MINUTES OF 29th EXPERT APPRAISAL
COMMITTEE (EAC) (THERMAL & COAL MINING) MEETING HELD ON 18th -19th
July 2011 HELD IN SCOPE COMPLEX, NEW
DELHI.
COAL MINING PROJECTS
The 29th meeting of the
reconstituted EAC (T &C) was held on 18th
-19th July 2011 to consider the projects of coal mining sector.
The list of participants of EAC and the proponents are given at Annexure-1 and
2 respectively.
Confirmation of minutes
The
minutes of the 27th meeting of EAC (T&C) held on 20th
-21st June 2011 was confirmed subject to the following corrections:
Item 9: 12th line the words, “which has been reached, hence it is a violation case” is deleted.
The agenda items were taken up as given
below:
1. Bithnok Lignite Mine Project (2.1 MTPA) of M/s Neyveli Lignite Corporation
Ltd. to be located at Bithnok, District
The
proposed opencast lignite mine project of M/s NLC of 2.1 MTPA production
capacity is to be located in district Bithnok, district
The proponent made a presentation. It was stated
that the area of 124.21 ha planned for future mining and the 268.50 ha
intervening area should be kept undisturbed during the life of the project. It
was further informed that it is proposed to undertake ground water recharge
programme by harvesting the rain water in and around mining lease area through
construction of storage tanks and if excess rainfall occurs, recharging of
groundwater would be done using wells. The Report of “Hydro geological
investigation in and around proposed Bithnok Lignite Mine area, Tehsil Kolayat,
Dist.Bikaner, Rajasthan had been prepared and submitted to MOEF. It was informed that the study area gets
280mm of annual rainfall. The drainage of the project area consists of streams
and surface channels and depressions which are seasonal and dry off after the
rainy season. It was informed that water table is at 78m bgl. The total TDS is
8000 mg/l and after desalination, it would be 300 mg/l/. Mining would reach 75m
during the 3rd year and intersect the water table. Mining would
reach the unconfined aquifer at 90m during the 7th year of
operation. The proponent furnished the comments of State Ground Water
Department,
The Committee desired that the area of 124.21 ha
planned for future mining and the 268.50 ha intervening area should be kept
undisturbed during the life of the project.
The comments of Dr Arjit Dey former Member, EAC (T&C) and (OSD to
Minister of State for Water Resource) dated 11.04.2011 on the Report on
Hydrogeology on the impact of mining on ground water were discussed. The mine
lease area reportedly falls under “safe category” from ground water development
consideration having 61% level of ground water development. The ground water in the proposed area occurs
in unconfined to semi confined conditions with the existence of multi aquifer
system. The ground water quality with high salinity, fluoride etc. have been
reported in the area. It was noted that the study area is characterised by flat
topography and few ephemeral streams and natural inland depression near
Kolayat, Gurha and other nearby area which also serve as traditional source of
water for local communities. The following main issues/recommendations made in
the comments received from Dr. A. Dey on the Report of Hydrogeology prepared by
the proponent:
(i) In view of the importance of these natural
drainages, the proponent should undertake detailed studies for characterization
of these drainages and evolve suitable measures for protection of these natural
resources.
(ii) As the mining activity may intersect ground
water level, the proponent should adhere to the regulatory framework
/guidelines as notified by Central Ground Water Authority or other regulatory
agencies for this purpose.
(iii) As it is proposed to retain a water body
during post mining period, and mining of lignite is known to cause problems in water
quality due to acidity, an appropriate mine void strategy may be evolved in
order to ensure protection of surface and ground water from pollution on long
term perspective.
(iv) The proponent proposed to undertake
progressive advance dewatering/pumping of ground water (deeper aquifers) from 3rd
year onwards in order to confine the ground water level below working seam
depth by using 6-7 depressurising wells to pump out about 22,000 m3/day ground water, the
pumping of this huge quantity of water would inter-alia create a large and
literally extensive ‘Cone of Depression’ which may affect the flow of ground
water in the area. As the buffer zone of Bithnok mining area encompasses fresh
ground water potential zone such as T1 & T2 zones (as identified by State
GW Dept.), the proposed mining may affect the fresh water sustainability in the
area. In order to minimise the adverse impact of working below the unconfined
aquifer, the proponent may optimise the design of strata depressurisation programme through a
detailed study.
(v) PP has proposed to undertake ground water
recharge programme to harvest 72000 m3/year (197m3/day) in and around mining
area through construction of recharge wells and storage tanks. The proposed
recharge programme appears to be suboptimal and requires to be scaled up through
setting up of ground water recharge wells at suitable locations aimed at
replenishment of the depleted aquifers during course of mining.
(vi) As reported, the ground water of the area
has high concentrations of salinity, chloride and fluoride. The proponent may
plan and implement a long term ground water monitoring programme in the study
area by establishing a network of existing wells /peizometers at appropriate
locations. Such monitoring may commence before the start of mining and may
consider both the qualitative and quantitative aspect of ground water regime. The
proponent should submit a comprehensive report on “Ground Water Monitoring
Plan”. The plan should incorporate details of number of peizometers/wells
(proposed depth location), site characteristics, monitoring parameter (quality
and quantity), time frame of implementation and budgetary provision etc. The
monitoring of ground water quality should be continued in and around the area
on long term basis and at least 3 years after completion of mining. If the
ground water is found to be acidic/contaminated in and around area (within 5
km), remedial measures are to be implemented and cost borne thereof by
proponent.
(vii) Mine discharge water should be gainfully
utilised and part of available water may be used for ground water recharge
programme.
(viii) The proponent has proposed 30-45 ‘evaporation ponds’
(dimension 100m x 100m x 0.3m) within the ML area to accommodate 3000m3/day of
discharge rejects from the proposed RO plant at different water cycle. The
proponent may however ensured land optimisation, proper design, construction, maintenance
and operation of the evaporation ponds. The evaporation ponds design
optimisation should be developed through experimental studies. The ponds also
require careful environmental monitoring of potential pond leakage, since a
variety of toxic material in RO rejects may pose potential risk for
contamination of ground water.
The Committee decided that these aforesaid issues
are very important for the conservation of the groundwater and for protection
of the water quality in the study area and require to be addressed by the
proponent and the recommendations of above report thereon implemented. The
Committee particularly noted that the pumping out of a huge quantity of about
22,000 m3/day ground water, would inter-alia
create a large and literally extensive ‘Cone of Depression’ which may affect
the flow of ground water in the area. As the buffer zone of Bithnok mining area
encompasses fresh ground water potential zone such as T1 & T2 zones (as
identified by State GW Dept.), the proposed mining may affect the fresh water
sustainability in the area. In order to minimise the adverse impact of working
below the unconfined aquifer, the proponent may optimise the design of strata
depressurisation programme through a detailed study. The Committee further
desired that since the mine discharge water could be high in slats, TDS, pH,
etc, and should not be used for dust suppression and for greenbelt development
without treatment. The Committee desired that a long-term MOU be entered with a
suitable buyer for the sodium salts produced from the brine sludge both from
the evaporation ponds and from the RO unit. The Committee sought a conceptual Plan on
measures on the following:
(i) Surface
drainage plan and a plan for conservation of surface water bodies (even
seasonal) such as streams and natural depressions.
(ii) Conceptual
plan for recharge of groundwater.
(iii) Conceptual
design of evaporation ponds and details of lining for prevention of leakage of
salts from the evaporation ponds and mine voids.
In regard to CSR, the Committee noted that a budget
of Rs 117 lakhs have been provided for capital cost and desired that a provision
of Rs 5/T of lignite be earmarked for revenue expenditure. The Committee
desired the original estimate for capital costs for CSR of Rs140 lakhs or 0.4%
of the net profits whichever is higher should be retained. The Committee
desired that annual revenue expenditure is Rs 10 lakhs/year be
provided for the vulnerable section of society. The Committee sought detailed
“Action Plan” (village-wise and activity-wise) for CSR with details of
budgetary provision for the activities for the life of the mine. Committee also
desire that the PP should also supply desalination water to the villages under
CSR.
The Committee after discussions decided
to further consider the project upon receipt of these details
2. Report dated 17.06.2011
of the Ministry of Environment & Forests on the issue of EC and FC for the
coal blocks located in the Pench-Satpura Tiger Corridor
Director, MOEF informed that during 2009, the MOEF
had received a number of proposals for TOR and EC from the Pench-Kanhan
Coalfields located in district Chindwara, M.P. While the proposals were being
considered, a letter No. Ma./che/2010/503 dated
27.01.2010 was received from the CWLW, Govt. of M.P., that the area forms a
part of the habitat connectivity between the Pench Tiger Reserve and the Satpura
Tiger Reserve which are located at a distance of about 22.km and 67 km respectively
from the coalfield. In view of this, the MOEF decided to defer consideration of
all the proposals until a formal approval was received from the National Tiger
Conservation Authority (NTCA).
The matter was examined in depth by the Forest
Conservation (FC) Division of the MOEF in a series of Forest Advisory Committee
(FAC) meetings held in 2010-11 on the study undertaken by the National Tiger
Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). NTCA
also constituted a Committee to examine the issue. The Final Report of the
Forest Wing of the MOEF dated 17.06.2011 (Annexure-3) was received in the
Impact Assessment (IA) Division of the Ministry. The Report has identified that
a portion of the area running from South Western to
southern side of Chindwara town falling
between the two Tiger Reserves would form a viable ecological corridor linking
the two Tiger Reserves. The
Report has further stated that no contiguous corridor is however, found to
exist near Parasia town on northern side of Chindwara town where
majority of coal blocks of Pench-Kanhan coal fields are located. The
Report further states that the density of vegetation available in that area is
also fairly low. The severely fragmented forest of that area also does not lead
to any source population of tiger and other important wildlife species. Thus, the Report states that the major part
of Pench–Kanhan coalfield is not located in viable corridor. A few coal blocks
on the western side of the Coalfield are however located within the viable
corridor. The Report has on the basis of detailed deliberations in the FAC
meetings, in consultation with NTCA and CMPDI of M/s Western Coalfields Ltd.
and the FSI, identified 12 coal blocks of the 68 coal blocks of the Pench-Kanhan
Coalfields given below as falling in the viable corridor. These are given
below:
i. 55
(Rakhikol)
ii. 58
(Nandan-II)
iii. 59
(Bansi)
iv. 60
(Dahu North)
v. 61
(Rakhinala)
vi. 62
(Dahu- Tandsi-III)
vii. 63
(Koyalwari)
viii. 64
(Tandsi South)
ix. 65
(Tandsi North)
x. 66
(Tambia)
xi. 67
(Tandsi-III)
xii. 68
(Dhanwa)
The
location of the 12 coal blocks on the map of Pench-Kanhan Coalfields is given
at Annexure-5. The Report has
recommended that coal blocks outside
the viable corridor could be permitted mining to achieve the twin objectives of
forest and wildlife conservation and economic development. The Report has further
recommended that the existing coalmine projects located within the corridor
shall be phased out in a time bound manner. The Report has brought out certain
conditions to regard to mining of coal blocks located outside the viable
corridor which are approved by the MOEF. The proposals seeking approval under the Forest (Conservation)
Act, 1980 or the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for undertaking mining in
any of the 58 coal blocks of the Pench-Kanhan coal field located outside the
migratory corridor may be processed by the Ministry on their merits and, if
approved, their approval may be subject to the additional condition that the
user agency shall contribute on proportionate basis the amount required for
implementation of the plans to be prepared by the NTCA for rejuvenation and
restocking of the viable corridor and the mitigative measures to
eliminate/minimize the adverse impacts of the transportation of the coal to be
extracted from the Pench-Kanhan coalfield on the viable corridor. The Report states that
in case of opencast mining, the entire lease area would be taken into account
for calculating the costs to be recovered from the proponent and in case of
underground mining, half of the area of the mining lease may be taken into
account to calculate the amount to be recovered from the project proponent.
Director MOEF informed that on the basis of the
Report, the MOEF has decided to consider the proposals received in the MOEF,
which are located outside the viable corridor for appraisal for environmental
clearance on their merits.
Dr.V.B. Mathur, Dean, Wildlife Institute of
The Committee
desired that the surface land required for surface structures such as entries
and exits, transportation, coal evacuation should be in non-forestland. The Committee
noted that as per the ministry report dated 17.06.2011, no approval under the
3. Dhankasa UG (1.20 MTPA over ML
area 582.65 ha) of M/s WCL located in Pench-Kanhan Coalfields, dist. Chindwara,
M.P. (EC based on TOR granted on 11.12.2008)
Representatives of M/s Western Coalfields Ltd (WCL),
which is the major coal company with a large number of coal blocks in the
Pench-Kanhan coalfields stated that WCL proposed to undertake UG mining in 4 new
underground coalmines in the Pench-Kahnhan coalfields namely, Dhankasa (no.2 in
Annexure-5), Jamuniya (3 in Annexure-5) which are located towards the eastern
side of the coalfields and Sharda (42 in Annexure-5) and Bhakra (52 in
Annexure-5) towards western side. It was informed that Dhankasa and Jamuniya
(3) can not have one entry point as desired by Committee due to geological
problem. It was stated that a distance of 1.50 km exists between Bhakra (no.52
in Annexure-5) and Jamuniya (3 in Annexure-5). The railway siding is about 10
km from mine site.
The proponent made a presentation on the
Dhankasa UGP. It was stated that as per the Report of the MOEF, Dhankasa UGP is
at a distance of about 70km from the corridor and does not fall in the viable tiger
corridor. The proposal is for opening a new underground Dhankasa underground
coalmine project of 1.20 MTPA rated capacity in a ML area of 582.65 ha. It was
clarified that no developmental activities have begun for the project and hence
the mine is not in production. The project was further considered on the issues
raised in the meeting of EAC held on 28 & 29th
October 2009, wherein the Committee had sought a response on the following:
(i) There should be no coal extraction beneath the
river.
(ii) A 3-tier avenue plantation should be developed on the mineral
transportation road.
(iii) Detailed studies on water quality supported with monitoring data to
identify the problems of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD).
The proponent informed that of the total geological coal reserve of
48.141 MT, extractable reserves in the mines are about 17.714 MT only. The rest
of the coal would not be extracted and would be left for supporting the area
below the river, barrier against faults, panel etc. It was informed that a plan
to develop 3-tier avenue plantation on the mineral transportation road
has been made. It was clarified that there are 3 operating UG mines namely
Naheriya UG, Thesgora UG and Mathani UG in operation and none of these mines have
encountered problem of Acid water. Details of water quality analysis report were
presented with pH of 7.6, 7.9, 8.1 in the samples. The proponent agreed to
earmark @ Rs. 5/tonne of coal for CSR activities. It was informed that forestry
clearance has been applied for. It was informed that coal transportation to EDC
Railway Siding at a distance of about 8-10 km and would be by rail. It is
proposed to have a centralised colony for Dhankasa, Jamuniya and Neheriya UG
mines of WCL. Surface structures would be on non-forestland. It was informed
that forestry clearance has been applied for.
The
Committee desired that that the
proponent shall contribute on proportionate basis the amount required
for the eco-rejuvenation of the viable corridor as per quantum worked out by
NTCA. The Committee sought a copy of the
Stage-I FC (for surface rights and mining rights) for further consideration of
the proposal.
4. Sharda Underground Coalmine
Project (0.315 MTPA in an ML area of 307.50 ha) of M/s Western Coalfields Ltd.,
located in Pench-Kanhan Coalfields, dist. Chindwara, M.P. (EC based on TOR
11.07.2008)
The proponent made a presentation. The
proposal is for opening a new underground Sharda (no.42 in Annexure-5) coalmine
project of 0.315 MTPA rated capacity in a ML area of 307.50 ha of which 297 ha
is under mining rights and 10.50 ha is surface rights of which 9.50 ha is
forestland. It was clarified that no developmental activities have begun for
the project and hence the mine is not in production. The proposal was earlier considered in EAC meeting held on 22nd
March 2010. It was informed that the proposed project is 15 km from Satpura Tiger
Reserve and 61.25 Km from Pench Tiger reserve. The Committee had recommended the
project for EC subject to clarification that the proposed project does not fall
in the Pench-Satpura Tiger Corridor. It was stated that Stage –I Forestry
Clearance for 9.50 ha of forestland of surface rights has been obtained and a
copy of the FC letter dated 23.06.2010 was furnished.
The Committee after discussions recommended the project for EC.
5. Jamuniya
UG (0.72 MTPA (normative) with 0.828 MTPA (peak capacity) in an ML area of 407 ha)
of M/s WCL, located in Pench-Kanhan Coalfields, dist. Chindwara, M.P. (EC based
on TOR 15.04.2009)
The proposal is for opening a new underground
coalmine project of 0.72 MTPA (normative) with 0.828 MTPA (peak) rated capacity
in a ML area of 407 ha. The proposal was last considered in the EAC (T&C)
meeting held on 22.03.2010, wherein the EAC had sought clarification on
location vis-à-vis Pench-Satpura Tiger Reserves.
The proponent
made a presentation. The proponent clarified that no developmental activities
have begun for the project and hence the mine is not in production. It was
informed that the proposed
mine (No.3 in Annexure-5) is 49 km from Pench Tiger Reserve and 66 km from
Satpura Tiger Reserve and about 30km from the viable corridor. The details of
flora and fauna were furnished. It was informed that River
Gunor forms the major drainage in this area and flows along the south and eastern
boundary of the block. A nala flowing in the central part of the block is the
main tributary to River Gunor. It was informed that it is proposed to leave a
15 m wide barrier of solid coal along the bank of River Gunor wherever it forms
the boundary of the mine. It was stated that there would be no coal extraction
below the river. Of the geological reserve of 57.28MT, only 22.757 MT is
proposed to be extracted and the rest would be left to support the river, panel
barrier and barrier against fault. The proponent agreed to develop 2km stretch
of the road from the mine with a 3-tier avenue plantation. It was agreed that a
minimum capacity of 20-T covered trucks would be used for the coal
transportation upto railway siding. In regard to high levels of fluoride, it
was clarified that the water quality of the ground water and mine water
reported for the neighbouring mines showed that the levels of fluoride were
found to be within limits. The proponent agreed to treat the water for F before
use, in case, monitoring indicated it to be beyond limits. FC for mining rights of mining 74.70 ha is pending with State
Government. No forestland is involved for surface rights.
The
Committee after discussions sought a copy of the FC for further consideration
of the matter.
6. Bhakra Underground Coalmine
Project (0.27 MTPA in an ML area of 227.141 ha) of M/s Western Coalfields Ltd.,
located in Pench−Kanhan Coalfields, dist. Chindwara, M.P. (EC based on
TOR 20.03.2009)
The proponent made a presentation. The proposal is
for opening a new Bhakra (no. 52 in Annexure-5) underground coalmine project of
0.27 MTPA rated capacity in a ML area of 227.141 ha. It was informed that the proposed project is
18.76 km from Satpura Tiger Reserve and 75 Km from Pench Tiger Reserve and close
to the viable tiger corridor. It was
clarified that no developmental activities have begun for the project and hence
the mine is not in production. The proposal was earlier
considered in EAC meeting held on 22nd
March 2010 and the
proponent made a presentation on the details sought therein. It was clarified
that a detailed Hydrogeological study
was carried out as part of the EIA-EMP study. It was informed that the
underground mining would be carried out in two stages – Stage-1 would involve
development and stage-2 –depillaring. During stage-1, a very thin
aquifer over laying the working coal seam would be contributing groundwater to
the mine by gravity discharge through natural disturbance like faults and hence,
the likely impact on the dug wells and tube well tapping aquifer in mining area
would be negligible. The pumped out water would be discharged onto the surface
to address the water needs. During depillaring operation, cracks and fractures
in the roof would be formed upto the surface due to the compression and other
forces. The fractures and cracks would act as the conduit for ground water flow
under gravity to the UG panel. The proponent informed that Motur Clay exists
between the fractured rocks and is an effective barrier from mine inundation
and seepage/inflow is no anticipated during depillaring operation. Mining
involves caving as no sand is available near the coalfields. The proponent
further informed that Nandan UG mine located on the west of the proposed mine
is in operation and no impact on the ground water has been observed.
The Committee desired that the proponent should contribute
on proportionate basis, the amount required for ecological–restoration Plan
as estimated by NTCA. The Committee also sought a copy of the Stage-1 FC for
the 49.3 ha of forestland. The Committee desired that minimum 20-T mechanised
trucks should be used for the coal transportation. The Committee decided to
further consider the project upon receipt of the aforesaid details.
7. Mandla North Underground Coal
Mine (1.5 MTPA in an ML area of 1041 ha) of M/s. Jaiprakash Associated Ltd, located
in Pench-Kanhan Coalfields, Dist. Chindwara, Madhya Pradesh (EC based on TOR
granted on 18.03.2008)
The project was earlier considered in EAC (T&C) meeting held on
24.2.2009, wherein the following details/clarifications were sought:
(i) Impact of groundwater on the aquifer
system should be studied as the project commences
(ii) Clarification from CWLW that the area is not
part of a migratory corridor.
(iii) The data obtained from CALINE Model may be
compared with FDM Model and details furnished to the Ministry.
(iv) Detailed activities under CSR should be drawn
up for life of the project and the amount be also increased.
Director, MOEF informed that
while considering the project for EC, comments of CWLW on the WL Conservation
Plan was sought and a response was received from the CWLW, Govt. of M.P. vide letter
No. Ma./che/2010/503 dated 27.01.2010 stating that the area forms a part of the
habitat connectivity between the Pench Tiger Reserve and the Satpura Tiger Reserve
and therefore, the MOEF decided to keep the proposal and all such proposals
located in the Pench-Kanhan Coalfields in abeyance until a Report on the matter
was received from the National Tiger Conservation Authority. The proposal is
now being further considered on the basis of the Report of MOEF dated
17.06.2011 (Annexure-3).
The proponent made a presentation. It was informed that a study on the impact of
underground mining on the aquifers system shall be undertaken as project
commence and peizometers shall be established in consultation with SGWB. It was
informed that CCF Chindwara Circle vide letter no.2009/562 dated 17.04.09 has
stated that proposed Mandla North Underground Coal Mine project area
does not fall within National Park/Wildlife Sanctuary/Tiger Reserve/Elephant
corridor. A certified Map showing position of Mandla north coal block in
respect of PenchSatpura Tiger Reserve had been furnished. It was informed that
the block (No.15 in Annexure-5) is 35 KM away from Satpura Tiger reserve and 48
km away from Pench Tiger Reserve and also does not fall in the “Stepping Stone
corridor” as indicated by Wild Life Institute of India, Dehradun as it is about
20 km away from the coal block.
The proponent presented details of clarification sought in the EAC
meeting held in February 2009. Detailed comparison of
data obtained from CALINE Model and FDM were presented. It was informed that Rs
4 crores would be provided for CSR activity for the first 5 years. It was
clarified that the residential colony would be 0.5 km away from proposed mine
and it is planned to establish a common colony for Mandla North and
Mandla South. It was informed the proposed
modification of the Mine Plan to increase the rated capacity from 1 MTPA to 1.5
MTPA on the basis of an Australian Study as per which it is now proposed to
establish two Inclines and divide the mine into 2 working areas based on a
geological fault which acts as a natural barrier. Life of the mine with 1.5
MTPA rated capacity would be 40 years. It was stated that transportation of
coal would be by belt and elevating conveyor to surface onto loading hopper and
thereafter by road covering a distance of 15km to railway siding through SH. A loop
line of 800m length for coal transportation is proposed. The estimated manpower
requirement would be 1035 persons, of which 800 would be from the nearby
villages. It was informed that the Mining Plan has been approved. It was informed that an
The Committee desired that the feasibility of
dumping the
The
Committee decided to further consider the project upon receipt of the aforesaid
details.
8. Brahmpuri Underground Coalmine Project (0.36 MTPA peak in an
ML area of 360 ha) of M/s Pushp Steels
& Mining (P) Ltd., located in located in Pench-Kanhan Coalfields, dist. Chindwara, M.P. (EC based on granted TOR dated 07.07.2009)
The
proponent made a presentation. It was informed that the proposal is for opening
a new Brahmpuri underground coalmine of 0.36 MTPA in a total ML area of 360 ha
of which 115.685 ha is forest land, 60.323 ha is non –forest land, 183.992 ha
is private land. An area of 2.268 ha forestland is required for coal block
operation, and an area of 5 ha is required for shaft and surface infrastructure
like CHP, building and colony. It was informed that is proposed to revise the
Mining Plan to increase the production from 0.36 MTPA to 0.60 MTPA. The mine
(No. 14 in Annexure-5) is located at about 20km from the viable tiger corridor
and is flanked by Mandla North and Mandla South UG mines. River Pench flows
1.5-2.5 km from the southern and western boundaries of the lease area. Mining
methodology is Board & Pillar and continuous
miner. The working depth is about 330-400m bgl. Grade of coal is C to E
and B to D in the lower seams. Peak production would be achieved in the 4th
year after sinking of the shaft has been completed. Mining would be
sequentially undertaken in three stages through shaft landings at three
different levels. Subsidence is not anticipated due to presence of overlaying
hard rock. Mining Plan has been approved for 23.04.2010. Ground water level is
15-18m bgl. Life of the mine is 40 years. CSR would be undertaken at Rs5/T of
coal. Coal evacuation would be by trucks from the mine to railway siding
proposed at a distance of 15 km at Parasia railway siding (existing Railway
Siding of WCL) and by rail thereafter to the linked sponge iron plant located
at a distance of 400km. It was informed that Stage-1 FC has been applied for.
Public hearing was held on 21.02.2009. Manpower deployed would be 480 skilled
and 120 unskilled. Unskilled manpower would be local. It was informed that it
is proposed to provide training to local manpower for enhancing their skill. It
was informed that mine water would be treated before disposal. Treatment of
water would include neutralization and settling and addition of lime for
precipitation of ferric oxide. A provision of Rs 4 crores has been earmarked
for Mine Closure Plan. It was informed that village Bichhua Pather would be
adopted under CSR, and involve improving facilities of education, health,
communication and other basic amenities in the village. A budgetary provision
of Rs 20 lakhs for capital costs is provided for CSR. Life of the project is
about 40 years.
The
Committee decided that increase of production capacity can be considered only
with a fresh application for the enhanced capacity and the present proposal for
EC would be considered for the 0.36 MTPA applied for which TOR was granted. The
Committee observed that the levels of pollution level are high in the area and sought
specific environmental management plan to ensure that the no additional
pollution load is generated from the project. The Committee desired that the
trucks should be mechanically covered to avoid spill over and fugitive
emission. The Committee desired that the AAQ monitoring station should be at
North-West and South East direction. The Committee observed that the mine water
is acidic due to presence of pyrite in the rock. The Committee also observed
that the ground water has high levels of Fluoride level (5.2 mg/l in Mandla,
2.3 mg/l in Chhinda village), and noted that levels of Iron are also high. The Committee
desired that water monitoring is required regularly for the presence of
Fluoride and Iron and water to be discharged outside the premises should be
treated to conform to standards. The Committee noted that the proponent has not
carried out “Hydrogeological study” of the proposed mine area and desired that
the “Hydrogeological study” should be carried out. The Committee desired that
measures for recharge of groundwater should be carried out. The Committee also
observed that information provided by DFO, Chindwara vide letter no
Ma-VE/2/1684/2009 dated 3.9.2009 on flora and fauna does not reflect the
bio-diversity of the area with large number of forests. The Committee desired
that a detailed study of flora and fauna be carried out through a recognised
institution and furnished. The Committee desired that budgetary allocation for capital
costs for CSR should be a minimum Rs 30 lakhs/year and @Rs 5/T of coal as
recurring expenditure which should continue throughout the life of project. The Committee sought a copy of the Stage-1 FC.
The Committee noted that only a CHP is proposed within the site and a coal
washery can be established only with prior environmental clearance.
The Committee decided to further consider the project upon receipt of
the aforesaid details.
9. Thesagora Block-B Underground
Coalmine Project (1.5 MTPA in ML area of 500 ha) of M/s Thesgora Coal Pvt. Ltd.,
located in Pench-Kanhan Coalfields, dist. Chindwara, M.P. (TOR)
The block is located at the far end of the
Pench-Kanhan coalfields (no.5 in Annexure-5) and is at a distance of about 30km
from the viable corridor.
The proponent did not come for the
presentation and hence, the proposal was not considered in the meeting.
10. Rawanwara North Underground Coalmine Project (1.4 MTPA over 168
ha) of M/s SKS
Ispat & Power Ltd., located in Pench-Kanhan Coalfields, dist. Chindwara,
M.P. (Further Internal
consideration of TOR)
Director, MOEF informed that the proposal was considered in the EAC
(T&C) meeting held on 22nd –23rd September 2009 wherein TOR was recommended. However, the proposal was kept in
abeyance as the Report on the Pench-Satpura Tiger Corridor was awaited. The
mine (no.24 in Annexure-5) is located in the middle of the Pench-Kanhan
Coalfields and about 10km from the viable tiger corridor.
Representative of the company informed that the proponent has applied
for Forestry Clearance. It was also informed that the Mining Plan has also been
approved.
The Committee desired that the detail of mine closure plan should be
provided in EIA/EMP. The Committee also
desired that Proponent shall contribute on proportionate basis the
amount required for Ecological–Restoration Plan for Pench Tiger Corridor
prepared/implemented by State Govt. The Committee desired that copy of
application for Stage-I FC should be furnished and Stage-1 FC should be
submitted along with application for EC. The Committee recommended the aforesaid issues as additional TOR for the TOR
recommended for the project.
11. Proposed Kolgaon OC
Project (0.40 MTPA to 0.50 MTPA with 0.60 MTPA peak production and expansion in
ML area from 360 ha to 397.25 ha) of
M/s Western Coalfields Ltd. located in Tehsil Wani, district
Yavatmal,
The
proponent made a presentation. It was informed that the present proposal is for
expansion in production from 0.40 MTPA to 0.50 MTPA (normative) and 0.6 MTPA
(peak) in the existing ML area of 397.25 ha. Main linkage is MAHAGENCO. EC was
obtained on 12.04.2002 for 0.4 MTPA production capacity project. It was
informed that the production in the mine could start 3 years thereafter due to
problems of land acquisition. Of the total ML area, 390.39 ha is agricultural
land and 2.28 ha is wasteland (4.58 ha of land will be acquired outside the ML
area for colony. No forestland is involved. River Penganga flows at a distance
of 0.3 km away and
Grade
of coal is E. The total OB generation would increase from 28.21 Mm3 to 39.28
Mm3 of which 34.97 Mm3 OB would be in external dump and 4.31 Mm3
OB would be in internal dump. There are 8
The
Committee desired that the capacity of trucks used for transportation should minimum
25T trucks and should be mechanically covered. The Committee desired that bamboo
should be planted on
The
Committee decided to further consider the project upon receipt of the aforesaid
details.
12. Bellora Naigaon OCP (expansion
of ML area from 398.66 ha to 626.17 ha at 1.25 MTPA ) of M/s Western Coalfields Ltd., dist.
Yavatmal,
The
proposal is for expansion in ML area of the Bellora Naigaon Opencast Coal mine
project from 398.66 ha to 626.17 ha at 1.25 MTPA rated capacity, for extension of existing Naigaon OC mine in
the dip–side from the present depth of 100 m to 170 m, thereby annexing
additional land as well as coal reserve for sustaining the approved EC capacity
(1.25 MTPA) for another 21 years. EC was granted to Naigaon OC
Expn. of 1.25 MTPA capacity on 02.02.2009 and forestry clearance for the 40.50
ha of forestland was obtained on 09.09.1993. Of the total ML area of 626.17 ha,
40.50 ha is forestland, 536.35 ha is agricultural land and 49.32 ha is
wasteland (4.58 ha of land will be acquired outside the ml area for colony. Of the
total ML area of 626.17 ha, 225.80ha is quarry (of which area backfilled area is
83.12 ha and void to be left is 142.68 ha), area under plantation 72.20 ha, area
for ext. OB dump is 223.97 ha (of which area under plantation is 190 ha), 26.00
ha is for infrastructure (with plantation on 6 ha), 104.342 ha is for blasting
zone and area for rationalisation of mine boundary, 18.45 ha is for embankment developed
with plantation, 21.608 ha is undisturbed area with plantation and 6 ha is for
township with plantation on 0.50 ha. Mining would be with shovel-dumper
combination. Ultimate working depth is 170m bgl. Grade of coal is E. Of the
total OB generation of 124.73 Mm3 in the balance life of the mine, an estimated
89.19 Mm3 would be stored in external
The
proponent informed that although the total
The Committee
desired that the proponent examine the option for increasing the backfilling to
the extent possible. The Committee desired that a provision of Rs 90 lakhs
/annum be made for CSR. The Committee further desired that an Action Plan for
CSR activity to be carried out in the villages in future be furnished. The Committee
desired that the company must play a facilitating role to the local communities
for undertaking various activities such as constitution of Co-operative society
as expressed in the Public Hearing.
The
Committee decided to further consider the project upon receipt of the aforesaid
details.
13. Establishment of Coal
Slurry Plant of M/s Royal Coal Washeries Pvt. Ltd., village Sarbari, Dist.
Purulia, West Bengal (TOR)
The proponent did not come for the
presentation and the proposal was not considered in the meeting.
14. Parsa East and Kanta Basan Opencast Mine
(10 MTPA) and Coal Washery (10 MTPA) of M/s Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam
Ltd., of Hasdeo-Arand Coalfields in
Tehsil Udaypur, Dist. Sarguja, Chhattisgarh (EC based on TOR granted on
18.03.2008 read with TOR granted on 11.07.2009)
It was informed that the project had already been recommended for EC in
EAC meeting dated 23.09.2009 subject to certain clarification. PP had submitted
clarification to Ministry vide letter no. RVUNL/CE (PPC & F)./D.1718 dated
12.10.2009 & RVUNL/CE(PPC &
F)/D.2087 dated 30.11.2009 but had sought deferment from consideration in the
EAC (T&C) meeting held on 25th February 2010, when the proposal
was to be considered on the matter of forestry and wildlife issues were to be
discussed. The proposal has been placed for further consideration in view of
the fact that FC has been granted vide MOEF vide letter dated 06.07.2011 vide a speaking Order dated 23.06.2011
of former MEF for according FC (Annexure-6),
which is available on the MOEF website, was read out.
The Committee sought details of the various issues since its last
consideration and with specific reference to the forest and wildlife issues.
The proponent made a presentation. A copy of the NOC from CGWA for
using 600 m3/d of groundwater obtained vide letter no.
21-4(44)/NCCR/CGWA/2009-690 dated 23.09.2009 was furnished. The Modified
R&R Plan including a Plan including Tribal Development Plan of Rs 212.63 crores
was also provided. Details of progressive and final mine closure plan were
given. The copy of Stage –I forestry clearance granted by MOEF for diversion of
1898.328 ha forest land vide letter no. 8-31/2010-FC dated 6.7.2011 was also
given during the presentation. It was informed that a Wildlife Conservation
Plan with an outlay of Rs 22 crores has been prepared for 20 years which has
been approved by PCCF(WL), Govt. of Chhattisgarh vide letter 09/3062 dated
17.09.2009.
The Committee observed that a letter No. No. Kra/Va/Pra/prabandh/09/3062
dated 17.09.2009 of PCCF (WL), Govt. of Chhattisgarh forwarded to Chief
Secretary, which states that since the project area is inhabited by endangered fauna
such as leopard, elephant and other endangered wild animals, the project could
come up only with UG mining. The Committee
was also of the view that the location of these blocks and opencast mining to
be carried out therein, albeit in the fringe area of the Hasdeo-Arand
Coalfields, the proposed opening of the opencast coalmine project would have a
negative impact on the adjoining virgin areas of the Hasdeo-Arand Coalfields
and the forests would be fragmented and damaged and the bio-diversity of the
area would be affected. The Committee desired that a specific clarification on
whether opencast operations should be permitted in view of the PCCF (WL)’ s
letter for UG mining, requires to be obtained from the State Government. The Committee
noted that the forestry clearance of the MOEF is subject to mining being
carried out in 2 phases – Phase-I of 15 years and Phase-II thereafter of 15 years. i.e, FC is subject to the operation of
the opencast mine in the Mining Plan has been divided into two phases based on
the environmental and forestry concerns. The FC states that Phase-II of the
mining would be permitted only after a Report in regard to compliance of
conditions including reclamation of Phase-I is obtained. The Committee desired
that details of Phase–I and Phase–II mining (progressive mine development and
mine closure) should be presented, which includes details of calendar plan of
coal and
The Committee after discussions decided to further consider the project
for after receipt of the aforesaid details.
15. Tara Block Opencast Coal
Mine (6 MTPA in 2778.19 ha ML area) of M/s Chhattisgarh Mineral
Development Corp. Ltd. located in Hasdeo Arand Coalfields dist. Sarguja, Chhattsigarh (EC based
on TOR granted on 13.04.2007)
Tara Opencast Coalmine Project proposed for a production capacity of 6 MTPA in an ML area of 2778.19 ha
comprising of 1999.82 ha of protected forests, and 301.46 ha of Chote Bare Jhar
Ke Jungle and the balance 476.93 ha of the ML area consists of is non forest
land. The proposal was considered in the EAC (T&C) meeting held on
23.09.2009 and was to be further considered in the EAC (T&C) meeting on
25.02.2010. The EAC however based on the letter dated 24.02.2010 of the MOEF
rejecting forestry clearance to the project since the project falls in forest
area with high ecological and forest value and the project area has an
estimated 8.46 lakh primarily medium-large girth trees and felling such as
dense forest would have a negative impact on the entire region, decided to not
consider the proposal for EC.
The proposal has been placed for further consideration in view of the
fact that FC has been granted vide MOEF vide letter dated 05.07.2011 vide a speaking
Order dated of former MEF for according FC, which is available on the MOEF
website, was read out (Annexure-6).
The proponent made a presentation. The Committee was informed that the
FC has been granted by the MOEF as major revisions were made to the project
since its rejection on 24.02.2010. These revisions include the following:
(i) Reduction in the
overall mine working area from 2000ha to 778 ha.
(ii) Reduction in dense
forest by approximately 61%. Medium density forests have been reduced from 2000
ha to 778 ha
(iii) Total trees to be
felled reduced from 8.5 lakhs to 1.2 lakhs,
(iv) Plan to transplant trees
up to 60 m girth (70-112 nos).
(v) The operation period of
the project has been reduced from 45 years to 25 years at 6 MTPA production
capacity.
(vi) Transportation of coal
from mine to the power plant situated 7 km
away will be through overhead conveyor only.
The proponent stated that due to the changes made in the Project Plan
as above, Stage –I Forestry Clearance has been obtained on 23.06.2011vide
letter no.F.no.8-38/2009-FC dated 05.07. 2011. It was informed that landuse
break up as per revised plan consists of a total area of 1801.31 ha, of which
1022.94 ha is PF (PF reduced by 48.85%), 301.44 ha RF, 476.90 ha tenancy land.
PP informed that of the revised ML area of 1801.31 ha, 1476 ha is for quarry (excavation),
111.22 ha is for external
The Committee observed that
The Committee desired that the proponent explore options for a
combination of OC and UG mining in the forest area wherein the proponent could
consider leaving the areas with outcropped seams altogether from mining, for
further consideration of the Committee.
16. Talaipalli Coalmine (OC at 18 MTPA capacity and UG at 0.72 MTPA
capacity of a total project area of 2349.35 ha) of M/s NTPC located in Tehsil Gharghoda, district Raigarh, Chhattisgrah (EC based on TOR granted on 29.11.2009)
The
proponent made a presentation. It was informed that the proposal is for opening
a new OC-cum-UG coalmine project. The application for EC has been made for a
production capacity of 18 MTPA for OC mine and 0.72 MTPA for the UG mine. The
coal from the mine would used in Lara Super Thermal Power
Project (4000MW). Of the total project area of 2349.35ha of which the total ML
area is 2113 ha and an area of 236.35 ha of land outside the ML is required for
colony, R&R colony and MGR. Of the total project area, 1301.11 ha is
private land, 262.97 ha is Govt. land, 785.27 ha is forestland. There are 5
blocks of
Break-up of Land use:
|
S.N |
Particular |
Private |
Govt. |
|
Total |
|
1. |
Mine
lease area |
1181.00 |
203.00 |
729.00 |
2113 |
|
2. |
Colony |
6.34
|
30.25 |
- |
36.59 |
|
3. |
R&R
Colony |
- |
19.22 |
- |
19.22 |
|
4. |
MGR
corridor |
113.77 |
10.50 |
56.27 |
180.54 |
|
|
Total |
1301.11 |
262.97 |
785.27 |
2349.35 |
It was informed that of the total
ML area, 2079.34 ha is for the mine and 26 ha is for infrastructure and an
embankment proposed along River Kelo and 7.66 ha is for green belt. Kurra nalla flowing through the ML is proposed to be diverted into a
Channel (diversion canal) which would be constructed along the northern side of
the block and ultimately join River Kelo. It was informed that a 60m wide forestland
between river Kelo and quarry area is proposed to be left undisturbed. Grade of
coal is E-G with ash up 52%. Mining technology for OC mining would be
shovel-dumper and Board & Pillar and Continuous Miner for UG mine. Ultimate
working depth is 404m bgl. The total estimated OB generation from the mine is
3777.07 Mm3, of which 264.52 Mm3 of OB generated from the eastern and western
parts of the mineralised areas which is to be operated as two quarries would be
stored in a temporary ext. OB dump on the coal bearing area within the ML and
subsequently backfilled into the decoaled mine void during
the 9th year and continue to be backfilled into the decoaled voids until the 20th
year. It was informed that an estimated 264.52 Mm3 of OB is proposed to be dumped
and stored in a temporary external dump of 60m height and an area of 446 ha on
coal bearing area within the ML which would be rehandled during the 5th
year of mine operation when backfilling begins upto 20th year and
beyond 20th year and thereafter until 52nd year,
concurrent backfilling would implemented. At the post mining stage, a water
body of 240 ha and a depth of 404m would be created, which could be reduced to
about 350m. Life
of the OC mine is 52 years and UG mine is 30 years. It was
informed that UG mining would commence 20 years after commencement of OC
mining. It was stated that there are 21 coal horizons and it would be unsafe to
work the top seams by UG mining. The
lower 4 seams are planned by UG mining. The parting between OC and OG mining is
about 33m-51m. Mining Plan Approval
obtained on 31.032010. Total estimated water requirement
of the project is 2390 m3/d of which 750m3/d is for domestic use and 1640 m3/d
is for the mine operation. Water table is in the range of 6.10-7.20m bgl (pre-monsoon)
and 2.9-12.3 m bgl (post-monsoon). The project involves R&R of 1531 PAPs,
which includes 635 PAPs who would be displaced and require resettlement in a
colony which was originally planned as township for the project employees.
R&R Plan has been prepared after a detailed survey was carried out and
after 10 VDAC meetings and Gram Sabhas and meeting with DC, for a total cost of
Rs 677 crores, of which rehabilitation is
for Rs 214 crores. CSR plan has been prepared for Rs 40 crores. Since
the project falls in a notified tribal area, a Plan for Tribal Development for
Rs 5 crores has been prepared. Capital costs for EMP is Rs 1018.80 lakhs with
an annual recurring budget of Rs5.66/T of coal. An estimated 56, 727 TPD of
coal would be transported through an MGR system of 180.54 ha of land to
Kotaraliya Railway Siding. Public
Hearing was held on 10.12.2010. It was informed that the WL Conservation Plan
should be ready within 2-3 months.
The Committee desired that the Plan for diversion of
Kurra nala may be modified to include a major stream flowing through the ML
towards the north side. The Committee desired that the
proponent examine not disturbing the forest area towards River Kelo along the
east side. The Committee observed that an area of 1800 ha of backfilled area
which is 60m above ground level would be created at the end of mine life. The
Committee desired that the
The
Committee stated that mining upto 400m depth and the consequent dewatering of
the mine would result in vertical and lateral drawl of groundwater availability
in the surrounding catchment area. The Committee desired that a Plan for
recharging and monitoring of ground water in the impact zone be furnished. The Committee
desired that water quality must be monitored for presence of TDS/TSS and
surface water also monitored to meet the norms (desirable limit). PP should not
show permissible limit instead of desirable limit in baseline water quality
report. The Committee observed that endangered species such as elephant, bear
and leopard are reported in the area which is not mentioned in EIA-EMP Report. The
Committee further observed that the Wildlife Plan is under preparation and
approval of PCCF (WL), Chhattisgarh is yet to be obtained. The Committee noted
that elephants visit the study area along the MGR route from the TPP. The Committee
desired that the Conservation Plan must incorporate creation of safe
passage/corridor within the project area for safe passage of animals including
elephant. Reclamation of
It was
further noted that as a large number of trees in the forest area are proposed
to be felled, and the area is predominantly a tribal area, and many of the
villagers are dependent on Mahua and other minor forest produce for their
livelihood, the flora and fauna which they are dependent upon would be destroyed
and the water resources would be disturbed. The Committee desired that the
afforestation plan should address the issue of providing alternate livelihood
for the tribals dependent on the minor forest produce for their livelihood and
details furnished. The Committee desired that the provision of Tribal
Development Plan in the Project cost should be increased from Rs 5 crores to Rs
10 crores. In addition, budget for revenue expenditure on CSR activities should
be @Rs 5/t of coal or more. The Committee desired that project affected youth
should be given training in ITI for enhancing their skill for direct/indirect
employment.
The Committee
noted that there were a large number of objections raised in the Public
Hearing. The Committee desired that the issues raised during the Public Hearing
and action to be taken/commitments made and action taken/proposed on the
specific activities along with budgetary provisions should be showed in tabular
forms and furnished. The Committee observed that there are 10 VDAC constituted
by the SDM, Gharghoda in June 2008. The Committee desired that female social
scientist female should also be included for implementation of R&R and CSR.
The Committee desired that an Action Plan for R&R should be furnished along
with the implementation schedule of R&R Plan.
The Committee after discussions decided to further consider the project
for after receipt of the aforesaid details.
17. Proposed Nerad Malegaon Coal Mining Project
(0.15 MTPA by OC and 0.21 MTPA by UG in a ML area of 465 ha) of M/s Wani
Coalfields Pvt. Ltd. in village Nerad, Tehsil Jhari-Zamni, Dist. Yavatmal,
The
proponent made a presentation. It was informed that M/s Wani Coalfields Pvt. Ltd. JVC Company of
M/s Gupta Metallics & Power Ltd and M/s Gupta Coalfield & Washeries
Ltd. The proposal is for opening a new opencast-cum-underground coalmine
project of a total production capacity of 0.36 MTPA consisting of 0.15 MTPA by
OC mining and 0.21 MTPA by UG mining. The coal is for use in the Power Plant at
Gugghus and in the Sponge Iron Plant in Chandrapur district. The proposed
project is about 65 km away from Chandrapur area. The
entire ML area of 465 ha is agricultural land. No forestland is involved. Of
the total ML area, 125 ha of land is required for OC mining and 244 ha for UG
mining. Of the total 125 ha for OC mining, 30ha
is for external OB dump, 5 ha is for infrastructures,7.5 ha is for top soil
dump,3.5 ha is for haul road, 25 ha is safety zone, and 4 ha is for mine entry
for UG mining.
The
salient features of the project is given below:
|
S.N. |
Parameter |
OC |
UG |
|
1. |
Production
capacity (MTPA) |
0.15 |
0.21 |
|
2. |
Area
within ML (ha) |
125 |
244 |
|
3. |
Extractable
reserves |
3.702 |
6.591 |
|
4. |
Mining
methodology |
Conventional
Shovel-Dumper and surface miner combination |
Board
& Pillar Method with sand stowing |
|
5. |
Mine
Depth |
60m |
140 |
|
6. |
Coal
Grade |
Mainly
F-G |
|
|
7. |
Life
of mine (years) +2 years for construction |
28 |
30 |
There are no National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuary,
Biosphere Reserves within the study area. River
Vidarbha which is not a perennial river, flows from at a distance of 550-600m
to the east of the ML. A seasonal drain, Lallya nala passing through the mining
lease towards south would be diverted and realigned to its original course. It was informed that the total water
requirement is 590 m3/d. Opencast mining is proposed in 125 ha area in four
sectors. Coal production of 0.15MTPA would be from east, central and west
quarry and 0.08MTPA production from south quarry, which is a small patch. The
quarries would be worked sequentially whereby
Public Hearing was held on 06.04.2011. A provision
of Rs 17.10 lakhs/year has been made for CSR. It was clarified that that high
Fluoride concentration has been reported in groundwater in a number of villages
e.g. Pimpri, Bharna, Wadhona etc. Recent survey of Water Supply and Sanitation
Department, Govt. of Maharashtra has indicated endemic fluorosis (skeletal and
dental). However, no F has been detected in the core zone. The proponent has
suggested two methods for treating water in fluoride affected areas
“Electrochemical and RO”. It was informed that awareness campaigns have been
launched by the proponent in fluoride affected villages and for operation of
RO, flourosis and treatment of water. It was informed that electro chemical method
is used for treating water for fluorosis, when other parameters other than
fluoride meet drinking water quality criteria, whereas ‘RO /Ultra filtration
has to be used when TDS/Chloride levels are high i.e. for saline water. It was
informed that the water could also be acidic in case of pyrite rocks. R&R involves 176 land losers in village Nerad
and 74 in village
The
Committee desired that if the mine
pit water is acidic due to presence of sulphur and pyrite bearing rocks in the
area then treatment of mine water is required before discharge from the mine
into drains, nalas and other surface waters. The Committee observed that
proponent is planning OB dump near river and desired that the
proposed external
The Committee after discussions decided that the
project would be internally considered upon confirmation of the aforesaid
issues.
18. Gare IV/1 Opencast Coalmine Project (Expn. of ML area from
705.556 ha to 978.654ha at 6 MTPA) and Expn. of Coal Washery from 2.4 MTPA to
3.2 MTPA) of M/s
Jindal Steel & Power Ltd. located
in dist. Raigarh, Chhattisgarh (Further
consideration of EC based on
TOR 24.04.2008)
The
proposal was considered in the EAC (T&C) meeting held on 18th -19th April 2011
wherein it was decided that a WL Conservation
Plan for conservation of elephants reported/visiting the area should be
prepared and presented before the Committee. In addition, the Committee also
sought status of Stage-I clearance for the forestland vide MOEF Circular dated
31.03.2011.
The proponent made a presentation.
It was recalled that the proposal was for expansion in ML area by 273.091 ha
which falls adjacent to Orissa border and for expansion of capcity of exiting
washery from 2.4 MTPA to 3.2 MTPA (capacity addition of 0.8 MTPA). Shri R.S. Kanoje, Retd. Deputy Conservator of Forests,
who made a presentation to the Committee on behalf of Project Proponent,
informed that elephants generally pass from district Sarguja to Orissa through
this area. It was informed that the study area is an un-notified migratory
route/corridor of elephants. It was further informed that the WL Conservation
Plan has been approved by the Govt. of Chhattisgarh. However, the proponent
could not furnish details of maps on which the normal route/migratory, corridor
of elephants passing from Dist. Sarguja to Orissa vis-à-vis location of the
project, areas of the study visited by the elephants, etc. In view of this, the
Committee decided to consider the project on this issue again. The proponent
furnished a copy of the Stage-I FC dated 02.02.2011 accorded for 91.179 ha.
The Committee desired that the WL Conservation
Plan must incorporate a plan for habitat restoration and for eco-rejuvenation
of the areas normally used by the elephants as a habitat or as a corridor. This
should be developed to ensure that the elephants do not deviate form their
normal passage and habitat to venture into villages and destroy crops, property,
etc. The Committee also desired that as part of the WL Conservation Plan,
fencing should be provided only to quarry, areas of inhabitation such as
colony, infrastructure, offices, etc and areas, which are undisturbed or
reclaimed after mining should be re-vegetated with species found in the original
ecosystem as part of the plan for habitat restoration. The Committee desired that Wildlife Conservation Plan should be accordingly
prepared and presented before committee. Committee and desired that the issues
be discussed Dr.V.B. Mathur, Dean, WII, Dehradun and Member of EAC.
The Committee after discussions decided to further consider the project
for after receipt of the aforesaid details.
19. Gare IV/2 and IV/3
Opencast and Underground Coal Mine (7 MTPA in an ML area of 964.65 ha) of M/s
Jindal Power Ltd. and Coal Washery (4.75 MTPA) proposed to be established at
Tamnar Coal mines (Gare IV/2 and IV/3), Tehsil Gharghoda, district Raigarh,
Chhattisgarh (Further consideration of EC based on TOR)
The
proposal was earlier considered in the EAC (T&C) meeting held on 18th
-19th April 2011, wherein the issue of proposed diversion of Bendra
Nala was discussed and had sought details of the design of the flow of the
diversion canal on a contour map. The Committee
had also sought details of feasibility trials of dumping of flyash into the
decoaled voids, particularly on the levels of heavy metals and its leachability
characteristics. The Committee had also desired that a detailed CSR Plan should
be prepared in a booklet form and furnished to the Ministry. The Committee
further desired that a Third party audit /monitoring is required for CSR
activity. The Committee desired that activities under CSR should continue for
life of the mine (49 years) and a provision of Rs 5/T of coal or Rs 3.21 crores
per annum (whichever is higher) for CSR should be undertaken for the villages
in the study area. The Committee had sought details of status of grant of FC for the forestland vide MOEF Circular dated 31.03.2011.
On the washery proposal, the Committee had sought a response on the complaint
dated 10.04.2011 received on e-mail
from Jan Chetna on the captive pit head coal washery, which had been circulated
to the EAC and a copy was also given to the proponent seeking response/clarification on the issues raised
in the e-mail and on the Legal Notice dated 22.10.2010 received by the Ministry
from Shri Ramesh Agarwal, Jan Chetna on the issue of establishment of the coal
washery at Gare IV/2 and 3 without prior EC. The Committee had also desired details
of the washery capacity in terms of raw coal, clean coal and coal rejects in
millions of tonnes of coal per annum.
The proponent made a presentation.
It was stated that the diversion channel has been done as per the Revised
Mining Plan dated 03.08.2009 by MOC (i.e. after grant of TOR) whereby the
quarry area was increased from 722.26 ha to 866.25 ha for conservation of 3.866MT of coal that can be mined in the
stretch of Bendra Nala flowing within the ML. It was informed that the coal seams VII &VIII are outcropped in the
area and are shallow deposits with a low stripping ratio of 0.86. It was stated
that Bendra nalla is a seasonal nallah and diversion of nallah would not have
any effect whatsoever. The proponent informed that further, the Hasdeo Kacher
Water Resource Department (WRD), Bilaspur has approved the proposed diversion
of Bendra nalla vide letter dated 04.04.2011.Diversion of Bendra nala would be
taken within ML area under the supervision of WRD. It was indicated that
no mine water would be discharged into the Bendra Nala as it is required for
the mine and washery operations it will be used for coal
washery, dust suppression, green belt balance will be supplied to villagers for
agriculture use as agriculture is practiced within the ML. On the issue of flyash
dumping, it was informed that the Final Report of IIT was submitted to DGMS in April 2011. It was further informed
that the plan for flyash
dumping involves mixing of flyash with
The
Committee observed that the proponent should have come for a modification of
TOR for the proposed diversion of Bendra Nala before the conduct of P.H. The
Committee desired that diversion channel should follow the natural gradient and
join at the point of original exit at the ML boundary in its original course,
so that the downstream users of Bendra Nala are not affected due to the
proposed diversion. The Committee also desired that the original flow of the
Bendra nala should not be disturbed due to the diversion. Further, mine water/rainfall outflow, if any, from
the mine should meet prescribed norms and the water quality of such discharge
should be monitored at the exit points and records maintained thereof and also
uploaded on the company website. The Committee observed that since the entire mine
water due to dewatering of the mine is to be used for the mine-cum-washery
operations, the Committee desired that proponent take measures for recharging
ground water in and around the mine in the study area. The Committee
noted that the matter of dumping of flyash had not been provided in the TOR
application and hence was not reflected in the TOR granted for the project. The
Committee noted that that the Study got undertaken by the proponent through IIT
had indicated no significant presence of heavy metals in the flyash being
dumped into the decoaled voids and consequently, possible leachate
contamination of aquifers is not likely. The Committee noted that DGMS
permission is regarding stability of the dump and possible dump failures due to
dumping of flyash and not on the environmental concerns that long-term dumping
of flyash entails. The Committee stated that the negative consequence of flyash
dumping such as contamination of groundwater with leachates may be observed
only after 10-15 years of continued dumping, and desired that permanent
monitoring arrangements such as peizometers should be established in and around
the mine area covering the potential impact zone for contamination of heavy
metals due to leachates from the flyash and in case the levels of heavy metals
is found to increase in the groundwater, then further dumping of flyash should
be stopped immediately. The details of the monitoring data should be provided
as part of the compliance Report to MOEF RO and to SPCB. The Committee desired that activities under
CSR should continue for life of the mine (49 years) and a provision of Rs 5/T
of coal or Rs 3.21 crores per annum (whichever is higher) for CSR should be
undertaken for the villages in the study area. The Committee further desired
that details of village-wise activities under CSR should be uploaded on the
company website and the status of its implementation along with expenditure
thereon and also desired that a Third party audit of implementation of CSR
should be done periodically.
On the issue of coal washery, the Committee noted that the CTE was granted
in March 2007, after the EIA Notification 2006 came into effect, which required
prior EC for start of developmental activities. The Committee noted that
although a Circular dated 21.11.2006 was issued by MOEF for obtaining EC by
June 2007, the application for TOR itself was received in the MOEF only in
March 2007 and it was practically unfeasible to obtain an EC within 3 months by
June 2007, since a minimum one season data collection for preparation of
EIA-EMP is required and conduct of Public Hearing thereafter, and an
application for EC submitted immediately; therefore, considering the time-lines
involved for each of these steps, the proponent should not have started the
construction at all. The Committee decided that the matter of violation should
be referred to the MOEF for appropriate action.
The Committee after discussions recommended the project for environmental
clearance on the basis of the aforesaid conditions.
20. Proposed Bhelatand Coal Washery (Normative
Capacity 1.5 MTPA and peak capacity 2 MTPA) of M/s S&T Mining located in Jharia Coalfields. Dist. Dhanbad, Jharkhand (Further Internal consideration of EC based
on TOR)
The
proposal was considered in the EAC (T&C) meeting held on 23rd
-24th May 2011, wherein the following details were sought:
(i) Detail of ‘Teetered Bed Washery”
(ii) Details of retest of water quality of
ground and surface water.
The
Committee observed that the levels of TDS in the re-tested samples were high
and desired that the water should be treated to prescribed limits before
dsicshrge form the premises.
The Committee recommended the
project for EC.
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the chair.
* * *
Annexure-1
PARTICIPANTS IN 29th EXPERT APPRAISAL
COMMITTEE (THERMAL & COAL MINING) IN THE MEETING HELD ON 18th
-19th JULY 2011 ON COAL SECTOR PROJECTS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Shri
V.P. Raja … … … … Chairman
2. Prof.
C.R. Babu … … … … Vice-Chairman
3. Shri
T.K. Dhar … … …… … Member
4. Shri
J.L. Mehta … … … … Member
5. Prof.
G.S. Roonwal … … … … Member
6. Dr.V.B.Mathur,
Dean, WII … … … … Member
7. Dr. D.S.
Attri, Scientist, IMD … … … Member
8. Dr.
T. Chandini … … … .. Scientist
F MOEF
9. Dr.
Rubab Jaffer … … … … Scientist B, MOEF
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Invitees:
1. Shri
R.K.Garg, Advisor, Coal India Ltd.
attended the meeting on both days.
Annexure-2
PARTICIPANTS
IN 29th MEETING OF EXPERT APPRAISAL COMMITTEE (THERMAL & COAL
MINING) HELD ON 18th -19th JULY 2011 ON COAL MINING
PROJECTS
1. M/s Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd.
1. Shri Su Sa Arul Raj, NLC
2. Sh K.Augan, CGM, NLC
3. Sh. U.W.Datey, Kirloskar Consultants
4. Shri S.Kishore Kumar, Kirloskar
Consultants
5. Sh. Shakil Ahmad, Sr.Mgr., NLC
6. Sh. E.Hanumantha Rao, Dy.GM, NLC
2. M/s
Western Coalfields Ltd.
1. Sh.
Om Prakash, D (T) P&P, WCL (forenoon only)
2. Sh.
S.K.Jagnania, CMPDIL
3. Sh.
A.C.Ray, GM (Env.)
4. Sh.
R
5. Sh.
Mohd. Nooruddin
3. M/s. Jaiprakash Associated Ltd.
1. Sh.
R.N.Jha, President
2. Sh.
P.K.Goel, Sr.V.P.
3. Sh.
Sandeep
4. Sh.
Amirban Paul
5. Sh.
M.S.Sandhu
6. Sh.
S.K.Roy
4. M/s Pushp Steels & Mining (P) Ltd.
1. Sh.
V.P.Theragaokar
2. Sh.
Rajashekar
3. Sh.
Haq
4. Sh
Sanjay Jain
5. Sh
Atul Jain
6. Sh
AKF Haque
7. Sh
Sanjeev Kumar
5. M/s
Thesgora Coal Pvt. Ltd. – did not come for the meeting
6. M/s SKS Ispat &
Power Ltd.
1. Sh. Ajay Vishnoi, AGM, Corprate Affairs
7. M/s Royal Coal Washeries Pvt. Ltd. – did not come
for the meeting
8. M/s
Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd.
1. Sh.
N.M. Mathur, Dir. (Tech.)
2. Sh.
A.K.Purohit, CE
3. Sh.
Ravi Sharma
4. Sh.
M.M. Jodurkar
5. Sh.
Vijant Choudhary
6. Sh.
BS Sodhi
7. Sh
R.K.Gaur
8. Sh.
GV Rai
9. Sh.
Janardhan, Vimta Labs
9. M/s Chhattisgarh
Mineral Development Corp. Ltd.
1. Sh.
Hrishikesh Sinha
2. Sh.M.K.Sharma,
Advisor
3. Sh.
D.K.Srivastava, DGM (P)
4. Sh.
S.P.Yadav
5. Sh.
Shashi Kumar
6. Sh
PS Yadav, GM, CMDC
10. M/s National Thermal Power Corp. Ltd.
1. Sh
Kabir Pasha, Sr.Mgr
2. Sh.Sanjiv
Kr. Singh, Sr.Mgr
3. Sh.
Neeraj Kapoor, DGM
4. Sh.
YP Bajaj, Consulatnt
5. Sh
RK Baderia, DGM (env.)
6. Sh
7. Dr.M.L.Naik
(Cosnultnat)
8. Sh
B Chakravorty, Sr.Mgr
9. Sh
AK Dgm, AGM
10. Sh
R.Ramana, GM
11. Sh
U Sadanandam, Sr.Engr
12. Dr.S.M.Kolay,
Consultant
13. Sh
S.N.Goel, ED
14. Sh
AB Haldar, GM,Talaipalli
15. Sh
Sankalp Srivastava
16. Sh
P.Giri, Consultant
11. M/s
Wani Coalfields Pvt. Ltd.
1. Sh JK Bigharia, D (Tech.)
2. Sh. Ashok Muruthan
3. Sh. SS Mohanil
4. Sh VP Theragaonkar
5. Sh Mundra
6. Sh Bigharia
7. Sh Anil Deshmunia
12. M/s Jindal Steel & Power Ltd.
1. S.R.Chary,
VP
2. Sh
RS Sharma, MD
3. Dr.JK
Soni, VP (env.)
4. Sh
RB Upadhyaya
5. Sh.Shashank
Jaiswal
6. Sh.Anand
Goel
7. Sh
RS Kanoje
13. M/s
Jindal Power Ltd.
1. Sh PK Chakraborty, ED
2. Sh Shishir Sinha, GM
3. Dr.JK Soni, VP (Env.)
4. Sh Suman Jana, AGM
5. Dr.S
6. Sh S.Sarkar
____
ANNEXURE-3
REPORT OF MOEF ON
PENCH-SATPURA TIGER CORRIDOR
F. No. 11-164/2010-FC
Government of
Ministry
of Environment and Forests
(F.C.
Division)
Paryavaran
Bhawan,
CGO
Complex,
New
Delhi–110003.
Dated 17th June, 2011
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Sub:
I am directed to enclose herewith a
note on the decision taken by this Ministry on the grant of
Encl.: As above.
(H.C. Chaudhary)
Assistant Inspector
General of Forests
|
1. |
The
Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Shastri Bhawan, |
|
2. |
The
Chairman, Coal India
Limited, Kolkata, 700 001 West |
|
4. |
The
Principal secretary (Forests) Government of Madhya Pradesh, |
|
3. |
The
Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Madhya Pradesh, |
4. |
The
Member Secretary, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of |
|
5. |
The
Director, Wildlife Institute of Post Bag # 18, Chandrabani, |
|
6. |
Shri
Rajiv Kumar Garg, Advisor, Coal India
Limited, 5th Floor, Case 1 & 2, Scope Minar,
District Centre, Lakshi Nagar, |
|
7. |
The Director General, Forest
Survey of PO-
IPE, Dehradun 248 195 Uttarakhand |
Copy To:
1.
PS to the SS (JMM), MoEF
2.
PS to Adv. (NB), MoEF
Note on Decision
taken by the Ministry of Environment & Forests on Grant of Forest and
Environment Clearance to Coal Mining Projects Located in Pench-Kanhan Coalfield
in Chhindwara District of Madhya Pradesh
1.
During
examination of a proposal seeking diversion of forest land for a coal mining
projects in Pench-Kanhan Coalfield located in Chindwara district of the Madhya
Pradesh, the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) during its meeting convened on
18.11.2010 noted that a committee constituted under the Chairmanship of Dr.
S.K. Sen, former Director, Project Tiger, for appraisal of the seven coal
sector projects in Chhindwara District of Madhya Pradesh, vis-a-vis the Pench-Satpura tiger corridor has observed that all
the proposed seven mines will prove detrimental for the long term survival of
large ranging cat like tigers. The committee therefore, strongly recommended
that new clearance for the above seven mine projects and any more new proposals
in the tiger corridor should be rejected.
2.
The
FAC after thorough deliberations observed that decision on the proposal should
necessarily be based on detailed analysis of the floral and faunal parameters
of the forests in the entire Pench-Satpura tiger corridor, in general, and in
and around the forest land identified for development of coal blocks, both
existing as well as proposed, in particular. An exercise similar to the one
undertaken in nine major coal fields in the country to classify the coal blocks
into category-A and category-B, based on the forest cover, forest cover
continuity and wildlife habitat value, also needs to be undertaken for the
coalfields (both existing as well as proposed) located in the entire landscape
covering Pench-Satpura tiger corridor.
3.
The
Member-Secretary, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), representatives
of Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Ministry of Coal, Coal India Ltd. etc. were therefore invited
to attend the next meeting the FAC convened on 16.12.2010.
4.
The FAC further examined the said
matter during its meeting convened on 16.12.2010. Dr. Yadvendradev Jhala, Scientist from the Wildlife Institute
of India, Dehradun made a detailed presentation on effect of coal mining in the
Pench-Kanhan coalfield on migratory corridor connecting Pench and Satpura Tiger
Reserves. The FAC also examined the latest forest cover map of the Pench
Satpura landscape indicating location of the 68 coal blocks of the Pench-Kanhan
coalfield, prepared by the Forest Survey of India.
5.
Dr. Jhala and Member-Secretary NTCA informed as below during the
meeting:
(i)
A fairly dense and contiguous wildlife corridor (hereinafter
called as ‘viable corridor’) connecting Pench and Satpura Tiger Reserve is
running from south western to southern side
of the Chhindwara town;
(ii)
No contiguous corridor is however, found to exist near Parasia
town and northern side of Chaindwara town where majority of the coal blocks of
the Pench Kanhan coalfield are located. Density of vegetation available in that
area is also fairly low. The severely fragmented forest of that area also does
not lead to any source population of tiger and other important wildlife
species; and
(iii)
The major part of the Pench-Kanhan coalfield is not located in the
viable corridor. A few coal blocks located on its western side are however
located within the viable corridor;
6.
The FAC after examination of the said records and interaction with
Member- Secretary NTCA, Dr. Jhala, representatives of the Ministry of Coal,
Coal India Limited and the Western Coalfield Limited, present during the
meeting, concurred with the said observation of the Member-Secretary NTCA and Dr.
Jhala and recommended as below:
(i)
To achieve the twin objective of the forest and wildlife
conservation and economic development, it will be prudent to permit mining in
the coal blocks located on eastern and northern portion of the Pench- Kanhan
coalfield which are neither part of any wildlife corridor nor are located in
the area having dense forest cover; and levy certain amount from each such
project to rejuvenate, restore and undertake appropriate mitigation measures in
and around the viable corridor;
(ii)
No mining shall however, be permitted in the coal blocks located
within the viable corridor. All mines, including the underground mines,
presently working in these coal blocks shall also be phased out in a time bound
manner;
(iii)
The NTCA, in consultation with WII may identify the boundary of
the viable corridor;
(iv)
The Forest Survey of India, and the Ministry of Coal/ WCL may
provide the latest forest cover map and boundary, in the digital format, of
each coal block located in the Pench-Kanhan Coal field respectively, to the
NTCA to facilitate it to identify the coal blocks located within of the viable
corridor;
(v)
The Forest Survey of India, may assess the extent/area of forest
cover of each density class available in each coal block, from the imageries
used for preparation of the latest State of Forest Report to facilitate this
Ministry to assess category of each coal block as has been done in nine major
coalfields in the country;
(vi)
The NTCA in consultation with WII and the Chief Wildlife Warden
(CWLW), Government of Madhya Pradesh may
formulate a detailed plan for restoration and rejuvenation of the viable
corridor so as to facilitate this Ministry to levy, on proportionate basis, the
amount required for its implementation from the user agencies who may be
allowed to undertake mining in the Pench-Kanhan coalfield;
(vii)
The NTCA in consultation with WII and the CWLW, Government of
Madhya Pradesh may also study the adverse impacts of the transportation of the
coal to be extracted from the Pench-Kanhan coalfield on the viable corridor,
and identify appropriate mitigation measures to eliminate/ minimize such
adverse impacts. The Ministry of coal may provide authenticated data on
year-wise quantity of coal likely to be extracted from the Pench –Kanhan
coalfield along with the destination, likely route and mode of its
transportation; and
(viii)
On finalization of the boundary of the viable corridor, the
proposals, if any, received by the Ministry of Environment & Forests to
obtain its approval for diversion of forest land for the coal block located
outside the viable corridor may be placed before the FAC for its examination
and appropriate recommendation. The FAC after examination of the proposals may
consider to recommend diversion of forest land for these blocks, if otherwise
found eligible for diversion, subject to the condition that the User Agency
shall contribute on proportionate basis, the amount required for implementation
of the plans to be prepared by the NTCA for rejuvenation and restocking of the
viable corridor and the mitigative measures to eliminate/minimize the adverse
impacts of the transportation of the coal to be extracted from the Pench-Kanhan
coalfield on the viable corridor.
7.
Accordingly, this Ministry vide
its letter dated 24.01.2011 requested the all concerned to take
action as appropriate to enable the Member-Secretary, NTCA to submit to this
Ministry a map indicating boundary of the viable corridor between Pench and
Satpura Tiger Reserves, and a detailed plan for restoration and rejuvenation of
the said corridor.
8.
The Wildlife Institute of
9.
The NTCA convened a meeting on
23.03.2010 to discuss the said report and formulate strategy for preparation of
plan for rejuvenation and restoration of the said corridor. The Chief Wildlife
Warden (CWLW), Govt. of Madhya Pradesh, representative of the Coal India,
Ministry of Coal and this Ministry attended the said meeting.
10.
The following points emerged
during the said meeting:
(i)
The
report of the Wildlife Institute of India should be sent to FC Division, CIL
and CWLW, Madhya Pradesh;
(ii)
Preparation
of corridor restoration and rejuvenation plan may be outsourced from agency
like WWF-India, who are already working on corridors. The WII has expressed its
inability to prepare the said plan;
(iii) The timeline for preparation of
the said plan should be preferably 3 months;
(iv) Mines located/ falling outside
the corridor may be considered by the FAC, duly examining the proximity to
corridor and other factors.
11.
The said report received from the
WII, Dehradun was placed before the Forest Advisory Committee in its meeting
convened on May 5th, 6th, 2011.
12.
The FAC after examination of the
report in its meeting convened on May 5th and 6th, 2011
recommended that the representatives of the NTCA and the concerned researcher
from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun may be requested to make
presentation before the next meeting of the FAC, on the criteria adopted by
then in identification of the boundary of the viable migratory corridor between
Pench and Satpura Tiger Reserves and action taken so far on preparation of a
plan for restoration and rejuvenation of the said corridor.
13.
The report was therefore gain
placed before the Forest Advisory Committee in its meeting convened on May 30th,
31st for its examination and appropriate recommendations.
14.
After
careful examination of the report prepared by the WII, Dehradun and interaction
with representatives of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and
the Wildlife institute of India, Dehradun who made detailed presentation during
the meeting the FAC noted as below:
(i)
As per the boundary of the viable wildlife corridor between Pench and
Satpura tiger reserves identified by the WII, Dehradun out of the total 68 coal
blocks located in the Pench-Kanhan coal field, ten coal blocks bearing the
number 55 (Rakhikol), 58 (Nandan-II), 59 (Bansi), 60 (Dahu North), 61
(Rakhinala), 62 (Dahu Extn.), 63 (Koyalwari), 64 (Tandsi South), 65 (Tandsi
North), 66 (Tambia), 67 (Tandsi-III) and
68 (Dhanwa) are located within the migratory corridor between Pench and Satpura
Tiger Reserves.
(ii)
The minimum width of the corridor
identified by the WII, Dehradun is approx. 3 km.
(iii)
As desired by the FAC in its
previous meeting convened on 16.12.2010, the NTCA has already assigned the work
to the WWF-India for preparation of a detailed plan containing appropriate
measures for rejuvenation and restocking of the said migratory corridor and the mitigative measures to
eliminate/minimize the adverse impacts of the transportation of the coal to be
extracted from the Pench-Kanhan coalfield on the said
migratory. The plan is likely to be received by the Ministry within a period of
2 months.
15.
The
FAC after detailed deliberations recommended as below:
(i)
The boundary of the tiger and wildlife movement corridor as
identified by the NTCA and WII may be accepted by the Ministry.
(ii) No approval under the
(iii) In case mining is already being
undertaken in any of the said ten coal blocks located within the migratory
corridor, no approval under the
(iv) The proposals seeking approval under
the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 or the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
for undertaking mining in any of the 58 coal blocks of the Pench-Kanhan coal
field located outside the migratory corridor may be processed by the Ministry
on their merits and, if approved, their approval may be subject to the
additional condition that the user agency shall contribute on proportionate
basis the amount required for implementation of the plans to be prepared by the
NTCA for rejuvenation and restocking of the viable corridor and the mitigative
measures to eliminate/minimize the adverse impacts of the transportation of the
coal to be extracted from the Pench-Kanhan coalfield on the viable corridor.
(v) For the purpose of apportioning the
cost to be recovered from the user agency for rejuvenation
and restocking of the migratory corridor and to implement the mitigative measures to
eliminate/minimize the adverse impacts of the transportation of the coal on the
said migratory corridor, in case of open cast mining the entire area of lease
may be taken into account. In case of underground mining project, half of the
area of the mining lease may be taken into account to calculate the amount to
be recovered from the user agency.
16.
Hon’ble
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment & Forests accepted
the said recommendations of the FAC.
********
ANNEXURE-4
TOPOSHEET PLAN OF PENCH-KANHAN COALFIELDS SHOWING
DISTANCE FROM PENCH AND SATPUA TIGER RESERVES
ANNEXURE-5
MAP OF PENCH-KANHAN
COALFIELDS WITH 68 COAL BLCKS
COAL MINES /
BLOCKS IN PENCH KANHAN COALFIELDS
ANNEXURE-6
![[LOGO]](July%202011%20Minutes_files/image007.gif)
MINISTRY
OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS
GOVERNMENT
OF
Subject: Proposals
to open up
1. On June 22nd, 2011, I received
the final recommendation of the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) to reject the
proposals made by the Chattisgarh Government to open up Tara, Parsa East and
Kante Basan Col-blocks in the Hasdeo-Arand forest region of the State. The FAC
has been deliberating on these proposals for almost eighteen months and has
considered them from time to time. On three earlier occasions – January 21st
2010, July 30th, 2010, and October 22nd, 2010 – I had
concurred with the FAC’s recommendation and rejected the proposals. However, I now disagree with the final
recommendations of the FAC for six reasons and have decided to give Stage-I
approval for these proposals.
2. The first reason for my rejection of the
FAC recommendation arises from my understanding that these three coal-blocks
are clearly in the fringe and actually not in the bid-diversity-rich
Hasdeo-Arand orest region [a No-Go area}. They are separated by a well-defined
high hilly ridge with drainage into Aten river which flows towards Hariapur in
the opposite direction. It appears to be a totally different watershed. As long as the mining is restricted to the
fringe area and as long as the State government does not com up with fresh
applications for opening up the main Hasdeo-Arand area, I am of the opinion
that permission can be accorded for Tara, Parsa East and Kante Basan.
3. The second reason for my rejection of
the FAC recommendation arises from the substantial changes that have been
introduced in the mining plans as
originally envisaged. When the project proponent is prepared to demonstrate
some flexibility to accommodate our concerns, I think we should also
reciprocate.
i. Four
significant changes have been incorporated in the Tara coal-block proposal to deal
with our concerns – (i) medium- density forest area has been reduced from about
2000 hectares to 778 hectares; (ii) total trees to be felled have been reduced
from about 8.5 lakhs to about 1.2 lakh; (iii) the operation period of the mine
shall be reduced from 45 years to 25 years; (iv) all movement of coal from the
mine to the power plant situated 7km away will be though overhead conveyor
systems only.
ii. As
far as Parsa East and Kante Basan are concerned where the forest quality is poorer
than Tara by the FAC’s own assessment, the revised proposal envisages two
phases – a 15 year phase I covering 762 hectares and a subsequent 15-year
phase-II covering around 1136 hectares. Reclamation of the mined out area is to
start from the 3rd year onwards thus making it possible to link renewal
for phase-II to performance on reforestation and biodiversity management in
phase-I which is part of the conditions governing my approval. Actually, I find
the mining plan for Parsa East and Kante Basan is one and therefore they should
not be treated as separate blocks – the allocation to Rajasthan Vidyut Utpadan
Nigam Limited (RVNUL) treats both as one block.
4. The third reason for my
rejecting the FAC recommendation arises from the fact that the concerns identified relating to wildlife
can, in my view, and should be taken care of through a well-prepared and
well-executed wildlife management plan and programme under the aegis of an
institution like the Wildlife Institute of India. Other independent
institutions with expertise on elephant-related issues especially, like the
Nature Conservation Foundation, Wildlife Trust of India, and the Centre of
Ecological Science at the India Institute of Science could also be involved in
the preparation and implementation of such a management plan with funds pooled
from the project proponents (IFFCO and RVNUL). Such a plan should be prepared
over the next four-six months and be monitored by the MoE&F.
5. The fourth reason for my rejecting the FAC
recommendation arises from the fact that these
coal-blocks are linked to supercritical thermal power generating stations. In
fact, this is an explicit pre-condition for approval in order to remove any
ambiguity on this score. Supercritical technology is absolutely essential
for us in order to deal with global warming issues and concerns. With a 660/800
Mw supercritical technology, anywhere between 5-8% lower emissions of carbon
dioxide will accrue over a conventional sub-critical 500 Mw power plant that we
have so far been putting up. Supercritical (and ultra supercritical) technology
has to proliferate rapidly if we are to meet our growing energy needs in an
environmentally-acceptable manner.
6. The fifth reason for my
rejecting the FAC recommendation arises from the fact that both the state governments involved – Chattisgarh and Rajasthan (which
will use the coal mined at Parsa East and Kante Basan) have been persistently
following-up since their power generation plans are closely linked with these
coal blocks. Chief Minister of Chattisgarh wrote to Prime Minister on July
8th, 2010 and February 9th, 2011. He also wrote to me on
June 4th 2010 and on February 9th, 2011. Copies of these
communications are in Annexure-I. Chief Minister of Rajasthan wrote to Prime
Minister on Feb. 12th 2011 and the Minister for Energy, Government
of Rajasthan wrote to me on June 15th, 2011, May 24th
2011, April 7th, 2011March 1st, 2011 and February 21st,
2011. Copies of these communications are in Annexure-II.
7. The sixth reason for my rejecting
the FAC recommendation arises from the imperative to sustain the momentum
generated in the XIth Plan in terms of capacity addition (52,000 Mw
or thereabouts as compared to around 21,000 Mw in the Xth Plan)1.
The FAC’s brief is to look at forest-related issues exclusively but while the FAC has to do its due
diligence with single-minded focus, as the Minister I have necessarily to keep
the broader developmental picture in mind and balance out different objectives
and considerations.
___________________
1 Of this, roughly 42,000 MW is expected to
be coal-based capacity in the XIth
Plan
period, as compared to about 15,000 MW
in the XIth Plan period.
8. After
taking all factors into account, I am of
the view that permission should be granted to opening the
9. Since
the Parsa block of the Chattisgarh State Electricity Board is in between
10. Needless to
add, final Stage-II approval will be contingent on he State Government
demonstrating full compliance with the provision of the Forest Rights Act,
2006.
Jairam Ramesh
MOS (I/C) E&F
June 23rd, 2011