Chiranjeevi demands nationalisation of mines

The Praja Rajyam chief, Mr K. Chiranjeevi, demanded at Chimakurti on Saturday, Rs 10 lakh exgratia each to the kin of those who died in the quarry collapse at Hamsa minerals.
Referring to the deaths as homicide, he held Hamsa Minerals responsible for mishap by violating safety norms at the quarry.
Mr Chiranjeevi said that the owners of Hamsa and adjacent quarries are carrying out digging in the buffer zones. He opined that strict implementation of rules in the quarries will restrict these types of mishaps.
Calling the mines as a national treasure, Mr Chiranjeevi demanded that the Union government take steps for the nationalisation of mines.
Referring to the aid to the kin of victims who lost their lives in the mishap, through quarry management and Quarry Owners’ Association, the PR founder said that the government should bear the responsibility for the accident and provide exgratia as the state is getting royalty from these quarries.
Mr Chiranjeevi demanded judicial enquiry into the quarry collapse apart from stringent action against officials whose negligence claimed 14 lives.
Criticising the officials for the slow pace of debris removal, Mr Chiranjeevi said that family members of victims are waiting to get bodies of their people.
He announced Rs 10,000 aid to the kin of victims by Praja Rajyam.
Earlier, Chiranjeevi accompanied by PR district convenor, Mr M. Srinivas Rao, and other leaders inspected the quarry.
He wandered through the rocks and slippery soil to reach the accident spot and enquired about the mishap from quarry staff.
Mr Chiranjeevi met the minister for mines, geology, textiles and handlooms, Mr B. Srinivas Reddy, transport and Prakasam district in-charge minister, Mr S. Vijayaramaraju, Darsi MLA, Dr B. Siva Prasad Reddy, district Congress Committee president and MLC, Mr P. Rama Rao, at the quarry and enquired about the status of rescue operations.
Later, he went to house of a victim, M Pitchaiah at RL Puram and consoled the family members.