Strict rules for transportation of explosives:Quarries cry short-supply

By our correspondent, Surat, 11 May 2013

Quarry industry in south Gujarat is facing new trouble of short supply of explosives.

The state government has imposed restrictions on transportation and supply of explosives, which is the main reason of shortage of explosives according to those involved in mining business.

According to quarry owners, explosive is used for blasting in stone quarry. As per the new rule implied by government, district police chief’s permission has been made compulsory for transportation of explosive material supplied for blast in quarry. After permission is granted, police party has to travel with explosive material, right from the production unit to the point of supply as per the new rule.

The new rule has created shortage in supply of explosives used in stone quarry for blasting purpose, mine owners complain.

It should be mentioned that in recent years, during the investigation of almost every incident of bomb-blast, it was found that detonators and explosive produced for quarries were used by terrorists.

After serial bomb blasts in Ahmedabad, Gujarat government carried out dozens of raids across the state, and captured illegally possessed, transported and supplied detonators and explosives.