March 27, 2002

    Shri Krishan Kant, Vice Persident of India has said that though there has been a considerable decline in the accident rate in mines over the years, yet there has been a disturbing consistency in mining disasters most of which are due to human or management failures. This is a matter of concern and calls for genuine initiatives, he said.

    Presenting the National Safety Awards for mines for the year 2000 here today Shri Krishan Kant said that several of the mines accidents could have been averted had the essential safety standards been enforced. At times, the neglect of safety assumes criminal proportions, a telling example of which is illegal mining, which is often allowed to go unchecked. Mining contractors are often guilty of corner-cutting at the cost of safety. Very often, mines in India function without proper and updated underground maps, and technologically contemporaneous safety and rescue systems and equipment. Given the spectacular advances in technology, it is quite possible to make mines and mining safer. There is no reason why miners should risk their lives when mechanized substitutes are available for hazardous mining operations. This is but one of the several steps that can be taken to make mining safe. The very concept of industrial safety may have to be expanded, from being management or Government-centric to a pro-active engagement of the labour and the local population in mining activities, he added.

    Shri Krishan Kant said that the experience shows that the mines-management are not always fully equipped to carry out quick and safe rescue operation, in the event of an accident. This is a deficiency that needs to be addressed and corrected without losing time. There should be no compromise in regard to disaster management in mining operations, he said.