Mines dept ensuring strict safety measures for workers

SARGODHA, May 22 (APP):The Mines and Minerals department is implementing strict safety measures for the protection of mountain workers and the mining system.

Talking to the media here on Friday, Inspector of Mines Mian Muhammad Afzal said that working in four blocks of the hills was stopped due to lack of proper safety arrangements, and cases were also got registered against those who did not make satisfactory arrangements for the safety of workers.

He said there was no concession for those who involved in violation of SOPs, illegal mining and theft of stones from dangerous blocks of the closed hills. Afzal said the safety of lives of workers was top priority and said that full

implementation of safety rules would be ensured during stone cutting. He said that strict legal action had been taken against those who violated the government SOPs and were found involved in illegal stone cutting, while FIRs have also been got registered in this regard.

Mian Muhammad Afzal said that elements not following the Mine Act and safety rules were putting human lives at risk, which could not be allowed under any circumstances.

He issued instructions to ensure the availability of helmets and other necessary safety equipment during work so that any untoward incident could be averted.