minutes of the environmental public hearing held …environmentclearance.nic.in/writereaddata/public...

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MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEARING HELD ON 06.08.2014 AT 11.00 A.M. IN THE PREMISES OF GODAVARIKHANI-8 INCLINE (MINES RESCUE STATION), RG - II AREA, GODAVARIKHANI, KARIMNAGAR DISTRICT FOR THE PROPOSED RAMAGUNDAM OPENCAST-III EXPANSION PHASE-II COAL MINING PROJECT OF THE SINGARENI COLLIERIES COMPANY LIMITED, RAMAGUNDAM - II AREA, KARIMNAGAR DISTRICT

THE FOLLOWING PANEL MEMBERS, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PUBLIC AND INDUSTRY WERE PRESENT:

A. PANEL MEMBERS

Sl. No. Name of the Panel Member

1) Shri T.Nambaiah. Addl. Joint Collector & Addl. Dist. Magistrate, Karimnagar (Nominated by District Collector)

Chairman,

2) Shri S. Shankar Naik, Environmental Engineer, Telangana Pollution Control Board, Regional Office, Ramagundam

Member.

B. OTHER DISTRICT OFFICICALS/REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PUBLIC

PRESENT Sl. No. Name & Designation

1) Shri. P.Srinivasa Reddy

Revenue Divisional Officer, Manthani, Karimnagar Dist. 2) Shri. PuttaMadhuker, Hon’ble MLA, Manthani Constituency,

Karimnager, District 3) Shri. Somarapu Satyanarayana, Hon’ble MLA, Ramagundam

Constituency, Karimnagar District 4) Shri. B.Venkat Rao, Hon’ble MLC C. REPRESENTATIVES OF THE INDUSTRY

Sl. No. Name & Designation

1) Shri Sd. M. Subhani, General Manager, RG - II Area

2) Shri M. Vasanth Kumar, General Manager (Environment)

3) Shri. Antony Raja, General Manager, Estates

4) Shri. K.Ravinder, Project Officer, RG OC-III Expansion Phase-II

5) Shri. T.Srinivasa Rao, Project Officer, RG OC-III Expansion Phase-I

6) Shri P. Sharath Kumar, Addl. Manager(Env), Corporate

7) Shri K. Raghu Kumar, SE (Env), Corporate

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8) Shri P. Raja Reddy, SE(Env), RG-II Area

II. ABOUT 1000 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE PUBLIC HEARING FROM THE SURROUNDING VILLAGES. At the outset, the Environmental Engineer, State Pollution Control Board, Regional

Office, Ramagundam, Karimnagar Dist. Telangana, welcomed the Addl. Joint Collector,

Karimnagar the Chairman of the meeting and Revenue Divisional Officer, the public

gathered at the venue, Hon’ble MLA, Hon’ble MLC, NGO’s, Public Representatives,

press reporters and the district officials. The Environmental Engineer informed that the

public hearing is being conducted for proposed Ramagundam Opencast-III Expansion

Phase-II Coal Mining Project of the Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. (SCCL),

Godavarikhani, Karimnagar District, Telangana state. As per EIA Notification S.O. No.

1533 dated 14.09.2006 issued by the Ministry of Environment & Forest, Government of

India for establishment/expansion of mining of minerals requires Environmental

Clearance for which public hearing is a pre requisite. He also stated that a press

notification pertaining to the proposed public hearing was published in “Andhra Jyothi”

and “Deccan Chronicle” daily news papers in Telugu and in English language

respectively on 04.07.2014 and informed that the notification was issued inviting

suggestions, views, comments and objections if any on the proposed establishment of

the plant in writing. He also informed that EIA report (Hard & soft copies ) were placed

at various places of the District administration for availability of public i.e., in the Offices

of District Collector, District Industries Centre, Zilla Parishad, Ramagundam Municipal

Corporation, Tahasildar Office of Ramagundam & Kamanpur Mandals and Panchayath

Office of Jallaram, Venkatraopalli, Upparlakesaram, Penchikalpet Villages, Corporate

officers of Allur and Maredupaka of Ramagundam Municipal wards for access to the

public. He further informed that the TOMTOM was conducted in the villages on

05.08.2014 and informed about the Public Hearing. He informed that no written

representations were received from the public during the period. He requested the

public gathered at the venue to offer their suggestions, views, comments and

objections if any on the proposed expansion project. The views expressed will be

recorded and video graphed. The entire proceedings will be sent to the MoEF, Govt, of

India, for necessary action. Then the Environmental Engineer requested the Addl. Joint

Collector to conduct the proceedings of the meeting.

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The Additional Joint Collector & Addl. Dist. Magistrate, Karimnagar welcomed the

officials and public gathered at the venue. He informed that public hearing is being

conducted for proposed Ramagundam Opencast-III Expansion Phase-II coal mining

projects of the Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. (SCCL), Godavarikhani,

Ramagundam, Karimnagar District, which is a prerequisite as per the Central

Government EIA Notification, 2006. He informed that, he has worked as a Tehasildar of

the Kamanpur Mandal previously and he is aware of the problems and issues of the

surrounding villages of this mining area. As part of the public hearing, the

representatives of SCCL management have to explain about their project, technology,

pollution control measures being adopted and they have to clear all apprehension

about the project to the public. The measures being taken by the industry will be

addressed. The public can express their views without any fear and opportunity will be

given to everybody to express their views. The industry representatives will answer the

queries raised by the public. The entire programme will be conducted in a transparent

manner and the proceedings along with video would be forwarded to the MoEF for

further course of action.

He requested the management of the Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. to explain in

detail, the salient features of the proposed Ramagundam Opencast-III Expansion

Phase-II Coal Mining Projects and its summary of EIA Report.

Shri Sd. M. Subhani, General Manager, RG - II Area welcomed the Chairman,

Officials, Villagers of Alluru, Jallaram, Upparlakesaram, Maredupaka, Penchikalpet,

Mangalpalli, Peddampeta, and Political & Trade Union Leaders, Print and Electronic

Media and all the participants. He stated that he has been authorized by Director

(Planning & Projects) to explain about the importance and necessity for taking up of

the proposed Ramagundam Opencast-III Expansion Phase-II Coal Mining Projects in

order to meet the requirements of power generation and demand for other user

industries. He detailed as hereunder.

1. SCCL is the only government coal mining company in the South India catering to

the needs of thermal power, cement, steel and other coal based industries. He

added that SCCL is also supplying coal to the industries located in the states of

Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamilnadu, Karnataka etc., apart from those in

Telangana State.

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2. SCCL has been carrying out mining operations in Ramagundam area since the

last six decades and it is well known that presently coal is being produced

through 9 underground mines and 4 opencast mines in Ramagundam Area.

3. SCCL is producing the required coal by opening of new mines by investing the

profits earned from the operating mines. This company is answerable to

Government and Public as SCCL is being operated by the Government. In this

regard, he narrated about SCCL in brief.

4. The company is presently operating 32 underground and 16 open cast coal

mining projects, located in 4 districts of Telangana namely Adilabad,

Karimnagar, Warangal and Khammam with a work force of around 60,000.

Because of the SCCL, around 5 lakh persons were indirectly employed in this

region.

5. SCCL is producing 10% of the nation’s production though it is having only 7% of

the nation’s coal reserves. About 80% of coal produced from the existing mines

is being supplied to power sector and the balance to cement, steel and other

industries. SCCL will be producing 55.00 Million Tons only during the year

2014-15. The gap between demand and supply of coal by the end of 12th Five

Year Plan will be 16.50 MT as the coal demand will be 73.50 MTPA. In future

the demand will further increase and it is necessary to increase the production

capacity.

6. Present proposal of Ramagundam Opencast –III Phase-II Project is due to

closure of existing old underground mines of GDK-8 incline and GDK-8A

incline due to exhaustion of coal reserves, by annexing the property to extract

remnant coal reserves locked in these underground mines by opencast method

for increasing demand of power for industrial, agricultural and residential needs.

Demand for coal is more than the present production targets.

7. Due to this proposed expansion, the project area will be increased from

1393.81 Ha to 2070.10 Ha and the proposed annual production would be from

5.00 MT to 6.80 MT. Out of 2070.10 Ha of total land requirement, 1990.29 Ha of

land is under the procession of the SCCL and remaining 79.81 Ha need to be

acquired. The coal extracted from these mines will be supplied to NTPC

Ramagundam.

8. The total coal reserves available for extractions will be around 130.24 million

tones and the life of the mine is 19 years @ 6.80 MTPA.

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9. The proposed project involved relocation of 1854 PDFs. Out of which, 646 (616

general and 30 ST) belongs to KK Nagar and 1208 ST PDFs belongs to

Lambadi Thanda. An amount of Rs 94.89 Crores allocated for the relocation of

PDFs involved in the project.

10. He explained that SCCL extended various medical facilities to the surrounding

people and also various projects have been taken regarding Schools, Medical

facilities to the employees of SCCL.

11. Because of SCCL mining operations, lot of infrastructural facilities like

educational institutions, banks, technical institutions, postal facilities, roads,

communication etc., have developed in this area by which overall living

standards of the people have been improved. He explained that SCCL

extended medical facilities by organizing medical camps in the surrounding

villages in which at about 2660 villagers have been benefitted.

12. As a part of Corporate Social Responsibility, the company will allocate

adequate funds in and around the surrounding villages under Surrounding

Habitat Assistance Programme (SHAPE). He stated that Rs.375.61 lakhs were

spent under SHAPE programme for the nearby villages. He also explained that,

under this project an amount of Rs. 60.70 Lakhs were provided for different

development works to be taken up in Maredupaka, Narsimhapuram, S.C.

Colony, Nandulapalli, Penchikalpet, KK Nagar, Laxmipuram and Veerlapalli.

13. He assured that similar works will be extended up in future also for

development of nearby villages. The expansion of these projects is very

essential to meet the electricity and energy requirements.

14. Further, he explained that the environmental management plan has been

prepared to continue mining operations without any negative impact on

environment like air, water, noise etc.

Before concluding his speech, he once again appealed that this project is necessary

for: 1. Power and fuel needs

2. Introducing SCCL to future generation

3. Economical and Social Development of region and the State

4. In this project it is proposed to produce coal by taking all environmental

protection measures to cope up the fuel needs of the State as well as the

Nation.

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In view of the above, he has requested to make the environment public hearing a

success.

Shri P. Sharathkumar , Addl. Manager(Env) Corporate, Kothagudem, explained

about The present proposal involves an increase in the normative production

capacity from 4.30 MTPA to 6.30 MTPA with peak production capacity from 5.00

MTPA to 6.80 MTPA and the Mining Lease area from 1393.81 Ha to 2070.10 Ha.

The total extractable coal reserves are 130.24 MT. He also explained that 79.81 Ha

of private land to be acquired for this proposed expansion project. He further

explained that totally 1854 PDF’s to be rehabilitated from KK Nagar (646) and

Lambadi Thanda(1208) and a fund provision of Rs 94.89 crores was provided for

implementation R&R package.

He further informed that the pollution levels were monitored during October to

December, 2013 by EPTRI, Hyderabad and values are within the prescribed limits.

He said that Environment Management Plan has been formulated for this project for

taking up mining activities without causing pollution on the Air, Water, Noise and

Land attributes. He informed that, all the activities in the proposed project will be

taken up as per the guidelines and clearance conditions of MoEF and SPCB.

He also explained the proposed pollution control measures for air, water, noise,

ground vibration, solid waste management, proposed reclamation, Afforestation

programmes, CSR activities, etc. The total direct cost for the environmental

management activities for the project (Phase-II) has been worked out to be Rs.

9602.53 Lakhs including Rs. 9489.53 Lakhs towards relocation and resettlement.

The fund provision made for the other environmental related works such as

asphalting of roads, Plant and machinery like 0.9 Cu.M shovel, 28 KL water

Sprinklers etc., is Rs. 2040.88 Lakhs.

The annual revenue expenditure for implementation of environmental management

plan in the proposed project is estimated at Rs.1328 Lakhs per annum and amounts

@ Rs. 66.41 per tonne of coal produced

Additional Joint Collector & Addl. Dist. Magistrate, Karimnagar stated that till

now the purpose of the public hearing was explained by Pollution Control Board

Engineer and also the salient features of the Project by General Manager and

environmental safeguards proposed in the project by company side Environmental

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Engineer. He requested the public to bring out their views, suggestions and

objections if any on the proposed project and the veracity of the facts. He added that

he got privilege of working as Tahasildar of Kamanpur and well aware of the

surrounding villages and issued Pattas to their lands.

All the interested persons, political leaders, trade union leaders, particularly farmers,

villagers and also employees of Singareni those who want express their opinions,

suggestions and objections can come to the dais one by one. He explained that, the

entire programme will be video graphed and recorded. Accordingly proceedings in

toto will be sent to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, GoI for further course of

action for grant of permission.

III. VIEWS, SUGGESTIONS, COMMENTS AND OBJECTIONS OF THE PUBLIC

1. Sri Riaz Ahamed, General Secretary, The Singareni Collieries Miners and

Engineering Workers Union (Affiliated to HMS) & Representative Status Union

in RG. II Area. : He expressed his views as follows:

The purpose of public hearing is exclusively meant for affected villagers,

Government and SCCL, but not for trade union leaders. However, some of the

SCCL employees are residing in these villages on behalf of them he would

like to represent his views.

SCCL is failing to fulfill their commitments made during the land acquisition.

The problems of the Veerlapalli, Venkatraopalli and Penchikalpet are not

solved by the SCCL.

Meager compensation is being paid for the damages to the houses caused by

blasting. Further, the benefits of the R & R packages are not being enjoyed by

the actual beneficiaries though the company is paying crores of rupees.

The General Managers of each area are empowered to spend the Rs. 5.0

lakhs per annum for CSR activities, but it is not being spent. Distribution of

books, computers to the schools is not sufficient. There shall be a permanent

solution for the proposed rehabilitation villages.

In Orissa state, there is a provision of employment to the four persons in a

family for each Gunta of the land being acquired but no employment provision

in our state even acquiring of 100 acres. He questioned why the same rules

are not being implemented here. He further stated that, the compensation is

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about 20 to 40 lakhs per acre is being paid in Orissa. He demanded to

implement the same R&R policy to villagers here also.

SCCL is offering deployment of contract vehicles to the PDFs but they are not

being paid diesel escalation. As such they are not able to engage the drivers

in all the three shifts.

There is loss of employment to the local people due to engaging the

contractors for OB removal works from Andhra State.

He further informed that R&R site is not identified till date for Penchikalpet and

Peddampeta affected villages. At this juncture the trade unions and political

parties need to play vital role. Ultimately demanded the management to

address the problems of affected areas forthwith while supporting for the

proposed expansion.

2. Sri Putta Madhuker,Hon’ble MLA Manthani Constituency. : He expressed

his views as follows:

Expressed his concern that the villagers are remained in darkness and

spreading lights across the country by leading pathetic life and enveloped with

pollutions.

He questioned the PCB that, how many public hearings were conducted, have

they ever enquired about objections raised earlier. Is there any interaction

made with SCCL Officials and villagers. Whether any action was taken in this

regard. Have they carried any monitoring of pollution in these areas. If so

where they carried and what are the results of monitoring.

Pollution Control Board engineer explained their limitations and their role is

confined to forwarding its findings to the MoEF. He also informed that apart

from SPCB, SCCL is also monitoring through EPTRI and reports are being

submitted to their office regularly. If any excess concentrations are observed,

necessary suggestions for rectification of the same is being made to

management of SCCL.

The Hon’ble MLA has suggested the Pollution Control Board should monitor

the pollution levels and take corrective steps. He further warned both the

Management and the Pollution Control Board are collectively responsible and

accountable to the people.

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He noted that the management is very keen in production activities and least

bothered about the rehabilitation of the affected people. The management is

exercising least care in providing infrastructure facilities to the affected people

and not solving pollution problems. He advised the GM, RG.II to take

immediate steps in this regard and he is not against for extraction of coal.

He further, recalled the woes of the affected area people in Veerlapalli,

Maredupaka, Upparlakesaram, and Penchikalpet are very pathetic and they

are leading insecure life. He further informed that recently he visited the area

of Vakilpalli, Peddampet, Singireddipalli and Mangalpalli along with Joint

Collector, Karimnagar, GM,RG-III and GM, RG-II, OC-III and observed that

since 15 years these villages are facing problems, but, no body is bothered

about their welfare and requested for detailed enquiry on this issue.

He directed the Management should ensure implementation of R & R

packages immediately to the PDF of Peddampeta and Mangalpalli villages.

He suggested the Management to provide R&R plots at vacant land adjacent

to JNTU, Manthani.

He stated that Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana has given the direction to

augment coal production in view of the power crisis in the State. As such, he

is also supporting for proposed expansion, but not at the cost of pollution and

inconvenient to the project displaced families. He informed that he came here

to co-operate the SCCL as the General Manager told him, most of the land is

under possession of SCCL and only 80 Ha of land is proposed for acquisition.

The management is informing that the lands of KK nagar and Venkatraopalli

will be taken after 15 years, due to the submission of acquisition letters no

development works are taken up in the above villages, The management

should come out with specific decision whether to take the village, or not and

they should adopt the village for catering the basic needs till such time of

acquisition.

He informed that in Sirpur Gramapanchayathi, hamlet village of Dubbapalli is

existing, in which the SCCL management has numbered the houses of the

village and informed that the village is being taking by them for 11 incline mine

of RG-1 area and directed not to construct further houses in the village and

the entire lands of the villagers have been taken. They lost their lands, roads,

but they are being treated as they are in the boarders of the country. Recently,

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he enquired about the issue with the SCCL management and questioned their

negligence.

He suggested to the management to clarify exact schedule of acquisition of

the villages or otherwise, villagers will be deprived of development activities

and they will have lead a miserable life. He cited the issues of certain houses

were not earmarked at Vakilpalli Village and this issue needs to be looked into

henceforth. He also warned the political leaders who are indulging mal

practices in R&R packages.

Lastly, he cautioned all concerned to see that the affected villagers should not

come to streets for getting their basic needs. Once, they came out none can

escape from their ire.

Eventually he expressed his support for the proposed expansion in view of the

coal demand in the state to cater the needs of the power sector in the recently

formed State.

3. Sri Saganti Shankar, Dy. Mayor, Ramagundam Municipal Corporation: He

expressed his views as follows:

He stated that he came forward to express his views as a land loser. He

insisted almost all the issues addressed by the Hon’ble MLA. He told that the

earlier land losers are facing lot of problems and the same problems will be

faced by the new land losers also. He requested to change the mindset of the

officers to solve the problems of the land losers, otherwise, conduct of such

public hearings of no use.

Further, he told that he himself did not receive his patta for his plot, though

Addl. Joint Collector announced that patta as were issued already.

No water supply arrangements were made to Maredupaka village. The then

RDO promised to provide employment, but till date the management did not

respond.

Further, he suggested holding the Public Hearings in the affected areas only,

so that the people will have access and express their views freely.

4. Sri B. Venkat Rao, Hon’ble MLC & Trade Union Leader of INTUC: He

expressed his views as follows:

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He stated that everybody present here has got right to express their views on

how to control pollution, how to solve the problems of PDFs, what are the

commitments made by the management earlier and how far they have

fulfilled.

He introduced himself that, he is working as a trade union leader from the last

46 years and have well acquaintance with the problems of workmen and he

has privilege of MLC for the last 5 ½ years. He also stated that, he used to

participate in number of public hearings to express the problems of PDFs.

He informed that wherever opencast project is commenced, some pollution is

inevitable, but control of pollution to the possible extent is the responsibility of

the company and ensuring the implementation of the same lies with the

Government officials on the dais.

He suggested to restrict the air, water and noise pollution arises due to

opencast mine shall be within the mine lease area and it should not spread to

surrounding villages, for which the SCCL has to take all necessary

precautions at maximum possible extent.

He informed that all the precautionary measures were envisaged in the report

provided by them. He also suggested adopting modern technology for control

of pollution.

He reiterated the responsibility of the SCCL officers in implementation of

control measures in air, water, noise and blasting by intensifying the water

sprinkling and other measures.

He learnt that a number of commitments were made by the management at

the time of land acquisition but not fulfilled in some of the areas. These

commitments need to be fulfilled by the management, failing in which, they all

together fight with management.

He informed that, the land required to be acquired for the phase-II project is

only 79.81 Ha out of the 2070 Ha of the project area. The remaining 1990 Ha

of land is already under possession of SCCL. He demand to pay the suitable

market price and also follow the guidelines of new land acquisition act, which

will come into force very soon.

He also informed that, land is being acquired during the commencement of

Phase-I operation and it is the fact that payments were made to the structures

of Peddampet and Mangalpalli, but the payments towards transport and

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agricultural wages as per R&R package were not made. The proper and

nearest site for rehabilitation to be shown to them.

He requested the revenue authorities not to restrict the rehabilitation site to

the available government land as these are far away. He also requested to

identify the suitable lands irrespective of the market price and SCCL should

purchase and provide to the PDFs.

He stated that, he got the information about the availability of the 165 Acres of

SCCL land including plantation area backside of the JNTU College, Manthani

which will be sufficient for all the PDFs. He also suggested developing

infrastructure facilities at R&R site like power, water, roads, schools, hospitals,

etc.

He informed that for any project there is a specific production capacity, area

and plan of action. If any expansion is planned, public hearing is required to

be conducted. In this project the production capacity is proposed to increase

from 4.30 MTPA to 6.30 MTPA.

Further, he informed that Manuguru is tribal area and land transactions are

restricted. As such, Rs. 2.5 lakhs in lieu of R&R plot was paid for the willing

PDFs. The same can be implemented here also for the interested PDFs.

He appealed to official of the Revenue Dept and SCCL management to curtail

the irregularities in land acquisition and R&R Package. He further demanded

proper inquiry into the irregularities as alleged.

He also informed that the provision of employment is existing in other state

and in SCCL earlier. Due to some unavoidable circumstances, it is dispensed

with. However, they are going to represent this issue i.e. to restore the

employment to the land losers with the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana.

5. Sri M. Raji Reddy. Alluru (Land loser) He expressed his views as follows:

He state that during 1994 while commencement of RG OC-III project, SCCL

acquired their village of Maredupaka and not provided any facilities in

rehabilitation centre except plots.

He informed that SCCL is acquiring the land based on the requirement for

their mining operations but not considering the impact of pollution. He stated

that normal people are facing lot of problems due to dust pollution, though the

water is being sprinkled but it is not sufficient.

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He informed that the Veerlapalli village is under pathetic situation, except the

village, entire lands in the surroundings have been acquired by SCCL, the

villagers are facing lot of dust problems and requested the authorities to take

necessary measures to control the dust.

Water is being supplied through tankers by municipality to Maredupaka

village, but it can be permanently solved by laying of 2 Km pipeline from 8-

Incline colony and people will feel happy.

He suggested constructing the model colony with all amenities for

rehabilitation so that villagers will come forward for giving their villages.

It is greedy to demand employment for 4 persons in a family as demanded by

early speaker but at least provide employment to one person from each

family.

He requested to acquire Allur village by paying suitable compensation as they

will be bounded by mining activities and railway track. Lot of intellectuals is

there in SCCL and requested to prepare long term plan at least 30-40 years

projections for acquisition of lands so that these problems will not arise.

He informed that, a lot of demand has come for the lands near JNTU College,

if SCCL provide rehabilitation at that site, villagers will feel happy, but they will

not agree if land is provided far way.

He also stated that SCCL done good work by de-silting of Allur tank by the

then GM and project officer, so that the ground water table is augmented.

There is need to issue GOs accordingly for addressing the problems of PDFs

as living standards of the people are increasing compared to early days as

we are living in our separate state of Telangana.

He requested the GM.RG.II to provide SCCL power supply to Pothana colony

by spending Rs. 50.0 lakhs. He also appealed the management to enhance

the financial powers to the GMs for CSR activities.

He finally welcomed the present proposal as it is the first project proposed in

the new state of Telangana for development of the State and also requested

to acquire the surrounding villages of Allur, Veerlapalli, Lambadi thanda and

KK nagar immediately and to provide employment to the PDFs.

6. Sri Kasipeta Sampath, Mangalpalli: He expressed his views as follows:

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He is the resident of Mangalpalli village, land loser, educated and un

employed.

He explained that SCCL is acquiring their land and houses in their villages

and paying compensation in terms of money and allotting house sites. As we

are fore going agricultural land thus, lost lively hood. We are also not aware of

invest the above amount in useful manner and the said amount will lost within

a short span of time.

He appealed to the Management to provide self employment to the educated

youth. Further, he mentioned that in the year 2011-12 SCCL had identified 27

spare parts which can be manufactured locally and read them. At present

these spare parts are being purchased by SCCL from manufactures of

Punjab,,Maharastra and Madyapradesh.Now there are lot off self employment

schemes from Central and state Government for unemployed youth by

providing loans for establishing small scale industries.

He further requested the SCCL management encourage local youth by

providing site, and helping in getting financial assistance from central and

state Government schemes for establishing small scale industry for

manufacturing and supplying of above spare parts to SCCL . That they will

be in a position to supply at cheaper rates when compared to supply from

other States.

He further informed that there is training institute at Madyapradesh for

establishing small scale industries and also at Balanagar,Hyderabad

This would create job opportunities and also boost up the morals of the local

youth and requested to Additional Joint collector and GM RG2 in this regard.

7. Sri Chatla Sadanandam, Surpanch, Venkatraopalli . He expressed his views

as follows:

In KK Nagar village due to OCP-III blasting activity houses are damaged and

dust problem creates health Hazards to villagers. He requested to provide

compensation to damaged houses.

He requested SCCL management to provide job opportunities in OB

contractual works for unemployed youth.

He explained the problems of the KK Nagar and requested to supply drinking

water and repairs to main road and construction of drains.

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8. Sri Sandhi Ram Reddy, Maredupaka He expressed his views as follows:.

He is the resident of the village, land loser and organized several agitations to

solve his village problems.

He requested the SCCL Management to provide job opportunities to villagers

and also represented to Sri Balaramaiah, the then RDO, who in turn advised

SCCL to look into the issue and do the needful. But SCCL did not consider the

request.

They were shifted to New Maredupaka village, but the SCCL not provided any

basic amenities like drains, drinking water, school and temples. He questioned

why SCCL not developing the model rehabilitated village as developed at

Yellampalli Project, with all facilities like roads, drains, power, water, hospitals

and schools.

He once again requested SCCL to provide job opportunities, development of

infrastructural facilities, proper compensation to land and also pattas to be

given to plots in New Maredupaka rehabilitated village.

9. Sri Thota Chandraiah Surpanch, Peddampet: He expressed his views as

follows:

He has stated that he participated in 5 to 6 Public Hearings, and informed that

SCCL is yet to implement the assurance given in the above Public hearings.

He informed that in 1989 Peddampet and Mangalpalli villages lands totally

and partly structures were acquired by the SCCL. There are structures 49 in

Patta lands , 56 in Abadi lands and 4 in SC Colony of Mangalpalli have to be

acquired. Because of this there is no development activities are being taken

by the government in the above villages for providing basic facilities. But the

elections were conducted for local bodies and elected him as Surpanch, in

this situation, he questioned the authorities how to justify his post.

Due to OCP -III blasting 42 houses were collapsed and also caused injuries to

the 3 to 4 people of the village. Mangalpalli village is at a distance of 0.5 Km

to this project, during the bastings ground is vibrating, after blasting, the

village is covered with logoff dust. He informed that they are leading their lives

in pathetic way.

He further requested SCCL to acquire remaining structures and implement

R&R packages till such time the villagers would not vacate the houses. He

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suggested land and houses to be acquired simultaneously and also R&R

package to be paid.

SCCL is promising to develop the infrastructure facilities to the affected

villages but not fulfilling so. He requested SCCL management to implement

the R&R packages and also allotting house sites immediately and also

providing jobs in contractual works to unemployed youth.

He requested the Government & SCCL to continue all the welfare schemes of

the Government till the vacation of above villages.

He requested to provide job opportunities to Land losers’ families as

implementing in Orissa State and he further requested to provide R&R

package as per new G.O.

He also informed that in the above villages the houses are damaged, but not

paying any compensation to the villagers either by Government or SCCL as

their villages are under rehabilitation.

He finally concluded that he is not against the expansion of project but

requested to solve the issues of the villagers on priority basis.

10. Sri Md Ankoos, Mangalpalli Village: He expressed his views :

He informed that he got job in SCCL under compensation. He requested to

provide at least one job for affected family.

In Mangalpalli village has been not rehabilitated so far, they are facing a lot of

problems like dust and damages of houses due to mining activities.

He told that it is propagated that SCCL employees are given Rs.5000/- as

compensation whereas, others villagers are given Rs.3,00,000/- in R&R

package. Hence, he requested to pay compensation and other benefits on par

with the general public.

He also informed that he got Rs.1.94 Lakhs as compensation for plot, he

questioned that can we purchase a house plot with this any and it is possible

for construction of house. If, the SCCL would have given this amount 20 years

back, they would have constructed houses with this money.

11. Sri Y. Saranga Pani, TGBKS, Structure Committee Member. He expressed


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He expressed that conducting public hearing meeting is useless, unless land

losers are paid suitable compensation and do justice. He also expressed the

benefits are shown only paper and not reaching to right persons.

SCCL is acquiring only the land which required for mining activities and he

also suggested to acquire the surrounding land which is having impact due

to mining activity.

He also suggested SCCL management to provide all infrastructure facilities at

R&R villages.

He further urged to provide employment opportunities to land losers and

provide training for establishing small scale industries to unemployed youth of

effected villages.

He also requested to pay reasonable market rates for land and also extend

them necessary help in providing suitable land for construction of houses so

as to instill the confidence to lead cheerful life.

He assured that necessary co-operation will be given in expansion of RG

OC.III Phase-II project

12. Sri N. Maruthi, 38 Division Corporator, Ramagundam: He expressed his

views as follows:

He informed that Veerlapalli village is in our corporate division. He recalled

that on the visit of C&MD of SCCL, a representation was given to control dust,

which comes due to CHP & OC.3 mine workings. He immediately instructed

the concerned officers to look into this matter and control the pollution and

dust problem, but no action was taken and till now shade net also not

arranged by SCCL.

He added that present GM, RG.II is visiting our area and attending the

problems to some extent. He requested to appraise higher ups and

Corporate officials to enhance the powers of GMs so that they can continue

the developmental activities in the villages, as the Veerlapalli villagers are

facing a lot of problems due to impact of project. He requested to constitute

environment protection committees at the villages to address the issues of the

pollution and to take necessary measure to control.

He requested the Management to look into the problems. He also told that in

1989 Veerlapalli Villagers had given their land to RG OCP-3 Project, NTPC

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and FCI. But, no developmental activities in their village. He also asked

whether company would acquire their village or not.

13. Sri Somarapu Satyanarayana, Hon’ble MLA, Ramagundam He expressed


He told that this public hearing is conducting for phase-II extension project

and R&R is involved in villages of KK Nagar and Lambadi Thanda

As per opinion of public there is unrest among public and they are annoyed on

Management that, not implementing R&R package by SCCL earlier to

Peddampet and Mangalpalli villages and it is the responsibility of SCCL to

implement the same.

He agreed that for improvement/development of Singareni, coal production is

required but the problems of the villagers those who lost their lands may also

be taken into account.

He requested Addl.JC and Environment Engineer to review the assurances

given by SCCL to complete the works, whether the same are fulfilled or not.

SCCL should pay R&R package as per the new land acquisition Act to these

villages.

He added that Mangalpalli and Peddampet villagers are not provided

infrastructure and no developmental works so far been taken up to these

villages & R&R site is still not identified.

Whenever there is a proposal for land acquisition by SCCL, it is the

responsibility of Government to bring pressure on SCCL to implement the

R&R package and it is also the responsibility of Environment Department

officials to see that it is being implemented or not. He also suggested

constituting a Committee with GM, Public Representatives and Villagers to

identify the suitable site for R&R village and for providing all infrastructure

facilities and distribution of compensation to the land losers so that they can

lead peaceful life by constructing their houses.

The villagers those who were not vacated the houses are also facing a lot of

problems due to blasting effect. All facilities need to be provided in these

villages by SCCL, until shifting of villagers.

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He also suggested conducting Gramasabhas in the villages where the total

land was acquired by leaving the structures and if there is an impact of

blasting on the left over structures, then the villages should be rehabilitated.

He suggested to exercise due care in identifying R&R site as SCCL is making

to reshift the already rehabilitated villages. This is also unnecessarily

increasing the financial burden on the Company.

He requested to Addl.JC to note the point that it is seen that the land losers

need to live in better environmental atmosphere. Some of the

facilities/structures were not taken in to account like wells, cattle sheds,

compound house etc need to be taken into account for assessing R&R

package.

He requested to provide all necessary infrastructures at R&R villages before

shifting the villagers.

He asked to provide employment opportunities to the land losers and to give

priority to them in while awarding contractual works of SCCL.

He informed that coal production is essential to overcome the shortage of

power requirement, at the same time, the compensation to be given to the

land losers and better opportunities. He asked to provide employment

opportunities to the land losers and to give priority to them in while awarding

contractual works of SCCL.

He also stated that Env. Officials shall take into account all the factors in view

while giving the Environment clearance to this project.

He concluded that there is no objection for expansion of this project.

14. Sri Bathini Srinivas Goud, Venkatraopalli: He expressed his views as

follows:

He is land loser under OCP-III project and stated that earlier also Singareni

has promised assurances, but not fulfilled that by which our lives being in

miserable conditions.

He asked the officials, earlier representation was made for regularization of

our house lands of our village to then Hon’ble Chief Minister, but SCCL official

informed to the Government that this village would be acquired within 2-3

years for mining activities and not to make any further development activities

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in this village. But till to day our village was not acquired and no roads &

drains are constructed in the village.

They have no objection for this project, but let them know, whether their

villages are going to be acquired by SCCL or develop the villages where

public is residing for the last 30 years. He requested the Management to take

necessary steps in this regard.

If SCCL is not acquired their village the same has to be informed to

Government to take up Government schemes and also pattas to be issued to

their lands

He informed that one of his villagers who used to sell the bread (double roti)

house was damaged due to blasting and requested to pay the compensation

either by SCCL or Government.

He requested to provide the all infrastructure facilities viz. drinking water,

roads, tap connections in their village by adopting their village by SCCL.

There is employment problem, AMR Company is not responding for giving

jobs to youth. They deployed 200 persons from Bihar State in their company.

He stressed the need to award the OB contract to local persons so that local

youth can be appointed under their contract. There are hundreds of youth are

unemployed, only 20 persons were provided jobs.

He also suggested incorporating a condition in OB tenders for deployment of

local youth in contractual works.

He requested to construct compound wall around substation and clearing of

bushes in it and further requested SCCL to construct water tank and school

building in their village or otherwise to rehabilitate their village. Their village

has lost the school which was sanctioned by the Government with the cost of

Rs.30.0 lakhs due to rehabilitation of the village.

15. Sri Bakam Rajesham, MPTC, Peddampet. He expressed his views as

follows:

First of all he thanked the Speakers who appraised the Peddampeta village

problems. We are not in a position to ask for development of village but one

thing we wish for our villages.

90% of their village has been acquired however; there are some problems in

Peddampeta, Mangalpalli villages. (a) One house of Mr. Mallesh in SC colony

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Is required to be acquired. (b) In Peddampeta there are 49 houses are left

over, where people are residing for the last few years right from their fore-

fathers.

He told that the owners of the left over houses went to Hon’ble Court for

compensation and still this case is pending. He requested the Management

to consider their cases also. When the villagers approach to the Management

for acquisition of houses, they informed that the said case pending in the

Hon’ble Court for a decision.

He told that already R&R package is under implementation in the village and

requested to acquire left over houses (56+49+1 houses). He expressed that

when the total houses are not acquired how the project works will start in

presence of some houses in the village.

He requested Addl.JC to use his good offices and intervene in this case and

not to see that they have gone to Court, they are ready to withdrawing the

case. We cannot fight with Singareni, please consider the above houses for

acquiring the above left over houses at the earliest.

He asked the Government to extend the R&R package to the Singareni

employees’ children too and the same to be implemented to agricultural

labourers.

The residents who are staying on rent basis may also be included in R&R

packages. Villagers of different professions, carpenters, dhobi, masons etc

may also be considered in R&R packages.

Every land loser may be provided employment. They were not aware of

inclusive of cattle sheds in R&R packages. The same may be included.

The R&R package needs to be implemented as per the latest Act and GOs.

He requested to extend the facilities of road, electricity and solve the

problems till a total shifting of total village

He requested to allocate the land for R&R plots in Rajapur village which is

located between Kamanpur and Kalvacherla where patta lands are there or

nearby JNTU as suggested by the earlier speakers.

16. Sri Shashi Bhushan Kache, Manthani, Official spokesperson, Dist.Congreass Committee. He expressed his views as follows:

He is supporting the expansion RG OC-III, Phase-II project.

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He strongly demanded 79.81 Ha. Land to be acquired in this project as per

the new Land acquisition Act. And to implement R&R package, job

opportunities and Compensation.

As per the new guidelines 2013 from Central Government, every Company

should spent 2% of profit towards CSR activities. He further requested that

this amount can be spent in the SCCL rehabilitated villages.

While diverting Jallaram vagu, it is necessary to take care not to affect the

Ayakat area and also to agriculturists of the Manthani area.

He requested Addl J.C to appoint a monitoring Agency to see for

implementation of all the conditions stipulated in E.Cs.

17. Sri Geetla Damodar Reddy, President, GPPPPG(NGO). He expressed views

as follows:

He stated that earlier also he attended public hearings in three Districts. On

every occasion, it was observed that unrelated issues are clubbed with

environmental Public Hearing, most of the speaker have raised many issues

other than environment related. He requested the Add. JC to communicate

higher authorities not to club the other issues in the environmental public

hearings in future which creates problems many-a-times. There are many

other forums to discuss the other issues.

There is need to discuss the impact of the project on the environment, which

leads to problems like, dust pollution, air pollution and sound pollution.

A change has come in the Singareni and they are trying their level best to

control the impact of the project on the environment. There is pool of

intellectuals in Singareni, as Hon’ble MLA Sri Madhu told why we are not able

to control the impact of the project on environment. He informed the

importance of the day (6th August) about the atom bomb explosion on

Hiroshima.

He suggested that here in public hearing we have discussed the

environmental problems in detail. While considering the issues of other things,

we are required to go the villages to ascertain and solve their problems.

He advised to form a Autonomous Body and statutory body to be formed by

the Government & SCCL which can take an independent decision and to give

assurance, then only problems will be solved. Without autonomous body they

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are facing the problems. He represented the Government to look into this

subject.

He felt happy about the news of establishment of Solar Energy systems in

Singareni Collieries on their OBs; with this our problems will be solved.

He further requested the environmental issues and social issues need to be

discussed in separate Forums.

18. Sri Bheem Sen, General Secretary, Shreya Consumers Welfare Association: He expressed views as follows:

He advised SCCL management to think about why public are against in the

public hearing meetings. He told that SCCL is always concentrating on

production but not thinking about the affected villagers on humanitarian

ground.

He requested to arrange one separate Cell to monitor and solve the problems

of the villagers.

He emphasized that how long we will go on digging the lands for extraction of

coal in this high-tech age. What will be our future? He suggested alternative

energy source like solar energy is required

In these circumstances, coal is necessary, we have to produce the coal but it

is also necessary that public problems are to be addressed.

19. Sri Janga Rajaiah, Veerlapalli Village, GDK 7 LEP Trammer. He expressed

views as follows:

He stated that Veerlapalli villagers are facing a lot of problems due to CHP

dust.

He added that they are also facing the problem of drinking water and

requested to supply drinking water. He asked whether SCCL is acquired his

village or not.

20. Sri Erugurala Kistaiah, Penchikalpet : He expressed his views as follows:

He stated that In Sy.No. No. 81, 133 acres land given by Government to SCs

for agriculture purpose, but, no pattas were issued for land. By spending

about Rs.50,000/- they developed for agriculture of 2.0 acres. They

developed the land it is belongs to them and they were not aware that the

lands will acquired by SCCL.

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He requested to extend the facilities like water and roads etc and to pay

necessary compensation.

21. Sri Ganta Venkata Ramana Reddy MPTC, Venkatraopalli: He expressed


He said that he is not against SCCL & also for expansion of OCP-III, Phase-II

project. He also told that earlier, Andhra Officers given assurances but not

materialized them.

He earlier attended public hearings conducted at Nagepally, Peddampeta &

Akkepally villages and this Public Hearing is 4th one for him. Now under the

Leadership of Sri KCR we formed the Government. Recently Sri Harish Rao

garu visited Yellampally project affected villages and assured to solve their

problems. He requested to follow the same at Singareni also

He stated that after 12 years, KK Nagar and Lambadi thanda are also

proposed for acquisition. In that case, there will be no development activity in

these villages from Government side.

Earlier, Peddampeta and Mangalpalli Tenders were called for taking-up

developmental work but after conducting public hearing the tenders were

cancelled in view of declaring rehabilitation villages. Till today rehabilitation

has not been implemented in these villages.

For Vakilpalli villagers, house plots were allotted before the R&R package, but

till now no infrastructure facilities have been provided at rehabilitated sites.

At least, while acquiring the lands/houses in KK Nagar proper review need to

be taken up and see that all the facilities are provided to them as per the

assurances so that they can be rehabilitated at a suitable place to construct

their houses.

For rehabilitated villagers, house plots need to be purchased from patta

holders at market value of 10 to 12 lakhs. He also told that the house plots to

be allotted & constructed where the villagers willing to go.

He requested to establish Mineral water plants at rehabilitated villages. All

infrastructure facilities are to be provided at KK nagar and Lambadi thanda

until shifting of the villagers.

He requested to enhance the delegation powers Rs. up to 2 crores, for taking

up developmental works in affected villages for GMs of SCCL. He further

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Suggested that SHAPE funds have to be allocated to surrounding villages

within 10 KM radius of the project. He emphasized that the SHAPE funds

which were diverted to JNTU by SCCL should be collected back and the

same shall be spent on affected villages.

He further requested to provide employment opportunities for the 80% jobs

in OB Contractual works for land losers and this condition needs to be

incorporated in Tender conditions.

22. Sri Srinivasa Reddy Veerlapalli village: He expressed his views as follows:

He informed that they have given about 1000 acres of land during the year

1964 for development of SCCL, NTPC and FCI. He complained that their

lands were acquired by SCCL and later with an understanding the said lands

were handed over to NTPC. When they approached NTPC management. It

has informed that they have acquired lands from SCCL; hence, they can not

claim the jobs in NTPC.

The SCCL constructed 6000 tons CHP bunker in 1989 for OC-III near their

village, due this life in Veerlapalli is quite miserable. The management failed

to initiate steps in providing facilities in the affected villages. He further

commented that SCCL is giving paramount importance for production but not

to human values. He informed that the ground water levels depleted due to

the OC in their village.

He informed that their village is surrounded by the SCCL except the lands of

the village and there is drinking water problem and requested to supply the

same. He further requested if Veerlapalli village is not acquired then provide

all infrastructure facilities. The villagers are facing health hazards due to dust

problem and spending more money for medical expenses.

The earlier Government has diverted their SHAPE funds for JNTU, which are

to be allocated to the affected villages; thereby their villagers are left without

development.

23. Sri K. Srinvasa Rao, General Secretary, Telangana Paryavarana parirakshana Samithi,( NGO): He expressed his views as follows:

He told that the problems faced by land-losers are discussing in the public

hearing meeting. Due to Global Warming it is not raining. SCCL is taking all

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control measures and also advised to adopt new modern technologies in

controlling pollution.

He requested to construct Coal Corridor road. He also requested to raise the

plantation along the transport roads and over dumps.

He also suggested establishing Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) to control

water pollution. He also informed that some of the cattle deaths were occurred

due to waste water of SCCL. He suggested to provide curtain around the CHP

to prevent dust to Veerlapalli village.

Further, he suggested involvement of NGOs and Singareni Seva Samathi

(SSS) to control pollution.

24. Md. Chand pasha, Vakilpalli: He expressed his views as follows:

He told that “we require basic needs like food, clothing and shelter”.

He raised the issue of emission of poisonous gasses and dust pollution from

OCP-I & OCP-II and the same was informed to GM RG-III. He requested not

issue permissions for opencast mines and suggested for opening more

underground mines where the pollution is less and more employment will be

generated.

He informed that the Vakilpalli village is located within 100 mts to RG-II area,

without maintaining blasting zone of 500 mts, the SCCL is carrying blasting

activities, thereby the villagers are facing pollution problems, the same was

brought to the notice of SCCL management and Revenue authorities, but no

justice was occurred to them.

He complained that irregularities are going in socio economic survey in

rehabilitated villages. He requested to provide strict vigilance in this regard.

He told that some people are not having identification card, due to which they

are not getting R&R packages. R&R package is not completed in Vakilpalli

village till now. 25. Sri K Chandrakar Rao, BWS, OC-III, INTUC, Pit Secretary, R/o. Pothana Colony.

He expressed his views as follows:

Protection of environment is the responsibility of SCCL & Pollution Control

Board and also responsibility lies on local Leaders.

There is a shortage of power in this State and power plants need to be

established for this Coal is required as there is no other source of energy. So,

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in this regard for producing of coal, expansion of this project is required.

OC-III project started in 1989 and recorded thousands of crores of profit.

He informed that 2% of the profits is to be earmarked and spent under CSR

activity for development of project affected villages and jobs also need to be

provided to land-losers. Proper road has to be provided to Pothana Colony.

He suggested to take proper technical guidance from experts while diverting

Jallaram Vagu without affecting the Ayakat Area.

26. Sri P.Sravan kumar Sadasaya Foundation. He expressed his views as

follows:

He requested the management to solve the problems of land-losers and

environmental issues of affected villages.

He also suggested for providing the employment opportunities to land-losers.

With this the villagers willing to give their lands.

27. Sri B Vijender Reddy, Ex-MPTC, Venkatraopalli. He expressed his views

as follows:

He told that all the villagers have expressed their problems faced by SCCL.

He further suggested acquire structures first in the village, only after that

acquire agriculture lands. But SCCL is taking agricultural land initially.

40 Structures in Venkatraopalli village were not acquired by SCCL due to

dispute whether it is Revenue land or Forest land. Nobody is taking

responsibility including Government & SCCL.

He also suggested for providing vehicle contract works to land-losers and by

forming groups from affected villages for plantation works.

He also requested to provide admission to children of land-losers in SCCL

schools. Drinking water is to be supplied in affected villages.

He requested the Management to provide employment opportunities to the

unemployed youth of affected villages.

The Additional Joint Collector asked the gathering whether anybody is willing to

express his views. He told that the speakers have given valid suggestions and

requested the General Manager, SCCL to give point wise clarification on the

suggestions/remarks/queries raised by the public.

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IV. MANAGEMENT RESPONSE. Shri SD.M.Subhani General Manager, RG -II Area expressed thanks to Hon’ble

MLAs, & MLC and Surpaches, Comparators, MPTCs and villagers, expressing their

views, suggestions and apprehensions and given point-wise clarifications on issues

raised during the meeting as follows:

1. He explained that in this OCP.III phase II extension project, except OCP-III,

the area for Phase-II extension is required 820 Ha. Out of which, 751.8 Ha.

Under position of SCCL. The remaining 79.81 Ha. land is to be acquired from

KK Nagar and Lambadi thanda. Actually as per F.R, this land is required after

15 years only. After 15 years also no mining & OB Dumping activities take

place in this area except construction of Project Office, Base Work Shop and

Mini CHP. This issue will be submitted to technical committee for its approval,

and after 6 months land of 79.81 Ha will be acquired. If any delay occurred,

SCCL will adopt these villages or provide fund for development activities in

these villages without causing any problems to the villagers.

2. In RG-I Area, Singireddipalli village near GDK 11 Incline, the land was already

acquired but structures are not acquired, the same will be informed to RG-I

authorities and after review, within a week, necessary proposals will be

submitted.

3. Maredupaka, Venkatraopalli and other villagers expressed that due to

acquisition of their land by the Company, the unemployed youth are forced to

indulge in different /bad way. To provide employment opportunities to land-

losers and affected villages of youth, a committee is constituted by the

concerned Project officer and out of 400 jobs 205 jobs were provided to local

unemployed youth in the M/s. AMR Company. Due to this expansion of this

Project, 800 to 900 jobs opportunities will arise in contractual works, for which,

a Committee will be constituted with elders of the affected villages & Union

Leaders.

4. Some of the Alluru villagers expressed fear that they would forego their lands

due to dump yard and mining operations. It is assured that no dump-yard or

any mining activity will be taken-up in this Area.

5. With regard to employment opportunities to youth, a Pilot project was

designed at Mandamarri Area and named it as “Local Youth Employment”

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Unemployed youth forms a society and manufacturing some spare parts like

drilling rod, roof bolts etc which are required for SCCL and this project was

established and has succeeded. From this Area also the same proposal was

made due to some unavoidable reasons, it has delayed. However, within a

week or 10 days a committee will be constituted with local unemployed youth

of affected villages to visit the Mandamarri Area to know the facilities provided

them for making same proposals in our Area.

6. With regard to enhancement of CSR funds expenditure power, proposal will

be sent to corporate office.

7. With regard to award of tenders for hired vehicles to the land-losers, it is said

that escalated rates of diesel charges are not being paid. As it was old case,

as per the IED standards now rates for diesel escalation are comfortable and

the same is rectified.

8. With regard to disputed structures (49, 56 &4) in, Peddampeta, Mangalpalli &

SC Colony. After due enquiry and the directions from the Government the

same will be implemented.

9. In the affected villages of around OCP-III, proposals will be sent for taking up

some works like construction of roads & School buildings and given

assurance to complete these works within six months.

10. Veerlapalli village was inspected and it is true that there are some problems.

Raw water pipe line will be laid after getting approvals from Corporate.

11. In Mangalpalli village bushes will be cleared immediately.

12. In Offloading contractual works there is a condition in NIT for providing jobs

to the local unemployed youth of affected villages, but the percentage of

locals is not mentioned. However, a proposal will be sent to Corporate for

providing 70-80% jobs to local youth.

13. Veerlapalli villagers raised the issue of dust problem, as the coal is being

extracted from OCP-III is from two sections i.e from GDK 7 & 7A incline and

GDK 6A & 6B incline as these are Underground mine raising of dust at the

face is inevitable. To control the dust at the face a 6 “ pipe line was laid from

surface to the spot with 150 mtrs head with this dust is suppressed by wetting

of coal. After transporting the coal form the spot to the OCP mist spraying

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was arranged with a cost Rs.50 lakhs. In addition to the above, where height

of fall of coal is more a green shade net (curtain) was provided at the

bunkers. As long as these systems are functioning properly the dust

problem does not arise. However, if any failure is occurred in any one of the

systems, dust problem will raise till the functioning of system is restored.

However necessary technical measures will be taken to control the dust.

14. With regard to air and water pollution in OC Project, EPTRI a Government

organization is monitoring the air & water pollution and collecting air samples

and analyzing the samples. We are having 20 years of statistical data. There

are 45 air and water pollution monitoring stations in and round the OC.III. The

Reports are being forwarded to the concerned. Under any circumstances, the

poisonous gases not emitted from OCP. Regarding water pollution at OCP.III

Project, 4 settling ponds and also ETP were constructed at Base Workshop to

treat the vehicle washing effluents to separate oil and grease and hundreds of

barrels of oil were collected.

Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is functioning properly as per the standards at

Pothana Colony to treat the domestic effluents.

15. With regard to the fear of the public about blasting. A Lot of changes have

been taken place in blasting methods. Nonels detonators are being used to

reduce the shock wave intensity. As you told, first shock wave will come and

then sound and blasting will occur. Moreover, in this project, there is no

blasting activity up to 300 mtrs distance from the village.

16. With regard to road to Pothana Colony, it was informed that road in not

good. Coal corridor road is under laying from Godavarikhani to Centenary

colony. Once the road is completed this problem will be solved.

17. Regarding Diversion of Jallaram Vagu, permission was obtained from Chief

Engineer of I &CAD and as per their design, the Vagu will be diverted. This

assignment was attached to the SE (Irrigation) Nizamabad will monitor the

Vagu diversion works by visiting every month.

He assured that whatever points raised in the meeting, which could not be

clarified will be forwarded for taking Corporate approvals and for necessary

action.While clarifying the queries raised from villagers, he informed that

blasting activity in Mangalpalli was stopped in November, 2011.

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The Additional Joint Collector, Karimnagar stated that so far villagers, political

leaders, union leaders expressed their views and raised all the problems which may

arise from the proposed expansion project. These views will be recorded and video

graphed and sent to Government for further decision. He also addressed the issues

that may arise due to mining operations such as air pollution, rehabilitation, ground

vibrations, noise pollution, water pollution etc. He said that, the mining of coal is

necessary for the prosperity of the nation, mining has to be carried where the coal is

available as such the Singareni collieries have to mine the coal in this area and

people are also cooperating for mining because of their livelihood linked with it. He

also advised the authorities of the Singareni Collieries to take all necessary mitigate

measures for dust control, water pollution, ground water depletion, impact of blasting

i.e. ground vibrations. He advised to take up the blasting with latest technology and

expert advice in blasting process so as to reduce the impact of blasting.

Further, Addl. Joint Collector advised the SCCL to take decision without any

ambiguity regarding acquiring of villages. If it is proposed to acquire the villages

provide the R&R as early as possible and accordingly submit the proposal to the

Collector, so that he will forward to RDO to take up the R&R as early as possible. He

also advised, if R&R is large, SCCL can rehabilitate in phased manner so that it will

be easy for the company as well as for the revenue authorities in execution. He

advised that, if villages are proposed to acquire after some time, it is the

responsibility of the providing requirements of these villages on SCCL. He also

reminded the suggestion of one of the speaker on construction of a model colony

and also for the payment of market value to the land proposed for acquisition as

demanded by Hon’ble MLA, apart from allocation of the 2% of profits of the company

towards development of affected villages. He informed that the representations

received in this public hearing are with respect to R & R only, which are pertains to

the SCCL and the same will be handed over to the RDO, Manthani for taking

necessary action. He also informed that the revenue authorities are available to

solve the problems of the villages.

Addl. JC also advised to take necessary care in diversion of Jallaram Vagu proposed

in the project so as to cater the needs of irrigation in the downstream. He also

requested the General Manager RG-1 and General Manager RG-2 to expedite the

assurances given earlier regarding welfare of surrounding villages and also advised

to provide suitable R&R site acceptable to the villagers irrespective of the cost. He

minutes of the environmental public hearing held …environmentclearance.nic.in/writereaddata/public...

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