Illegal Stone Quarry Reason Behind Rockslide in Mizoram

Aizawl, Aug 1 : Mizoram Geology and Mining Minister S Hiato has alleged that the illegal stone quarry near Keifang village was responsible for the massive rockslide at the Aizawl-Champhai road in eastern Mizoram that killed 18 people on July 21.

A bus travelling from Champhai town to Aizawl, had almost reached the end of the quarry around 0100 hrs when the boulders came crashing down, hitting the rear of the vehicle and killing 18 people.

Talking about the incident, Mr Hiato informed the state assembly yesterday evening, "The stone quarry near Keifang village, about 80 kilometres from Aizawl, is illegally operated by the Border Road Task Force (BRTF)." He added that the BRTF had been notified twice to stop the quarrying that posed constant threats to travellers along this road.

"Frequent blasting of rocks have created holes and let water penetrate into the earth surface. That softened the soil and caused rockslides," Hiato said