for (Integrated 1.30 MTPA) January 2013 M/s. Ramky EIA

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1 Coal Mining Projects of M/s. NMDC Ltd., at Shahdol & Umaria Districts of Madhyaa Pradesh. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY of INTEGRATED EIA & EMP REPORT for Shahpur East & Shahpur West UG Coal Mining Projects, Sohagp pur Coalfields, Falling In Shahdol District, Madhya Pradesh (Integrated Peak Production Capacity: 1.30 MTPA) January 2013 Project Proponent EIA Consultant M/s. NMDC Limited. Khanij Bhavan, /A, Castle Hills, Masab Tank,,Hyderabad , A..P Tel: , Fax: M/s. Ramky Enviro Engineers Ltd. Consultancy Division D.No , 4 th Floor, TSR Towers, Rajbhavan Road,Somajiguda, Hyderabad Tel Fax:

2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF EIA 1.0 INTRODUCTION In order to augment coal production to meet the growing demand for the generation of power, the Government of India has allotted Shahpur East (0.70 MTPA in 693 ha ML area) and Shahpur West (0.60 MTPA in ha ML area) Underground Coal Mining Projects of M/s NMDC Ltd., Tehsils, Sohagpur in dist. Shahdol and Tehsil Pali in dist. Umaria, M.P under Government dispensation route to M/s NMDC Ltd., vide letter Nos CA-I Dated 25th July, PURPOSE OF THE REPORT As per the recommendation in the Term of References (TOR) the Integrated Environmental Impact Assessment report was prepared for the appraisal in the EAC as the statutory requirement for grant of prior environmental clearance for Proposed Shahpur East & West Coal Blocks, Sohagpur Coalfield, Sohagpur & Pali Thesil, Shahdol & Umaria Districts, Madhya Pradesh. The Terms of Reference for preparation of Integrated EIA report for the two underground Coal mine projects of Shahpur East and Shahpur West has been issued vide MOEF letter no. J-11015/280/2010-IA.II (M) dated In the EAC meeting held on 28 th August 2012, the committee considered favorably for modification of TOR w.r.t production capacity from MTPA to 1.30 MTPA. Vide letter No. Letter No.J-11015/ 366/ 2012.IA.II (M) dated , the Committee has recommended for extension of the validity of TOR period up to 29/10/13 The production details and ML area details of the two blocks are given in Table 1. Table 1 - Details of the Production and ML area S. Production ML Area Block No (MTPA) (ha.) MOEF TOR Letter 1 Shahpur East Letter No. J-11015/280/2010-IA.II (M) 2 Shahpur West dated Total Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) (Thermal & Coal Mining) meeting held on 28 th August 2012, Letter No.J-11015/ 366/ 2012.IA.II (M) dated The details of Mining Leases falling under Shadol District are given below: Table 2 - Details of mining leases along with villages S. no Mining Lease Area in Ha Name of villages 1 Shahpur East Khamaria Kala,Kathotia, Kholha, Chunia, Sinduri 2 Shahpur West Khamaria Kala, Kathotia Total District Shahdol 1 /18

3 Chuniya Kathotia Sinduri Kholad Khanthar ia Kala Kathotia Khamaria Kala Total Integrated EIA-EMP for proposed 1.30 MTPA Shahpur East & Shahpur West Underground 1.2 SUMMARY OF LAND DETAILS Out of total mining lease area of Ha, Ha of area falls in five villages of (Khamaria Kala,Kathotia, Kholha, Chunia, Sinduri ) Sohagpur tehsil, Shahdol District. The details are given in Table no: 3 and 6. S. no Type of Land Table 3 - Summary of the land details of Shahdol District Area in Ha Shahpur East Coal Block Shahpur West Bock 1 Revenue Forest Land Revenue Land (Govt) 3 Private land Total SIZE AND MAGNITUDE OF THE PROJECT The project is designed for a rated capacity of 1.30 MTPA with a peak production, for an estimated life of 33 years for East block and 24 years for West block. The total capital required for the project is estimated as Rs Crores. The brief details regarding the magnitude of operations are as given Table 4. Table 4 - The Geological and Mining Characteristics Details S.No Description East Block West Block 1. Method of Mining Mechanised and semi Mechanised and semi mechanized Bord and Pillar mechanized Bord and UG Mining. Pillar UG Mining Total Mine Lease area ha ha 3. (i) Land Required for Surface structures ha ha. (ii) Undisturbed area ha ha. 4. Capital Cost of the mine Rs Crores Rs Crores 5. Geological Reserves Million Tones Million Tones 6. Mineable Reserves (excluding blocked reserves) Million Tones Million Tones 7. Extractable Reserves Million Tones Million Tones 8. Maximum Depth of the mine 200 m 150 m 9. Peak Production MTPA MTPA No. of Boreholes drilled 64 no.s (MECL 55 + GSI 9) 11. Life of the Mine 33 years 24 years 64 no.s (MECL 59 + GSI 5) 12. Bore Hole Density 9.24 per km per km 2 2 /18

4 1.4 LOCATION OF THE PROJECT The proposed project area falls under administrative control of Shahdol districts in Madhya Pradesh state. Shahdol District is situated in the North Eastern part of Madhya Pradesh. It lies in the North-Western part of Sohagpur Coalfields. The blocks area fall in the Survey of India Topo sheet nos. 64 E/7 and 64 E/8 (R.F.1:50,000). (Fig.1) The proposed project site is well connected by road and rail. The nearest railway station is Shahdol (4 km aerial and 12 km by road) connected from Jabalpur and Bilaspur in South Eastern Railway. The Geological Boundary of the Shahpur West coal block is as follows: North Shahpur Block and West of Shahdol block explored / being explored by GSI & MECL East Shahpur (East) block of NMDC South West The blocks of CMPDIL/GSI (exploration in progress) Southern boundary line is a horizontal line (W to E) drawn from SW corner point (of the block) located 275 m south of PF boundary measured along the Western block boundary) Marwatola block of MECL & CMPDIL (work in progress). The Geological Boundary of the Shahpur East coal block is as follows: North East South West Shahpur Block explored by GSI & West of Shahdol Block Bicharpur block explored by GSI Block boundry supplied by NMDC promotional exploration is in progress by CMPDIL / GSI in the south Shahpur West block However, as per the Environmental Impact Notification, the following siting guidelines have been promulgated and the present site conforms to the guidelines prescribed by Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) New Delhi. 3 /18

5 Fig:1 Location Map of the Study area showing East and West Coal Blocks ML area 4 /18

6 Table 5 - Compliance of Sitting Guidelines of MOEF S.No Conditions Compliance 1. No ecologically sensitive area shall be located within 25 km from the project site. 2. The project site should not be located within ½ km from the coastal area. 3. Should be located at least ½ km from the flood plain of the river system. 4. Should be located ½ km away from highway and railway line. 5. Should be located 25 km from the town with population more than 3,00, LAND ENVIRONMENT Sl. No. Shahdol RF at 1.5 km towards South and Sohagpur RF (N, W & WNW) at 0.5 km distance are the major forests within 25 km radius. The project site does not attract coastal zone regulations. Not applicable. No high ways and railway lines located within a distance of ½ km. Shahdol is nearest railway station 4 km aerial & 12 km by road No town exists with population more than 3,00,000 within 25 km from Shahdol The details of the mining lease area applied are shown in Table 6. Type Of Land TABLE :7 Area Details for Mining Lease applied (In Hectares) (Summary of Land SHAHDOL DIST ) Khamharia Kala District Shahdol Shahpur East Kathotia Kholhad Chunia Senduri District Shahdol Shahpur West Khamaria Kalan 1 Jhudpi Jungle Habitation Kathotia 2 Private Agg. Land Grazing Land Cremation Ground Road Ponds River/ Nala School Panchyat Bhavan Khal Khaddar Temple Other Govt. land Fertilizer Ditch Gothan Bag Bagia Total Total /18

7 1.6 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT Detailed studies have been conducted during the December 2010 to February 2011 in respect of air, water, land and soil in core zone and buffer zone. The baseline data conforms to the requirement of EIA Notification, 2006 (as amended on ) Meteorology A meteorological station was installed at Chunia village of Shahdol Dist in core zone to study the meteorological conditions of the study area at a height of about 9 m above the ground level. During December 2010 to February 2011 the winds were predominantly recorded from North followed by East. Calm conditions prevailed for % of the total time. Averaged wind speed for the season that is December 2010 to February 2011 is 1.50 m/sec. Table 8 - Meteorological conditions Period Temperature ( 0 C) R. Humidity (%) Rain fall Predominant wind direction Blowing from Min Max Min Max (mm) Dec East to West Jan North to South Feb North to South Air Environment Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (AAQM) stations were set up at 11 locations with due consideration to the above mentioned points. AAQ locations were selected in downwind, cross wind and upwind direction of the proposed project location. AAQ levels are recorded are given below Table 9. (Fig.2). All the values are found within prescribed limit as per National Ambient Air Quality Standards prescribed by CPCB. Code Table 9 - Ambient Air Quality levels in the study area- µg/m 3 Name of the Station/ village District Wind Type W.R.T. Site Particulate Matter <2.5µ Particulate Matter <10µ Direction Distance (Km) Min Max Min Max A1 Chunia Shahdol Core Zone A2 Shahpur Umaria Core Zone A3 Pachgaon Shahdol Upwind E A4 Malachua Umaria Down Wind W A5 Hathpura Umaria Down Wind W A6 Dindwaria Umaria Cross Wind N A7 Khawai Shahdol Cross Wind S A8 Shahdol Shahdol Cross Wind NE A9 Raugarh Umaria Cross Wind NW A10 Lamru Umaria Cross Wind SW A11 Antara Shahdol Cross Wind SE /18

8 Fig.2 Environmental Parameter (Air, Water & Noise l) Sampling locations 7 /18

9 1.6.3 Noise levels in the study area Baseline noise levels are monitored at 11 locations in the study area. The day equivalents during the study period are ranging from 49.3 to 53.0 db (A), where as the night equivalents were in the range of 40.2 to 41.5 db (A). From the results it can be seen that the Day equivalents and the Night equivalents were within the Ambient Noise standards of residential areas standards. Code Name of the Station/ village Table 10 - Noise levels in the study area District Wind Type W.R.T. Site Particulate Matter <2.5µ Particulate Matter <10µ Direction Distance Day Night Min Max (Km) Eq Eq A1 Chunia Shahdol Core Zone A2 Shahpur Umaria Core Zone A3 Pachgaon Shahdol Upwind E A4 Malachua Umaria Down Wind W A5 Hathpura Umaria Down Wind W A6 Dindwaria Umaria Cross Wind N A7 Khawai Shahdol Cross Wind S A8 Shahdol Shahdol Cross Wind NE A9 Raugarh Umaria Cross Wind NW A10 Lamru Umaria Cross Wind SW A11 Antara Shahdol Cross Wind SE Water Quality Ground water samples at 10 locations and surface water samples at 2 locations were collected in the study area and analyzed to assess the water quality Ground Water Quality Observations The ph of water samples varied from 6.85 to 7.30 The Total Dissolved Solids are in the range of 315 mg/l to 958 mg/l. The Total Hardness values are in the range of 155 mg/l to 550 mg/l The chloride values are in the ranges of 27 mg/l to 145 mg/l. The fluoride values are in the rage of 0.17 mg/l to 1.3 mg/l Surface Water Quality Observations The ph of the surface water is in the range of 7.34 to 7.59 The Total Dissolved Solids are in the range of 309 mg/l to 399 mg/l The Fluoride values are in the range of 0.30 mg/l to 0.6 mg/l The Total Hardness is in the order of 165 mg/l to 245 mg/l The total chlorides are in the order of 24 mg/l to 27 mg/l 8 /18

10 Parameter Table 10. Subsurface Water Quality in the study area Units GW1 Chunia Shahdol Dt GW2 Shahpur Umaria Dt GW3 GW4 Pachgaon Malachua Shahdol Dt Umaria Dt GW5 IS: Hathpura 1991 Umaria Norms Dt 1 Colour Hazen ph Turbidity NTU Dissolved Solids mg/l Alkalinity as CaCO 3 mg/l Chlorides as Cl - mg/l Sulphates as SO 4 mg/l Nitrate as NO 3 mg/l Phosphates as PO 4 mg/l Hardness as CaCO 3 mg/l Calcium as Ca +2 mg/l Magnesium as Mg +2 mg/l Sodium as Na +2 mg/l Potassium as K + mg/l Fluoride as F -2 mg/l Iron as Fe +3 mg/l Sus. Solids mg/l Lead as Pb +2 µg/l Manganese as Mn +2 µg/l Cadmium as Cd +2 µg/l Chromium as Cr +6 µg/l Copper as Cu +2 µg/l Cyanide as CN - mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL Zinc as Zn +2 mg/l Parameter Units GW9 GW10 GW6 GW7 IS: GW8 Raugarh Antara Dindwaria Khawai 1991 Shahdol Umaria Shahdol Umaria Dt Shahdol Dt Norms Dt Dt 1 Colour Hazen ph Turbidity NTU Dissolved Solids mg/l Alkalinity as CaCO 3 mg/l Chlorides as Cl - mg/l Sulphates as SO 4 mg/l Nitrate as NO 3 mg/l Phosphates as PO 4 mg/l Hardness as CaCO 3 mg/l Calcium as Ca +2 mg/l Magnesium as Mg +2 mg/l Sodium as Na +2 mg/l Potassium as K + mg/l Fluoride as F -2 mg/l Iron as Fe +3 mg/l Sus. Solids mg/l /18

11 18 Lead as Pb +2 µg/l Manganese as Mn +2 µg/l Cadmium as Cd +2 µg/l Chromium as Cr +6 µg/l Copper as Cu +2 µg/l Cyanide as CN - mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL Zinc as Zn +2 mg/l Soil Quality Soil quality studies are performed around the project site. Soil samples were collected from 10 locations at various depths and physico-chemical characteristics of the collected samples were analyzed Soil Quality Observations The soil quality analysis indicates the soils are predominantly Grey in colour. The ph of soil indicates normal to saline nature (6.61 to 8.05) Available Nitrogen in the soil observed to be between 35.8 to 78.3 kg/ha, Phosphorous levels observed to be between 6.8 to 28.2 kg/ha and Potassium observed to be between 4.3 to 15.9 kg/ha 1.7 ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES The habitat is well maintained with artificial rising of plants around the Core area with natural forest species. Forestland falls in West block buffer zone. The forest type is dry deciduous mixed forest comprises vegetation in dense patches, scrub type formations. There are no endangered or endemic species of flora and fauna in core and buffer zone of the proposed project. 1.8 SUBSIDENCE STUDIES 1.8.1Shahpur East Coal Block: The analysis shows that the peak subsidence predicted at the end of 15 years, 20 years, 25 years, 30 years and 33 years of mining are m, 1.187m, m, m and m respectively. The predicted peak tensile strain for above time blocks are 7.5 mm/m, 8.7 mm/m, 8.7 mm/m, 9.2 mm/m and 9.7 mm/m respectively. The subsidence troughs formed at the surface are gentle in nature and predicted peak horizontal tensile strain is always less than 10 mm/m. No damage is likely to occur to the surface structures on the surface. Therefore, no subsidence management plan has been proposed for this block Shahpur West Coal Block: No Subsidence management plan is being suggested for Khamaria, Kosmaha and Shahpur villages, Ghogra nala, two important roads passing on the block i.e., road connecting LAMRO to SHAHPUR village and the other road in the eastern side passing through KHAMARIA village as protection pillars of sufficient sizes have been left below these structures. 10 /18

12 1.9 HYDRO GEOLOGICAL STUDIES: Groundwater Level Trends: The tube well existing in the area are drilled by Public Health Engineering Department for their water supply purposes. These tube wells have an average depth of 60 mtrs. The water table level, as reported in hydrological Report of Sohagpur Block Shahdol District M.P, ranges from 7.84 mts. to 8.54 mts. during pre-monsoon period while during post monsoon period it ranges from 2.10 to 4.92 mts. The trend of groundwater contours indicating that the trend is following from north, west, south and east to south central part of the study area SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT The major part of study area of the proposed project falls in Sohagpur & Pali Tehsils of Shahdol & Umaria Districts. In Shahdol District, the total number of households is and total population as per census of 2001 is The total number of male population is i.e., 52.02% where as the female population is i.e., 47.98%. The density of population of the Shahdol district is 258. However for every 1000 number of males there are 926 females. Most of the population in the study area belongs to the category of Main workers, which includes Cultivators, Agriculture Laborers, workers those engaged in Household industries, Construction activities, Forestry and other allied activities. Main sources of water supply are wells, hand pumps, ponds/open tanks and taps in few villages. Market facilities are available in few villages. Communication facilities in the villages are quite good with all villages having Branch Post offices, Telephone facility. Police stations exist in all the surroundings ALTERNATIVES Coal mines are site specific in nature and location of the proposed area is restricted to the geology and coal deposition of the area. Safety, economical and technical constraints determine the mining methods to be employed. Considering gradient of the seams, depth of seams and evaluating different options, underground mining, Shahpur East block is proposed with a combination of mechanised and semi mechanised bord and pillar underground mining and Shahpur West block is proposed for semi mechanised method of bord and pillar UG mining, LHDs with short fire blasting technology for semi-mechanised method. A set of two inclines are proposed for both the blocks for accessibility to various coal seams for mining, transport of coal and material supply including walkway and one ventilation shaft. No beneficiation of coal at site is proposed thus rejects/ middlings are not generated. 11 /18

13 1.12 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & MITIGATION MEASURES The section summarizes the pollution potential of the proposed mine, its possible impacts on the surrounding environment during pre-operational and operational phases and the necessary management actions proposed for control and abatement of pollution Impact due to Air Pollution and its Management The dust pollution control measures suggested are more as preventive measures because the generation or emission is not through stacks but from various mining activities. The following measures are proposed: Effective water spraying arrangements in underground working places as well as at coal loading bunkers at pithead on surface. Effective water spraying at all coal transfer points. Enclosures at coal transfer points. Water spraying arrangement along coal transport route within the mine premises. Clearing off coal dust heaps on surface. Black topping of coal transport route. Watering of roads at regular intervals Plantation within the mine premises and also along coal transport route Proper periodic maintenance of vehicles, etc. Trucks carrying coal will be covered with tarpaulin. The underground workings of the mine will be well ventilated by adequate ventilation arrangements. The requirements and standards specified in this regard by Director General of Mines Safety (DGMS) would be adhered to Impact due to Water Pollution and its Management The estimated mine discharge water is 394 KLD from East Block & 455 KLD from West Block will be pumped out from the mine. Maximum amount of this water will be used for various purposes as given in Table 11. The balance unused water will be discharged into local stream for use of local villagers for agricultural purposes which augment recharge of the ground water regime. Thus, there will be no possibility of any impact of the waste water on the existing water regime. 12 /18

14 Table 11 - Details of the Mine discharge water uses S. No Purpose Quantity required in KLD Wastewater generated in KLD East West Total East West Total Block Block Block Block 1 Sprinkling on haul roads Greenbelt development Domestic consumption (mine area) 4 Vehicle washing Domestic consumption (Colony) 725 persons East Block, 737 persons West Block Total Total 477 Estimated mine water The balance water 40 KLD will be discharged into natural stream used by local villagers of agricultural purpose The following mitigate measures are proposed to reduce the magnitude of the undesirable impacts: The mine discharge water, which may contain coal fines, needs sedimentation, before discharge into the natural water course/ open land. The treatment facilities such as sedimentation, filtration and chlorination will be provided for mine discharge, so as to conform to the effluent standards as prescribed by CPCB/MOEF. The service building domestic effluents are proposed to be collected by a sewerage system and treated by means of septic tanks followed by soak pits. The domestic wastewater collected from the colony will be treated in Sewage Treatment Plant of 500 KLD capacity and treated water is used for greenbelt development. The excess mine water, which is proposed to be discharged into nearby natural streams will be used by local villagers for agricultural purpose. This also augments recharge of the ground water regime. Hence negligible impacts will be felt due to mine water discharge. Based on this, the study area is categorised as Safe. The impact of mining on local ground water regime depends on various parameters like method of mining, depth and rate of expansion, ground water recharge and hydraulic parameters of the aquifers system of the area. In underground mining, the aquifer lying in the immediate roof of the working coal seam contributes major inflow and gets affected. The ground water is exploited through dug wells in the study area. Dug wells are mostly used for domestic (drinking) purpose only, some of the places these dug wells are also being used for irrigation either by traditional lifting devices of electric pump sets. The average depth of the dug well ranges from m. The tube wells existing in the area are drilled by Public Heath Engineering department for their water supply purposes. These tube wells have an average depth of 60 m. The water table level as reported in Geo-hydrological Report of Sohagpur Block Shahdol District M.P, ranges from 7.84 m to 8.54 m during pre- 13 /18

15 monsoon period where as during post monsoon period the depth ranges from 2.10 m to 4.92 m. The results of studies on the impact mining on water resources revealed that there is no impact of mining on ground water regime in the mining areas Impact due to Noise Pollution and its Management The following noise control measures are proposed to be taken up in the mine for mitigating noise pollution. The main mechanical ventilators will be provided with evasee which dampens the noise Height of fall would be minimized at all coal transfer points and internal lining of bins and chutes would be done. In the high noise intensity working areas / zones earmuffs or earplugs or any other suitable personal protective equipment would be provided to the workmen. Regular noise level monitoring would be done periodically for taking corrective action, wherever required. Management of manpower working in high noise level areas such that the assignment is distributed amongst more persons thereby reducing individual exposure to high noise level to fewer hours in a shift and maintaining equivalent noise level exposure a shift to acceptable limit. Extensive plantation of green belt and vegetation along the roads and around the offices to create a barrier or screen between the source and the receiver so that the noise is absorbed and the exposure level is minimized. It is therefore expected with these measures the exposure level will be within the permissible limits Impact on land and its management The total mine lease area of the proposed Shahpur East & West block is Ha. out of which, 8.82 Ha. (East Block: 4.66 ha. & West Block: 4.16 ha.) of land will be disturbed at conceptual stage which is negligible. The disturbed area within mine lease will comprise dug up area for inclines and shaft, surface dump, area occupied by infrastructure, roads etc. Thus, the impact on the land environment will be minimal Plantation Program The plantation program will be designed within the natural constraints of the site and in particular species selection will reflect the flora known to be resistant to the local conditions. Plants will be grown- Around fan house Along the approach roads and within the mine premises. NMDC maintains a well-established forestry department to carry on the afforestation program over the mining areas and in the residential colonies in all the areas of the company. Greenbelt will be developed in phased manner. 14 /18

16 Solid Waste and its Management The solid waste generated from this mine mainly consists of shale and sand stone and solid waste generated from colonies and service buildings. This material will be dumped in the low lying areas and suitable plantation will be taken up over the same Impact on Socio Economic Environment The study area is a part of Sohagpur Tehsil of Shahdol district and Pali tehsil of Umaria District, M.P. The villages, which are situated at the periphery and falling partly within the study area, are also considered for summarizing the demographic details. On the other hand, the mining and allied activities will provide job opportunities for eligible persons and many will find employment in service sector and marketing of day-to-day needs viz. poultry and other agricultural products. The facilities and amenities like dispensary and communication, to be set up for the project will improve the basic infrastructure and these amenities can also be used by the people of the nearby villagers. The proposed long term activity will open up market and opportunities growth for self employed and cultivators. To this extent, the impact will be significantly economic problem faced by the people in this area. R & R benefits according to the Govt. of Madhya Pradesh Policies and prevailing practice in industries in the vicinity ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Environmental Monitoring Programme has been prepared for the proposed mine for assessing the efficacy of implementation of Environment Management Plan and to take corrective measures in case of any degradation in the surrounding environment. Different activities involved in the proposed underground coal mine and their impact on various environmental attributes have been taken in to account while designing a detailed environmental monitoring programme for the mine Methodology of monitoring mechanism Implementation of EMP and periodic monitoring is proposed to be carried out at (a) mine level and (b) area level for the proposed mine and allied activities like coal handling facilities, workshop, mining colony, etc. Mine level environmental protection measures like subsidence monitoring & management, dust suppression, treatment and recycling of waste water, plantation and noise control in the mine premises, housekeeping, implementation of EMP and Environmental Clearance conditions will be monitored by the mine authorities Post project monitoring plan To monitor the extent of environmental impact of the proposed mine, the various pollutants generated during mining operations will be periodically monitored. The detailed post project monitoring plan to be performed and linkages to impacts and mitigation measures identified 15 /18

17 in the environmental assessment has been prepared using G.S.R. 742(E), Standards stipulated for Coal Mines ADDITIONAL STUDIES Disaster Management and Risk Assessment Mining and allied activities are associated with several potential hazards to both the employees and the public at large. A worker in a mine should be able to work under conditions which are adequately safe and healthy. At the same time, the environmental conditions should be such as not to impair his working efficiency. This is possible only when there is adequate safety in both opencast and underground mines. Hence, mine safety is one of the most essential aspects of any working mine. Indeed safety of the mine and the employees is taken care of by the Mines Act Mine manager monitors the emergencies that may occur in underground mining operations and prepares an emergency plan to deal with mine fires, explosions and inundation etc. The emergency plan provide for mock rehearsals at regular intervals Social Impact Assessment The occupational pattern of the people will also change for the better and support services will create further employment and growth opportunities. Commencing the mine is likely to have several benefits like improvement in indirect employment generation and economic growth of the area, by way of improved infrastructure facilities and better socio-economic conditions PROJECT BENEFITS Agriculture is the basic sector of employment for the local people in this area. This mine will lead to indirect employment opportunity. Employment is expected during civil construction period, in trade, garbage lifting, sanitation and other ancillary services, Employment in these sectors will be primarily temporary or contractual and involvement of unskilled labour will be more. A major part of this labour force will be mainly from local villagers who are expected to engage themselves both in agriculture and mining activities. This will enhance their income and lead to overall economic growth of the area. Industrial development and consequent economic development should lead to improvement of environment through better living and greater social awareness. On the other hand, commencing the mine is likely to have several benefits like improvement in indirect employment generation and economic growth of the area, by way of improved infrastructure facilities and better socio-economic conditions ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN Environment Management Plan (EMP) aims at the preservation of ecological system by considering in-built pollution abatement facilities at the proposed site. Mitigation measures at the source level and an overall environment management plan at the study area are elicited 16 /18

18 so as to improve the supportive capacity of the receiving bodies. The EMP aims at controlling pollution at the source level to the possible extent with the available and affordable technology followed by treatment before they are discharged. It has been evaluated that the study area has not been affected adversely with the proposed activity and likely to get new economic fillip, not only for the study area but also for the region as a whole. Mitigation measures at the source level and an overall management plan at the study area level are elicited so as to improve the supportive capacity of the receiving bodies. The EMP aims at controlling pollution at the source level to the possible extent with the available and affordable technology followed by treatment before they are discharged. Environmental management for the proposed mining activity is being discussed in two phases. It is evident from the earlier discussions that the majority of the environmental impact pertains to the operational phase. Even though reversible in nature - all the impacts will be visible only during operational phase. It is planned to take corrective measures to ensure that these effects are kept to bare minimum. The EMP will therefore, be initiated during planning stage itself. Second stage of the EMP will be taken up during the operational phase. Those will ensure that impacts during operation of the facility are kept to the barest minimum. Implementation of EMP and periodic monitoring is proposed to be carried out at (a) mine level and (b) area level for a group of mines including allied activities like central coal handling plant, central mining colony, workshop, etc., which will be common to the mining area Fund provision for environment protection and management In order to implement the environmental protection measures, an amount of Rs. 130 lakhs for East block and Rs. 134 Lakhs for West block is. This expenditure is in-built in the cost of production Final Decommissioning plan Mining being a temporary venture must be closed after exhaustion of the minerals being exploited. Closing a mine without adequate planning of post mining activities may induce severe negative impacts on environment in the post closure stage. Closing of mining operations involves numerous issues like reclamation and environmental protection, community issues, socio-economic consideration, planning for alternate use of available facilities, cost estimation and asset disposal Monitoring The monitoring of the mine closure plan is an essential requirement for review of the efficacy of the mine closure plan and to take corrective actions. The monitoring consists of measuring the Air quality, water quality, preservation of landscape, aesthetic and other land use values as prescribed in the mine closure plan. 17 /18

19 Submission of detailed Mine closure plan The detailed mine de-commissioning plan will be made 5 years before the actual closure which will be submitted for approval. This plan will also provide the fund provision for the mine closure plan CONCLUSION From the detailed analysis of the environmental impacts and the remedial measures proposed, it can be concluded that no significant deterioration in the eco-system is likely to occur due to the proposed underground mine. On the other hand, this mine is likely to have several benefits like improvement in indirect employment generation and economic growth of the area, by way of improved infrastructure facilities and better socio-economic conditions. 18 /18