One asbestos mine revived in Udaipur

JAIPUR: Even after a nationwide ban on the mining of asbestos, one such mine has been allegedly revived and is flourishing at the Netaji Ka Bara in Udaipur district.
After complaints from the Rajasthan State Mines Labour Union (RSMLU), the Mines Labour Protection Campaign (MLPC) has called up various officials of the mines department but are still awaiting action.
According to Rooplal Vadera, a villager who used to work in the mines before it was officially closed, "I know the mine. It is an asbestos mine. I used to work in it, along with other villagers from my area, like Lalu Ram, Ram Lal as this was our only means of livelihood. It had been closed. But since the past three months work has resumed," he said.
"Mining is being done here in the morning while the ore is transported at night. It is supplied to some factory in Udaipur," he added.
Mining of asbestos has been banned in the country due to its harmful effects on the human body. Asbestos dusts get into the lungs of workers and cause the deadly asbestosis disease that ultimately leads to death.
Shocked by the developments the MLPC got into the act. "We are concerned because of the harmful effects that the mines may cause to people working in it. On one hand the state government is not taking any initiative in healing workers afflicted with asbestosis while on the other no measure is being taken by it to close illegal mines," said Rana Sengupta, managing trustee of the MLPC.
Sengupta confirmed that asbestos is being mined here. "This mine were once legal but cannot be legal anymore as mining of asbestos has been banned. Why we are concerned is because these mines will once again give birth to a set of workers who will be afflicted with the disease. This at a time when there is no initiative to treat those who are already a victim of it," Sengupta said.
The MLPC intervened into the matter as its representatives had been to Jhadole in Udaipur for showing solidarity with mines workers who were on a dharna and were demanding that their medical test reports done by the National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) be made public.
When contacted M L Bhati, senior mining engineer, vigilance, confirmed that he had been intimated by the MLPC. "I was called and told about it. I have asked for records pertaining to the same. If they really amount to something we will get it checked and take action suitably." However, Bhati failed to say as to why no action was initiated immediately.