SHILLONG: Like frequent deaths of the coal mine workers, casualties are also coming to fore in the stone quarries in Ri Bhoi.
There were several incidents causing deaths and injuries to those engaged in stone quarrying and the most recent case reported was on June 9 when one Arjun Borah, a manager of a stone quarry, died on the spot while another helper sustained minor injuries when a generator burst in the stone quarry at Rani, Jirang (RB).
When asked about the preventive measures initiated by the district administration to prevent such accidents, Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Akashdeep said there is a need to check that statutory precautions are followed before planting an explosive.
“The person who looks after the technicality should be extra careful before blasting an explosive”, Akashdeep said adding that as far as permit to purchase the explosive is concerned, certain procedures has to be followed to prevent handing over the license to a non-professional. The DC also stated that scanning the areas before blasting the explosive is a must to prevent anyone from getting hurt. Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police, Ri Bhoi, CVS Reddy said that this is case of lack of precautionary and safety measures adopted by the license holder.
“They should have been more careful before the blasting took place,” he said. “We are trying to identify the owner of the explosives and if found, his/her license will be cancelled and will be arrested subsequently,” Reddy said adding that the case is still under investigation.