(a) whether the Government is aware that due to ongoing heavy blasting in the open case mines, the shower of stones are falling in the nearby area;
(b) if so, the facts and the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto; and
(c) the steps taken or proposal to be taken by the Government to check the damage due to heavy blasting in those mines?
THE MINISTER OF MINES, COAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. On receipt of such information, inspection and enquiry is done by the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS). Adequate statutory provisions exist for conducting deep hole (heavy) blasting in mines. No blasting can be done within 50 m of any structures, buildings, dwellings etc. and no deep hole blasting can be done within 300 m of such structures unless scientific study is carried out in the specific mine and appropriate recommendations by scientific agency is made.
(c): If any information about such blasting damaging any property or life is received, inspections and enquiry is conducted by Directorate General of Mines Safety DGMS and suitable action is taken in accordance to law.
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