Bhiwani mining mishap: Relief sought for victims' families

Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Hisar, January 2

Praveen and Naveen of Rohtak’s Bhaloth village received the body of their uncle Dharambir after 36 hours of the rescue operation from the debris of the pit No. 38 in the mining zone of Dadam village of Bhiwani.

Main source of livelihood

We are aware of the risk but the mining zone is the main source of livelihood for us. A few incidents have occured in the past, but we never thought such a mishap could ever take place. — Amit, Dadam Resident

Dharambir was employed as a driver of a dumper truck at the mining site. He was among the five persons who died after a huge stone fell on them within minutes of them reaching the site to resume mining operations.

“I had also come with him in these hills earlier. I never had an idea that it could prove so deadly. My uncle used to say that there are risks in the mining zone. Some incidents have occurred,” he said, adding that they would take their uncle’s body to their native Bhaloth village in Rohtak.

Meanwhile, relatives and villagers demanded compensation for the families of the victims. Narender, a relative of another victim Bijender of Baganwala village in Tosham, said he had been working in the mines from early days. Narender said, “I have also worked in these mines.” Bijender was a machine operator, Narender added. He was married and also had a son, said Narender.

Amit of Dadam village said, “Around 200 persons from the village are working in the mining area. We are aware of the risk involved in mining. A few incidents have occured in the past, but we never thought such a mishap could ever take place.”

This landslide was the biggest mishap at the mining zone in Dadam village. Though there had been small incidents when stones fell resulting in death or injuries to workers, big stone sliding over was never heard off by people residing in adjoining villages.