PROBLEM: Brick-klin labourers want immediate solution for mining of minerals

Ferozepur, October 20, 2012:  With the ban on illegal mining of minerals, the labour class has become free and it has become difficult for them to make both ends meet, said Shammi Bhatti, district president Dalit Welfare Sabha, Ferozepur.

The brick-kiln labourers in association with Dalit Welfare Sabha, Ferozepur staged a resentment protest to register their protest that the government should take steps to withdraw the ban put by the Punjab and Haryana High Court for mining of minerals so that they could earn their livelihood. 

Addressing the protestors, Shammi Bhatti, district president said, “The plight of labourer working on brick-kiln is pitiable with the ban of mining of minerals and they are being relieved and asked to leave their premises”.

It is pertinent to mention that despite launching of a massive operation against the sand mafia engaged in illegal mining of minerals in Ferozpeur District and registration of various cases in the past under Mines and Mineral Development and Regulation Act, 1957, the illegal sand mining is happening at later hours to avoid any interference of the authorities and the modus-operandi is to camouflage the top layer with earth.  As per the sources, 57 hollows are running in Ferozepur District with the sanction of the Industries Department.  Because of ban on illegal mining, the prices of sand have gone high affecting the construction work around the city. 

On contacting the few brick-kiln owners, they said, the business of bricks is linked with the availability of sand and in view of ban for illegal mining of sand; they are not in a position to run the brick-kilns.  The sand trolley which used to be available for Rs.700 is now being sold in the market at Rs.3,000. 

They further said that under the prevailing circumstances, it would not be possible for them to run the brick-kilns.   More-over, it is very difficult to fulfill the conditions laid down in the Mining Act.

A meeting with the central ministers has been fixed in this regard, in which the brick-kiln owners would also express their ideas, to sort out the issue, the sources said.

While talking to GM Industries who is also the Mining Officer, confirmed the registration of one case at Zira for illegal mining.  He further said that checking of illegal mining activities in the district is a continued process and action as per the law is being initiated against the violators.