Transport, storage of gelatin sticks banned

After the Shivamogga gelatin blast incident, early this month, the officials of the Mines and Geology department have been inspecting stone quarries in Chamarajanagar district to ensure that all safety measures are being followed.

According to the department, the officials are closely monitoring all white stone quarries in the district, after the blast that claimed several lives in Shivamogga. Now, with another blast killing six people in Chikkaballapur, the officials are visiting all quarries and are ensuring that all guidelines are followed while quarrying.

There are 38 white stone quarries in the district. During an inspection, the officials found a crusher and tar mixing unit functioning without licenses in Hanur taluk. Both the units have been sealed.

The authorities have prohibited transportation and storage of gelatin sticks in the district. A meeting of the quarry owners was convened and directed to follow the safety measures strictly, said the officials.