MINUTES OF 33rd EXPERT APPRAISAL
COMMITTEE (EAC) (THERMAL & COAL MINING) MEETING HELD ON 26th-27th
SEPTEMBER 2011 HELD IN WCL
HEADQUARTERS,
The 33rd meeting
of the reconstituted EAC (T &C) was held on 26th-27th September 2011 in WCL Headquarters,
The minutes of the 31st
meeting of EAC (T&C) held on 29th-30th August 2011
was confirmed subject to the following corrections:
Item No.8: The word ‘Mahaveer’ is replaced with ‘Mahavir’.
The agenda items were
taken up as given below:
1. Dongri Tal-II Coalmine Project Phase-I (2.9 MTPA ML area of 1392 ha) of M/s M.P. State Mining Corp. Ltd. located in
village Bhainsabuda,Digwah,Bajauri,Dongri, district Singrauli, M.P. (Further consideration of EC based on TOR granted on 28.05.2010)
The proposal is for opening a new opencast Dongri
Tal-II Coalmine Project Phase-I (2.9 MTPA in an area of 1392 ha) of M/s M.P.
State Mining Corp. Ltd. located in district Singrauli, M.P. The
proposal was considered in the EAC (T&C) meeting held on 28th
-29th March 2011 and details/clarifications sought by the EAC were
further considered.
The proponent made a presentation. The proponent
informed that the coal block was allotted through Govt. dispensation route and details
furnished with regard to Power Purchase Agreement were presented. It was
informed that the linked TPP (2x660MW) has obtained EC in February 2010. In
regard to diversion of Hirdul Nala, it was informed that the proposed diversion
has been approved by Chief Engineer, Water Resource Department Rewa, M.P. dated
23.08.2011. It was stated that the Hirdul Nala originates from
The Committee noted that a number of coalmine
projects such as Amelia, Amelia (North), Mahan, Chhatrasal, etc are located in
and around the coal project. The Committee also noted that River Gopad passing
the block would ultimately discharge into Govind Ballabh Sagar (Rihand)
Reservoir and hence the impact of cumulative mining of many coal projects and
possible siltation of the Rihand reservoir due to their operation is a matter
of concern, especially since Singrauli
is a critically polluted area. The Committee also noted with concern the
comments of the State Govt. expressing its inability to implement a Regional WL
Conservation Plan and desired that this matter be brought to the attention of
the MOEF, since the region has a number of Schedule-I fauna such as Indian
Elephant, Leopard, sloth Bear and their prey species. The Committee desired
that project specific wildlife conservation plan should be implemented ensuring
free passageways for the movement of animals (both prey and predator species)
even as for the life of the mine and the habitat of the decoaled areas be
suitably restored as in the pre-mining phase by re-introduction of native
species representing the pre-mining ecosystem. In regard to impacts of mining
on the groundwater regime, the Committee desired that a long-term assessment
for long term impact of mining on aquifer should be carried out by regular
ground water monitoring in terms of both quality and quantity of water and
observed that about 16600m3 -26000m3/day of dewatering is proposed and desired
that suitable measures be taken to protect the aquifer of the area, although
the area is presently categorised as ‘safe’ from groundwater development. The Committee noted that the proponent
proposed to undertake progressive advance dewatering/pumping of ground water to
the tune of 16600m3/day to 26000m3/day from the mine pit during active period
of mining. The findings of the pumping test and ground water modelling studies
carried out by proponent have projected a significant lowering of groundwater
levels at various locations, especially within 5 km from mine site during
active period of mining. As these findings is based on the outcome of single
pumping test carried out at constant pumping rate, to assess the overall impact
of mining on local and regional ground water system, the proponent should plan
and implement a long term ground water monitoring programmes in the study area
by establishing a close network of existing wells/peizometers at appropriate
locations. Such monitoring should be on continuous basis to commence before the
start of mining and consider both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of
ground water regime. The plan should incorporate information of details of
peizometers (quality and quantity), frequency of monitoring, time frame of
implementation and budgetary provision etc. The Committee also desired that the
proponent should adhere to regulatory framework /guidelines as notified by
Central Ground Water Authority or other regulatory agencies for this purpose. The
Committee recommended that the diversion of the nala should be appropriately designed to minimize adverse impact on regional
flow system/hydrological regime, environment and riparian water use in the
area. Suitable measures also need to be taken to identify and protect the
existing water bodies located in the mine lease area to the extent possible. With
regard to the proposed construction of percolation tanks and anicuts for
groundwater recharge, the Committee recommended that the proponent should take
into consideration land optimization, proper design, construction, maintenance
and operation of the percolation tanks anicuts. The design aspects of these
water harvesting structures should be considered/optimised through experimental
studies. Further, there is also a need for careful monitoring of potential
contamination of the groundwater, since a variety of toxic materials in mine
effluents may pose a potential risk for contamination of the ground water. The
Committee also desired that the project proponent also adopt Best Management
Practices in terms of efficient water use, water audit, water conservation,
ground water recharge, appropriate treatment/pollution abatement measures. The
Committee desired that the extent of use of dumpers for both coal and
The Committee recommended the project for environmental clearance
subject to these conditions.
2.
Marki-Zari-Jamani-Adkoli Opencast Coalmine Project (1 MTPA in an ML area
of 459.68 ha) of M/s Maharashtra State Mining Corp. Ltd., located in villages Adkoli,
Paunar and Ganeshpur Khurd, Dist. Yavatmal, Maharashtra (Further consideration
of TOR)
The proposal was earlier considered in the EAC
meeting held on 20th -21st
June 2011 and the details/clarifications sought were further considered.
The proponent made a presentation. The
details of creation of JV and Agreement with Sunil Hi-Tech were presented. It
was informed that the proposal is for opening a new opencast coalmine project
of 1 MTPA in an ML area of 459.68 ha of which 70.35ha is forest land, 356.95 ha is
Agriculture land 6.38 ha is road, 13.27 ha is water body and12.73 ha is barren
land. River Vidarbha flows at a distance of 7.5 km in the north-eastern
side and River Mukutban flows 6.4 km along the south-eastern Side. Diversion of
nala is proposed. Of the total ML of 459.68
ha, 309.68 ha is for quarry,
99.17 ha is for external OB dump,11.73 ha is for mine infrastructure, 27.49 ha
is area for rationalisation and for roads, 6.50 ha is for barrier along mine
boundary and 5.11 ha is for diversion of road. Mining would be by a combination
of shovel-dumper and use of surface miner. Ultimate working depth is 190m bgl.
Grade of coal is D-E. An estimated 213.55 Mm3 of OB would be generated over the
life of the mine of which 34.50 Mm3 would be stored in external dumps of 60m
height and area of 99.17 ha and the balance 179 Mm3 of OB would be backfilled into
the entire decoaled void in an area of 201.90 ha (i.e. no water body would be
left) which would rise over ground level to a height of 60m. Cost of the
project is Rs 175 crores. Cost of EMP measures is Rs 125 lakhs. CSR would be
implemented at @Rs5/T of coal. An estimated 1300 m3/d of water (source is mine
discharge water) would be used for the mine. R&R of 400 PAFs, consisting of
land losers, is involved. It was informed that Mining Plan has been approved
and an application for Stage-I FC for 70.30 ha of forestland has been made. In
addition, acquisition of 356.95 ha of agricultural land which is double cropped
has been applied for to the State Revenue Dept. It was stated that UG mining is
not a favoured option as of the 24 MT of coal reserves in the block, only 6 MT
would be extracted with UG mining, and hence the Mining Plan has been approved
for an opencast project. It was further stated that due to safety
considerations, DGMS also does not permit agricultural activity in land below
which underground mining is in operation and the prevalent practice is that the
mining company acquires the agricultural land even in UGP. It was informed that
an estimated 5 MT of coal is found below forestland within the ML. Life of the
mine is 15 years.
The Committee noted that district Yavatmal is a cotton growing area and
a large number of people would be displaced due to dumping of
The Committee
decided to further reconsider the project for TOR after receipt of the
aforesaid details.
3. 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 (Further consideration of EC based on TOR granted on 18.03.2008
read with TOR granted on 11.07.2009)
The proposed Parsa East and Kanta Basan Opencast
Mine project (10 MTPA) and Coal Washery (10 MTPA in an area of 2711.034 ha for
mine washery and infrastructure including 1898.328 ha of forest land) of M/s
Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd.
Hasdeo-Arand Coalfields in Tehsil Udaypur, Dist. Sarguja, Chhattisgarh.
The proposal was earlier considered in the EAC (T&C) meeting held on 18th-19th July 2011 and the proposal was further
considered on the details/clarifications sought by the EAC.
The proponent made a presentation. Secretary
(Forests), Govt. of Chhattisgarh informed that clarification of State Govt has been
provided vide letter no 3306/2299/2011/10-2 dated 06/09/2011 of the Additional
Secretary (State Forest Dept.) Govt. of Chhattisgarh to MOEF recommending
opencast mining. It was also stated that the FC granted by MOEF is for opencast
mining. It was informed that sequential mining would be undertaken for the
two-phases and internal dumping (backfilling) would be started at the end of 3rd
year and no external dumping from 4th year onwards. By the end of
phase –I (15th year), about 74% of the total excavated area would be
backfilled and reclaimed. At the end of project an area of 1929.84 ha would be
reclaimed out of a total ML area of 2388.53 ha. It was informed that there
would be no external
The proponent informed that the rated capacity of
10 MTPA would be achieved during the 3rd year. It was informed that
there would be no drilling and blasting and shovel and dumper combination with
drilling and blasting for
The Committee desired that there should be no
water body at the post mining stage in the forest area and desired that the
The Committee recommended the project with the
aforesaid conditions.
4. Fatehpur East Coal Mine Project in an ML area of 1728.208 of M/s Fatehpur East
Coal Pvt. village Fatehpur,Narkalo and Ududa, Tehsil Dharmjaigarh, Dist
Raigarh, Chattisgarh (Consideration of
revised application for TOR for 14 MTPA in 1728 ha and Letters dated
03.06.2011 and 10.06.2011 of M/s Fatehpur East Coal Pvt. Ltd.)
Director (MOEF) informed
the Committee that Fatehpur East Coal Mine Project of M/s Fatehpur East Coal
Pvt. has been considered by the EAC (T&C) 5 times as given below:
|
1st EAC
Meeting |
EAC meeting on 21.12.2010
for their original application of 9.5 MTPA with a peak capacity of 10 MTPA)
in an ML area of 1664.563 ha, wherein some clarifications were sought
on the issue of Go/No-Go area. |
|
2nd EAC
Meeting |
EAC meeting in March 2011 to consider the clarifications wherein the proponent informed that based on actual
survey, the ML area has increased from
1664.563 ha to 1728 ha with a
capacity of 10 MTPA, |
|
3rd EAC
Meeting |
EAC meeting in April
2011 when the EAC recommended TOR for 10 MTPA for an ML area of 1728
ha, however an application for this revised ML area was still awaited and
hence no TOR was prescribed. |
|
May 2011 |
Instead of submitting
an application for the recommended project of 10 MTPA for the revised ML area
of 1728, M/s Fatehpur East submitted an
application for 14 MTPA in an ML area of 1728 ha. |
|
June 2011 |
M/s Fatehpur East sent two letters dated 03.06.2011 and 10.06.2011 to MOEF, wherein it was informed that
one of original allottees of the Fatehpur Coal Block, namely M/s Green Infrastructure had changed
its name to M/s Athena Infrastructure
Pvt. Ltd. A clarification of change of name was sought in June 2011 from
the Ministry of coal for which a response was received from MOC dated 16.08.2011 stating that the change in
name of original allottees is in order. |
|
4th EAC
Meeting |
Held on 29th
-30th August 2011 for internal consideration of the
revised application for a revised capacity of 14 MTPA in a revised ML area of
1728 ha and the documents furnished by M/s Fatehpur East for change of name
of one of its allotteees, based on the response of MOC. The EAC decided that
the matter must be discussed with the company for the rationale for
suddenly increasing the capacity from 10 MTPA to 14 MTPA (40% increase).
The change of name issue would also be discussed. |
|
5th EAC
Meeting |
Held on 26th
-27th September 2011, wherein the company again revised
the capacity from 14 MTPA to 10 MTPA during presentation as,
according to M/s Fatehpur East, the Mining Plan under preparation has
recommended 10 MTPA due to non-availability of land for external dumping of
OB. Issues such as whether the linkage remains the same as per the MOC
Allocation Letter due to change of name of the original allottee were also
not clear. |
The Committee noted that
the project proponent has repeatedly changed the production capacity too frequently.
The Committee after discussions decided that all the background documents along
with the revised application from 14 MTPA to 10 MTPA in the revised ML area of
1728 ha giving a detailed rationale for frequently changing the capacity and again
changing the capacity from 10 to 14 MTPA and once again from 14 MTPA to 10 MTPA
would require to be furnished by M/s Fatehpur East for consideration of the
Committee. The Committee sought clarification from M/s Fatehpur East Coal Pvt.
Ltd. on the relationship of M/s Green Infrastructure Ltd. (changed to M/s Athena Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd.) vis-à-vis M/s Athena Chhattisgarh Power
Ltd. (end user of the coal) in the context of MOC Coal Allocation letter to M/s
Green Infrastructure Ltd.
5. Ashoka
Coal Washery (10 MTPA)-cum-2x30MW FBC based TPP in a total area of 69 ha within
Ashoka OCP of M/s Central Coalfields Ltd., village Benti, Tehsil Tandwa, dist.
Chatra, Jharkhand – Further consideration of EC based TOR granted
on 09.06.2009.
The proposed Ashoka Coal
Washery (10 MTPA)-cum-2x30MW FBC based TPP is to be located in a total area of
69 ha within Ashoka OCP of M/s Central Coalfields Ltd., in village Benti,
Tehsil Tandwa, dist. Chatra, Jharkhand. The proposal was earlier considered in
the EAC (T&C) meeting held on 30th August
2011 and details/clarifications sought by the EAC were further considered.
The proponent made a presentation. It was informed
that the of the total 10500m3/day water requirement for washery and FBC plant,
total water requirement of washery would be 2700m3/day and source would be mine
water and total water requirement for Ashok FBC Power Plant would be 7800m3/day
which would be met from the power plant reservoir, rain water and surplus mine
water. The total area of plant reservoir and pond would be 25 ha and total area
of mine voids where water can be accumulated and utilised is 300ha. It was
agreed that a 3-tier plantation with native plant species would be developed along
the main approach roads and other roads to be used for the project and within
the washery-cum-FBC Plant premises. It was stated that the total area to be
brought under plantation by the end of project life would be about 54.28 ha out
of total 69 ha area. A 20m green belt would be provided around the plant site
and along coal stockyards (raw, clean and coal rejects). All the internal roads
would be concreted and developed with avenue plantation. Conveyor belts would
be provided for coal transportation. Clarifications sought with reference to
AAQ Modelling were furnished. Details of CSR for integrated washery and FBC
plant would be Rs 5/T of coal produced by Ashok OCP. Proponent informed that
the total budget for 2011-12 for CSR activities in Piparwar area is Rs 6.15 crores.
An amount of Rs 427.26 Lakhs reported to have been spent during the current
year and the balance would be utilised by March 2012.
The Committee desired
that a standby water lagoon is required which should be kept in future planning
of the FBC based TPP. Native species should be used in development of green
belt and for avenue plantation. The Committee desired that green belt should be
about 40m thick. The Committee desired that good house keeping practices such
as use of mechanical sweepers, covered sheds/wind breakers for the stockyards,
mist type sprinkling arrangements at transfer points, etc should be undertaken.
The Committee also desired that detail of R&R and CSR activity to be
undertaken by proponent should be uploaded on company website. The Committee
also desired that CSR amount of Rs 6.15 crores, earmarked for the year 2011-12,
should be continued through out the life of project on an annul basis.
The Committee
recommended environmental clearance to integrated Ashok Coal Washery-cum-FBC
based TP Project with the aforesaid conditions.
6. 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 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 presentation. It was
stated that as desired by the committee the transportation would be by
mechanically covered trucks however, trucks with such specifications are not
presently available in the country. It was informed that WCL has contacted
leading truck manufacturers of the country for suitable design for the same and
once they are available, the same would be used, until such time transportation
of coal would be by fully covered tarpaulin trucks. It was agreed that bamboos would
also be planted on
The Committee desired that compliance status
of project, CSR and R&R details should be displayed on WCL website. The Committee after discussions recommended the
project for environmental clearance.
7. 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., located
in dist. Yavatmal,
The proposal was last considered in the EAC
(T&C) meeting held on 17th -18th July 2011. The
details/clarifications sought by the EAC were further
considered. A calendar programme
of OB excavation and disposal of the total OB generated estimated at 124.73Mm3,
programme for dumping of OB in external dump 85.85 Mm3 (68.83%), and
backfilling 38.88 Mm3(31.17%) were presented. An action plan for CSR activity
in village Bellora, Naigaon were also furnished. It was stated that a budget of
Rs 5/T of coal for CSR activity (Rs 90 lakhs/annum) has been provided. It was
informed that the total budget for CSR would be Rs. 356.96 lakhs for the entire
Wani area. Forestry Clearance for 40.50 ha of forestland has been obtained as
early as 01.09.1993.
The Committee noted that the quantity of OB has been reduced but the
area of the external
The Committee after discussions recommended the project for
environmental clearance.
8. Dhankasa
UG (1.20 MTPA over ML area 582.65 ha) of M/s WCL located in Pench-Kanhan
Coalfields, dist. Chindwara, M.P. (Further consideration of EC based on TOR granted on 11.12.2008)
The proposed Dhankasa UG (1.20 MTPA over ML area 582.65 ha) of
M/s WCL located in Pench-Kanhan Coalfields, dist. Chindwara, M.P. The proposal was last considered in the EAC
(T&C) meeting held on 17th -18th July 2011 and the
clarifications sought by the Committee were further
considered.
It was
informed that Dhankasa is 58km from the Pench-Satpura Tiger Corridor. The proponent agreed to
contribute on proportionate basis, the amount required for eco-restoration of
the viable corridor as per quantum worked out by NTCA. It was informed that Stage–I
forestry clearance for land under surface rights and mining rights is pending
with State Govt.
The Committee recommended the proposal for
environmental clearance vide provisions of the MOEF Circular dated 09.09.2011.
9. 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. (Further
consideration of EC based on TOR 20.03.2009)
The proposed 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. and is 4.5 km from the
Pench-Satpura Tiger Corridor. The
proposal was last considered in the EAC (T&C) meeting held on 17th
-18th July 2011 and the clarifications sought by the Committee were further considered.
The proponent made a
presentation. It was agreed to contribute on proportionate basis, the amount
required for eco-restoration of the viable corridor as per quantum worked out
by NTCA. It was also agreed that coal
would be transported by mechanically covered trucks as and when they are
available. It was informed that Stage–I forestry clearance for land under
surface rights and mining rights is pending with State Govt.
The Committee recommended the proposal for
environmental clearance vide provisions of the MOEF Circular dated 09.09.2011.
10. 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. (Further consideration of EC
based on TOR 15.04.2009)
The proposed 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. and at a
distance of 53km from the Pench-Satpura Tiger corridor. The proposal was last
considered in the EAC (T&C) meeting held on 17th -18th
July 2011 and the clarifications sought by the
Committee were further considered.
The proponent made a
presentation. It was agreed to contribute on proportionate basis, the amount
required for eco-restoration of the viable corridor as per quantum worked out
by NTCA. It was also agreed that coal would be transported by mechanically
covered trucks as and when they are available. It was informed that Stage–I
forestry clearance for land under surface rights and mining rights is pending
with State Govt.
The Committee recommended the proposal for
environmental clearance vide provisions of the MOEF Circular dated 09.09.2011.
11. Letter dated 05.09.2011 of M/s Murli Industries Ltd. regarding Lohara
East Coal Block of M/s Maharashtra Coal Company Ltd., in dist. Chandrapur,
Maharashtra, for which TOR was withdrawn on 07.01.2010.
Director, MoEF informed the committee that the TORs granted to the two
projects namely Lohara OCP and Lohara East OCP-cum-UGP of M/s Adani Power Ltd
and M/s Maharashtra Coal Comp. Ltd.,
were withdrawn as they fall in the proposed extended buffer
zone of Tadoba Andheri Tiger Reserve (TATR) and also based on the
recommendations of the State Government and of the National Tiger Conservation
Authority (NTCA) to not permit coal mining in the area.
However, a letter dated 05.09.2011 has been received from M/s Murli
Industries Ltd, which is a JV partner of M/s Maharashtra Coal Company Ltd. The proponent informed that the company
has revised its mining plan whereby the company now proposes to do only UG
mining, whereby 356 ha of forestland found within the ML would not be
disturbed, although the company would lose about 2500T/day of coal production
by UG mining. It was also stated that they have already installed cement plant
in Chandrapur at the cost of Rs 250 crores, which is stalled due to non-availability
of coal for the linked TPP.
The Committee noted that the TOR had been withdrawn to the project due
to the project falling in the extended buffer zone of TATR. The project was
rejected by NTCA due to increase in population of Tiger in the TATR and the
need for extending the buffer zone of TATR and hence change of mining method to
underground mining would not change the situation. It was noted that M/s Adani Power
Ltd. has applied to MOC for an alternate block. The Committee desired that
project proponent should go for alternate coal source or apply for allocation
of another coal block. Committee also informed proponent that there is an Order
of the Hon’ble Supreme Court that no activity would be allowed within Protected
Areas.
12. Meeting
with Regional Officer,
12.1 The
meeting was attended by Shri Fulmali, Regional Officer, MSPCB at
12.2 The representatives
of Maharashtra SPCB, ROs stated that the issue of veracity of the baseline data
collected/furnished by WCL as part of EIA-EMP Reports, has been raised on a few
occasions during Public Hearing. The details of baseline data collection were discussed.
M/s WCL informed that the CMPDI attached to WCL is the agency for collection of
baseline data and which sets up the monitoring stations for the projects
applying for EC. It was clarified that stations are even set up on houses of
villagers and for which payments are made.
The Committee after
discussions desired that details of every stations and records thereof should be
maintained by CMPDI/WCL which should be furnished at the time of P.H. The Committee
also desired that WCL involve the Sarpanch/Gram Panchayat about intent to
collect one-season (3 months) data so that the stakeholders are suitably
informed.
Shri Om Prakash, Director
(Technical) WCL assured the committee that they would develop a suitable
mechanism to inform the villagers properly before collecting baseline data. He
also stressed that in future WCL officials would collect the receipt of payments
made to the villagers for installing monitoring equipment at particular house
and the same would be kept as record.
12.3 The representatives
of Maharashtra SPCB, ROs stated that compliance of certain EC conditions such
as OB Dump management could be better. Shri Fulmali, MSPCB RO also informed
that because of poorly reclaimed OB dumps and embankment in Gondegaon Opencast mining, huge quantity of
12.4 The
representatives of Maharashtra SPCB, RO also stated that the transportation of
coal is by WCL is in open trucks which adds lot of coal dust pollution in the
area. MSPCB desired that the trucks used for coal transportation should be
mechanically covered. Shri Nihul, Regional Officer MSPCB informed that the
Chandrapur area is critically polluted area, however, WCL is involved in the
regional plan of MSPCB for Ghughus only. WCL has recently, in pursuance of MSPCB,
installed few sprinklers in Chandrapur and Ghughus area for controlling dust
emission.
The Committee requested
Regional Officers, MSPCB to submit a comprehensive/detailed note on
non-compliance/the violation of EC, if any, of coal projects in the area at the
TOR stage of their expansion to MoEF which could be taken up with WCL before
grant of TOR for their expansion.
13. Visit
to Gondegaon Opencast Coalmine Project of M/s Western Coalfields Ltd. at
The EAC (T&C) team made a brief visit to
Project Gondegaon Opencast Coalmine Project of M/s Western
Coalfields Ltd. at
The
Committee after the visit desired that more stabilisation of the
14. Visit to Paunderpauni Coal Washery (expansion
from 1.62 MTPA to 2.62 MTPA) of M/s ACB (formerly M/s Aryan Coal Beneficiation
(P)) Ltd., located in Paunderpauni, Tehsil Rajura, Dist. Chandrapur,
Maharashtra (TOR granted on 23.03.2011)
The proposal is for expansion from 1.62 MTPA to
2.62 MTPA by increasing the number of operating hours from 300 days to 330 days.
TOR was granted on 23.03.2011.
The EAC (T&C) team visited the coal washery in
the evening of 27.09.2011. The proponents explained the details of the technology
of the coal washery. It was informed that the technology used is based on Heavy
Media Density Separator and the required relative density is prepared in the
bath by adding finely ground magnetite powder in water. The waste water
generated during coal washing is treated in phased manner through a system of
thickener –Belt press etc. The treated waste water is recycled and reused for
process. Raw coal coming from various mines of Ballarpur area is transported in
20-25T tippers through captive coal roads built under CCDA Grant. After
beneficiation of raw coal, washed coal is loaded directly into the wagons in
the railway siding located within the washery premises.
The Committee desired that thick 3-tier green belt
consisting of native species should be provided along the railway siding. The Committee
desired that water sprinkling be further strengthened to contain fugitive dust
emissions from conveyors/transfer points and slurry should be disposed off
properly, as coal fines could be recovered from slurry with proper measures.
The Committee desired that coal stock yards should be provided with wind
shields and coal fines in the waste water from the washed area should be
recovered. It was observed that the proponent has taken effective arrangement
for extraction and suppression of dust like wet scrubber, ID fans, and stack. The
Committee observed that most of the washery area has been concreted and well
maintained. Committee desired that mechanical sweeping be introduced in all
internal roads within the unit and along the main approach road, which should
be black topped. The Committee noted that thick plantation has been developed
in and around the coal washery, but the proponent need to further intensify its
efforts towards plantation along stockyards, along the roads, railway siding
and vacant areas.
15. Meeting with MAHAGENCO and visit to
Chandrapur Thermal Power Station of
M/s MAHAGENCO, Chandrapur,
The EAC (T&C) Team visited the Chandrapur Super
Thermal Power Station (2340 MW) at Chandrapur on 27.09.201. The meeting was
regarding the specific issue of quality of coal supplied by WCL mines mixed
with soil, dirt, and soggy which according to MAHAGENCO has resulted in reduction
in the efficiency of Chandrapur Thermal Power Plant and damaged its units. It
was informed that the Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station of MAHAGENCO is
receiving coal from WCL mines eg. Dongri, Umrer mines. The coal received by
rakes from Umrer also contains coal slurry, dirt and is soggy at the time of
arrival by wagons making it unsuitable for its boilers and has led to frequent break
down of equipment and machinery and affected the output of power generation and
performance of CTPS. CMD, MAHAGENCO also
stated that m/s WCL ahs so far not agreed to downgrade the coal being
dispatched and as a result, MAHANGENCO is incurring financial losses on higher
price levied by WCL on poor grade coal. Shri Narayan, WCL stated hat coal usually
gets wet during rainy season and the problem is observed only during monsoon
season. Dir (T), M/s WCL stated that complaints have however not been received
from other consumers receiving coal from WCL. Representatives of M/s WCL
suggested that this problem could be overcome by mixing wet coal with dry coal.
Dir (T), WCL informed that a decision has been taken by CIL for joint sampling
of raw coal with the linkage/end user at the point of dispatch, which is
binding on all the CIL subsidiaries.
The Committee was of the view that joint
inspection of coal quality before loading should be taken and records of
batches of coal supplied along with coal characteristics of ash content should
be recorded in the presence of officials of both the companies. The EAC
suggested that WCL could consider separating the layers of shale found between
coal seams, as was observed during the site visit to Gondegaon OCP, and for
removal of shale before coal crushing, which was noted by Dir (T), WCL. The
Committee also suggested Third Party Sampling and Analysis of random samples of
coal. MAHAGENCO also assured that they would provide covered coal storage yard/shed
before next monsoon for storage of coal. The Committee stated that in case
washing of coal is involved through commercial washeries, MAHAGENCO could send
its representative for evaluation of coal quality and yield (raw, clean
(washed), and coal rejects) of the coal received from WCL and being washed on
behalf of MAHAGENCO. It was informed that a condition is also stipulated to
this effect in the Environmental Clearance letter to coal washeries being
granted EC by the MOEF. The coal washeries are also required as per the EC
granted to upload details of all batches of raw coal received in the washery in
terms of quantum of raw coal, washed coal and coal rejects along with quality
including ash content, on the washery company website for better accountability
and transparency. This could be cross checked from the raw coal analysed at the
WCL end for dispatch to MAHAGENCO. The Committee concluded that this problem
would require joint discussion and sorting out the issues by MAHAGENCO and WCL.
Dir (T) reiterated WCL’s commitment in this regard.
The EAC also mentioned that the levels of SO2/NOx
(in the range of 4 ug/m3 indicated in their Notice Board) appears unrealistic
and would require to be re-looked. The Committee suggested assessing results
with CPCB/ MPCB and recalibration of their monitoring equipment, preferably by
Central Pollution Control Board. The Committee also recommended Third Party
sampling and testing to be got done periodically through independent laboratories
recognised under the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986.
Any Other Issue with the Permission of the Chair:
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the
chair.
* * *
Annexure-1
PARTICIPANTS IN 33rd EXPERT APPRAISAL
COMMITTEE (THERMAL & COAL MINING) IN THE MEETING HELD ON 26th-27th
SEPTEMBER 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.
D.S. Attri, Scientist, IMD … … Member
7. Dr.
T. Chandini … … … .. Scientist F MOEF
8. 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 33rd EXPERT APPRAISAL
COMMITTEE (THERMAL & COAL MINING) IN THE MEETING HELD ON 26th-27th
SEPTEMBER 2011 ON COAL SECTOR PROJECTS
1. M/s M.P. State Mining Corp. Ltd.
1. Shri S.K.Dube, GM (O), M.P. State
Mining corporation Ltd. ,
2. Shri S.K.Mandal, ED, MPSMCL
3. Shri S.K.Thakral, Sr. Jt.President,
Jaypee
4. Shri M.L.Naik
5. Shri S.Kumar
6. Shri S.B.Singh
7. Dr.Meeta Khilnani
8. Shri M.N.Jha
9. Shri S.K.Roy
10. Shri S.N.Chawla
2. M/s Maharashtra State Mining Corp. Ltd.,
1. Shri V.S.Sawabhande
2. Shri R.Ramakrishna
3. Shri Ratnakar Ghatte
4. Shri S.K.Thakral, Sunil Hi-Tech
5. Shri M.N.Jha, Jaypee
6. Shri A.D.Jamkaq
7. Shri Hetal Sampat
8. Shri Naresh Nauityal
9. Dr.C.M.Sukanya
10. Shri N.Chaiudhary
11. Shri P.Y.Tembhave
12. Shri S.S.Kulkarni
13. Shri S.N.Chawla
3. M/s
Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd.
1. Shri Ravi Sharma, Con. Forests
2. Shri Vikram Vyas
3. Shri Mudit Kumar Singh, CCF and Nodal
Officer
4. Shri Naresh Pal Gangaveer, Secretary,
Energy, Govt. of Rajasthan
5. Shri P.N.Singhal, CMD, RVUNL
6. Shri N.M.Mathur, Dir. (Tech.), RVNUL,
Jaipur
7. Shri ML Thapar, AMPL
8. Shri N.K.Prasad, Consultant
9. Shri N.M.Sharma, Consultant
10. Shri M.K.Sharma, Consultant (Forests
& WL)
11. Shri KR Singh, GM
12. Shri RK Gaur, Dy. CE (Fuel), RVNUL
13. Shri R.L.Matto, AMPL
14. Shri B.S.Sodhi, AMPL
15. Shri PVL Prasad, AMPL
16. Shri M.Janardhan, Vimta Labs
17. Shri Ajeet srivastava, AMPL
18. Shri P.K.Gandhi
4. M/s
Fatehpur East Coal Pvt. Ltd.
1. Shri
KR Veerappan, GM
2. Shri
SS Rai, Advisor
3. Shri
RV Mathe, FECPL
4. Shri
MMS Khadeni, FECPL
5. Shri
SK Maitra, FECPL
6. Shri
Vikas Agarwal, FECPL
5. M/s
Central Coalfields Ltd.
1. Shri T.K.Sinha,
GM (Env.)
2. Shri
B.K.Sharma, Chief Manager
3. Shri
V.K.Sahay, GM
4. Shri
Pushkar, SO Manager
6. M/s Western Coalfields Ltd.
1. Shri
Om Prkash, Dir (T)
2. Shri
A.C.Ray, GM (env.)
3. Shri
K. Chakravorty, GM (Mining)
4. Shri
S.K.Jagnania
5. Shri
R.N.Jha
6. Shri
D.Das (Hydrogeologist)
7. Shri
RM Wanune
8. Shri
A.Chatterjee, Sr.Mgr
9. Shri
S.J.Khade
7. M/s Murli Industries Ltd. regarding
Lohara East Coal Block of M/s
Maharashtra Coal Comp. Ltd.
1. Shri R.P.Gupta, Director
2. Shri
Anand Chaivak, CFO
3. Shri Rajesh Srivastava, Consultant
4. Shri Shantanua Puranik, Consultant
8. Meeting with Regional Officers,
- Members
of the EAC (T&C)
- WCL
headed by Shri Om Prakash, Dir (Tech)
-
1. Shri Ajay T Fulmali
2. Shri N.G.Nihul, RO, MSPCB, Chandrapur
3. Shri Rahul Wangkhide, S.R.O
9. Meeting
with MAHAGENCO and visit Chandrapur Thermal Power Station of M/s MAHAGENCO
- Members of the EAC (T&C)
- CMD,
CTPS, MAHAGENCO and his entire team of Chandrapur TPS
- WCL
headed by Shri Om Prakash, Dir (Techn)
-
- Representative
of Gupta Coalfields & Washeries Ltd.
10. Site Visit to Paunderpauni Coal Washery
of M/s ACB, chandrapur, Maharshtra
- Members of the EAC (T&C)
- Shri Khanna
- Shri
B.S.Pratap Reddy
* * *