Kerala govt considers all-party meet over quarry mishaps

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 18: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today (Jul 18) said the government was ready to hold an all-party meeting to discuss the issue of frequent accidents in quarries and crusher units.

The government had an open mind on the issue and talks could be held based on reports of expert committees which had looked into the issue in the past, he said.

Chandy's comments followed his announcement of a solatium of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of the four workers, including one from West Bengal, who had died in a mishap at a granite quarry in Malappuram district.

Earlier, replying to an adjournment motion by K T Jaleel (LDF-Ind) on the issue, Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty also expressed concern over indiscriminate quarrying which could not be properly checked by the Mining and Geology Department owing to lack of adequate staff.

The minister said a new policy should be evolved with stringent conditions for quarrying and sand mining after discussions with all concerned.

PTI