The MLPC has filed a writ petition related to the condition of mining here with the Supreme Court. “The pathetic condition of marble mine workers and the most primitive condition of mines at Makrana have caused innumerable problems, including environmental destruction, safety issues and health hazards for the mine workers and general population living around the mines. Most mines continue working despite a closure notice,’’ says Rana Sengupta, Campaign Manager, MLPC.

THE OFFICIAL LINE

D Sengupta, Director of Mines Safety, Ajmer Region: “Mining beyond the permissible limit does not fall into our preview but we have issued notices to more than 450 mines under Section 22/3 and clearly stated they are dangerous, many of these are on the seven-kilometre stretch. We have time and again informed the state government that they need to be shut down, we cannot do that as we are a small department and do not have the physical strength to enforce these notices.’’

Gayarti Rathore, District Collector, Nagaur: “These cases are handled by the Mine Engineer at Makrana and everytime there is a complaint, we issue notices and enforce a closure. This is a continuous process but quite difficult as there is lot of resistance. However, we try our best.’’

D.P. Gaur, Mine Engineer, Makrana: “Over the past three months, several notices have been issued to the mine owners and the licences of at least three were cancelled for mining beyond the demarcation point. However, they manage to get a stay order and continue their work like always. However, I will send my team of technical experts and look into the matter.’’

... contd.