(a) the number of soldiers/civilians killed during land mines clearing operations
on Indo-Pak border and Line of Control;
(b) the reasons for accidents during land mines clearance operations;
(c) whether such accidents during clearance of land mines happened mainly due
to non-availability of high quality machines; and
(d) if so, the steps taken by the Government for providing latest gazettes and
security equipment to Army for quick and timely clearance of land mines?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) One soldier and 61 civilian casualties occurred during land mine clearing
operations on Indo-Pak border and Line of Control.
(b) To ensure safety in demining operations, duly trained army personnel who
laid the mines and were familiar with the terrain, are employed in mine recovery.
Although detailed mapping of minefields is done, due to prolonged deployment
some mines sink and get drifted away because of the terrain and environmental
conditions.At times, it is further aggravated by rodents tugging at mines, leading
to their displacement.
(c)&(d) : Mechanical mine recovery equipment was used extensively in mine recovery
operations. In addition, soldiers involved in mine clearance operations post Op Parakram
were provided with adequate protective gear. Mine detection dogs were also utilized
where required. Upgrading of technology is a continuous process.