers as they are unable to maintain the stalled units. The prices of raw materials have suddenly skyrocketed in the market due to the closure of stone quarries and crusher units. The general public is finding it difficult to purchase these materials due to this situation,’’ he said.

There are over 2,500 stone quarries and stone crushing units in the state. Less than 10% of them have NoC from DGMS. For use of explosives of less than 2kgs and less than five acres, a DGMS certificate is not needed.

The owners and associations involved in this business had recently met Murugesh Nirani and requested him to allow the resumption of mining activities.

Echoing the sentiments of quarry owners, Nirani observed, “It is impossible to operate stone quarries and crusher units without using explosives. It is mandatory to obtain permits from the DGMS but the owners are finding it very difficult to purchase, store and use explosives due to tough conditions. Mines and geology department has decided to ease the process by changing the present guidelines and obtaining undertaking for resuming operations.”

Sympathising with the affected quarry owners, Nirani said stone mining activities ought to continue as owners who have invested huge money by availing loans in the banks are now facing hardship to repay the loans due to the closure of industry in the past few months, which would result in turning as NPAs.

Optimum Utilization of DMF Fund

Nirani said the State Government has been taking steps for optimum use of district mineral fund.

“We have devised several action plans for optimum usage of district mineral fund (DMF) for developmental works in the mining districts. Programmes formulated to address drinking water problem, health, environment protection, education, skill development, the welfare of women, child, aged and differently-abled persons, basic infrastructure, irrigation, conservation of power and water,” Nirani clarified.

Reforms in mines & geology department

Nirani, who is keen to bring in administrative and operative changes in the mines department, said for better coordination and effective functioning following steps will be implemented very in the department:

• Uniforms for district-level officers and staff
• Separate vehicles for the staff at the district level
• Khanija Bhavans will be set up in all districts
• Walkie-talkies will be provided to district level staff
• Unified software will be developed
• Master control room will be set up in the head office
• GPS will be installed to monitor movements of vehicles
• Former servicemen will be recruited for security positions
• Safety kits (helmet, gloves, shoes, safety belts) will be provided to miners/labourers