EDITORIAL: The frequency with which fatal accident in coalmines of Balochistan occur speak of appalling apathy on the part of authorities concerned towards ordinary lives. Last Monday, seven coalminers were burned to death when methane build-up in a coalmine in Harnai district triggered a huge blast. This was the second such incident within the space of one week. On March 12, six coalminers were similarly killed in Marwar area of Bolan district. Going by the past record more workers could die unless urgent safety measures are adopted. It may be recalled that last year as many as 102 workers lost their lives in 72 ‘accidents’. Twenty-seven died in two separate methane gas explosions in 2018. Before that in 2011, 45 workers lost their lives. The usual practice for government after each such tragedy is to close the mine for a time, and order an inquiry the result of which is never known.
What causes these incidents is no mystery; they occur when the concentration level of methane inside a mine rises beyond a certain level and the gas comes into contact with a heat source. Proper ventilation and regular monitoring of gas concentration can help avert disastrous consequences. The recurring explosions show no such precautionary procedures are in place. There is an Inspectorate of Mines in the Balochistan whose stated mission is to ensure the enforcement of safety of mine workers and also to provide them with various facilities under the Mineral (Labour Welfare) Act, 1967. Yet the conditions remain pathetic. Last October, Senate Standing Committed on Petroleum took notice of the recurring tragedies, stressing the need for ensuring implementation of safety-related standard operation procedures in mines to prevent loss of life. The committee also called for strict accountability of those violating safety rules. It was assured that the Balochistan Safety and Health Bill, 2019, would soon be placed before the provincial cabinet for approval. Sadly, the bill seems to have been consigned to the cold storage. Even the existing rules remain unimplemented.
One reason for inaction is said to be that the Inspectorate lacks both resources and the power to do much about violators. However, there is more to this sordid affair than those concerned are willing to acknowledge. A while ago the issue came up before Human Rights Committee of the upper house. It turned out that in many instances the official lease holders had sublet their leases. Those unauthorised mine owners are least bothered about taking necessary safety measures. They exploit the workers and also evade taxes. This ought to be brought to an end. The provincial government must take cognizance of the subhuman conditions prevailing in coalmines that cause precious loss of life every now and then. The mine owners who fail to abide by safety standards must be held to account.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2021
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