Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 30: High Court has sought affidavit from the Government indicating therein safety measures taken for mining sites across the State.
The Division Bench of Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey and Justice Sanjeev Kumar has directed the Government to furnish the details to the Court with regard to safety measures taken for the safety of the mines, mine workers and the mining property in the State.
State counsel B A Dar sought some time and the Court granted him four weeks’ time to provide the details with reference to the safety measures being taken for the safety of the mines, mine workers and the mining property in the State.
Counsel representing in the PIL submitted before the Court that the authorities particularly Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce Department as also Director Geology and Mining have ignored the objective of supervision and inspection of the mining activities in the State which has adversely affected the landscape of the J&K and has caused heavy loss of lives, property and has adversely affected the environment besides polluting air, water and soil.
It is in terms previous order, the State Government was asked to file the affidavit with regard to implementation of existing safety measures as provided under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and the Rules.
However, after perusal of the affidavit filed by the authorities, court said, it does not disclose the safety measures as was directed but talks of the rules and the laws on the subject as it States.
Meanwhile, amicus to the PIL has sought some time to respond to the details furnished by the authorities in respect of the appointments made for different positions in the mining activities with particulars of their position and qualification have been furnished.
Union Counsel T. M. Shamsi (ASGI) has also been directed to file the affidavit in tune with the previous directions passed by the court. He was supposed to provide the check list of mining sites along with Geology and Mining Department in a combined form before the court.
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