NAINITAL | Dec 25, 2017: The Uttarakhand forest development corporation will organize regular medical camps at localities near Faila and other rivers in Kumaon division where mining workers stay during the season.

Over 10,000 workers, mostly migrant labourers from UP and Bihar, will get medical check ups and will be provided free medicines.

MPS Rawat, regional manager of the forest development corporation, said, “Camps will be organized at 11 gates of Gaula river on the weekend. We will encourage workers to get free check ups.”

The department provides the workers with safety kits which include gloves, masks, boots, ropes, a torch and various equipment to prevent injuries and diseases while mining river beds. The forest department also insures workers against accidents or physical injuries for up to Rs 1 lakh.

Mining kicked off in many rivers of Kumaon including Gaula, Nandhaur and Kosi last month. The season will end in May.

In order to prevent illegal mining and smuggling of river bed material from Gaula river, 13 cameras have been placed at strategic locations near the river. Around 1 lakh cubic meter of illegally mined material was seized and fines amounting to around Rs 15 crore were imposed on violators in the last mining season. Violators are fined under sections of the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act 1957.

(Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)