While the district administration has initiated a rescue operation, the exact number of fatalities is yet to be ascertained. (Express photo) Several mining workers are reportedly trapped while some are feared dead following a landslide at the Dadam mining zone in Tosham block of Haryana’s Bhiwani district. While the district administration has initiated a rescue operation, the exact number of fatalities is yet to be ascertained.
Talking to The Indian Express, Tosham MLA Kiran Choudhry said, “The exact number of people trapped is not known yet. At least four-five workers have reportedly died but according to the information I am receiving from the spot, the number may go up. Mining activities were banned in the area after a National Green Tribunal order.”
He added, “The district administration is also to be blamed for the laxity with which they initiated the rescue operation. I had been trying to get in touch with them constantly but they reached the site after much delay.”
He further alleged, “Mining activities in the state are not being carried out according to the permissible norms, which is leading to such incidents.”
Cabinet Minister J P Dalal, who reached the spot, said, “A few people have lost their lives and three persons have been taken to a hospital. According to the mining contractor here, there could be three-four more people trapped inside.”
He added, “A team of doctors has reached the site. We are making all possible efforts to save as many lives as we can. The entire district administration and resources required for disaster management have been deployed at the site. The sole purpose is to save as many as we can. The process of clearing the debris and getting out those who are feared trapped is on at a fast pace.”
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