Stone Mining and Crushing Units Need Reforms For Protecting Workers and Environment

May 30th, 2021

Awake Goy

The most widespread mining in India relates to mining and quarrying of various kinds of stone aimed at supplying stone to construction sector. Since this is widely scattered in the country and is frequently in the informal sector, complete and reliable records are difficult to obtain but clearly it is very widespread and despite some legal restrictions placed from time to time, on the whole this has been expanding fast to meet the growing needs of the construction industry.

In many cases stone crushing units are set up close to these mining and quarrying works and their combined impact must be seen. Either local or migrant workers are employed here. I have reported from such mining sites in several states including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. The overwhelming impression has been one of deep regret at the serious harm one sees to the health of workers , to environment and quite often also the farming of nearby areas. All of this is avoidable to a large extent.

If this mining and quarrying had been developed keeping in view all important considerations of health, environment protection and welfare of workers as well as nearby villagers, then this sector could have become an important source of livelihood support . Unfortunately these considerations have been neglected resulting in such mining getting associated more with accentuation of water scarcity and ecological ruin, exploitation of workers and increasing problems for neighboring villagers.

One particular day I remember in this context is when I visited several villages located near stone quarrying sites in Mahoba district (Uttar Pradesh) and heard several farmers say that their farming is being ruined by the dust and water scarcity created by mining units and stone crushers. Several had been injured. On the way back we passed a mining site and were asked to stop. We as well others commuting on this road were asked to stop as dynamite blast to facilitate mining was about to take place and stone pieces could reach here at a furious place even though the road was some distance away. We were asked to take cover and I stood behind hind a car. After some time I could see some small stones flying around at some distance very furiously. If this had hit someone in an exposed part like head or face one shudders think of the consequences. I kept thinking of the risk of injury faced by those who live in the shadow of such mining and all its dust as well.

Some of these problems have been documented also in the Human Development Report for Bundelkhand prepared under the Niti Ayog-UNDP Project on Human Development. This report has made several observations about the mining and quarrying sector ( mainly stone and sand) in Bundelkhand region. Firstly it says that there are bonded labor type working conditions in these mines and quarries ( or the attached crushers). Secondly working conditions are poor and several unsafe and hazardous practices are followed. Accidents often take place and compensation payment is generally not given. Lung diseases, silicosis and other diseases have been a big problem for workers and their families. There is no risk-cover, no protective gear , no medical facilities. The police is not supportive and does not register cases , this report says. Thirdly child labor exists in mines and child workers also toil in unsafe conditions.

Fourthly mining is controlled by local elites who have followed harmful practices and damaged sustainability of mines and quarries. The entire work takes place in quasi-legal conditions with collusion of mafia and political bosses. There is hardly any adherence to environmental laws. Dynamite is frequently used and there is high risk from falling stones for nearby villagers.

Several kol tribal workers also toil in mining work. The report says that kols face exploitation and are forced into semi-bonded labor. Although this report does not comment specifically on the problems on women workers, it expresses concern about the general safety and security conditions of women. This report says that the general issues of safety and security for women are far worse in Bundelkhand as compared to the parent states and the neighboring regions.

These observations of the Human Development Report for Bundelkhand are of a serious nature and the authorities should take important steps for improving the situation with a sense of urgency. Earlier the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had sent a team to Patha area of Bundelkhand several years back which was headed by a senior ( retired) police officer Chaman Lal who received widespread appreciation and acclaim as IG ( border areas) in Punjab in the critical days of terrorism and subsequently joined the NHRC in an honorary position to help on the important issues of bonded labor and jails.

This writer too was a member of this team. The report prepared by this team had also mentioned several aspects of this system of exploitation and the existence of high-risk, hazardous conditions in mining and crushing units. Hence clearly there is enough evidence on the basis of which action against exploitative systems should be taken so that much-needed relief can come to the workers toiling in highly exploitative and hazardous conditions in the mines and quarries of Bundelkhand as well as other areas.

One important aspect is to extend special help to all workers or their families suffering from the dust-related disease of silicosis as orders of the Supreme Court have already resulted in provision for such help. Some organizations in Rajasthan like the MKSS have done good work in taking these benefits to people.

Secondly, at least at some places experimental projects of stone mining which avoid health and environmental hazards and exploitation of workers should be launched. These should be in the form of small units of local workers including women who work on a small scale observing all precautions, avoiding use of heavy machines and dynamite. Lessons learnt in the course of such projects can be helpful in formulating proper policy.

Bharat Dogra is a journalist and author. His recent books include Man Over Machine ( Gandhian ideas for our times). The writer has written extensively on problems of Bundelkhand region. He was also a member of a team sent by the National Human Rights Commission to inquire into exploitative conditions for workers and tribals in this region.

GET COUNTERCURRENTS DAILY NEWSLETTER STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX

Source

Ursula von der Leyen Backs Down from some of the Agricultural Reforms after EU-wide Mass Protests

Human And Rat DNA Found in Burgers, According to Lab Report‏

Multi-Dimensional Ancient Boundary Stone Discovered In Rome

Don Lemon’s Sexual Assault Victim Says CNN Is a ‘Predator Protecting Machine’

12 year old black child murdered then molested

HALF of U.S. Employers Plan to Push Vaccine Mandates, Resulting in Mass DEATH of U.S. Workers