RailEnquiry

JAIPUR: A major disaster was averted as yet another mine collapsed at Makrana in Nagaur district on Monday morning. Luckily, no one was present in the mine as the labourers had abstained from work due to bad weather. This is the third incident of its kind in the area in August.According to sources, mine number 148 collapsed suddenly after rain washed away the mud from the area. This mine is also among those that have been ordered to be shut down by the high court. "Soon after that, the crane and the other equipment fitted in mine number 147 and 146 also began giving way, sparking fears that they too might collapse. But nothing happened," said an eyewitness.``Not only did the crane of the collapsed mine fell into mine number 149, just about these mines is a temple, a tea shop, a warehouse and some other commercial establishments. If these mines would have given way, then all these structures would have fallen down too," he said.On August 1, six workers were injured during illegal mining at another mine which was purportedly closed six months ago. The incident occurred at mine no. 135 at Gunwati range. Though the mine was closed six months ago, the contractor started working again at the spot as there were still some marbles left.Three of the injured -- Hukma Ram, Dhachi Ram and Sita Ram -- were admitted to Makrana government hospital while three others who sustained serious injuries were shifted to JLN hospital in Ajmer.

Some days later on August 15, mine number 18 collapsed in the Borawad Kumari range due to undercutting and four cranes installed in the mine also got damaged.

Mining within 45 metres of road and railway tracks is prohibited. But all such rules have been flouted here. It was only in April that the high court had slapped a fine of Rs 50 crore on Sangemarmar Khan Vikas Samiti, the association of marble miners of Makrana for disobeying the rules. In the same order, the high court had once again directed the government to stop all mining activities within 45 metres of any road and railway tracks in the state with immediate effect.