Question : STUDY OF INDIAN BUREAU OF MINES ON ASBESTOS

(a) whether any study has been conducted by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) regarding the likely effects on the health of the labourers engaged in the mining of asbestos;

(b) if so, whether the Government has received the study report from the IBM;

(c) if so, the details of recommendations made by IBM thereof;

(d) whether the Government has considered these recommendations so far;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the time by when the ban on asbestos mining is likely to be lifted?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINES (DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY)

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir.

(c): The Study recommended imposition of safeguards on pollution level in work environment and other remedial measures.

(d)to(f) Recommendations of the Study have been examined in consultation with all stake holders. Some stake holders have suggested that asbestos mining can be permitted with appropriate safeguards. At present the ban on mining of asbestos has not been lifted.