The Department of Geology and Mines yesterday conducted a test blast at the mines in Gidaphu to determine if the blasts cause damage to the houses in Gidawom.
It comes after the residents of Gidawom complained bitterly of the blasts and blamed it for damaging their houses.
At the Upper Gida stone quarry, nearly 50 kilograms of explosives each were blasted in 16 holes. And at RSA Pvt ltd, which is a marble quarry, 19.25 kilograms was blasted in 22 holes. The quantity of explosives used was similar to that of the August 4 blast, said the DGM regional coordinator, Ugyen Dorji.
Yesterday’s test blast is not the last one.
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The Ministry of Economic Affairs says it will conduct more test blasts with the help of technical equipment brought from Mangdechhu Project.
Dasho Sonam Tshering, the Secretary from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, said the ministry will assess the report of the thorough and independent inquiry and the findings will be shared with the affected households.
A meeting will be held with them and the mining companies soon after the findings are out.
Meanwhile, one of the mines denies carrying out high intensity blasts.
The residents of Gidawom have companied about the blasts to the Department of Geology and Mines office in Khasardapchu twice in less than a month’s time.
