Crushing stone

August 21, 2010Posted inGovernment
Earlier this year, in “Mining our business”, I’d explained why it would be unlawful for the government to permit L&T, Gammon and HCC to operate stone quarries for the Punatshangchhu hydropower project. I don’t know for sure, but it looks like L&T, Gammon and HCC are now not operating the stone quarries. That is very good. But what I do know for sure is that L&T, Gammon and HCC have each established stone crushing plants. That is bad. And that is illegal. Stone crushing is a specific business, one that requires a separate industrial license, and one that is…

Mining our business

March 30, 2010Posted inEconomy, Government15 Comments
Most of the work at the Punatsangchu hydropower project, estimated to cost more than Nu 36 billion, is being contracted out to large Indian companies. And rightfully so. After all, we still don’t have enough in-house capacity to dig tunnels, erect dams and build powerhouses. But mining? For stone? Now that, I’m sure we can all agree, is something we are good at! Then why is the government allowing Indian companies – L&T, HCC and Gammon – to operate stone quarries for the Punatsangchu hydropower project? And how will L&T, HCC and Gammon operate their mines when the Mines…

Dangerous work

December 29, 2009Posted inEconomy
On September 9, 2007 a flyover that was being built in Hyderabad collapsed killing two people. The contractor, Gammon India, was charged with negligence. On July 12, 2009 a flyover that was being built in South Delhi collapsed killing six people. The contractor, Gammon India, was held responsible for the accident, and was banned from undertaking metro rail construction for two years. On December 24, 2009 a bridge that was being built in Kota, Rajasthan collapsed killing 28 people. Rescuers continue to search for about 50 workers who are missing since the accident. The contractor? Gammon India, who also…