EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (ENGLISH) FOR THE

RANAVAV LIMESTONE MINING PROJECT (VIOLATION CATEGORY)

M.L Area 12.14 ha LOCATED AT SURVEY NO. 78/5/P VILLAGE-RANAVAV, TEHSIL-

RANAVAV, DISTRICT-PORBANDAR, GUJARAT

PROJECT COST: - Rs. 30.00 Lac PRODUCTION CAPACITY: - 1,25,025 TPA (ROM)

Study period: Winter Season (01/12/2018 - 28/02/2019)

Name of Laboratory: Noida Testing Laboratories

MoEF& NABL Accredited Laboratory (NABL certificate Number: TC-6814; Validity Date: 02/12/2019)

PROJECT PROPONENT

Mr. Uday Sinh M Jethwa (POA: Mr. Deva Kara Bhutiya) R/o- Gatral Bhawan, Satyam Park, Rajiv Nagar

District- Porbandar, Gujarat Email:ranavavmine@gmail.com

Phone No.:91-9825209730

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT

Environmental and Engineering Services India Pvt. Ltd. (NABET Accreditated & ISO 9001:

2015 Certified Company) 27, Ashok Vatika, Khatipura Road, Jhotwara, Jaipur-302012

Email: info@fulgro.in, Contact: 0141-2466841, 91-9982170000 Website: www.fulgro.in

As per QCI NABET List of Accredited Consultant Organisations List-‘A’ Accredited EIA Consultant Organizations Rev.79 as on Aug 14, 2019 FFES Jaipur, Listed at S.No.-66

INDEX

Section No.

DETAILS Pg No.

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 IDENTIFICATION OF PROJECT AND PROJECT PROPOENT 1

1.1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT 2 1.1.4 LABORATORY DETAILS 2 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2 2.1 SALIENT FEATURES OF PROJECT 3-4 3.0 ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY AND SITE ANALYSIS 4 4.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 5 4.1 LAND ENVIRONMENT 5 4.2 SOIL QUALITY 6 4.3 WATER ENVIRONMENT 6 4.4 AIR ENVIRONMENT 6 4.5 NOISE ENVIRONMENT 7 4.6 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT 8-9

4.7 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 9-10 5.0 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 10 5.1 IMPACT DUE TO AIR POLLUTION AND ITS MANAGEMENT 10 5.2 IMPACT DUE TO NOISE POLLUTION AND ITS MANAGEMENT 11 5.3 IMPACT ON SURFACE WATER 12-13 5.4 IMPACT ON BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT 13-14 5.5 IMPACTS ON SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT 15-17 6.0 ENVIRONMENT MONITORING PROGRAMME 17 6.1 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SCHEDULE 17 7.0 ADDITIONAL STUDIES 18 8.0 PROJECT BENEFITS 18 9.0 ENVIRONMENTAL COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS 19

10.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 19 10.1 GREENBELT DEVELOPMENT 20 11.0 ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL DAMAGE, REMEDIATION PLAN AND

COMMUNITY RESOURCE AUGUMENTATION PLAN 20

12.0 CONCLUSION 21 LIST OF TABLES

Table No. DETAILS Pg No.

2.1 PROJECT PROFILE 2-3

2.2 SALIENT FEATURES OF THE PROJECT 3-4

4.1 DETAILS OF SAMPLING LOCATIONS 5

4.2 LAND USE BREAKUP OF THE STUDY AREA 5

4.3 METEOROLOGY AT SITE (WINTER SEASON-DEC, 2018- FEB-2019) 6

6.1 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING DURING OPERATIONAL PHASE (POST PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING)

17

10.1 PROVISIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES 20

10.2 SPECIES RECOMMENDED FOR GREENBELT DEVELOPMENT 20

1  

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The said mining lease is situated at Survey No. 78/5/P at Village-Ranavav, Tehsil-Ranavav,

District – Porbandar (Gujarat). Lease was sanctioned for an area of 12.14 ha in favour of Sh.

Udai Sinh M Jethwa vides order no. MCR-1572(J-39)5706-CHH dated 23.09.1974. The lease

agreement was executed on dated 10.02.1975 for a period of 20 year and as per section 8(A)

(6) of the MMDR amendment ordinance act, 2015 lease is valid till 09/02/2025. Mining Plan

for the limestone mining project (Survey No.78/5/P) for mine lease area 12.14 Ha has been

approved by Controller of Mines, IBM, Gandhinagar vide letter no. 684 (4) (1)/MP-

7(86/17)/2017-GNR dated 24th January, 2018. As per EIA Notification, dated 14th September,

2006 Environmental Clearance (EC) for mining activity is required from the Ministry of

Environment & Forests, Government of India MoEF&CC/SEIAA and further as per the

MoEF & CC Gazette vide S.O.804 (E) dated 14th March 2017 and subsequently 8th March

2018 the said project falls under Category “A” (Violation) and also the General Conditions

are applicable due to presence of Barda Wild Life Sanctuary at a distance of 2.5 km in North

direction from the project site.

1.1 IDENTIFICATION OF PROJECT AND PROJECT PROPONENT

1.1.1 NAME OF THE PROJECT

Project Proposal

This is a project of limestone mine of Uday Sinh M. Jethwa having Survey No.78/5/P for

mine lease area-12.14Ha.with production capacity 1, 25,025 TPA (ROM) located at Village-

Ranavav, Tehsil - Ranavav, District-Porbandar, State-Gujarat.

1.1.2 PROJECT PROPONENT

Applicant : Uday Sinh M. Jethwa

C/o: Deva Kara Bhutiya

R/o: Gatral Bhawan,

Satyam Park, Rajiv Nagar (360575)

District- Porbandar, Gujarat

Power of Attorney Holder : Devabhai karabhai Bhutiya

Legal opinion on the Power of attorney is enclosed as Annexure 3 with draft EIA report.

Uday Sinh M. Jethwa is the lessee of the Ranavav Limestone Mining Project having Survey

no.78/5/P, main occupation and source of income of the lessee is farming and other

agricultural related activities.

2  

1.1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT

Fulgro Environmental and Engineering Services India Pvt. Ltd. (QCI NABET Accredited) is

the Environmental Consultant for the said project.

Registered Office Address: 27, Ashok Vatika, Khatipura Road

Jhotwara, Jaipur, Rajsthan

1.1.4 LABORATORY DETAILS

Baseline data for the winter season (1st Dec 2018 to 28th Feb 2019) has been generated by

NABL/MoEF & CC recognized laboratory Noida Testing laboratory.

Accreditation o. TC-6814, Validity Date: 02/12/2019

Address:

Sector 117, GT 20, Noida,

Gautama Buddha Nagar-201301

Uttar Pradesh

2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Location of the Project

Project site is located at Survey No. 78/5/P Village Rananavav, Tehsil: Rananavv, District:

Porbandar.

Size and Magnitude of the Operation

The said project is for limestone mining for a production of 1, 25,025 TPA (ROM) by open

cast semi-mechanized method. The lease area is 12.14 ha which Non-Forest Land is. The

total mineable reserves are 0.718625 Million Tones. The expected life of the mine is 06

years. Limestone produced will be loaded by hired loader/dozer/excavator and transported to

the various chemical & cement plant of the area by hired dumpers and trucks.

TABLE NO. 2.1: PROJECT PROFILE

S. NO. TITLE DETAILS 1. Lease area and location 12.14 Ha.

Village: Rananavav, Tehsil: Ranavav, District: Porbandar

Said area to be mined out till the end of life of mine

Ultimate Depth of Mining

5.86Ha.

31mRL 2. Total Production Capacity 1,25,025TPA (ROM) 3. Mining Method Open Cast Semi-Mechanized Method

Note: No drilling and blasting will be carried out during mining operation

4 Raw Material Requirement -Nil 5. Water Requirement 5.0 KLD Domestic 1.50 KLD

Dust Suppression 1.50 KLD

3  

Green Belt 2.00 KLD Source: Borewell (Application have been filed with

CGWA vide no.21-4/4689/GJ/MIN/2018 on dated 28/12/2018 for necessary ground water abstraction) Copy of CGWA filed application is enclosed as Annexure No.06

6. Waste Water Generation Not Applicable Sanitary waste water   1.50KLD (Septic tank followed by Soak Pit)

7. Total Power Requirement and source Mining operation will be carried out during sun rise to sun set hence no power required for the mining operation. However lessee is already having connection of electricity for mining office and rest shelter.

8. Manpower 18

2.1 SALIENT FEATURES OF PROJECT

The brief details of project presented in below mentioned table;

TABLE 2.2: SALIENT FEATURES OF THE PROJECT

S. No. Particulars Details A. Name of the project Ranavav Limestone Mining Project B. Size of the project 1. Mine Lease area 12.14 Hectare Method of Mining Semi-mechanized (No drilling and

blasting) 2. Proposed Limestone Production

capacity 1,25,025 TPA (ROM)

C. Project Location 1. Village Ranavav 2. Tehsil Ranavav 3. District Porbandar 4. State Gujarat 5. Latitude 21°41'37.66” N to 21°41'58.78”N 6. Longitude 69°45'31.97”E to 69°45'50.48”E 7. Toposheet No. 41 G/14 D. Environmental Settings Details (with approx. aerial distance & direction from

the mining lease boundary) 1. Nearest Village Ranavav (~2.1 Km towards south-west

direction from mining lease area). 2. Nearest Town Ranavav (~2.1 Km towards south-west

direction from mining lease area). 3. Nearest National Highway NH-8B (~2.3Km towards south

direction from mining lease area). 4. Nearest Railway Station Ranavav (~3.60 Km towards west of

north-west direction from mining lease area).

5. Nearest Airport Porbandar (~11.8 Km towards south-east direction from mining lease area).

4  

6. National Parks, Wild Life Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves etc.), Reserved /Protected Forest within 10 Km radius study area

Naliyadhar Reserved Forest (~0.3 km towards North-East direction from mine lease area.). Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (~2.5 km towards North direction from mine lease area). Jhambuda Protected Forest (~6.6 km towards North-East direction from mine lease area.).

7. Water Bodies within 10km radius Khambhala Talav (~6.1 km towards North direction from mine lease area). Dhangva River (~6.1 km towards North-East direction from mine lease area). Salt water Body (Brackish) (~6.6 km towards South direction from mine lease area). Dobaliya Talav (~8.1 km towards West of North-West direction from mine lease area). Ghodhara Talav (~9.3 km towards North of North-West direction from mine lease area)

8. Places of Archaeological importance No archaeological importance place falls within 10 km radius from the mining lease boundary.

9. Seismic Zone Seismic Zone- III (as per IS 1893 (Part-I): 2002) (Source: National Disaster Management Authority www.ndma.gov.in/en/zone-map.html)

Environmental Settings of the study area has been shown in Figure 1.3 on the G.T sheet Source: Site Visit and Toposheet of the area

E. Cost Details 1. Total Project Cost 30.00 Lac 2. Cost for Environmental Protection

Measures 9.68 Lac

3. Cost for Conservation Plan of Schedule I species

24.00 Lac

4. Cost for CER activities 2.80 Lac 3. Cost of Remediation Plan and

Community Resource Augmentation Plan

16.25 Lac

3.0 ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY AND SITE ANALYSIS

As the mineral is site specific so no alternate sites have been examined.

5  

4.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

The baseline environmental monitoring was carried out during winter season (1st December

2018 to 28th February 2019) from MoEF & CC/NABL accredited laboratory. For monitoring

the environmental parameters like meteorology, air, water, soil and noise quality, the

monitoring stations have been established at various locations in the study area as per the

criteria for selection mentioned in Chapter 3 of the EIA report. The detail of the sampling

locations is given in below Table:-

TABLE NO. 4.1 DETAILS OF SAMPLING LOCATIONS

Location Distance in Km

Direction Ambient Air

Surface Water

Ground Water

Noise Soil

Mine Site -- Core Zone

AAQ1 -- GW1 NQ1 SQ1

Tehsil Ranavav

2.18 SW AAQ2 -- NQ2 SQ2

Village Bhod

4.29 ESE AAQ3 -- GW2 NQ3 SQ3

Village Khambala

5.66 NNE AAQ4 -- GW3 NQ4 SQ4

Village Amardal

4.30 West AAQ5 -- GW4 NQ5 SQ5

Village Pimpaliya

4.79 SW AAQ6 -- GW5 NQ6 SQ6

Village Bordi

6.43 NE AAQ7 -- GW6 NQ7 SQ7

Khambala Talav

4.86 North SW1

Top

SW -- --

4.1 LAND ENVIRONMENT

4.1.1Land Use

The land use pattern of the study area based on the latest satellite imagery is given below:-

TABLE 4.2 LAND USE BREAKUP OF THE STUDY AREA Sr. No Class Area in ha. (Area)%

1. Settlements 2321.25 6.974 2. Water body 2962.99 8.903 3. Forest Area 7,398.65 22.231 4. Agriculture land 14928.38 44.856 5. Industrial Area 69.98 0.210 6. Mine Area 1,149 3.453 7. Scrub Land 4,450.62 13.373

Total 33,280.87 100 Source: Resource Sat-2 Satellite Imagery

6  

4.2 SOIL QUALITY

Soil samples were collected from seven representative sampling locations. The samples

collected were analyzed at NABL/MoEF&CC accredited laboratory and analysis results are

given in Annexure X of this EIA report. Monitoring data shows that the texture of soil at all

locations is sandy loam. The monitoring sites have sand ranging between 68 % to 74 %. Silt

content varies from 19% to 22 % while clay content varies from 7 % to 9 %.

4.3 WATER ENVIRONMENT

Ground Water

Six ground water samples have been considered in the study area. The surface water analysis

data for the monitoring period i.e. December 2018 to February 2019 is given in Table 3.22.

As per the monitoring and analysis of ground water of the area it has been observed that,

water is colourless and odourless and quality is in general poor (brackish to saline) at deeper

levels at mostly all locations. Turbidity of the water sample is <5 NTU, Total Dissolved

Solids ranges from 605 to 950 mg/l, and total hardness ranges from 225 to 305 mg/l. At some

small pockets (shallow depth) water recorded to potable quality may be because of rainwater

movement in first aquifer but at deeper sections (tubewell) quality of water is saline due to

nearness of costal area (approx. 9 km).

Surface Water

The physico-chemical characteristics of surface water are found within the limits, prescribed

by CPCB. But still, for drinking water supply, a drinking water treatment plant is installed to

improve the water quality.

4.4 AIR ENVIRONMENT

4.4.1 Meteorology

The recorded meteorological data for the study period at mine site is given below:-

TABLE 4.3: METEOROLOGY AT SITE (WINTER SEASON-DEC, 2018- FEB-2019)

Month Temperature (0C) Relative Humidity (%) Wind Speed (m/sec)

Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min.

December 12.2 31.6 89 13 7.1 2.39

January 12.2 34.4 86 11 11.0 2.00

February 11.1 32.2 90 13 7.5 1.7

4.4.2 Ambient Air Quality

7  

To assess the baseline status of the air quality in the study area systematic ambient air quality

monitoring has been carried out for criteria pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NOX, SO2, CO) at seven

representative ambient air quality monitoring stations.

Results and Interpretation

The observations based on a perusal of results (Table 3.13-3.15) are summarized below:

PM10: The maximum value for PM10 observed at AAQ5 75.6 µg/m3 and minimum value for

PM10 AAQ6 45.9 µg/m3. The 24 hours applicable limit for industrial, Residential Rural and

Other Areas is 100 µg/m3.

PM2.5: The maximum value for PM2.5 observed at AAQ2 42.5 µg/m3 and minimum value for

PM2.5 at AAQ3 24.5 µg/m3. The 24 hours applicable limit for industrial, Residential Rural

and Other Areas is 60 µg/m3.

SO2: The maximum value for SO2 at AAQ2 19.6 µg/m3 and minimum value for SO2

observed at AAQ1 9.8 µg/m3. The 24 hours applicable limit for industrial, Residential Rural

and Other Areas is 80 µg/m3.

NO2: The maximum value for NO2 observed at AAQ2 32.7µg/m3 and minimum value for

NO2 at AAQ6 12.2 µg/m3. The 24 hours applicable limit for industrial, Residential Rural and

Other Areas is 80 µg/m3.

CO: The maximum value for CO observed at AAQ 1 0.30 mg/m3 and minimum value for

CO at AAQ6 and AAQ4 0.19 mg/m3. The 1 hours applicable limit for industrial, Residential

Rural and Other Areas is 4 mg/m3.

All the air monitoring values (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2 & CO) were found within the limit as

per NAAQS prescribed by CPCB. During our air quality sampling mining was not in

operation and also there was no other major industry located except few mines of limestone

in the area. Further, within 10 Km radius no thick human settlement is there and traffic

density on SH and NH was very low, which are also not loading air pollution load on ambient

air quality. Surrounding of mine lease area Barda wild Life and two other reserved projects

and greenery along the road is also reducing dispersion of air dust, if generated through other

mining leases.

4.5 NOISE ENVIRONMENT

4.5.1 Identification of Sampling Locations

8  

A preliminary reconnaissance survey has been undertaken to identify the major noise

generating sources in the area. Noise at different noise generating sources has been identified

based on the activities in the village area, ambient noise due to traffic and the noise at

sensitive areas like hospitals and schools. The noise monitoring study has been conducted for

determination of noise levels at six locations in the study area.

4.5.2 Results and Interpretations

a) Day time noise levels (Lday)

The daytime (Lday) noise levels at all the noise locations are observed to be in the range of

46.4dB (A) to 57.8dB (A). The maximum noise level of 57.8dB (A) was observed at NH-

8B (NQ7) and the minimum noise level of 46.4dB (A) was observed at Mine Site (NQ6).

It is observed that the day time noise levels in residential area are in accordance to the

prescribed limit of 55 dB (A).

b) Night time Noise levels (Lnight)

The night time (Lnight) noise levels at all the residential locations were observed to be in the

range of 39.6 dB (A) to 44.3 dB (A). The maximum noise level of 44.3 dB (A) was observed

at Tehsil Ranavav (NQ2).

All the noise monitoring values Lday and Lnight at the project site and within 10 Km radius

of the project site were found within the limits as per the standards prescribed by CPCB

which might be due to low traffic density in the area. Mining activity in the area is normally

in day shift and size of lease area is less than 25 ha, beside this limestone in the area is of soft

nature which does not require any blasting and drilling. In the area population density is also

low, hence general movement of traffic is very limited except some traffic load on highway.

4.6 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

The present study was undertaken with the following objectives:

To collect baseline data for the study area along with a description of the existing,

terrestrial, wetland and aquatic vegetation.

To assess the nature and distribution of vegetation in and around the project site.

To assess the distribution of animal life spectra.

To understand the productivity of the water bodies.

To assess the biodiversity and to understand the resource potential.

To identify locations and features of ecological significance.

To ascertain migratory routes of fauna and possibility of breeding grounds, if any.

To identify impact of the project before, after and during development phase.

9  

Primary Survey

We conducted primary field survey in winter season and adopted various ecological

methodologies in the study area. Flora was observed by random visual observation. Most of

the local plants are observed by their local names and they are identified by local persons in

the study area, latter on it is compare with local flora of the region. Present study area

represents mainly non-urbanized area such as towns, villages, agricultural lands, grazing

lands and wastelands.

4.7 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

The study area includes the 13 villages of Tehsil –Ranavav, District – Porbandar within 10.0

km of area from mine periphery.

Data collection technique used for Socio-Economic Survey

The sample frame of this study consists of communities close to mining sites. A blend of

quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques namely Participatory Rural Appraisal

(PRA) tools, direct observations through questionnaire based survey and focus group

discussions through stakeholder meetings were employed.

Participatory Rural Appraisal : Face-to-face interview conducted with the villagers to obtain

information regarding household heads, live stocks, income, dependency on forest, impacts

of mining, choice of species for reclamation from nearby communities in the study area.

Direct Observation: Direct observation was used throughout the pre-structured questionnaire

based survey.

Focus Group Discussion: Focus Group Discussions were held in all three districts through

organization of Brainstorming Session with Stakeholders. The purpose of this was to validate

some of the pertinent responses given during the questionnaire based survey and to discuss

issues relevant to the study like Sanction of Mining Lease, Disputes related to Land, Mine.

The salient observations drawn through survey are given below:

The respondents from almost all the villages were aware about the project activity.

Twenty-four hours Power supply facility is available in almost villages in the study

area.

Some of the respondents have very good opinion about the project and they opined

that due to project activity, quality of life of the villages will improve.

Most of the respondents were opined that they will get employment during the

operation of mining activities in the form of skilled as well as unskilled labourers.

10  

There is a need for strengthening of local facilities such as hospitals; schools for

higher education as there will influx of the people.

Water is easily available for agriculture purpose & quality of soil is good for

irrigation purpose. Therefore, the economic condition of the people is good.

Major People reported water scarcity problem for agriculture in the summer season or

when rainfall is low. People of the villages want the Government to provide water to

them for cultivation.

Tube well are main source for agriculture purpose in study area & for drinking

purpose water will be taken from Fodara Dam, but in future it will be taken from

Khambhala Talav.

5.0ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

The summary of anticipated environmental impacts due to the project and there mitigation

measures suggested are given below:

5.1 IMPACT DUE TO AIR POLLUTION AND ITS MANAGEMENT

The major sources of air pollution from the mine are dust generation due to mining process,

loading, transportation of mineral and wind erosion of exposed material. The air pollution

impact of limestone mine depends on the intensity of ore extraction operations, mode of

transport and mode of screening of ore. The intensity of operation is directly related to the

rate of production of ore from mining. Excavators and dumpers will be engaged mainly for

extracting and transporting the ore from the mining areas. The mining is proposed to be

carried out by opencast semi-mechanized method. The air borne particulate matter (PM10)

generated by excavation of ore, its sizing in sizing unit, transportation and screening of ore is

the main respirable air pollutant. The emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides

(NO2) contributed by vehicles plying on haul roads will be marginal.

Mitigation Measures

A. Dust Pollution

One of the main pollutants in air will be particulate matter (PM), which will be generated

during various activities of mining such as extraction of ore, during sizing of the ore in sizing

unit and due to transportation of minerals by trucks/dumpers/tippers. Following measures will

be adopted to minimize air pollution:

Haul road will be kept wide and compact.

Water sprinkling will be done on loading points, haul roads etc.

All hauling units (tippers) would be covered by multi cap mechanism to avoid spillage.

11  

Regular maintenance of machinery and vehicles will be carried out.

Personal protective equipments will be provided to the workers.

Green belt/plantation is being developed around the lease boundary, around the mine pit

and near loading area and in the coming years also 335 of the mine lease area will be

covered by plantation.

B. Prevention and control of gaseous pollutants

Proper maintenance of vehicles will be done and it will be ensured that PUC certified

vehicles are used for plantation.

5.2 IMPACT DUE TO NOISE POLLUTION AND ITS MANAGEMENT

Main noise generating sources are operation of mining equipments such as excavator and

movements of vehicles. Transportation activities are the main source of noise production. The

project related activities will lead to emission of noise that may have minor impact on the

surrounding communities in terms of minor increase in noise levels. Operation of heavy earth

moving machines and allied mining operations such as transportation will lead to noise

pollution in the mining area unless appropriate abatement measures are planned and

effectively carried out. The noise and vibrations mainly generated by mining machineries,

background noise levels shall be kept less than 75 dBA. No drilling or blasting would be

undertaken for limestone production.

Mitigation Measures to reduce ambient noise levels

Although there is no increase beyond the allowable limit predicted at any of the locations

outside the project site, the noise environment also includes the people who are working

within the project site, and who may face hearing damage in case they face the noise dosage

beyond the allowable level of noise. Therefore, it is important to implement the following

mitigations in order to avoid any permanent hearing damage to the people working inside the

project site.

The following control measures will be adopted to keep the ambient noise levels below the

limits:

Impact Mitigation Measures

Noise impact due to mining activities.

Noise impact due to vehicular movement

Auditory impact

The noise levels from all these sources are periodical and restricted to particular operation. The noise measurement data indicated that

present noise levels in the study area is within the permissible limits of National Ambient Noise Quality Standards.

12  

Periodical monitoring of noise will be done. No other equipments except the transportation

vehicles and excavator for loading will be allowed.

Noise generated by these equipments will be intermittent and does not cause much adverse impact.

Proper maintenance of all equipments/ machines will be carried out which will help in reducing noise during operations.

Plantation will be taken up along the periphery of the mine lease area. The plantation minimizes propagation of noise and also arrests dust.

Ear muffs will be provided while working on mining equipments.

Regular health checkups will be conducted for any such health implications.

5.3 IMPACT ON SURFACE WATER

One seasonal nalla is passing through the lease area. The general slope of the lease area is

towards south. During rainy season the surface runoff follows the natural contour and flows

in the same direction. Mining will not hamper the flow of water in existing nalla present in

the lease area. A seasonal river (“Dhangva”) flows at a distance of about 6.1 km in the north

direction. However, a minor seasonal nallah / rivulet flow adjacent to the applied area along

the eastern boundary, which gets activated only on rainy days and drains in to low lying lands

located to the South-West of lease and ultimately meets near the Ranavav at a distance of

~0.85 km in SSW direction. Following surface water bodies exist in the study area is:

Khambhala Talav (~6.1 km towards North direction from mine lease area).

Dhangva River (~6.1 km towards North-East direction from mine lease area).

Salt water Body (Brackish) (~6.6 km towards South direction from mine lease area).

Dobaliya Talav (~8.1 km towards West of North-West direction from mine lease area).

Ghodhara Talav (~9.3 km towards North of North-West direction from mine lease

area).

Mitigation Measures

Following safety measures will be adopted to mitigate any adverse impact on the seasonal

drains in mine lease area: there is only one seasonal nallah in NE direction is passing through

the lease area. Lessee has made a embankment along the nallaha not to allow any kind of

debris which can obstruct the natural flow of existing nallah. Lessee also made a plantation

along the nallah to maintain aesthetic value of the nallah. Also, limestone is not a hazardous

13  

mineral which can further detoriate the quality of groundwater. Hence, there will be no

change in surface water quality and area due to mining activity.

Impact on ground water

Limestone constitutes of fairly inert and chemically non-reactive ingredients. Water level in

the core area is 17.87 mbgl during December 2018 to 18.59 mbgl during February 2019.

Mining shall be restricted above water table and ground water will not be intersected at any

stage of mine working. No chemical having toxic elements will be used for carrying out

mining activity. Also, neither limestone nor waste contains any kind of toxic element which

can contaminate the water. Ground water pollution can takes place only if the mining rejects

contain chemical substances. The chemicals get leached by the precipitation water and

percolate to the groundwater table thus polluting it. Any nearby wells or other sources of

water can be rendered unfit for drinking and even for industrial or domestic use. This is not

the case with the deposit as the mineral or topsoil does not contain any harmful ingredients.

Moreover the area under consideration constitutes insert and chemically non-reactive

ingredients. The water is portable in the dug wells, bore wells and hand pump. There is no

beneficiation plant located nearby, and hence the contamination of water due to chemical is

not envisaged.

Mitigation measures for water environment

As such mining activity will not deteriorate neither surface water nor sub-surface water

quality, hence, as such no mitigation is suggested but collected rainwater may be utilized for

dust suppression and plantation if available in mine pit. The size and production capacity of

limestone is small hence, no significant adverse impact envisaged on water environment of

the area. Still, monitoring of quality of water of the area is proposed to take care of adverse

impact due to mining.

5.4 IMPACT ON BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

DURING MINING ACTIVITIES

Mine lease area is a waste land and hardly some shrubs were observed, hence there will be no

adverse impact on biological environment in the area. Although, plantation of native species

will be done by lessee that will give a positive impact on biological environment in the area.

No drilling and blasting is involved and this is a day mining activity which will not generate

much noise and also with a limited labor for mining operation will not hinder to any fauna

and flora in the area. In the mine lease area no schedule I species were recorded when

discussed with the local villagers.

14  

5.4.1 Impact on wildlife

There is one wild life sanctuary i.e “Barda wild life sanctuary” and two forests namely falls

within 10 km radius of the mine site:

1. Naliyadhar R/F

2. Jambhuda R/F.

The lease area is falling outside the Eco-sensitive zone of“Barda wild life sanctuary” and

necessary document regarding distance from the lease area from ESZ of “Barda wild life

sanctuary” is enclosed as Annexure 7. However, mining activities including pollution control

measures especially for air and noise, which plays an important role in sustainable eco

friendly mining practices. Plantation & Green belt development is improve the floral cover of

the area which eventually attract micro fauna, birds etc. which helpful in the development of

wildlife. Further to enhance wild life environment, assistance will be taken from local forest

department in selection of species of plants.

5.4.2 Impact on flora

Being an existing mining project the lease area is devoid of vegetation, therefore in present

scenario, there is no adverse impact on flora as well as fauna is envisaged within lease area

due to mining activity. Greenbelt / Plantation are being / will be done on statutory barrier,

along the Kaccha road etc and will improve the floral cover of the area.

5.4.3 Impact on fauna

The mining lease area is in non-forest land. The impact on the fauna of the buffer zone due to

mining activity will be marginal. The proposed progressive plantation over a period of time

will create conditions favorable to fauna. Adequate measures like fencing of mine pits to

prevent animal from falling into the pit etc. will be taken to protect the fauna in the area.

Conservation Plan for Schedule I species have been prepared and authentication for the same

is under-process with department as the presence of Barda Wild life Sanctuary in the area.

5.4.4 Impact on aquatic ecology

No waste water generation is envisaged from the mining operations. The rainwater and

seepage water collected in the pit will be reused for dust suppression and for plantation. The

runoff water from the slopes will be restricted by creating gully channels at the bottom of the

slopes so that there water will not enter in the agriculture fields or any man made create

reservoir.

5.4.5 Measures for minimizing impact on flora and fauna

The plant species proposed for greenbelt development along the Kaccha road, will

include local species, fruit plants, forestry plants suitable for wood timber, animal life

15  

and also grasses suitable for cattle’s will be grown and the plantation will increase

forest cover in the area. This will serve not only as pollution sink but also as a noise

barrier.

Measures will be taken to curb pollution in air, water, land & noise environment.

Creating and developing awareness for nature and Wildlife in the adjoining villages.

Proper land management to restore the ecological conditions in the region.

Proper handling of minerals and transportation in a closed truck so as to protect

surrounding flora and fauna due to deposition of mineral.

The plant species will be selected in consultation with forest department.

Species proposed for greenbelt development will be good utility value and fruits

bearing species like Aam (Magnifera Indica), Guava (Psidium guajava), Jamun

(Syzygium cumini) and others species like Neem (Azadiracta indica), Pipal (Ficus

religiosa), Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata), Imli (Tamarindus indica), Karanj (Millettia

pinnata), Bael (Aegle marmelos), Gulmohar (Delonix regia) etc will be planted.

Greenbelt & plantation shall be carried out in the lease area with a view to provide

greenbelt and to give an aesthetic look, for eliminating fugitive emissions and

controlling impact of noise etc. At present, greenbelt /plantation is developed on 0.13

ha and at conceptual stage, total green belt will be developed in an area of 4.00 ha

including 7.5m wide green belt in the safety zone around the mining lease, near mines

office etc. 1000 trees per hectare will be planted.

5.5 IMPACTS ON SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

The mining activities in the area will definitely help in the improvement of socio-economic

status of the people around the mine area by generating direct or indirect employment

opportunities. The project will also attract ancillary and related small-scale industries in the

adjoining areas. Similarly, people shall get variety of businesses opportunities like, hotel,

beetle/ pan shops, grocery shops, milk vending and daily house services etc. The sources of

earning will help in improving the quality of life of the inhabitants of the region. Continued

mining activities will benefit the local people due to provision of more infrastructural

facilities provided by local industry as mining industry will boost up the local market. The

social welfare activities will be handled by a full time team of village development officials,

who will monitor the programme and give necessary back-up support. The programmes will

be made broad based by involvement of local groups and government agencies to the

maximum extent possible.

5.5.1 Positive Impacts

16  

Employment

Employment will be created during planning, preparation and operational phases of the

project. Project Proponent will provide a sustainable and safe working environment for

women.

Community Skills Development

The nearby women will get benefit from the training and Skill development programmes

organized by Project Proponent to enable the women’s to work in the different areas of

project operations.

Improved Standard of Living: Employment opportunities created by the project will

increase income of nearby residing villagers and therefore improve the overall

standards of living in the area.

Economic Exposure and Development: Implementation of the project will help to

attract financial institutions as well as related economic facilities, infrastructure and

services which ultimately help to the nearby people. This will expose and introduce

the local population to factors of economic development including the banking

system, financial services, and credit and investment schemes. The exposure will

enable community members to invest their income.

Health Care Facilities: Sufficient fund is being allocated to provide proper health care

facilities for employees of mine along with their families. All employees are covered

under mediclaim policy.

Public Health Implication: The most common diseases in the region are Malaria,

Cold, Cough, Dengue, Viral Fever, Arthritis, and Chicken Pox which will be

prevalent amongst the mine workers. None of these can be related to the project and

allied activities of the project.

5.5.2 Measures to improve socio-economic condition of local populations

With mining activities, local people will have a lot of direct and indirect employment avenues

opened up. There will be direct employment opportunities in the mine and also the secondary

employment by providing services to the employed manpower. Thus the local people will

enjoy the economic upliftment. The following activities will be followed

a) Healthcare of local population,

b) Rural/village & Community welfare,

c) Social awareness program.

d) Literacy awareness, supports to schools etc.,

17  

e) Environment protection and Environment awareness activities like Environment

awareness camps, plantation etc.

f) Free medical camps,

Thus the socio-economic status of the area will be improved.

6.0 ENVIRONMENT MONITORING PROGRAMME

Regular monitoring of environmental parameters is of immense importance to assess the

status of environment conditions during project operation. With the knowledge of baseline

conditions, the monitoring programme will serve as an indicator for any deterioration in

environmental conditions due to operation of the project and to enable taking up suitable

mitigatory steps in time to safeguard the environment. Monitoring is as important as that of

control of pollution since the efficiency of control measures can only be determined by

monitoring.

6.1 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SCHEDULE

Environmental monitoring schedules will be prepared covering various phases of project

advancement, such as constructional and regular operational phase.

TABLE-6.1: ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING DURING OPERATIONAL PHASE

(POST PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING) S.No.

Potential Impact

Parameters for Monitoring

Frequency of Monitoring

Location

1 Air Emissions

PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOX and CO

As per CPCB / GSPCB

requirement i.e. (6 monthly)

One location inside

and four outside

2. Noise Spot Noise level recording Leq (day), Leq (night), Leq (dn)

Periodic / As per GSPCB

norms i.e. six monthly

One location inside

and four outside

3.

Soil Quality Soil Quality Monitoring at mine site

Half yearly One location at the project

site Water Quality

As per drinking water standards

Two times in a Year (Pre &

Post monsoon)

One location inside

and four outside

18  

4.

Health Total health parameters Initial Medical Examination (IME)

and Periodic Medical Examination

Once in five years as per

Mines Rules, 1955

All employees

7.0 ADDITIONAL STUDIES

Public Hearing

This draft EIA is being submitted for the conduction of Public hearing and Public hearing

will be conducted as per government norms of state pollution control board.

Risk assessment and management

Risk analysis is the systematic study of uncertainties and risks encountered in various areas.

Risk analysts seek to identify the risks involved in mining operations, to understand how and

when they arise, and estimate the impact (financial or otherwise) of adverse outcomes. It also

defines and analyzes the dangers to individuals, businesses and government agencies posed

by potential natural and human-caused adverse events. However, there are various factors,

which can create unsafe working conditions / hazards in mining. The components associated

with risk and hazard in a bauxite mining case include blasting, overburden, heavy machinery

and explosive storage. Measures to reduce and avoid any incidents occurring from the above

mentioned components are already planned and will be implemented as soon as the mine

starts commissioning. This includes measures to avoid accidents during mining activity

(excavation) and due to trucks and dumpers. The project does not involve storage of any

chemicals or explosives and therefore risk associated with storage is not considered.

Following procedure will be followed for effective management of any disaster in the mine.

Step 1: Identification of Disaster risk.

Step 2: Identification of persons at risk

Step 3: Removal of Hazard

Step 4: Evaluation of the risk

Step 5: Control measures to be taken

Step 6: Maintain Assessment records

Step – 7: Review

8.0 PROJECT BENEFITS

Various benefits are envisaged due to the mining of Limestone at village Ranavav. The

project activity and the management will provide assistance for the development of public

amenities in the region. The mine management will recruit semi- skilled & unskilled eligible

workers from the nearby villages. The management will contribute to the needs of the local

19  

schools, dispensaries for the welfare of the villagers. The overall effect will be improved by

power of employees and thus a higher standard of living viz. better education, improved

health and sanitation facilities and housing. This is envisaged as a major positive benefit.

Improvement in physical infrastructure

Improvement in Social Infrastructure

Employment Potential

Lessee will undertake community activities like health, camps, providing medical aids

etc.

Plantation is proposed to mitigate the ill-effects of mining and to improve the vicinity

and environment of mine and its surrounding area.

9.0 ENVIRONMENTAL COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS

Environmental cost benefit analysis is not recommended at the Scoping stage by the EAC

(Violation Category).

10.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Environmental Management Plan (EMP) aims at the reservation of ecological system by

considering in built pollution abatement facilities at the mine site. Some of the major criteria

governing the environmental measures will be adopted. The mine will be supervised and

controlled by an independent Mines Manager supported by adequate team of technically and

statutorily qualified personnel apart from the operating staff of skilled, semi-skilled, unskilled

and other categories. This Environment Cell is responsible for the management and

implementation of the environmental control measures. Basically, this department shall

supervise the monitoring of environmental pollution levels viz. ambient air quality, water and

effluent quality, noise level either departmentally or by appointing external agencies

wherever necessary.

The working conditions in the mines are governed by the enactments of the Director General

of Mines Safety (DGMS). As per the guidelines of the Mines Act, the management will take

all necessary precautions. Normal sanitary facilities will be provided within the lease area.

The management will carry out periodic health check-up of workers.

TABLE 10.1 PROVISIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES

Sr. No.

Description Capital Cost (Rs. in lacs) Recurring Cost (Rs. in lacs)

1 Environmental

Monitoring (Air, -- 1.50

20  

Water, Noise) 2 Dust Suppression

(Water Sprinkling) --

(Water sprinkler already installed)

1.00

3 Green Belt -- 5.20 4 Environmental

Awareness Programme 0.50

5 Occupational health and safety

-- 1.487

Total -- 9.687

10.1 GREENBELT DEVELOPMENT

The project applicant has planned to develop 4.0 Ha including a 7.5m wide green belt in the

safety zone around the mining lease, along the road etc. This will help in reducing the spread

of pollutants and will also be effective in attenuating noise levels.

TABLE 10.2 SPECIES RECOMMENDED FOR GREENBELT DEVELOPMENT

S. No. Local Name Botanical Name Status 1 Gulmohar Delonix regia Tree 2 Neem Azadirachta indica Tree 3 Imli Tamarindus indica Tree 4 Jamun Syzigiumcumini(L.) Tree 5 Aam Magifera indica Tree 6 Ashok Polyalthia longifolia Tree 7 Amaltas Casia fistula Tree 8 Desi Babul Acacia nilotica Tree 9 Peepal Ficus religiosa Tree 10 Karanj Millettia pinnata Tree 11 Ardusa Ailanthus excelsa Tree 12 Amala Emblica officinalis Tree 13 Kanji Holoptelia integrifolia Tree 14 Saptparni Alstonia scholaris Tree 15 Jamfal Psidium guajava Tree

11.0 ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL DAMAGE, REMEDIATION PLAN AND

COMMUNITY RESOURCE AUGUMENTATION PLAN

This being a violation case, Deva Kara Bhutiya, Power of Attorney Holder of Uday Sinh M

Jethwa duly applied to MoEF & CC for Environmental Clearance as per SO 804 (E) of

14.03.2017. MoEF CC after due consideration of the proposal and granted the ToR for

submission of final EIA Report along with reports of assessment of ecological damage,

remediation plan and natural and community resource augmentation plan. The damage

assessment has been prepared considering the violation period since 1994-95 to 2018-2019.

Mining operations commenced since 1994 and continued without valid Environmental

Clearance till the year 2018, thereafter mining operations has been stopped on NGT orders

21  

for want of Environmental Clearance. EIA Report has been prepared for 12.14 Ha area, the

subject damage assessment has been prepared considering the violation period (1994-2018).

A remediation cost estimated for this purpose is of rupees 16.25 lac in different heads like air

pollution, medical check up, emergency plan, green belt development, EMP Cell etc.

12.0 CONCLUSION

The project will result in growth of the surrounding areas by increasing direct and indirect

employment opportunities in the region including ancillary development and supporting

infrastructure. Special emphasis on Financial and Social benefits will be given to the local

people. Development of social amenities will be in the form of medical facilities, education to

under privileged. There will be no significant pollution of air, water, soil and noise. Regular

monitoring of all the components of environment will be done. Increased social welfare

measures to be taken by the lessee will bring development in the near-by villages.

********