Thousands of workers have been rendered jobless: Quarry Owners
SRINAGAR Quarry owners have alleged that an influential person has made thousands of workers associated with quarrying hostage notwithstanding Geology and Mining Department having no issues with quarry holders working at Pantha Chowk and Athwajan sites here in the Srinagar outskirts.
The Geology and Mining Department has reportedly allotted Aripora sites for these quarry holders which is surrounded by government forces camps.
An official from Geology and Mining Department wishing not to be names said the department has no problem with quarry holders working at Pantha Chowk and Athwajan sites. He added that department is facing tremendous pressure from a certain quarter. If pollution is given the reason for the closure of these quarrying sites at Pantha Chowk and Athwajan, how can one justify their shifting to Aribag. Will Aribagh be not polluted? he questioned and added that quarrying doesnt cause major pollution problem.
According to the president United Quarry Association, Muhammad Maqbool, they are being victimized for the fault of their none. He said a conspiracy is being hatched to cripple people of Kashmir economically. Administration is biased and supports those who are influential. For them poor should go to dogs. We have decided to come on roads against this influential person in coming days, Maqbool said.
He added that they have no objection and are ready to work at Aribagh but the Forces camps there have already written a letter to Geology and Mining Department asking it not to allow us blasting. We are in a dilemma. If one is allowing us a site another is raising objection. Aribagh site is surrounded by BSF Headquarters, CRPF and ITBP camps. Besides, there is Tangnar Water Project and a firing range. Besides, BSF, the department of forest is also raising objections and wont allow us to use those quarrying cites, he said.
If pollution is the main problem at Athwajan and Pantachowk sites, we are ready use machinery to minimize it. If it is not a problem, then how come authorities are torturing us and depriving us from earn a living, Muhammad Maqbool said and added that thousands of workers associated with quarrying are on the verge of starvation. (CNS)
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
