EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1.1 Introductions Capacity expansion of existing granite quarry (6.0 ha) is proposed, which is operational at village- Kathara, Tehsil- Lovekush Nagar & Dist. - Chhatarpur for 7000cubic meter to 20000 cubic meter per annum. For subject mineral, lease area was granted to M/s Fortune Stone Ltd., New Delhi in the year 2008 for period of 20 year from 04.07.2008 to 03.07.2028. The lessee has already been obtained the environmental clearance from State Environment Impact Assessment Authority of MP for having production capacity of 7000cubic meter vide letter no. 225/EPCO-SEIAA/10 dated 13/07/2010. The committee suggested Terms of References ( ToR ) for the preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) through its letter no. 596/PS-MS/ MPPCB/ SEAC/ TOR (110)/2013 Bhopal date 30/07/2013, which are incorporated in the EIA/EMP report at their respective places. 1.2 Details of the project Table 1 S. No. Particulars Details 1. Locations Village Kathara Tehsil Lovekush Nagar District Chhatarpur State MP 2. Latitude Longitude 25 0 04 09.89 To 25 0 04 53.2 North 80 0 00 6.63 To 80 0 00 39.6 East 3. General ground level 200m 4. Nearest National/state Highway Bagmau- Bacchan PWD Road - 0.2km - N 5. Nearest Railway Station Khajuraho - 35.0 km 6. Nearest Airport Khajuraho - 35.0 km 7. Nearest Tourist Place within 10km radius. None 8. Archaeological Important Place within 10km radius. None 9. Ecological Sensitive Areas (Wild Life Sanctuaries) within 10km None radius. 10. Reserved / Protected Forest within Silpatpura PF 10km radius (Boundary to Lauri PF - N - 6.5km boundary distance) Gurha PF - NNE - 7.0km 11. Nearest major city with 100000 Nil population within 10km radius 12. Nearest Town / City within 10km radius Lovekush Nagar 5.0km 1 P a g e
13. Nearest Village Kathara - SW - 0.2 km 14. Nearest River Urmal Nadi - WWS - 4.4km 15. Nearest Nalla Mahan Nalla - SSE - 6.5km Mudiha Ghat Nalla - SE - 1.5km Khamuwah Nalla - E - 4.5km Sangalri Nalla - SSE - 7.5km Jamnyahi Nalla - EEN - 9.0km Gohal Nalla - EEN - 9.0km Basaha Nalla - NNE - 4.5km Man Sagar - N - 5.0km Local Pond - N - 0.2km 16. None within 10km radius None within 10km radius 17. Other quarries within 10km radius 10 quarry Kathara 02 (M/s Fortune Stone Ltd.) Silpatpura 07 (M/s S.B. Granite-02, Granite India 02, Manvendra Singh-01, ) Marwa - 01 18. Industry within 10km radius None within 10km radius Source: Field Survey 1.3 Mining lease status The subject mine lease area is located in village Kathara, Taluka Lovekush Nagar, Chhatarpur District (M.P.). Land use of the area is defined as govt. forest land. The lease was granted for period of 20years from 04.07.2008 to 03.07.2028. 1.3.1 Mining Details Table 2 S. No. Particulars Details 1 Type of Mine Open Cast 2 Mining Lease Area 6.0 Ha 3. Mineable Area 5.80 Ha 4. Existing Pits & Quarries 5.20 ha 5. Existing Dumps 0.70ha 6. Infrastructure and road 0.10 ha 7. Mineral Storage Nil 8. Plantation Nil 9. Recoverable Reserve 292010 cubic meter 10. Method of mining Fully mechanised 11. Ultimate Depth of Mining 2m (209mRL) 12. Ultimate Pit Slope 60 o 13. Expected Life of Mines 15 years 14. Quarry Period 20 year upto 2028 15. Thickness of sandy soil Minimum 0.0 m Maximum 1.0 m 16 Stripping Ratio 1:7.3 2 P a g e
17 Existing mode to transportation Road 18 Area to be covered under dumps in conceptual period nil 19 Area covered under pit in 5.80 ha conceptual period 20 Area to be reclaimed by 5.80 ha conceptual period 21 Area to be covered under 6.0ha plantation by conceptual period 22 Area to covered under water Nil reservoir 23 Surface mrl 200mRL 24 Ground water table Monsoon period 20m bgl (180mRL) Dry month 22m bgl (178mRL) Source: Approved Mining Plan by DGM, Bhopal 1.3.2 Mineable Reserves and Life of Mine The quantity of past production has been excluded for reserves estimated. The proved and probable Mineable reserves have been considered for the total mineable reserves. The updated mineable reserves are to be tune of 292010 cubic meter. Mine life estimated by taking mineable reserves and maximum yearly production of granite is 20,000 cubic meter per year. Total Mineable Reserve is 292010 cubic meter Thus first five year Production= 100000 cubic meter Balance Reserves = 292010-100000= 192010 cubic meter Life = 192010/20000= 9.60year. Thus Total Mine Life = 5+9.60= 14.60say 15year from the date of excavation of proposed quantity of mineral. 1.3.3 Method of Mining All the mining operation will be carried out by mechanical opencast method. Loading of the block of granite will be done by mobile crane in 10t tipper or 15t truck. Transportation of granite block to destination will be done by truck. The haul road has been extended up to the bottom of the quarries. Face clearing, sorting and sizing will be done manually. During the five year haulage road will be developed at the gradient of 1:16. Overburden hauled by loader cum dumper combination. Granite quarry after complete development will be divided into zonal areas, or a particular blasting zone will be located. The upper crust of the site termed as weathered zone will be blasted with blasting sticks. Removal of overburden: - Debris, rubbish etc. termed as overburden forme d and accumulated after blasting is removed by excavator and tipper and dumped in the dumping ground. 3 P a g e
Face opening :- In the next step drilled holes are made sideways in the blasted zone by tractor mounted compressor (TMC) one after another in close succession on one vertical surface (Termed as face) of the blasted zone. Subsequently blasting salt called Ammonia salt are put in the drilled holes and the face thus drilled is lighted and blasted. Aquasing blocks: - Big chunks of granite that come and after blasting are then handled and removed by inches. Sizing of blocks: - granite blocks thus acquired irregular edges and surfaces are called Random blocks. The edges and surfaces of random blocks are then cut by chiseling manually and granite blocks are ready for dispatch. The mine will be worked in 9 benches during first five years. All benches are proposed to be given in minerals granite. The height of the benches will be 3m and the width of the last bench will follow the quarry floor. The haul road will be extended up to the bottom of the quarry Table No 3 Year wise Development/production for the first five years ROM m 3 Year Soil in m 3 mine waste 80% m 3 Production in m 3 Stripping ratio 1 st Nil 166667 146667 20000 1:7.3 2 nd Nil 166667 146667 20000 1:7.3 3 rd Nil 166667 146667 20000 1:7.3 4 th Nil 166667 146667 20000 1:7.3 5 th Nil 166667 146667 20000 1:7.3 Total Nil 833335 733335 100000 1:7.3 1.4 Requirements for the project 1.4.1 Land Requirement Total mining lease area is 6.0 Ha. The status of the land is given below: Table -4 District/ Taluka Village Forest Area State Compartment no. Chhatarpur Lovekush Nagar Kathara 703 6.0 ha Source: Approved Mining Plan by DGM 1.4.2 Water Requirement The total fresh water needs to be pumped is about 29.0 KL per day for all three quarry lease area i.e. 21.736ha, 6.0ha and 1.4ha which includes expansion proposal also. The quantity of water is being taken from the existing mine pit, office borewell and tanker. 1.4.3 Manpower Requirement 4 P a g e
M/s Fortune Stone Ltd. has given employment to 145 numbers of people according to qualification and skill. Preference shall be given to local population while inducting the new manpower. 1.4.4 Power Requirement No power will be required for mining process and for site services, power may be obtained from electricity board. 1.4.5 Extent of Mechanization As explained earlier the mining of granite dimensional stone is entirely different from conventional type of mining. Rather it would be appropriate to term granite mining as an art where due care is taken to carve out dimensional block out of massive rock formation. The role of machinery in this type of mining the most vital aspect and selection of proper machinery leads to an overall impact on the final production of blocks. All operation of opencast working is mechanical including removal of OB and accumulated mine waste from time to time by deploying loader cum excavator. Occasional drilling will be done with help of jack hammer and compressed air. Loading has been done by mobile crane. 2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 2.1 Baseline details During the study period, ambient air quality and noise level monitoring was done at 4 locations whereas, surface & ground water sampling was carried out at 2 & 5 locations respectively. Results for the same are summarized below: Table 5 Baseline Data: 1 st Feb., 2013 to 30 th April, 2013 Particulars Details Standards Ambient air quality NAAQS PM10 Max. 67.16 & Min. 41.95 100 g/m 3 SO2 Max. 12.55 & Min. <6.0 80 g/m 3 NO2 Max. 13.65 & Min. 8.32 80 g/m 3 Noise level CPCB Standard Day time (6:00 am Max. 50.4 & Min. 46.8 75 Leq. db (A) to 10:00 pm) Night time (10:00 Max. 36.3 & Min. 35.6 70 Leq. db (A) pm to 06:00 am) Water quality IS 10500:1991 (Desirable limits) Surface water ph Max. 7.85 & Min. 7.6 6.5-8.5 TDS Max. 468 & Min. 425 500 mg/l Total Hardness Max. 178 & Min. 168 300 mg/l Ground water ph Max. 7.45 & Min. 6.26 6.5-8.5 TDS Max. 2094 & Min.426 500 mg/l Total Hardness Max. 480 & Min. 44 300 mg/l 5 P a g e
2.3 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT The area of the core zone is degraded forest land as well as barren land, hence, no adverse impact is anticipated. The core zone is covered by sparse vegetation of grass only; hence, no loss of flora is expected. No fauna comes under schedule-i in buffer zone and in core zone therefore, no adverse impact on fauna is anticipated. The impact on the biological environment due to amount of dust generation is minimised by well-developed green belt in and around mining lease area. Mitigation measure Extensive plantation is proposed around the mine site, which will serve not only as a sink for pollutant but also as a noise barrier. Afforestation on 6.0ha area with 8900numbers of trees is proposed. It is expected that with the adoption of these mitigative measures, the impact due to operation of the mine will be minimal on the terrestrial ecosystem. i. Proper land management to restore the ecological conditions in the region ii. Proper handling of mineral and Overburden will significantly reduce fugitive emissions and hence minimal impact is expected on surrounding flora and fauna due to deposition of mineral and Overburden. iii. A Comprehensive green belt development programme is suggested 3.0 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Impact on Air Environment Present mining method is continuing in future. Drilling and blasting operations are source of fugitive dust emission but its effect is more or less localized. The major part of the dust generated during such operations usually gets settle down and thus the effect of such operation will be localized phenomenon. However, some extent of background concentration of PM10 may be attributed due to the proposed capacity expansion of both quarries i.e. 21.736ha and 6.0ha in the quarry area. During the mining of granite, predicted value reveals that the maximum incremental short term 24 hourly ground level concentrations of particulates is 3.18 g/m 3. The results of the background PM10 concentration at all receptors over the area are insignificant and are low as compared to the standards prescribed by the CPCB for ambient air quality. Thus, it can be safely stated that due to the proposed capacity expansion activity, there will be no adverse impact on the existing ambient air quality. Following air pollution control measures shall be taken to minimize negative impact due to mining activity: Frequent Water spraying has already been carried out on the haulage roads, services road & dump area and same practice will be continue in future also. Considering the location of village (north east direction), dumping has been done in North West and south direction. Over burden dumps will not be left active for longer period and will be used for reclamation purposes. 6 P a g e
Over burden dumps has been temporary stabilized with legumes and grasses to prevent the erosion of soil and to arrest the dust emission during windy days. Water has already been sprayed over the muck pile and dumps to reduced the dust generation; Dust mask has already been provided to all workers. Regular maintenance of vehicles and machines has been carried out in order to control emissions; Cutting tools for granite have been used with the spray of water to reduce the dust emission. During the drilling of granite block, water has been sprayed, so reduced the dust emission Haulage of overburden/mine waste to the siding has been done by dumper. After excavation, mineral has been transported to the port or Indian customers at Bombay or Jaipur by hired dumper (24t capacity). The approach road from lease area to PWD road is about 0.2km, which is kuchha road; however no habitations have been observed along the said kachha road. Dust generation due to transportation will be for limited period and extent to small area. Water spraying has already been carried out frequently and same will be continued. Impact on Water Environment No impact on existing surface water resources is expected on the mining activity is confined to limited area. In fact, the accumulated rain water in the quarry pits will recharge the ground water. No change in drainage pattern will take place due to mining as no first order stream passing from the quarry area. The main drainage of the area is through seasonal Nalla in south west at 100m distance which confluence in Urmal river at a distance of about 5.0km in SW direction. Garland drain has already been made along the waste dumps which has been restrict/retain the loose particles. Depth & length of garland drain is observed as 0.50m and 1000m respectively. Garland drain has also been made along the slop of hill along the village side. Length & depth of garland drain is observed as approx 1000m and 2.5m. By providing drain around hill slope and along the dump, the impact of silt flow toward the agricultural field is somehow prevented. The present requirement of water is observed as 14.2 kl per day which will increased to 29kl per day for all quarries i.e. 1.4ha, 6.0 ha and 21.734ha, which is adjoining the each, and will be met from existing borewell, Tanker and pit water. Following measures will be taken to avoid accumulation of water in lease area: 1. Pump having required capacity will be installed to lift accumulated rain water from working pit to the setting tank. The size of the settling tank will be increased to 10mt X 10mtX 3 mt. 2. No dumping will be carried out in future in the lease area. 3. Garland drain has already been made along the waste dumps which has been restrict/retain the loose particles. 7 P a g e
4. Garland drain shall be made along the slop of hill along the village side. Length & depth of garland drain has been approx 600m and 2.5m 5. Quality of water accumulated in the working pit must be checked during pre and post monsoon 6. It shall be ensured that silt content in the mines discharged should be minimum. 7. It shall be ensured that quality of drinking water for the worker is hygienic and good sanitation system shall be made available. 8. Toilet facility should be more appropriate which is located near the office Impact on Noise Major noise generating sources may be considered as excavation, blasting, drilling and loading and dumper movement used for transportation of minerals. Mitigation measures shall includes: i. Compulsory use of personnel protective equipment (PPE) such as ear plugs for the workers. ii. Use of physical barriers as green belt development in & around the mine to restrict the noise to go outside from mine boundary during operation. Impact on Land & Soil Environment Because of the capacity enhancement project, the reclamation period of land will become now earlier as compare period would have taken on the present capacity. It is proposed to backfilled the all excavated area and afforested, which may give positive impact to the area. Following measures shall be taken to avoid/minimise the adverse effects of proposed activity: Reclamation plan Reclamation will be start only after the full thickness of granite will be mined out. Retaining wall at the downside of hillock has been observed, which help to prevent the flow of boulder to the agricultural field of village. 4.0 POST PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME Table 6 POST PROJECT MONITORING PROGRAMME S. Environmental Locations Parameters Period and No. Attributes Frequency 1 Ambient Air quality 1. Kathara PM10, SO2, NO2, 24 hr. average 2. Marwa CO samples every 3. Andhiyari Beri 4. Haul Road and as directed by MPPCB month 2 Ground water 1. Existing bore Drinking Water Pre Monsoon and well within parameters as Post Monsoon quarry area per IS 10500 2. Hand pump of kathara village 3 Surface water Mine pit & ph, Pre Monsoon and Kathara Pond conductivity, Post Monsoon 8 P a g e
S. Environmental Locations Parameters Period and No. Attributes Frequency Alkalinity, TS, TDS, TSS, Total hardness, Cl, SO4, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Zn, Al, Fe, Total 4 Ambient Noise mine site (near db (A) levels Hourly day and the working pit night time Leq during excavation, levels every Drilling, blasting quarter and around the lease periphery) total 04 point 5 Mines discharge Settling tank & ph, Pre and Post into drains Garland drain of conductivity, Monsoon quarry area Alkalinity, TS, TDS, TSS, Total hardness, Cl, SO4, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Al, Fe, Zn, Total Coliform 6 Soil Quality In and around the Organic matter, Annual site C, H, N, alkalinity, Acidity, heavy metal 5.0 ADDITIONAL STUDIES The Additional Studies conducted as per the Terms of Reference (ToR) issued by SEIAA/SEAC vide letter no. 596/PS-MS/ MPPCB/ SEAC/ TOR (110)/2013 Bhopal date 30.07.2013 with regard to Public hearing & subsequent CSR plan. 6.0 PROJECT BENEFITS M/s Fortune stone Ltd has already given employment to the local people of nearby villages. Further so that M/s Fortune stone Ltd. has made attempt to executed welfare activities in the area which may be described as: Medical Assistance Follow activities has been implemented in the area: 1. Construction of Hospital Building at village Kathara and Provision of Doctor and Compounder in Hospital on regular basis for providing better medical care to local people by extending them the first aid facilities; 2. Regular immunization programs; 3. Periodic specialist camps 9 P a g e
4. Free medical checkup and distribution of medicine on regular basis at village Kathara, Marwa, Bagmau and Lovekush Nagar Education Following activities may be taken up with time & schedule Institution of scholarship and prizes; Supporting adult education programs. Vocational course and training to local Youth Socio-economic benefits M/s Fortune Stone Ltd. has executed number of welfare activities in the area like: Samuhik Kanya Vivah: year 2009 Deeping of local pond (Kathara) Free Medical Camp (Eye & Dental check-up) at Lovekush nagar 26.12.2011 Construction of Hospital Building at Kathara Provision of Doctor and Compounder in Hospital (Kathara) Contribute to Local Area Development Fund Free drinking water supply facility to nearby village by Tanker Proposed activity Free Medical Camp Free drinking water supply facility to nearby village by Tanker Employment M/s Fortune Stone Ltd. has given employment to 145 numbers of people according to qualification and skill. Preference shall be given to local population while inducting the new manpower 7.0 LAND USE PATTERN The original topography of the ML area will be affected mainly due to the mining operation. Table 7 Conceptual land use plan of core zone Items Existing Conceptual period Total lease area 6.0ha Ultimate depth of mining 2-3m above ground level 2m up 209mRL Ultimate pit slope 60 degree 60degree Area under dumps 0.70ha Nil Area under pits 5.20ha 5.80 ha Area to be reclaimed Nil 5.80 ha Infrastructure & Road 0.10 ha Nil Mineral storage Nil Nil Plantation Nil 6.0ha 10 P a g e
Water body 0.5ha Nil 8.0 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT The impacts on the different components viz employment, housing, educational, medical and transport facilities, fuel availability, economics, status, health agriculture is not significant because size of project is very small. However, it would definitely increase the employment opportunity (primary as well as secondary) in the project area. Some of these impacts would be beneficial. It is not out of place to mention that another two mines, which in the vicinity and both are operational at small level. The expectation of the people of the area is concerned towards employment, education, and health facilities. The literacy rate of the study area is medium. The literacy rate may be increased with the economic benefits may arises from the mining activities. Further the villagers and workers may also get benefitted by medical camps and primary medical facilities, which will be provided by the management. Considering the scale of mining, following is suggestion for implementation. 9.0 GREENBELT DEVELOPMENT AND PLANTATION PROGRAMME The afforestation should always be carried out in a systematic and scientific manner. It is proposed to carry the plantation along the 7.5mt barrier zone, both side of roads, village side and non-mineralised area by considering 80% rate of survival. Trees like Karanj, Sheesham, Mango, Neem and some other varieties will be planted in consultant with forest department. Trees will be planted in 3x3m 2 area and sapling will be planted in 30cm deep hole covered with soil and manure. The details of year wise area and nos. of sapling planted area as under: Afforestation plan ENVIRONMENT IMPACT & MANAGEMENT: Ecology: Stage Wise Cumulative Plantation REQUIREMENTS OF PLANTS FOR AFFORESTATION/RECLAMATION Year Unworked Outside bench of Village side Total area green dumps pit belt Are a (Ha) Trees (reclaim) Area Trees (Ha) Are a (Ha) Tree s Are a (Ha) Trees Area (Ha) Trees Present Nil Nil - - - - - - Nil Nil 1 st to 5th - - - - - - 0.2 200 0.2 200 5 th to - - 5.80 8700 - - - - 5.80 8700 conceptua l period Total - - 5.80 8700 - - 0.2 200 6.0 8900 10 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES 11 P a g e
Measure to control and minimize the risks at workplace, SIS will implement Health & Safety with the following objectives: To prevent hazards may be due to slope failure To provide safe and healthy environment to all the employees. Fugitive dust, noise and fines may affect the health of workers. Safety of employee during operation will be taken care of as per mine regulations act 1961. To avoid any adverse affects on the health of workers due to dust & noise, sufficient measures have been provided in the mining project. These may include: Provision of rest shelters for mine workers with amenities like drinking water, fans, toilets etc. Provision of personal protection devices to the workers; Dust suppression of haul road. First-aid facilities within lease area. Height, slope and width of dump shall be developed as per the approved mining plan. Regular medical examination shall be conducted for the employees. Working benches and dump benches shall be developed as per approved mining plan. 11.0 CONCLUSION As discussed, it is safe to say that the project is not likely to cause significant impact on the ecology and environment of the area, as adequate preventive measures will be adopted to contain the pollutants within permissible limits. Green belt development around the area would also be taken up as an effective pollution mitigative technique, as well as to control the pollutants released due to mining. 12 P a g e