ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR M/s ...environmentclearance.nic.in/writereaddata/EIA/1605201947...Ranga Reddy for Production of Iron Ore 274000TPA (ROM) and Laterite 62000TPA

IND TECH HOUSE CONSULT1

ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT

FOR

M/s E . V. Ranga Reddy for Production of Iron Ore274000TPA (ROM) and Laterite 62000TPA (ROM) mine

over an extent of 201.914 Ha at Survey No. 172,Village Pagadalapalli, Mandal Pendlimari,

District YSR Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh

Project Proponent:M/S E. V. Ranga Reddy

EIA Consultant:

Ind Tech House Consult(An ISO 9001:2008 Certified Organization)

G-8/6, Ground Floor, Sector 11, RohiniDelhi – 110 085

Tel: +91 11 2757 1410, 6460 7252Fax: +91 11 2757 2241

Email: [email protected]

May, 2019


ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT M/s E . V. Ranga Reddy for

Production of Iron Ore 274000TPA (ROM) and Laterite 62000TPA (ROM) mine

over an extent of 201.914 Ha at Survey No. 172, Village Pagadalapalli,

Mandal Pendlimari, District YSR Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh

Project Proponent:

M/S KHAJURAHO MOTORS PVT.LTD .

This report has been prepared by Ind Tech House Consult with all reasonable skill, care anddiligence within the terms of the contract with the client, incorporating our general terms andconditions of business and taking account of the resources devoted to it by agreement with theclient.

We disclaim any responsibility to the client and others in respect of any matters outside the scopeof the above.

The document has been prepared for the titled project or named part thereof and should not be

relied upon or used for any other project without an independent check being carried out as to its

suitability and prior written authority of Ind Tech House Consult being obtained. Ind Tech House

Consult accepts no responsibility or liability for the consequences of this document being used for

a purpose other than the purpose for which it was commissioned. Any person using or relying on

the document for such other purpose agrees, and will by such use or reliance be taken to confirm

his agreement to indemnify Ind Tech House Consult for all loss or damage resulting there from.

Ind Tech House Consult accepts no responsibility or liability for this document to any party other

than the person by whom it was commissioned.

For and on behalf of: Ind Tech House Consult

Approved by: Mr. ArvindPurohit

Signed:

Position: EIA Coordinator

Date: May , 2019






Project Proponent:















Signed:


Date: May , 2019






Project Proponent:















Signed:


Date: May , 2019

M/s E.V. RANGA REDDY EIA/ EMP Report for Production of Iron Ore 274000TPA (ROM) and Laterite62000TPA (ROM) mine over an extent of 201.914 Ha at Survey No. 172, VillagePagadalapalli, Mandal Pendlimari, District YSR Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh

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TABLE of CONTENTS

CHAPTER-1..........................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................11

1.1 General.......................................................................................................11

1.2 Purpose of the EIA Report .............................................................................11

1.3 Background of the Project .............................................................................12

1.4 Brief Description of the Project.......................................................................13

1.5 Benefit of the Project ....................................................................................13

1.6 Importance of project to the Country and Region .............................................13

1.7 Chronology of Statutory Application Status......................................................14

1.8 Mining Method .............................................................................................15

1.9 Mining Location............................................................................................15

Table 1.1 Details of Mine Lease Area .........................................................16

Fig No. 1.1 Google Image of Mine Lease Area.............................................16

Fig No.1.2 Location Map of the area ..........................................................17

Fig No. 1.3 Topo Map 10 Km Radius..........................................................18

Fig No.1.4 Mining Lease Area Location & Study Area map ............................19

1.10 Location & Accessibility ...............................................................................19

Table1.2. Site Detail ...............................................................................19

1.11 Methodology of Study .................................................................................20

1.11.1 Environmental Impact Identification, Prediction and Assessment ................22

1.11.2 Environmental Management Plan: ...........................................................22

1.12 Organization of the Report...........................................................................24

Table 1.3. Layout of the Report ................................................................24

1.13 Objective of EIA .........................................................................................25

1.14 Authorization .............................................................................................26

1.15 Acknowledgement: .....................................................................................26

CHAPTER-2..........................................................................................................27

PROJECT DESCRIPTION.........................................................................................27

2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................27

Table 2.1: Details of Mine Lease Area........................................................27


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2.2 Land use pattern ..........................................................................................27

Table No. 2.2 Land Use Pattern ................................................................28

2.3 Geology of the Area......................................................................................28

2.3.1 Topography ...........................................................................................28

2.3.2 Regional Geology....................................................................................28

2.3.3 Local Geology.........................................................................................29

2.4 Mining Reserve ............................................................................................29

Table No 2.3: Total Reserve.....................................................................29

2.4.1 Depletion of Mining Reserve .....................................................................29

Table 2.4 Depletion of Reserves ...............................................................29

2.4.2 Latest Reserves Estimate.........................................................................30

Table 2.5 Lithology of the Pits ..................................................................31

Fig No. 2.1 Surface Geological Plan ...........................................................33

Figure 2.2 Geological Cross Sections .........................................................34

Table 2.6 Recoverable Mineable reserves of Iron ore and Laterite .................35

2.5 Life of Mine .................................................................................................36

2.6 Conceptual Mining Plan .................................................................................36

Fig 2.3 Conceptual Plan ...........................................................................38

2.7 Mining Technology........................................................................................38

2.8 Development Production ...............................................................................39

Table 2.7 Year wise Production.................................................................40

Fig 2.4 Working Plan and Section..............................................................42

2.9 Machinery Requirements ...............................................................................43

Table 2.8 List of Machinery ......................................................................43

Table 2.9 Loading Equipments..................................................................43

2.10 Employment Potential .................................................................................44

Table 2.10 Employment Potential..............................................................45

2.11 Uses .........................................................................................................45

2.12 Site Services..............................................................................................45

2.12.1 Fire Fighting Facilities ............................................................................46

2.13 Water Uses ................................................................................................46


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Table 2.11: Water Requirement................................................................46

2.13.1 Effluent generation................................................................................46

2.13.2 Ground water .......................................................................................46

2.14 Crushing and Screening Plant.......................................................................47

Fig 2.5 Crushing and Screening Plant ........................................................47

2.15 Waste Generation and Management..............................................................48

2.15.1 Dump.....................................................................................................48

Table 2.12 Waste Dump Area Details ........................................................48

2.16 Reclamation and Rehabilitation ....................................................................49

Table 2.13 Year wise Reclamation and Rehabilitation ..................................49

2.17 Mined Out Area ..........................................................................................50

Table 2.14 Mined Out Area Details ............................................................50

2.17.1 Abandonment Cost................................................................................50

Table 2.15 Abandonment Cost..................................................................50

Table 2.16 Mine closure Year wise Cost breakup 2012-16 ............................51

CHAPTER-3..........................................................................................................52

BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING .....................................................................52

3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................52

3.2 Study Area ..................................................................................................52

3.2.1 Core Zone..............................................................................................52

3.2.2 Buffer Zone............................................................................................53

3.2.3 Study Period ..........................................................................................53

3.2.4 Study Components .................................................................................53

3.2.5 Study Methodology .................................................................................53

3.3 Land Environment .....................................................................................54

3.3.1 Physiography of the Area ......................................................................54

Figure No:- 3.1 Photographs of Mine Lease Area.........................................55

Figure No:- 3.2 Base Map of the Study Area ..............................................55

Figure No:- 3.3 Contour Map of the Study Area ..........................................56

Figure No:- 3.4 Digital Elevation Map of the Study Area ..............................56

3.4 Geology ...................................................................................................57


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Figure No:- 3.5 Geological Map of the area ................................................58

Figure No:-3.6 Geomorphology Map of the Area .........................................59

3.5 Hydrogeology............................................................................................59

Occurrence and movement of ground water in rock formations ..........................59

Ground Water in Archaeans ...........................................................................59

Ground water in Basalts and Laterite .................................................................60

Depth of ground water..................................................................................60

Figure No:-3.7 Groundwater Prospect Map.................................................61

3.6 Drainage pattern .......................................................................................61

Figure No:- 3.8 Drainage Map of the Study Area.........................................62

3.7 Soils ........................................................................................................63

Figure No:-3.9 Soil Map of the Area ..........................................................63

Figure No:-3.10 Soil Sampling Location .....................................................64

Table No. 3.1 Soil Analysis Data ...............................................................65

Table No. 3.2 Standard Soil Classification ..................................................65

3.8 Land Use/ Land Cover ................................................................................67

Table No:- 3.3 Land Use pattern of the Study Area .....................................67

Figure No:-3.11 Land Use Map of the area .................................................68

3.9 Water Environment....................................................................................68

3.9.1 Surface Water Resources ......................................................................69

3.9.1.1 Surface Water Quality .....................................................................69

3.9.2 Ground Water Resources ......................................................................69

3.9.2.1 Ground Water Quality .....................................................................69

Table No:-3.4 Location of Ground Water Sampling Location .........................69

Figure No:-3.12 Ground Water Sampling Location Map................................70

Table No:-3.5 Groundwater Analysis Data..................................................71

3.10 Air Environment ......................................................................................73

3.10.1 Meteorology ......................................................................................73

Figure No. 3.13:- Overall Wind Rose Diagram of the Site .............................73

Figure No. 3.14:- Frequency Class Distribution Graph .................................74

3.10.2 Ambient Air Quality ............................................................................74


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3.10.3 Scope of Field Study...........................................................................75

Table No:- 3.6 National Ambient Air Quality Standards................................75

3.10.4 Description of Sampling Location..........................................................77

Table No:- 3.7 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Locations..............................77

3.10.5 Ambient Air Quality Status ..................................................................77

Figure No:- 3.14 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Locations...........................78

Table No:-3.8 Ambient Air Quality Analysis ................................................78

Table No. 3.9:- Overall existing ambient air quality in the study area ............79

3.11 Noise Environment .....................................................................................80

Figure No.3.15:- Different Location in the study area for Noise Monitoring .....81

Table no:-3.10 Effects of Different Noise levels on Human beings .................81

Table No:- 3.11 Equivalent Noise Levels in the Study Area...........................82

3.12 Socio Economic Environment .......................................................................83

3.12.1 Brief Demographic Profile of the Villages within Study Area ........................83

3.12.2 Living Standards and Infrastructure ........................................................91

3.12.3 Project Economy...................................................................................92

3.13 Ecology & Biodiversity.................................................................................93

3.13.1 The Environmental Setting of the Iron Ore Mine........................................94

3.13.2 Objectives and scope of the work............................................................95

3.13.3 Methodology for study of Flora and Fauna ................................................96

3.13.4 Vegetation and flora of the core zone (mine lease area) ............................97

Table No:- 3.12 List of trees, shrubs, perennial climbers and grasses found in

the mine lease area (Core area) during the summer season.........................98

Table 3.13 List of wild and cultivated plants found in the area under mining ..99

within the core area ................................................................................99

Table No:- 3.14 Relative frequency, density, dominance, Importance value

indices (IVI), Shannon – Wiener Index of Diversity, dominance and evenness of

the structural species found in the undisturbed part of the mine lease area.

(Core area not under mining activity)......................................................100

3.13.5 Vegetation and flora of the buffer area ..................................................101

3.13.6 Terrestrial Fauna of the study area........................................................102


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Table No 3.15:- List of trees, shrubs, perennial climbers and tall grass found in

the Buffer zone ....................................................................................102

Table No:-3.16 List of Vertebrates other than Birds either observed or reported

from the mining lease area and its surroundings up to a radius of 10 Km. The

species found in the mine lease area are indicated by *.............................107

Table No:-3.17 List of birds either spotted or reported from the areas around

the Mining Lease Area up to a radius of 10 Km. The species found in the mine

lease area are indicated by * .................................................................108

3.13.7 Aquatic Flora and fauna of the study area ..............................................114

3.13.8 Rare or endangered or endemic or threatened (REET) flora and fauna of the

study area ...................................................................................................114

CHAPTER-4........................................................................................................116

Impact Assessments and Mitigations.....................................................................116

4.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................116

4.2 Impact Identification ..................................................................................116

4.3 Impact Assessment ....................................................................................117

4.3.1 AIR ENVIRONMENT ...............................................................................117

Predicted GLC with Operation of the mines.......................................................119

4.3.2 NOISE ENVIRONMENT ...........................................................................121

4.3.3 WATER ENVIRONMENT ..........................................................................121

4.3.4 SOIL ENVIRONMENT .............................................................................122

4.3.5 LAND USE PATTERN..............................................................................123

Table. 4.1:- Land use pattern of mine lease area ......................................123

Table 4.2:- Reclamation and Rehabilitation Plan .......................................123

4.3.6 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT ..................................................................124

Figure 4.1:- Photograph of Mine area ......................................................124

4.3.7 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT.............................................................125

4.3.8 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY........................................................126

CHAPTER-5........................................................................................................128

ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES...............................................................................128

5.1 SITE ALTERNATIVES UNDER CONSIDERATION...............................................128

5.2 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY ....................................................128


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CHAPTER-6........................................................................................................129

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM ............................................................129

6.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................129

Table 6.1:-Environmental Monitoring Plan................................................129

6.2 Responsibility of Monitoring and Reporting System .........................................130

6.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING BUDGET....................................................130

Table 6.2:-Environmental Monitoring Cost ...............................................131

CHAPTER-7........................................................................................................132

ADDITIONAL STUDIES ........................................................................................132

7.0 Introduction ..............................................................................................132

7.1 Public Hearing............................................................................................132

7.1.1 Advertisement ........................................................................................132

7.1.2 Concerns Raised By Public & Proponent’s Response .....................................132

Table 7.1 Concerns Raised in Public Hearing and Responses.......................133

7.2 Damage Assessment & Resource Augmentation Report ...................................138

7.3 Hydrogeology Report ..................................................................................144

7.3.1 Hydrogeology of the Area..................................................................144

7.3.2 Depth of ground water......................................................................145

Figure No:-7.1 Groundwater Prospect Map...............................................146

CHAPTER-8........................................................................................................147

PROJECT BENEFITS.............................................................................................147

8.1Improvements in the Physical Infrastructure...................................................147

8.2 Infrastructure Facilities to be provided for the Mine workers ............................147

8.3 Improvements in the Social Infrastructure.....................................................149

8.4 Employment Potential .................................................................................150

8.5 Other Tangible Benefits...............................................................................150

8.6 Conclusion.................................................................................................151

CHAPTER-9........................................................................................................152

ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN......................................................................152

9.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................152

9.2 Air Quality Management ..............................................................................152


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9.2.1Fugitive Dust Control .............................................................................152

9.3 Noise Quality Management ..........................................................................153

9.3.1 Control of Ground Vibrations and Fly Rock Boulder....................................153

9.4 Water Quality Management .........................................................................154

9.4.1Rain water Harvesting Plan .....................................................................155

Figure 9.1Rainwater Storage in Pits ........................................................155

9.5 Land Management ......................................................................................155

9.5.1 Land Reclamation .................................................................................156

Table 9.1 Reclamation and Rehabilitation Proposals ..................................156

9.5.2 Land Restoration ..................................................................................157

9.6 Waste Management ....................................................................................158

9.7 Soil Conservation Measures .........................................................................158

9.8 Conservation of Flora and Fauna ..................................................................159

9.9 Greenbelt Development Plan........................................................................159

Table 9.2:- List of Plants identified for Greenbelt and Restoration of Mine Pits

..........................................................................................................160

Figure 9.2:- Plantation Program .............................................................161

Table 9.3:- Plantation Planned Cost for next Five Years .............................162

9.10 Transportation Management ......................................................................162

9.11 Socio Economics.......................................................................................163

Community Resource Augmentation...................................................................163

9.12 Environmental Management System (EMS)..................................................163

9.12.1 Environment Policy .............................................................................164

9.12.2 Objective ...........................................................................................164

9.12.3 Responsibility .....................................................................................165

9.12.4 Environment Management Cell (EMC)....................................................165

9.13 CSR Action Plan........................................................................................165

Table 9.3 CSR Plan and Budget for 5 years ..............................................165

Table 9.4 CER Plan with Budget for next 3 years ......................................166

9.14 Cost Estimate for Environment Management ................................................167

Table 9.4 EMP COST .............................................................................167


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CHAPTER-10 ......................................................................................................168

SUMMARY & CONCLUSION...................................................................................168

10.1.1 Introduction ..........................................................................................168

10.1.2 Purpose of EIA Report ............................................................................168

10.1.3 Statutory Application Status....................................................................168

10.1.4 Mining Method.......................................................................................169

10.1.5 Mining Location .....................................................................................170

10.1.6 Site Details ...........................................................................................170

10.1.7 Objective of EIA Study ...........................................................................171

10.2.1 Project Description.................................................................................172

10.2.2 Land use Pattern ...................................................................................172

10.2.3 Geology of the Area ...............................................................................173

10.2.4 Mineral Reserve.....................................................................................173

10.2.5 Depletion of the Mineral Reserve .............................................................173

10.2.6 Lithology of the Pits ...............................................................................174

10.2.7 Life of Mine ...........................................................................................176

10.2.8 Conceptual Mining Plan...........................................................................176

10.2.9 Mining Technology .................................................................................177

10.2.10 Mining Machinery Used .........................................................................177

10.2.11 Employment Potential...........................................................................178

10.2.12 Water Requirement ..............................................................................178

10.2.13 Crushing and Screening Plant ................................................................178

10.2.14 Waste Generation and Management .......................................................178

10.2.15 Dump.................................................................................................179

10.2.16 Reclamation and Rehabilitation ..............................................................179

10.2.17 Mined Out Area....................................................................................179

10.2.18 Abandonment Cost...............................................................................180

10.3 Environmental Scenario.............................................................................181

10.3.1 Core Zone.............................................................................................181

10.3. 2 Buffer Zone..........................................................................................181

10.3. 3 Study Period ........................................................................................181


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10.3.4 Physiography of the Area........................................................................182

10.3.5 Geology................................................................................................182

10.3.6 Hydrogeology........................................................................................182

10.3.7 Drainage pattern ...................................................................................183

10.3.8 Soil ......................................................................................................183

10.3.9 Land Use ..............................................................................................183

10.3.10 Water Environment ..............................................................................184

10.3.11 Ambient Air Quality ..............................................................................184

10.3.12 Noise Quality.......................................................................................185

10.3.13 Socio Economic Environment.................................................................185

10.3.14 Ecology & Biodiversity ..........................................................................185

10.4 Impact Assessments and Mitigations...........................................................186

10.5 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVE.......................................................................189

10.6 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM ..................................................189

10.7 Additional Studies.....................................................................................191

10.8 Project Benefit .........................................................................................194

10.9 Environment Management Plan ..................................................................195

Environment Policy ..........................................................................................198

CSR Action Plan...............................................................................................198

CHAPTER-11 ......................................................................................................201

DISCLOSURE OF CONSULTANT.............................................................................201


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CHAPTER-1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 General

Mining is the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth,

usually from an ore body, lode, vein, seam, reef or placer deposit. These deposits form a

mineralized package that is of economic interest to the miner.

The Mining industry in India is a major economic activity which contributes significantly

to the economy of India. The GDP contribution of the mining industry varies from 2.2%

to 2.5% only but going by the GDP of the total industrial sector it contributes around

10% to 11%. Even mining done on small scale contributes 6% to the entire cost of

mineral production. Indian mining industry provides job opportunities to around 700,000

individuals. 2015 the fifth largest producer of iron ore, alumina, chromite, bauxite in the

world and coal, iron ore project in the fifth largest reserve in world.

Iron ores are rocks and minerals from which metallic iron can be economically extracted.

The ores are usually rich in iron oxides and vary in color from dark grey, bright yellow,

deep purple, to rusty red. The iron itself is usually found in the form of magnetite

(Fe3O4), hematite (Fe2O3). Ores carrying very high quantities of hematite or magnetite

(greater than 60% iron) are known as "natural ore" or "direct shipping ore", meaning

they can be fed directly into iron-making blast furnaces. Most reserves of such ore have

now been depleted. Iron ore is the raw material used to make pig iron, which is one of

the main raw materials to make steel. 98% of the mined iron ore is used to make steel.

Laterite is a residual ferruginous rock, commonly found in tropical regions and has close

genetic association with bauxite. It is a highly weathered material, rich in secondary

oxides of iron, aluminium or both. It is either hard or capable of hardening on exposure

to moisture and drying. Aluminous Laterite and ferruginous bauxites are quite common.

Laterite is used for cement manufacturing as an additive for lowering the clinkerization

temperature and supplementing aluminous and iron contents required in the

manufacture of cement.

1.2 Purpose of the EIA Report

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC), Government of India

Issued a notification vide S.O. 1533 dt. 14.9.2006; mandates prior environmental

clearance for various developmental project or activity. Mining of Minerals spread over 50


12

ha of mining lease area needs to obtain prior environmental clearance vide Serial No.

1(a) under category ‘A’ of the schedule of the above mentioned notification. Accordingly

the project proponent obtained terms of reference from Ministry of Environment, Forests

and Climate Change, Government of India (GOI) for conducting environmental study and

prepare Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environment Management Plan

(EMP), following the due process as mentioned in the said notification, vide letter no. J

11015/46/2013-IA. II (M), dt.18.7.2014, dt.10.01.2017. The present study follows the

prescribed TOR’s after necessary due diligence regarding violation of EP act, and Public

Consultation and submission of final environmental impact assessment report (EIA) for

the appraisal of expert appraisal committee (EAC) to obtain Environmental Clearance.

1.3 Background of the Project

Sri E. V. Ranga Reddy proposes to conduct opencast semi mechanized mining for low

grade Iron ore and Laterite over an extent of 201.914 ha in Survey Number 172,

Pagadalapalli village, Pendlimarri mandal, YSR district, Andhra Pradesh. No Objection

Certificate was issued by Sarpanch and Panchayat Secretary of Pagadalapalli Village,

Cherlopalli Gram Panchayat in their resolution dated 30.3.2004 for grant of mining lease.

Tahasildar (Mandal Revenue Officer) issued No Objection Certificate for grant of mining

lease for an extent of 498.93 acres (201.914ha) vide Letter Rfe/36/04 dated 10-5-2004

with a land classification of hill poramboke. Government of Andhra Pradesh, Industries

and Commerce (M-III) Department sanctioned the Mining Lease (ML) order vide G. O.

Ms. No. 73 dated 1303-2006 for a period of 20 years. Assistant Director of Mines and

Geology (ADM&G), Kadapa has executed the mining lease deed and work orders issued

vide proceedings No. 695/M1/06, dated 25.03.2006 for 20 years period with effect from

25.3.2006 to 24.3.2026. The demand for Iron and steel has increased the demand for

Iron ore. Considering the growing demand of Iron ore, it is proposed to undertake

mining activity in the existing mine lease area for low grade Iron ore production of

2,74,000 TPA and Laterite production capacity of 62,000 TPA and the mining scheme is

prepared for four years i.e. 2012-13 to 2015-16. The Scheme of mining is approved by

Indian Bureau of Mines, vide Lr. No. 659 (532)/Iron ore and Lat/2005/Hyd. dated

25.3.2013 for annual production of 2,74,000 TPA of low grade Iron ore and 62,000 TPA

of Laterite. The capital cost of the project is Rs. 3.0 Crores.


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1.4 Brief Description of the Project

E.V. Ranga Reddy initiate to conduct opencast semi mechanized mining for low grade

Iron ore and Laterite over an extent of 201.914 ha in Survey Number 172, Pagadalapalli

village, Pendlimarri mandal, YSR district, Andhra Pradesh.

As per EIA Notification dated 14thSep, 2006 as amended from time to time, the project

falls under Category “A”, of item 1 (a).

1.5 Benefit of the Project

The proposed project will cater the current demand of iron ore in steel industries and

laterite as an additive for lowering the clinkerization temperature and supplementing

aluminous and iron contents which is required in the cement manufacturing mainly in

Andhra Pradesh as well as its neighbour states.

1.6 Importance of project to the Country and Region

India is bestowed with large and rich sources of iron ore in terms of quantity and quality

with respect to world scenario. India occupies sixth position in iron ore resource base and

ranks fourth with respect to world iron ore production. The existing reserves of hematite

(averaging around 63 % Fe) are the only source of iron ore and as such, these reserves

may not last beyond 25–30 years at the present rate of consumption. Hence to meet the

future and projected requirement, additional domestic resources like slimes and fines

dumped elsewhere in mines have to be utilised, which are in abundance. The ores and

minerals are site specific, non-renewable and finite. It is a challenging task for iron ore

producers to meet the demand as envisaged in the draft national steel policy. In order to

meet the demand, the iron ore producers has to face challenges like increasing the

resource base, increasing production and productivity, utilisation of low grade iron ores,

beneficiation of low grade fines and slimes, overcoming the infrastructure bottlenecks like

roads, railways, ports, power, capital and water, human resource, handling, storage and

utilisation of slimes/tails, encouragement for R&D activities, adopting environmental

friendly measures and land acquisition for setting up new plants.

Laterite occurrences are widespread in India. Almost all Indian bauxite deposits are

associated with laterite, except those in Jammu & Kashmir. Laterite generally occurs as

capping on the hills and plateaus of Madhya Pradesh and in some states of the Deccan

peninsula at altitudes ranging from coastal to 2,000 m with thickness up to 60 m. The

industrial use of laterite is in the Cement Industry. It is used as an additive for lowering

the clinkerisation temperature and supplementing aluminous and iron contents required


14

in the manufacture of cement. It is also reported that laterite is capable of removal of

phosphorus from solutions and percolating columns of laterite remove cadmium,

chromium and lead to very low concentrations.

In India, Laterite is widely used as a building stone and road metal. Laterite is a weak

stone, but can be used for masonry construction. The property of laterite can be

enhanced by suitable water proofing treatments. Long term study is required to find an

optimum size for its varied masonry applications. The consumption of laterite in cement

has scaled up due to increased demand of cement in the country. The plausibility of

diverse application of laterite in future could well become a viable source for metallic

minerals like iron, aluminium, chromite and of trace elements like gallium and vanadium.

1.7 Chronology of Statutory Application Status

Description DateMine lease deed executed by "The Asst. Director of Mines and Geology,Kadapa" proceedings no. 695/MI/06, dt.25.03.2006 : 25.03.2006

EIA notification S.O 1533, dt.14.09.2006 : 14.09.2006

TOR application submitted : 11.02.2013

TOR meeting : 16.04.2013

Corrigendum in TOR : 17.05.2013

Violation Letter received from MoEF & CC : 17.06.2013

Credible action was taken letter submitted : 14.05.2014

TOR letter issued : 18.07.2014

DFO Letter for flora and fauna authentication : 05.08.2014Draft EIA Submitted to RO, APPCB for Public Hearing (PH) : 03.01.2015PH Advertisement : 06.07.2016

Postponement of Environmental Public Hearing : 09.08.2016

Re public hearing advertisement : 25.09.2016

Public hearing : 27.10.2016

TOR extension applied : 09.11.2016

TOR extension acceptance : 08.12.2016

TOR extension meeting : 15.12.2016

TOR extension Minutes of meeting : 27.12.2016

TOR Extension received : 10.01.2017

Report on subsidence received from ADMG : 02.02.2017

Final EIA submitted to MoEF&CC : 10.02.2017

EAC meeting schedule : 10.03.2017

EAC meeting : 20.03.2017

Letter from MoEF&CC for Submission of AMP : 19.04.2017

Approved Mine Plan (AMP) : 11.09.2017

Details sought by MoEF&CC, Production details duly authenticated byDepartment of Mines & Geology, since the inception of the mine

: 12.10.2017


15

Production details from Assistant Director of Mines &Geology, Kadapa.A.P.

: 27.10.2017

MoEF&CC letter to Project Proponent to reapply for EC under ViolationCategory.

: 28.03.2018

Project Proponent reapplied for EC. Acknowledge No.IA/AP/MIN/74255/2018 : 11.04.2018

Project considered for ToR in 13th meeting of Expert AppraisalCommittee held on 18th-20th Sep, 2018 for the proposal involvingviolation.

: 18.09.2018

New Fresh ToR issued under Violation : 10.12.2018

1.8 Mining Method

The mine workings are being carried out by manually or by using hired excavator as

most of the working area is covered by the float ore. It is also proposed to use

Jackhammer drilling, blasting and excavator to remove the hard ore body (Hard ore)

whenever necessary. Laterite/iron ore excavations are proposed to be carried out in two

benches of 3m height and 3m width with the help of excavator without drilling and

blasting from three places i.e. between pit-4, pit-6 and pit-7 to produce about 62,000

(25-45% Fe) tons of Laterite per year on an average and 2,74,000 (45-58% Fe) tons of

Iron ore per year on an average in four years. The present average depth is 8m in these

pits and the mining operations will continue to another 7m depth in these pits as the

hematite hard ore bands are available upto 15m depth. The excavated ROM will be

screened manually with different sieves and the ROM will be separated as lumpy ore,

fines and waste. The waste is dumped at proposed dump yards. The lumpy ore will be

shifted to the crusher by tractor cum trolley and the fines will be loaded into hired trucks

for transportation to Steel, Sponge Iron and Cement plants. Based on the availability of

manpower, the loading of mineral into trucks/ tractor cum trolley will be carried out

manually or by hired loader.

1.9 Mining Location

The mine lease area is situated on Survey of India topo sheet no. 57J/11 with

coordinates of 14° 26’ 18.1” - 14° 27’ 17.7”N Latitude and 78° 36’ 01.5 - 78° 37’ 04.2” E

Longitude with a highest elevation of 244m above MSL in Southwest portion of ML area

and lowest elevation of 187m above MSL in northeast portion of the ML area spread over

an extent of 201.914 Ha. Pagadalapalli village is located at a distance of 1.0km in East

direction from the ML area boundary. There is no forest land or habitation within mine

lease area and it is classified as hill poramboke. The main road access for ML area shall

be Kadapa-Vempalli road which is located at a distance of 250m from the ML area in


16

south direction. Pendlimarri Mandal headquarter (Kadapa - Vempalli road) is located at a

distance of 2.3 km from the lease area in east direction. Pendlimarri to Nagayapalle road

is passing at a distance of 250m from the ML area in east direction. Major Town and

railway station is Kadapa town, located at 21km away from the lease area. Papagni

River is flowing from SW to NW at a distance of 5.8km from the ML area in NW direction.

Ganganapalle reserve forest is located at 4.5km in south direction from the mine lease

boundary. There are no national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, critically polluted areas and

inter-state boundaries within 10km radius of the ML area. The details of Mine lease area

are presented in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1 Details of Mine Lease Area

State andDistrict

Mandal Village LeaseArea, ha

Ownership ofthe

lease area

GPS (WGS-84)

Coordinate

AndhraPradesh andYSR District

Pendlimarri Pagadalapalli 201.914 Revenue landbelongs to Govt.ofAndhra Pradesh.

14°26’40.74”N,78°36’36.36”E.

Fig No. 1.1 Google Image of Mine Lease Area


17

Fig No.1.2 Location Map of the area


17



17



18

Fig No. 1.3 Topo Map 10 Km Radius

Source: Survey of India


18




18




19

Fig No.1.4 Mining Lease Area Location & Study Area map

1.10 Location & Accessibility

The site is located at Village Pagadalapalli, Mandal Pendlimari, District YSR Kadapa,

Andhra Pradesh and has the following site detail.

Table1.2. Site Detail

Topography The lease area is a hilly terrain consisting of different ridges and

valleys.

Coordinates 14° 26’ 18.1” - 14° 27’ 17.7”N Latitude

78° 36’ 01.5” - 78° 37’ 04.2” E Longitude


20

Toposheet No 57J/11

Elevation above

MSL

244m above MSL in Southwest portion of ML area and lowest

elevation of 187m above MSL in northeast portion of the ML area

Nearest Town Kadapa; 21Km

Nearest Habitation Pendlimarri;3.53Km, Pagadalapalli,1.1Km

Nearest Major

Road/ Highways

NH18, Kurnool Chittoor Highway 20.60Km, Kadapa-Vempalli Road

2.3 Km

Nearest Railway

Station

Kadapa Railway Station; 21Km

Airport Kadapa Airport 18.49Km

Seaport Vishakapatnam 610Km NE

River Nala Papagni River is flowing from SW to NW at a distance of 5.8km

from the ML area in NW direction.

R.F/ P.F Ganganapalle reserve forest is located at 4.5km in south direction

from the mine lease boundary

1.11 Methodology of Study

Environmental issues must be addressed during project planning before the actual

project is executed. In the same way as economic, financial, institutional, or technical

analysis, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an integral part of the project. EIA is

the process in which environmental factors are integrated into project planning and

decision-making so as to achieve ecologically sustainable development. Best-practice EIA

identifies environmental risks, lessens conflicts by promoting community participation,

minimizes adverse environmental effects, informs decision makers, and helps lay the

base for environmentally-sound projects. Benefits of integrating EIA have been observed

in all stages of a project, from exploration and planning, through construction,

operations, decommissioning, and beyond site closure.

The process of EIA consists of the following stages:

Screening with initial assessment of the environmental conditions and adequacy ofthe project components.

Scoping with identification of the resources, issues and logistics for necessaryimplementation of the project and action plans for achieving such goals.


21

Baseline Study to evaluate the state of the environment prior to the establishmentof the proposed project.

Identification of Sources of Pollution due to the Project. Related Environmental Impact Identification, Prediction and Assessment. Environmental Management Plan for necessitating any mitigation measures. Deriving Decision making objectives for formulation of strategy as a long term

solution. Referencing and studying all related documents for this project with screening and

assessment of the pre-existing conditions to be taken up for furtherance of theproject.

Screening: Assessment the need for an EIA. Whether there is any possibility of

significant stress or shock on the supportive and assimilative capacity of the

surrounding environment.

Scoping: Identification of issues and impacts of the project which to be considered

in the EIA study.

Baseline Study: Conducting necessary field studies for generation baseline data to

define the pre-project environment. The baseline study has been done as per the

approved TOR conditions given by MoEF & CC.

For Impact Prediction and Assessment, the details of most of the baseline data is

collected during the study period of 03 months to be undertaken from December

2018 to February 2019. There is elaborate data collection with respect to geology,

geomorphology, hydrogeology, drainage pattern; land use pattern etc. and the

subsequent satellite map will be prepared with a 10 km radius buffer zone.

Details of the micro-meteorological data is collected with respect to hourly wind

speed & wind direction, humidity, temperature, cloud cover, rainfall data etc. The

corresponding frequency distribution of wind behaviour with wind rose diagram is

prepared. This will form the meteorological data input to Air Quality Prediction

Model.

The existing ground level concentration of Particulate Matter (PM),Sulphur Dioxide

(SO2), Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) are analyzed during the

study period in the core zone as well as buffer zone including at least one in the

down wind direction. The air sampling location and others will be chosen studying

the wind rose and using standard procedures.

Surface water & ground water analysis is done in core zone and buffer zone as per

the parameters in BIS standard.

The soil testing is done in core and buffer zone.

The average noise quality both in day and night.

All the procedure of collection of sample, frequency of collection, analysis

procedures etc are done as per CPCB norms.


22

Details of the ecological survey are taken up with respect to flora and fauna

including avifauna and aquatic fauna with an emphasis on endangered species in

the core zone as well as in the buffer zone.

Socio-economic data of the region is collected with respect to literacy, economic

status, occupation, living standard, health etc. of the local population. There are

detailed data collections about infrastructure facilities like transportation,

communication, education health etc.

Detailed survey of the 15 Km. region around the project is conducted to find out

any location of sensitive areas like wild life sanctuaries, historical & archaeological

sites, defence installations etc.

1.11.1 Environmental Impact Identification, Prediction and Assessment

Different environmental impact areas are identified and expressed in matrix form.

Qualitative prediction of impact is done with respect to land use, ecology and

noise and socio-economic.

Details of water and waste water inventory are prepared to find out their impact

on the environment.

Solid wastes Inventory (both hazardous and non-hazardous in nature) is done to

predict and assess their impact on environment.

Detailed information about stacks with respect to height, diameter, flue gas,

temperature, velocity and flow and the inter stack distances is provided.

Emission inventory with respect to PM, SO2, NOx is calculated.

Micro-meteorological data along with stack and emission inventory data is input to

the air quality prediction modelling software.

Quantitative prediction of air pollutants in the form of incremental ground level

concentration (GLC) is done by Air Quality Prediction Modelling Software (ISC-

AEROMOD-ISCST) developed by USEPA.

Maximum resultant GLC is calculated at locations taking into consideration of

background GLC and predominant wind direction.

Subjective impact assessment using matrix method is carried out to calculate the

total impact score without mitigation measures.

This has been done as per the approved TOR conditions given by MoEF & CC.

1.11.2 Environmental Management Plan:

Propose necessary action to reduce the predicted adverse impacts and to make provision

to compensate for any residual adverse impact.


23

Taking note of adverse impacts on environment due to project a comprehensive

EMP is considered in detail.

Details of all the pollution equipment with their working efficiency are discussed.

EMP constructional phase is discussed. The comprehensive EMP analyzes all the

possibilities of the optimum use of resources in the form of raw material, water

and energy, process optimization for more production and less waste generation,

preventive, maintenance to minimize leakage & spillage and above all the waste

utilization plan. The EMP at operational stage covers all the details in the fields of

air, water, solid waste, noise, ecology and the socio-economic aspects.

Details with regards to design aspects, collection efficiency and emission norms

from the attached stacks of Air Pollution Equipments (APE) is analyzed.

Disposal management of the solid waste and emissions generated from these APC

equipments is discussed.

Fugitive dust emission from the different storage & transfer point and haul road

emissions and their detailed control aspects is covered.

Considering water as important and valuable utility, company will formulate a

water management plan for minimum use of the fresh water.

Waste water management dealing with treatment methodologies and

recycling/reuse of treated waste water is analyzed.

Storage of storm water in the monsoon in water harvesting ponds and the use of

the same water in lean season is discussed. Zero discharge norms with a

comprehensive water and waste water management plan are evaluated.

A detail of the solid waste inventory, its characterization and their usage

potentiality is discussed. Solid waste plant process and reuse of the solid waste

for different purposes is examined.

Noise control devices with different equipments at design stage, protective

measures at work zone sites and supply of protective gears to affected personnel

is thoroughly discussed.

Detailed plan for greenbelt development with respect to allocation of area, fund

allocation, selection of the species and maintenance plan is adequately covered.

Peripheral development plan that includes development in infrastructure, health

education and socio-cultural aspects is emphasized.

Details of the EMP cell with respect to monitoring laboratory, technical man power

and fund allocation is discussed. Details of monitoring program with respect to

pollutant parameters. Monitoring scheduled and reporting as per statutory

requirement is covered.

Safety and disaster management plan with onsite emergency plan to deal with the

unforeseen accidents is covered.


24

Beneficial aspects of project with respect to direct and indirect employment,

business opportunities and peripheral development are discussed. Trickledown

effect of all the project benefits to affect local population is analyzed.

Taking in to consideration of the environmental degradations due to the project

implementation and the consequent environmental management plan followed by

the post project benefits, the subjective assessment with a Total Impact Score is

analysed to draw a summary conclusion.

This has been done as per the approved TOR conditions given by MoEF & CC.

1.12 Organization of the Report

This report is based on generic structure of EIA report as per EIA Notification 2006 by

MoEF& CC. A brief description of each Chapter is presented below:

Table 1.3. Layout of the Report

Chapter 1 Introduction Presents an introductionalong with scope andobjective of this EIA/EMPstudy

Chapter 2 Project Description Presents project technicaldetails

Chapter 3 Description ofEnvironment

Presents the baseline statusfor various environmentalparameters in the studyarea for 3 months.

Chapter 4 AnticipatedEnvironmental Impactsand Mitigation Measures

Presents the identification,prediction and evaluation ofenvironmental impacts dueto the proposed projectactivities. Also presentsproposed mitigationmeasures.

Chapter 5 Analysis of Alternatives As it is Mining Project so noalternative site is identified.

Chapter 6 Environment MonitoringProgramme

Presents details ofmonitoring, audit andreporting

Chapter 7 Additional Studies Resource AugmentationPlan , Hydrogeology Study,Public Consultation

Chapter 8 Project Benefits Presents project benefitsas:

Improvements in the


25

physical infrastructure.

Improvements in the socialinfrastructure.

Employment potential –skilled; semi-skilled andunskilled.

Other tangible benefit

Chapter 9 EnvironmentManagement Plan

Description of theadministrative aspects toensure the mitigationmeasures are implementedand their effectivenessmonitored, after approval ofthe project

Chapter 10 Summary Conclusion Summary of the Report

Chapter 11 Disclosure ofConsultants Engaged

Disclosure of the Consultantwith brief experience ofteam members.

1.13 Objective of EIA

As per Terms of Reference (ToR) vide letter no-23-239/ 2018-IA.III (v) dtd:-10.12.2018

Annexure-1 it is mandate to carry out EIA/ EMP Study. As previously, the Ministry

issued the Terms of Reference (ToR) vide letter no J-11015/46/2013-IA. II(M) dated 18th

July, 2014 while granting TOR attached as Annexure-2, the Ministry noted that the said

proposal is a violation proposal as mine was operating without obtaining prior

Environmental Clearance. The prosecution report has been filed in the Court of additional

Judicial Magistrate, Kadapa on 31.01.2014 vide Case No. C. C. 28/2014 attached as

Annexure-3 to take cognizance of offence by the said court by invoking powers under

section 19 of Environment (protection) act, which has been committed by the offending

project and the affidavit dated 28.05.2014 stating that such violations of Environment

(protection) Act, 1986 will not be repeated in the future is also submitted and the mining

is closed from 23.02.2013. Further, PP requested to Extension of Validity of TOR

Accordingly, the Ministry granted the Extension of Validity of TOR vide letter of even on

dated 10th January, 2017. The Project Proponent applied on 10.02.2017 along with the

EIA/ EMP report for grant of Environmental Clearance. PP also submitted that PP

conducted the Public Hearing on 27.10.2016, accordingly the same was appraised in the

16th EAC in its Meeting held during 20-21 March, 2017 wherein the committee did not

consider the proposal as the proponent did not submit approved mine plan. PP submitted

the approved mine plan on 11.09.2017. Further Ministry requested on 12.10.2017 to PP

to submit the Past Production detail on 12.10.2017. PP submitted the past production


26

details vide letter no 843/ M1/2006, dated 17.10.2017.The proposal was examined in the

Ministry and it has found that it is a violation category proposal PP carried out the mining

operation without and EC from 2006-07 to 2016-17. To deal with the violation category

proposals, the Ministry has issued the Notification S.O> 804 (E) dated 14th march 2017.

The PP submitted a new proposal no. IA/AP/ MIN/74255/ 2018 dated 11.04.2018 under

violation category and submitted Form-I and PFR. There after the proposal was

considered by the EAC (Violation) in its meeting held during 18th – 20th September, 2018

wherein the recommended the proposal for grant of Additional & Standard Term of

Reference (ToR). In cognisance of the offence the PP plead guilty and paid a Rupees of

Rs 50,000/- to the court & the case was dismissed. The court fee acknowledgement is

attached as Annexure-4.

1.14 Authorization

M/s. E. V. Ranga Reddy has entrusted M/s Ind Tech House Consult, Rohini, Delhi for the

preparation of EIA report for their expansion project. In accordance to the scope of work,

M/s Ind Tech House Consult, Rohini, Delhi, team visited the project site at-Village

Pagadalapalli, Mandal Pendlimari, District YSR Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh. During their

visit, the team collected base line data like Air, Water, Soil & Noise from the project site

and availability of infrastructure facilities like raw materials, water, power and

transportation facilities. The team also made socio economic study of 10km buffer zone

of the project site to know existing status of the locality and flora & fauna.

Representatives from M/s. E.V. Ranga Reddy accompanied ITHC team during site visit

and Base line study.

1.15 Acknowledgement:

M/s Ind Tech House Consult, Rohini, Delhi, expresses its deep gratitude to M/s. E.V.

Ranga Reddy. for entrusting the assignment of preparing and providing all documents

required for submission of EIA report and for the active interest and cooperation

extended by the concerned officials of M/s E. V. Ranga Reddy.


27

CHAPTER-2

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 Introduction

Sri E. V. Ranga Reddy is a private entrepreneur and an independent lease holder of Iron

Ore and Laterite Mine located at Survey Number 172, Pagadalapalli Village, Pendlimarri

Mandal, YSR District, Andhra Pradesh over an extent of 201.914 Ha. Government of

Andhra Pradesh, Industries and Commerce (M-III) Department sanctioned the Mining

Lease (ML) order vide G. O. Ms. No. 73 dated 13-03-2006 for a period of 20 years.

Assistant Director of Mines and Geology (ADMG), Kadapa has executed the mining lease

deed and work orders issued vide proceedings No. 695/M1/06, dated 25.03.2006 for 20

years period with effect from 25.3.2006 to 24.3.2026. Mining Lease deed is attached as

Annexure-5.The proposed mine lease area is a government land with hilly terrain. It is

proposed to extract Iron Ore and Laterite by opencast semi mechanized method with

average production of 2,74,000 TPA and 62,000 TPA respectively. The Scheme of mining

is approved by Indian Bureau of Mines, vide Lr. No. 659 (532)/Iron ore and

Lat/2005/Hyd. dt.25.3.2013 for annual production of 2,74,000 TPA of low grade Iron ore

and 62,000 TPA of Laterite. As per DMG of State Government the PP has not carried out

any mining activities beyond mining lease area and the certificate is attached as

Annexure-6 & Mining Scheme is attached as Annexure-7.The capital cost of the project

is Rs. 3.0 Crores. The Mining Lease coordinate/Lease Sketch approved by DMG is

attached as Annexure-8.The details of Mine Lease area is presented in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1: Details of Mine Lease Area

State andDistrict

Mandal Village LeaseArea, ha

Ownership of thelease area

GPS (WGS-84)Coordinate

AndhraPradesh andYSR District

Pendlimarri Pagadalapalli 201.914 Revenue landbelongs to Govt. ofAndhra Pradesh.

14°26’40.74”N,78°36’36.36”E.

2.2 Land use pattern

The total land of the lease area is 201.914 ha, Out of which 33.09ha area is used and

proposed to be used for mining, dumping, green belt and etc. Detail of the Land use

pattern is given in Table No-2.2.


28

Table No. 2.2 Land Use Pattern

Description Present Use During PlanPeriod

Total (ha)

A B C = (A+B)

Area under mining 17.89 6.27 24.16

Storage for top soil -- -- --

Overburden/ waste dumps 0.88 2.98 3.86

Mineral storage (stockyard) 1.60 -- 1.60

Infrastructure (workshopadministrative building, siteservices etc)

0.38 -- 0.38

Roads (3m wide) 2.06 -- 2.06

Green belt / Afforestation -- 0.77 0.77

Others(Crushing plants,mess, Storeroom,weighbridge and generatorroom)

0.26 -- 0.26

Total 23.06 10.03 33.09

2.3 Geology of the Area

2.3.1 Topography

The lease area is a hilly terrain consisting of different ridges and valleys. The area is

barren land consisting of stony outcrops. Since it is a rocky terrain, it does not have

much vegetation except scattered bushes. In general the area is undulating land and

there is about 54m relief and the area has no perennial water course in and around the

applied area.

2.3.2 Regional Geology

The rock units exposed in this region of the subject area belongs to Kadapa super group.


29

2.3.3 Local Geology

The geology of the area incorporates quartzite, ferruginous shale, iron banded hematite

ore along with Laterite.

2.4 Mining Reserve

From the previous exploration, the proved reserves of float iron ore is estimated as 28,

66,399 tons, the probable reserves of float ore is 3,93,600 tons and probable reserves of

hard ore is estimated as 1,48,429. The total proved and probable reserves of float ore

and hard ore are given in details in Table No-2.3. As Laterite is minor mineral so the

District Survey Report is attached as Annexure-9.

Table No 2.3: Total Reserve

Category UNFCClassification

Reserves (Tons)

Iron Ore Laterite

Proved 111 28,66,399 3,87,396

Probable (Floatand Hard)

121 5,42,029 65,600

Total 3,408,428 452,996

2.4.1 Depletion of Mining Reserve

The reserve depleted from the lease area for Iron ore and Laterite reserves are presented

in Table 2.4 (2006-07 to 2012-13). It may be noted that the mining activity was

stopped on February 23, 2013 in accordance with the direction of Director of Mines and

Geology vide Memo no. 5967/R5-2/2013, dt. 22.02.2013 and the same was intimated to

the Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change (MoEF & CC), GOI both by the

proponent and also by Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP). The MoEF & CC requested

the GoAP to initiate violation proceedings and issued the Terms of Reference after receipt

of credible evidence of action taken by them.

Table 2.4 Depletion of Reserves

YearProduction Grade

Iron ore Laterite Iron ore Laterite


30

(Tons) (Tons)

2006-07 30,437 -- 45- 58% Fe --

2007-08 21,340 3550 45-58% Fe 25-45% Fe

2008-09 29,851 4920 45-58% Fe 25-45% Fe

2009-10 16,850 2800 45-58% Fe 25-45% Fe

2010-11 1,04,825 -- 45-58% Fe --

2011-12 1,41,967 -- 45-58% Fe --

Total 4,39,320 11,270

2.4.2 Latest Reserves Estimate

Presently G-2 (Mineable) reserves are re-assessed. The lithological data obtained from

thirty five trial pits and eight working pits are utilized for assessment of the resources.

The working pits and trial pits come handy in G-2 scale of exploration. The working pits

sections are clearly showing the Laterite and float hematite ore up to 2m depth. This is

followed by the hard laminated hematite bands of 10 to 15 cm thickness. The 10 to

15cm hard ore bands are associated with shale and Quartzite up to 15m depth. The DTH

bore holes drilled aided general exploration. Based on the data obtained from workings

pits and the trial pits during exploration the reserves/resources were estimated up to

15m depth from the surface as per UNFC guidelines. The categories of

reserves/resources are 122 only. All these prospecting operations were under G2 scale

exploration. Lithology data of the pits is presented in Table 2.5.Surface geological plan

and geological sections are presented in Figure 2.1 and Figure 2.2 respectively.


31

Table 2.5 Lithology of the Pits

Pit No. Size (Lx

Wx D) in m

Lithology of the pits Position

Pit-1 270 x 60 x 5.5 Up to 3m depth; Laterite soil

with small hematite iron ore

float is observed and after 3

to 5.5m depth 5-10cm small

irregular hematite alternative

bands are encountered with

associated ferruginous shale

and Quartzite.

Working


with hematite pebbles are

observed and after 2 to 4.5m

depth 5-10cm small irregular

hematite bands are

encountered with associated

ferruginous shale and

Quartzite.

Non working


with float ore is observed and

after 3 to 5.5m depth 5-10cm

small irregular hematite

alternative bands are



Quartzite.

Non working

Pit-4 215 x 146 x 13.5 Up to 3.5m depth; Laterite


after 3.5 to 13.5m depth 5-

10cm small irregular hematite




Quartzite.

Working


32

Pit-5 210 x 120 x 14 Up to 3m depth Laterite with

float ore is observed and after

3 to 12m depth 5-10cm small

irregular hematite bands are



Quartzite. After 12m depth

onwards shale is encountered,

now this pit is proposed for

backfilling in coming four

years period.

Non working

Pit-6 310 x 175 x 14.5 Up to 4m depth Laterite soil

with hematite float ore

pebbles is observed and after

4 to 14.5m depth 510cm





Quartzite.

Working

Pit-7 170 x 130 x 16 Up to 4m depth Laterite soil

with hematite float ore is

observed and after 4 to 16m


hematite alternative bands

are encountered with

associated ferruginous shale.

Working

Pit-8 130 x 50 x 4 Up to 3.5m depth Laterite soil


observed and after 3.5m to

4m depth 5-10cm small




Non Working


33

Fig No. 2.1 Surface Geological Plan

Source : Mining Scheme


34

Figure 2.2 Geological Cross Sections

Source: Mining Scheme


35

The iron ore production obtained in last four years of this area reveal that 5% of the

production was consisting of 55-58% of Fe, 25% of the production was consisting of 50-

55% Fe and 70% of the production were consisting of 45-50% Fe grades. The previous

workings also shows that about 40% of iron ore and 10% of Laterite (25- 45 % Fe)

grade was removed from ROM and the balance 50% of ROM is waste material. It is

observed from previous workings that the tonnage factor of iron ore is 2.8 and Laterite is

2.5 respectively. The reserves of the minerals are calculated by multiplying the cross

sectional area (excluding the excavated area) with the influence distance of the section,

tonnage factor and recovery factor of the minerals is presented in Table 2.6.

Table 2.6 Recoverable Mineable reserves of Iron ore and Laterite

Classification Geological Axis Estimated Grade Quantity

UNFC Code (Fe%) Tons

A. MineableReserves

G2-122 55-58 %

50-55 %

45-50 %

87,371

4,36,881

12,23,269

Iron ore (45-58%)

17,47,521

Laterite (25-45%)

3,90,068

Total Mineable

Reserves

Iron ore

Laterite 2,137,589

B. Non Mineable Reserves and Resources

1. Reserves blockedin safe benches(UPL)

G2-222 55-58 %

50-55 %

45-50 %

Iron Ore (45-58%)

Laterite (25-45%)

151

760

2128

3039

677

2. Reserves blockedin 7.5m barrier zone

G2-222 55-58 %

50-55 %

45-50 %

Iron Ore (45-58%)

1593

7968

22313

31874


36

Laterite (25-45 %) 7668

Total Non Mineable

Reserves

G2-222 Iron ore 34913

Laterite

Total

8345

43258

Total Reserves(A+B)

Iron ore 1,782,434

Laterite 398,413

Mineable reserves of Iron

Ore (45-58% Fe)

= 1747521 Tons

Mineable reserves of

Laterite (25-45% Fe)

= 390068 Tons

Total Mineral waste = 778582 m3

Total Mineable reserves of

Iron ore and Laterite

= 1747521 Tons +390068

Tons = 2137589 Tons

2.5 Life of Mine

The total mineable reserves shall be 21,37,589 tones (G2reserves) of iron ore and

Laterite and the annual production proposed is 2,74,000 (45-58 % Fe) tones of iron ore

and 62,000 (25-45 % Fe) tones of Laterite, hence the anticipated life of mine will be

6.36 years, say about 7 years.

2.6 Conceptual Mining Plan

The existing method of mining is semi mechanized mining by using hired excavator

occasionally without drilling and blasting and the same will be carried out to obtain the

targeted production of about 2,74000t of Iron Ore (45-58 % Fe) and 62,000 Laterite per

year. During next four years period the working Pit-4 will be advanced towards west to

east and Pit-7 is advanced to east to west initially and later these working will be

advanced towards southwest and east to merge in to a single pit. During the four years

period over an extent of 6.27 ha additional area is proposed for mining to an average

depth of 9m. During the period of four years about 4,92,313 m of ROM of waste will be

generated from this mine and it will be used for backfilling the worked out pit-5, which is

located on NE side of the area over an extent of 42,260 m and old Dump-4 shall be


37

proposed for rehabilitation over an area of 0.364ha. The Pit-5 already reached about

17m depth. Ore is available up to 15m depth, after 15m depth shale is encountered.

During the period of next four years reclamation and rehabilitation is proposed to pit-5,

remaining pits will be continued mining up to a depth of 15m. The old pits of Pit-1, Pit-2,

Pit-3 and Pit-8 shall be proposed for core drilling. The reclaimed land will be rehabilitated

by planting different kinds of saplings including ornamental trees, fruits and etc.

Conceptual plan is presented in Figure 2.3.


38

Fig 2.3 Conceptual Plan


2.7 Mining TechnologyThe mine workings are being carried out by manually or by using hired excavator as





39













2.8 Development Production

The Iron Ore production of 1102789 tones proposed in the four years scheme period

shall be obtained by developing above pits in 2-4 benches of 3m height from surface with

the help of Pick axes and digging tools. The mine workings are being carried by

manually without drilling and blasting. The ore available in this mine is Laterite with

associated 10-20cm hard hematite bands only. To excavate about 1102789 tons during

the next four years about 6.27ha additional area proposed for development in the

working pits 4, 6 and 7. Mine working in Pit-4, Pit-6 and Pit-7 will be started from SE side

and advanced towards east to west and west to east in four years up to E-2000m grid

line at the depth of up to 100m RL after leaving 7.5m barrier zone from boundary line

of west. The production is expected to be 1102789 tons of Iron ore (Fe%: 45-58) and

246158 tones of Laterite (Fe%: 25-45) for the next four years period. The proposal for

year wise production and waste generation is presented in Table 2.7. It may however

be noted that the production is suspended until the statutory clearances are obtained and

the production figures may be interpreted for the balance 4 years of production after

obtaining the clearances. Working plan and sections of the plan period is presented in

Figure 2.4.


40

Table 2.7 Year wise Production

Year PitNo.

Working

area(m2)

Bench

Height(m)

Vol. of

ROM(m3)

Iron

Ore @40%

Laterite

@ 10%

Waste

@ 50%

Iron Ore

in Tons

Laterite

in Tons

Iron Ore &

Laterite inTons

Wastein Tons

Ore toOB

Ratio

2012-13 P-4 18649 3 55947 22379 5595 27974 62661 13987 76647 55947 1.37:1

P-4 17766 3 53298 21319 5330 26649 59694 13325 73018 53298 1.37:1

P-4 16926 3 50778 20311 5078 25389 56871 12695 69566 50778 1.37:1

P-7 11466 3 34398 13759 3440 17199 38526 8600 47125 34398 1.37:1

P-7 10890 3 32670 13068 3267 16335 36590 8168 44758 32670 1.37:1

75697 227091 90836 22709 113546 254342 56773 311115 227091

2013-14 P-4 20028 3 60084 24034 6008 30042 67294 15021 82315 60084 1.37:1

P-4 19019 3 57057 22823 5706 28529 63904 14264 78168 57057 1.37:1

P-4 18056 3 54168 21667 5417 27084 60668 13542 74210 54168 1.37:1

P-7 17253 3 51759 20704 5176 25880 57970 12940 70910 51759 1.37:1

P-7 16443 3 49329 19732 4933 24665 55248 12332 67581 49329 1.37:1


41

90799 272397 108959 27240 136199 305085 68099 373184 272397

2014-15 P-6 21877 3 65631 26252 6563 32816 73507 16408 89914 65631 1.37:1

P-6 20790 3 62370 24948 6237 31185 69854 15593 85447 62370 1.37:1

P-6 20350 3 61050 24420 6105 30525 68376 15263 83639 61050 1.37:1

P-6 19401 3 58203 23281 5820 29102 65187 14551 79738 58203 1.37:1

82418 247254 98902 24725 123627 276924 61814 338738 247254

2015-16 P-6 19387 3 58161 23264 5816 29081 65140 14540 79681 58161 1.37:1

P-6 18480 3 55440 22176 5544 27720 62093 13860 75953 55440 1.37:1

P-6 21190 3 63570 25428 6357 31785 71198 15893 87091 63570 1.37:1

P-6 20240 3 60720 24288 6072 30360 68006 15180 83186 60720 1.37:1

9297 237891 95156 23789 118946 266438 59473 325911 237891 1.37:1

G. Total 328211 984633 393853 98463 492317 1102789 246158 1348947 984633

Tonnage Factor: Iron Ore @ 2.8t/m3, Tonnage Factor: Laterite @ 2.5t/m3 and Tonnage Factor: Waste @ 2t/m3.


42

Fig 2.4 Working Plan and Section



43

2.9 Machinery RequirementsThe list of machinery required for the operation is presented in Table 2.8. Vibration

screener is utilized to screen the ROM ore raised from the mines. The screened material

is crushed into 5-20mm size, simultaneously sizing and sorting is done. The proclain and

tippers are used for handling the waste material from dressing yard to stock yard.

Jackhammer drills and air compressors shall be used during hard ore excavation, the

production proposed will excavate from the float ore deposit. The justification for the

requirement of excavator and tippers is presented in Table 2.9.

Table 2.8 List of Machinery

Name of Machinery Capacity Quantity

Excavator /Proclain 1.1 Cu. m. 2

Tippers 18 Tons 6

Crushing andScreening Plant

150 TPH 1

Crushing andScreening plant

100 TPH 1

Vibrating Screener 50 TPH 1

Generator 63 kVA and 73 kVA 2

Jeep -- 1

Jack Hammer drills -- 3

Tractor AirCompressor

-- 2

Table 2.9 Loading Equipments

Excavator/ Proclain

Bucket Capacity of Proclain : 1.1 Cu. m.

Bucket fill capacity : 80 %

Bucket Density of material : 2.8 tons/cum

Tonnage handled per bucket : 1.1 x 0.8 x 2.8 = 2.464

Cycle time : 35 sec

Expected operating efficiency : 80 %


44

Number of loading cycles per hour : (3600 x 0.8)/35= 82.3

Tonnage handled by one excavator per hour : 82.3 x 2.464 = 202.75

Tonnage handled by one excavator per year(300 working days with 8-hour shift in a day)

: 202.75 x 8 x 300 =486604.8 Tons

Annual ROM Production of material in Tons : 689243 Tons

Number of excavators required : 689243/486604.8 = 1.42Say 2 No’s.

Dumpers/Tippers

Cycle time per trip for loading : 6.5 min

Spotting near loader : 0.5 min

Haulage : 6.0 min

Turning, Spotting, Dumping and return journey : 7.0 min

Total : 20.0 min

Expected operating efficiency : 85 %

Number of trips per tipper/hour : (60 x 0.85)/20 = 2.55

Number of trips per tipper/year (300 workingdays in 8 –hour shift load of dumper)

: 2.55 x 8 x 300 = 6120

Load of tipper capacity : 18 tons

Quantity of ROM material transported in a yearby one tipper

: 6120 x 18 = 1,10160 tons

Quantity of ROM material to be transported in ayear

: 689243 tons

Number of tippers required : 689243/1,10160 =6.25 Say6 No’s tippers

2.10 Employment PotentialThe proposed method of mining is semi-mechanized; workers are required for loading of

waste material and general purpose only. The semi mechanized mining involves usage

of machinery for 70% of production, while the balance production i.e., 100800 TPA is

done manually. The labor requirement at the rate of 2 ton OMS for 300 working days is

168, for the above mentioned manual production in addition to the personnel

requirement for mechanized mining and supervision. The employment potential is

presented in Table 2.10.


45

Table 2.10 Employment Potential

S. No. Employ No.

1. Mining Engineer (Full Time) 1

2. Mine supervisors 3

3. Tipper and Excavator Operator 8

4. Mechanic 1

5 Workers 168

6 Watchmen, gardener and office assistant 3

Total 184

2.11 UsesIron Ore will be used for Cement Plants and for making steel. The Fe content is 45-58%,

the material is being used in cement plants, steel and sponge iron plants. Generally the

Cement Plants are consuming Iron ore having 38 to 44 % of Fe content and other Steel

Companies are consuming the Iron ore having 45 to 53 % Fe content depending on the

availability of Iron ore quality. Laterite will be used for cement manufacturing as an

additive for lowering the clinkerization temperature and supplementing aluminous and

iron contents required in the manufacture of cement. Other uses are mainly in

construction as road metal, and as stone for culverts and buildings.

2.12 Site Services

The Site services provided are Weigh Bridge, office cum store room, canteen, workshop,

first aid room cum rest shelters, toilets and stock yard with temporary structures in the

mine lease area. The area allocated for site services is approximately 0.64ha. Temporary

sheds with cement plastered brick walls and G.I. sheet or grass roofing are constructed

for site services. The workers required shall be sourced from surrounding villages.

Drinking water is obtained from the nearby villages through tankers to mining staff and

workers. A tractor mounted tanker is provided for sprinkling of water mainly on village

roads to suppress the dust generated due to vehicular movement. Fencing is also

provided around the workings pits to avoid accidental slippage of men and animals, while

the worked out pits are used as reservoir for storage of rain water. DG sets will be

utilized during shutdown periods and the emissions from the DG sets are released into

atmosphere through 2m height stack as prescribed by CPCB.


46

2.12.1 Fire Fighting Facilities

First aid Kit is provided in the Office Room, 24 hours Commander Jeep, 1000 liters water

cans, 2 fire gas cylinders and 10 fire Buckets will be available in the site to use during

emergency. Primary health Centre is located at Pendlimarri which is at a distance of

2.3km. A fire station and police station are located at Pendlimarri and are well connected

by roads. The 108 Ambulance services provided by the local authorities may be utilized

by lessee during medical emergency.

2.13 Water Uses

Water requirement for the project is mainly for maintaining the green belt, for sprinkling

on the haulage roads to mitigate dust emissions and for domestic purposes. The total

water requirement is 15 KLD. The rainwater stored in the worked out pits is used for

sprinkling, wet drilling and greenbelt development. The domestic water is drawn from

the nearby villages through tankers. Detail of water requirement is given in the Table

2.11.

Table 2.11: Water Requirement.

Sl. No. Water Usage Quantity KL/day

1 Sprinkling on haul roads 2.5

2 Wet drilling 0.5

3 Domestic 9

4 Green Belt 3

Total 15

2.13.1 Effluent generation

The generation of wastewater is from domestic source only; it is expected to be

approximately 6 KLD, which is sent to septic tank followed by soak pit.

2.13.2 Ground water

The mining lease applied area is a part of hill. The ground water is at 40 m depth at the

foot hill outside the lease area. Workings will be carried out on top of the hill at a height

of 25m from ground level. The rain water accumulating at pit bottom in rainy seasons

will be diverted to work out pits which are being used as reservoir at foot hills by making

a drain and settling tanks. A low head diesel pump unit will be deployed to dewatering


47

the working mine pit if such conditions arise. No ground water is been exploited for

mining operation for this mine.

2.14 Crushing and Screening Plant

The low grade hematite iron ore is crushed between 5 mm to 20 mm size using hopper,

Jaw Crusher and Vibrating separator. 3 nos. of jaw and vibrating screens are provided.

The capacity of jaw crushers is 6, 20 and 25 TPH. The Jaw crusher has a large feed

opening for its size, an ideal nip angle, giving smooth material flow, high reduction

efficiency and high capacity. The Jaw Crusher includes Main frame, Main Axial, Roller

bearings, Eccentric shaft, Jaw plates, Side plates, Toggle mechanism, Fly wheels and

springs. The ROM material will be sieved for separation of ore and waste manually. The

segregated fines of Iron ore will be supplied directly to the user industries. The lumpy

ore will be re-crushed to different sizes and the crushed ore will be supplied to the user

industries. There is no proposal of blending/beneficiation of different grades at mine site.

Water sprinkling is adopted to mitigate fugitive emissions. The end users of sponge and

steel plant owners upgrade the low grade ore to high grade ore at their plants with their

own cost.

Fig 2.5 Crushing and Screening Plant


47
















own cost.



47
















own cost.



48

2.15 Waste Generation and Management

During the next four years about 4,92,313 m3 of waste will be generated from this mine.

In this mine ROM recovery is 50%, remaining 50% shall go as waste and below 25% Fe

material from recovery will be considered as mine wastage. During next four years the

quantity of ROM rejected and below 25% Fe material generation will be about 5,00,901

m3. The total ROM waste that will be generated at the end of lease period or life time

based on the present reserve estimate is approximately 15,06,749 m3. A dump yard is

proposed towards northern side of the lease area at 600m from the proposed mine pit in

NW direction. Dump yard is proposed in Northern side of the lease area with 284m

length, 105m width and to a height of 20m with slopes of 45˚angles with a bench system

having 5m height benches with a capacity of 5,96,400 m3 to form contour terraces and

later the waste will be used for back filling the pit-5 in the forthcoming years. Retaining

walls (with boulders mine waste material) of suitable size will be constructed around the

base of the dumps to prevent sliding and wash off of the material.

2.15.1 Dump

During the next four years the waste dumps will be stabilized by constructing retaining

wall over a length and width of 284m and 1.5m width at proposed dump area and about

140m length and 1m width at old dump-4 to a height of 2m each.

Table 2.12 Waste Dump Area Details

Year Type ofdump

DumpNo.

NatureofDump

OldDumpArea(Ha)

NewdumpArea(Ha)

Rehabilitatedarea of olddump (Ha)

Balancearea (Ha)

2012-13 Proposed 1 ROM -- 0.746 -- 0.746

Dump Rejection

Olddump

1,2,3,4 ROMrejection

0.876 -- 0.397 0.479

&<25%Fe

2013-14 Proposeddump

1 ROMrejection

-- 0.746 -- 0.746

2014-15 Proposed 1 ROM -- 0.746 -- 0.746

Dump Rejection

2015-16 Proposed 1 ROM -- 0.746 -- 0.746

Dump Rejection

Total 0.876 2.984 0.397 3.463


49

2.16 Reclamation and RehabilitationProposed four years period backfilling and reclamation are proposed for Pit-5. About

4.226 ha in pit-5 will be proposed for back filling and plantation will be developed with

approximately 649 plants. Progressively, the reclaimed land will be rehabilitated by

planting different kinds of saplings including ornamental trees, fruits etc. All efforts will

be made to bring back the environment to its original healthy state. Eucalyptus, Teak,

Subabul and Babul plants are proposed at 3m interval in 3 rows each year. The line row

methods will be followed in ever year. All precautions will be taken to achieve the

survival rate at 90% plantation by providing fertilizer water at regular intervals.

The old dump-4 area of about 0.364 ha is proposed for rehabilitation in the 1year. It is

proposed to plant a total of 724 plants in 4.59ha area in four years period. After back

filling the pit-5, plantation will be developed. Year wise Reclamation and Rehabilitation

details are given below:

Table 2.13 Year wise Reclamation and Rehabilitation

Year Location Proposed areain ha

No. ofrows

RowLength(m)

RowWidth(m)

Plantinterval

Proposedplants

Type ofplants

2012-13

Pit-5

N1200-E1600

0.942 1

2

3

150

150

150

20

20

20

3

3

3

50

50

50

Teak,Subabul,Eucalyptusand Babul

150

2013-14

Old

Dump-4

N-400–E-1400

0.364 1

2

3

75

75

75

15

15

15

3

3

3

25

25

25


75

2013-14

Pit-5

N1200-E1600

1.588 1

2

3

230

230

230

20

20

20

3

3

3

77

77

77


231

2014-15

Pit-5

N1200-E1600

1.108 1

2

3

180

180

180

16

16

16

3

3

3

60

60

60


180

2015-16

Pit-5

N1200-E1600

0.588 1

2

3

160

50

50

20

20

20

3

3

3

54

17

17



50

88

Total 4.59 724

2.17 Mined Out Area

In this plan period about 19.93 ha area is going to be mined out. During the four years

period the lessee proposes reclamation and rehabilitation in the working pit-5.

Table 2.14 Mined Out Area Details

Year Presentminingarea(Ha)

Proposedminingarea(Ha)

TotalMiningarea (Ha)

ReclamationandRehabilitationproposed(Ha)

TotalMinedoutArea (Ha)

2012-13 8.02 0.67 8.69 0.94 7.75

2013-14 3.80 1.50 5.30 1.59 3.71

2014-15 2.23 3.10 5.33 1.11 4.22

2015-16 3.85 1.00 4.85 0.59 4.26

Total 17.89 6.27 24.16 4.23 19.93

2.17.1 Abandonment Cost

The disturbed land including area disturbed due to excavation, dumping, construction of

haul roads, ramps, structures etc. would be fully reclaimed before finally abandoning the

mine. Thus the area shall be fully reclaimed within last five years of life of the mine.

During post mining period, in the mine area all the disturbed areas will be reclaimed

before decommissioning/abandoning the mine. The cost estimate and the time required

for decommissioning is presented in Table 2.15 and year wise mine closure cost is

presented in Table 2.16.

Table 2.15 Abandonment Cost

Months Activity Cost per year

0-2 Back filling 6,00,000/-2-4 Formation of garland trench around Pits 1,00,000/-3-5 Fencing around the Pit and conversion pit

into artificial Total Mined out Area (Ha)reservoir (Water harvesting) (At the end of

1,00,000/-


51

deposit)5-6 Removal of machinery / Site services etc

(At the end of deposit)1,00,000/-

6-8 Plantation / Afforestation maintenance siteserviceconstructions about

75,000/-

Total 9,75,000/-

Table 2.16 Mine closure Year wise Cost breakup 2012-16

2012-13

Cost 2013-14

Cost 2014-15

Cost 2015-16

Cost Totalarea

Totalcost

Backfilling inpit-5

0.942 100000 1.588 100000 1.108 100000 0.588 100000 4.226 400000

Afforestationon backfillingwith no. ofplants

0.942 3750 1.588 5775 1.108 4500 0.588 2200 4.226 16225

Retaining wallconstructionat toe ofdump

0.058 10000 0.058 10000 0.058 10000 0.058 10000 0.232 40000

Greenbeltwith no. ofplants

0.072 5000 0.072 5000 0.072 5000 0.072 5000 0.288 20000

Afforestationon olddump-4

0.364 1875 0.364 1875

Total for 4years

478100


52

CHAPTER-3

BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

3.1 Introduction

Detailed outline of activities and process technology for the proposed project has been

presented in the previous chapter. This chapter presents in detail the existing

environmental scenario and condition in & around the project site. This is required to

assess the likely impact on the environment due to the proposed activity. The possible

effects due to operation of Sri E. V. Ranga Reddy iron ore mining are estimated and

superimposed on the compiled baseline data subsequently to assess environmental

impacts. Baseline environment assessment was conducted in the impact zone of 10 km

surrounding the mine lease area during the months of December 2018 - February 2019.

Studies were undertaken to generate baseline data of soil quality, Water Quality,

Micrometeorology, Ambient Air Quality, Noise Levels, land use, socio-economic status of

the community and flora and fauna.

3.2 Study Area

For the requirement of the environmental impact assessment, the study area has been

divided into two zones, namely Core Zone, comprising the project site which is the area

of maximum impact and the buffer zone area surrounding the centre of core zone, up

to10 km radius as per the approved TOR.

3.2.1 Core Zone

The mine is located at Survey No. 172, Village Pagadalapalli, Mandal Pendlimari, District

YSR Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh state under Survey of India topo sheet no. 57J/11 with


Longitude. The area is having highest elevation of 244m above MSL in Southwest portion

of ML area and lowest elevation of 187m above MSL in northeast portion of the ML area

spread over an extent of 201.914 Ha. Major Town and railway station is Kadapa town,

located at 21km away from the lease area. The nearest airport is Renigunta located at a

distance of 135 km in southeast direction, the nearest port is Krishnapatnam located at a

distance of 165 km in southeast direction.

The climate here is tropical. In winter, there is much less rainfall in Kadapa than in

summer. In Kadapa, the average annual temperature is 29.2°C. Precipitation here


53

averages 753 mm. May is the warmest month of the year. The temperature in May

averages 34.3°C. December has the lowest average temperature of the year. It is

24.1°C.

3.2.2 Buffer Zone

This is the 10 km radius area surrounding the core zone. The area around the proposed

project is in general undulated. The area covering the Plant and its surroundings falls

under the Survey of India Toposheet No: 57J/11. Papagni River is flowing from SW to NW

at a distance of 5.8km from the ML area in NW direction. Ganganapalle reserve forest is

located at 4.5km in south direction from the mine lease boundary. There is no national

park, wildlife sanctuary, critically polluted area and inter-state boundary within 10km

radius of the ML area.

This buffer zone is the area where the impacts, if any, due to the activity would be

contained. Schools and Colleges are located at Kadapa town & nearby villages. Hospital,

medical facility is available at Kadapa.

3.2.3 Study Period

The monitoring to study the present environmental condition in terms of its components

at the location was carried out from 3rd Dec 2018 to 28th Feb 2019.

3.2.4 Study Components

The description of the study area in relation to its environmental setting was studied

under following components as per the approved TORs:

1. Physicochemical Component – comprising of meteorological & air environment;

noise environment; land & soil environment and water environment.

2. Ecological Component – comprising of terrestrial & aquatic flora-fauna.

3. Socio-Economic Component – comprising demographic, socio-economic status

and environment in & around the study site.

3.2.5 Study Methodology

An assessment of the baseline environment status and identification of impacts is a

prerequisite for prediction of likely impacts due to the proposed project. With this specific

view, an environmental quality study was undertaken, which included the collection and

analysis of samples of ambient air, water, soil and noise, etc. covering three month data.


54

The likely impacts on the present environment were assessed due to proposed activity

and type of changes expected. To evaluate the pollution load before and after proposed

activity, assessment was done based on the collected data from the various

environmental components in & around the site. Trained Staffs with adequate

qualification and experience are involved in sampling and collection of data from the

study area.

3.3 Land Environment

Land and soil constitute the basic components of the physical environment. The location

of mining may cause changes in land, land use, soil and denudation processes in different

intensities contingent on spatial proximity of the activity and receptors. Land and soil

may get intensely altered within the vicinity of 5 km radius and to a lesser extent upto 10

km radial distance.

3.3.1 Physiography of the Area

The mine lease area is located at survey number 172, Pagadalapalli Village, Pendlimarri

Mandal, YSR District, Andhra Pradesh. The mine lease area falls in survey of India Topo

sheet no. 57 J/11 at the intersection 14° 26’ 18.1” - 14° 27’ 17.7”N Latitude and 78° 36’

01.5 - 78° 37’ 04.2” E Longitude. The mine lease elevation above mean sea level (MSL)

is 187 - 244 m. The mine lease area is surrounded by open land in all directions. The

nearest village from mine lease boundary is Pagadalapalli located at a distance of 1.0 km

in east direction. The main road access for ML area shall be Vempalli - Kadapa road

which is at a distance of 250 m from the ML area in south direction. Major town and

railway station is Kadapa at a distance of 21 km in southeast direction and the nearest

airport is Renigunta located at a distance of 135 km in southeast direction, the nearest

port is Krishnapatnam located at a distance of 165 km in southeast direction. Papagni

River is passing from southwest to northwest direction at 5.8km in NW direction and

joins Penneru River outside the study area at a distance of 20 km in northeast direction.

Ganganapalle reserve forest is at a distance of 4.5km from the ML boundary in south

direction. There are no National parks, sanctuaries and ecologically sensitive areas within

the impact area of 10 km. The slope of the region is from south and southwest to

northeast direction. The area has mainly single crop agriculture lands irrigated either by

tube wells and or rain fed. The mine lease area photographs are presented in Figure No.

3.1. The Base map of the study area is shown in Figure No. 3.2.


55

Figure No:- 3.1 Photographs of Mine Lease Area

Figure No:- 3.2 Base Map of the Study Area


55




55




56

Figure No:- 3.3 Contour Map of the Study Area

Figure No:- 3.4 Digital Elevation Map of the Study Area


57

3.4 Geology

The study area is underlain by various geological formations like Archaen Crystallines,

Deccan Traps, Puranas, Laterites, and River Alluvia. The area is occupied by Peninsular

Gneissic complex of the Archean age comprising pink and grey granites, granitic sanded

geneisses, migmatities, pegmatites, quartz veins and dolerite dykes. They occur in the

form of domes, scarpes, massive, columnar blocks and ‘tors’ etc. which is scattered over

flat undulating country. Both massive granites and gneisses are intruded positioned,

dolerite dykes and quartzite and pegmatitic reefs. The Unconsolidated materials in

granitic terrain consist of the “in-situ” weathered remains of parent bedrock for the most

part of the district. Those materials (including soils) present at the ground surface over

upland areas and valley sides range in the thickness from few centimetres to 25m, the

average thickness approximately 22 m. Along the flood plains of stream courses

weathered materials are overlain by transported sediments, the combined thickness of

which range up to 30m. The average thickness is approximately 18m. In basaltic terrain,

unconsolidated materials comprise lateritised clay, weathered basalt inter-trappean clays,

and alluvial sediments. Thickness of weathered basalts capped by laterites which range

upto 30m. Whereas the thickness of weathered basalts exposed at the ground surface

approximates to around 6m. Geology map of the area is given below in Figure No. 3.5

and Geomorphology Map is in Figure No. 3.6.

Geomorphology of the area is controlled by lithology and structure. Geomorphologically,

YSR District (Kadapa) has been classified into three units based on relief, slope factor

and soil. The three groups are (i) Structural land forms (ii) Denudational land forms and

(iii) fluvial land forms.

i. The structural landforms: These include structural hills, structural valleys,

cuesta hills, Mesa/Butte, linear ridges, intermontane valleys etc. These

landforms occupy in considerable part and are mostly developed in eastern

part. The structural hills, cuesta hills, Mesa/Butte are generally not suitable for

ground water development. The structural valleys and intermontane valleys

are generally suitable for ground water development with good recharge.

ii. Denudational land forms: These include pediplain, pediment- inselberg

complex. Piedmont zone and residual hills. The ground water prospects are

limited in shallow weathered pedipline and pediment inselberg complex, where

as ground water prospects are moderate in moderately weathered pediplain.

iii. Fluvial land forms: These include alluvial plains along major rivers and Bazada

zones. Flood plains form highly productive zones, while Bazada forms along

foot hills and form shallow aquifers with good yields.


58

Figure No:- 3.5 Geological Map of the area


59

Figure No:-3.6 Geomorphology Map of the Area

3.5 Hydrogeology

Occurrence and movement of ground water in rock formations

Hydro geologically the area is grouped under hardrocks comprising “Archaens” and

“Basalts” and soft rocks comprising “Alluvium” and “Laterites”. In the Archeans ground

water occurs under confined conditions in the weathered mantle, and under semi-

confined conditions in the fractured and fissured zones of the fresh rock below, varying

from place to place.

Ground Water in Archaeans

Major Portion of the area is underlain by crystalline rocks of Archaean age. The

occurrences and movement of ground water is mainly controlled by the nature and depth

of weathering, joints and fracturing system. The open wells existing in the area are


60

tapping upper weathered zone of depth ranging from 5 to 18 m below ground level (B/L).

Most of the wells in the area fall in the depth range of 5 to 18 m B/L and about 30% of

wells fall in the depth range of 10 to 15 m B/L. Only 10% of wells are in the range of

more than 15-m depth. The depth of water table in them ranges from 0 to 17 m B/L. The

yield in dug wells with 10 to 15 m depth ranges from 80 to 180 KLD. The wells are

capable of sustained yield of 500 LPM with draw down ranging from 1 to 6 m. The yield

of bore wells range from 2000 to 4000 LPH. The wells take approximately 24 to 48 hours

for complete recuperation.

Ground water in Basalts and Laterite

Ground water occurs in the joints, fractures and crevices of massive basalts while in the

case of vesicular basalts it occurs in the cavities which are left open without being filled

by secondary minerals. These cavities form good conduits for movement of ground

water. The occurrence and movement of ground water, is controlled by the thickness of

weathered and fractured zones and the intensity of vesicles in case of vesicular basalts.

The depth of open wells tapping is laterite and weathered basalts range between 5 to 30

m. Most of the wells are Circular in shape and fall in the depth range of 10 to 15m.

Depth of water Table in them varies from 1 to 14 m B/L. The yield of water in dug wells

with 5 to 30m depth ranges from 50 to 150 KLD. The yields of bore wells range from

3000 to 5000 LPH. The wells take approximately 24 to 48 hours for recuperation.

Depth of ground water

In the granitic terrain, the average depth of ground water ranges from 5-8 m in recharge

areas and from ground level to about 3 m in low lying areas and valley bottoms. The

productive aquifers in the granitic terrain are met at the depth of 15 – 50 m below the

land surface depending upon the topography. The annual water level fluctuations in the

recharge areas exceed 9 m where as it is less than 3m in low lying areas. In basaltic

terrain the maximum water level fluctuation is of the order of 20 m in recharge areas

while the fluctuation along valley bottoms is about 6 m. Ground Water Prospect map is

given below in Figure No. 3.7.


61

Figure No:-3.7 Groundwater Prospect Map

3.6 Drainage pattern

The rainwater accumulated in the mining pits located in the eastern part of the mine

lease area, flows from mound slopes. In buffer zone, the drainage pattern is sub

dendritic in nature. The entire drainage system of the region is controlled by the

Papagani River and its tributaries. There are no rivers and streams in the core zone

except a seasonal nala passes through the lease in the south eastern part. The Drainage

plays a major role in the analysis of ground water of and terrain. The drainage pattern

and the density are significant in identifying the lithologies, more so in a carbonate

terrain. This helps in identifying the better locales for bore holes without doing any

resistivity. The Pendlimani mandal has been chosen for the study of the ground water

conditions in detail as it has diverse lithology and drained by the river Papagni. The

carbonates, mainly dolomite can develop good aquifer conditions. The cherts being brittle

can have fractures that help in the infiltration. The shale component though is generally


62

considered as an aquifuge has good potentialities in respect of ground water. Considering

these parameters the main aim is to evaluate the ground water potential of this mandal.

Further, it has alluvial tracts by the side of the river Papangni. Some of these tracts are

the old flood plain. Ground water is a precious gift given by Nature (GOD) to mankind. It

should be used judiciously. Drainage Map of the study area given in Figure 3.8.

Figure No:- 3.8 Drainage Map of the Study Area


63

3.7 Soils

Soil may be defined as a thin layer of earth’s crust that serves as a natural medium for

the growth of plants. It is the unconsolidated mineral matter that has been subjected to

and influenced by genetic and environmental factors such as parent materials, climate,

organisms and physico-chemical action of wind, water and sunlight, all acting over a

period of time. Soil differs from the parent materials in the morphological, physical,

chemical and biological properties. Also soil differs among themselves in some or all the

genetic or environmental factors, therefore, some soils are yellow, some are black, some

are coarse textured. They serve as a reservoir of nutrients for plants and crop and also

provide mechanical anchorage and favourable tilth. Soil Map of the area is given in Figure

3.9.

Figure No:-3.9 Soil Map of the Area


64

Physical Properties of Soil

PhysicalProperties

TypicRhodustalf

VerticUstropepts

Type Lateritic TopSoil

Old DeltaicAlluvial Soil

Properties Sandy Silt Silty ClayBulk Density 1.4-

1.6mg/m31.57-1.73mg/m3

Water HoldingCapacity

25-50% 37-61%

The Soil characteristics include both physical and chemical parameters. Soil survey was

carried out by M/s. Care Labs field team to assess the soil characteristics of the study

area. Representative soil sampling was done at several important locations and these

locations are shown in Figure 3.10. Analytical data of soil samples is presented in Table

3.1.

Figure No:-3.10 Soil Sampling Location


64


PhysicalProperties

TypicRhodustalf

VerticUstropepts




1.6mg/m31.57-1.73mg/m3


25-50% 37-61%





3.1.



64


PhysicalProperties

TypicRhodustalf

VerticUstropepts




1.6mg/m31.57-1.73mg/m3


25-50% 37-61%





3.1.



65

Table No. 3.1 Soil Analysis Data

Parameter Unit S-1 (MineLease Area)

S-2(Pendlimarri Village)

S-3(Pagadalapalli Village

S-4(Kotha

Sankatapalli

Village)

S-5(ChinaDasarap

alliVillage)

Soil Texture

%

Loam Silt Loam SandyLoam

SandyLoam

SandyLoam

Sand 36 58 47 70 52Silt 32 46 58 64 42Clay 12 6 8 7 6ElectricalConductivity

mmhos/cm

167 162 173 183 162

pH -- 7.84 7.62 7.76 7.84 7.82Potassium asK

mg/kg 162 130 156 183 168

Iron as Fe mg/kg 14 17 12 18 14OrganicCarbon

% 0.82 0.78 0.72 0.58 0.67

Zinc as Zn mg/kg 1.7 1.9 1.2 1.4 1.1Nitrogen asN

% 0.384 0.376 0.29 0.192 0.226

Phosphorousas P

% 0.31 0.28 0.38 0.27 0.32

Mercury asHg

mg/kg <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001

Copper as Cu mg/kg 0.24 0.43 0.86 0.73 0.62Chromium asCr

mg/kg 0.63 0.23 0.42 0.56 0.42

Arsenic as As mg/kg <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001Lead as Pb mg/kg <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01

The test results of soil samples collected in the impact area are interpreted referring to

the book; “Handbook of Agriculture, Indian Council of Agricultural Research”. The

reference tables are presented in Table 3.2. The pH of soil samples is slightly alkaline.

Soil texture is Loam, Silt Loam & Sandy Loam. Mostly sand texture is Sandy Loam. The

level of nitrogen in most of the soil samples is high while the potassium levels are low.

Organic Carbon is average sufficient.

Table No. 3.2 Standard Soil Classification

Sl. No. Soil Test Classification

1. pH <4.5 Extremely acidic

4.51- 5.50 Very strongly acidic


66

5.51-6.00 moderately acidic

6.01-6.50 slightly acidic

6.51-7.30 Neutral

7.31-7.80 slightly alkaline

7.81-8.50 moderately alkaline

8.51-9.0 strongly alkaline

9.01 very strongly alkaline

2. Salinity Electrical Conductivity(µmhos/cm)(1ppm = 640 µmho/cm)

Up to 1.00 Average1.01-2.00 harmful to germination2.01-3.00 harmful to crops (sensitive tosalts)

3. Organic Carbon (%) Up to 0.2: very less

0.21-0.4: less

0.41-0.5 medium

0.51-0.8: on an average sufficient

0.81-1.00: sufficient

>1.0 more than sufficient

4. Nitrogen (Kg/ha) Up to 50 very less

51-100 less

101-150 good

151-300 Better

>300 sufficient

5. Phosphorus (Kg/ha) Up to 15 very less

16-30 less

31-50 medium

51-65 on an average sufficient

66-80 sufficient

>80 more than sufficient

6. Potash (Kg/ha) 0 -120 very less

120-180 less

181-240 medium

241-300 average


67

301-360 better

>360 more than sufficient

3.8 Land Use/ Land Cover

The present Land use / Land cover map for the proposed project activity is prepared by

current vintage of satellite image. This report thus will enable assessing the impact on

land use pattern in the study area due to the proposed project activity. Land use pattern

of the study area is given below in Table 3.3. Land Use map of the proposed area is given

below in Figure 3.11.

Table No:- 3.3 Land Use pattern of the Study Area

Land Use Categories Area in Ha

CROP LAND 164.12

DENSE FOREST 36.81

EMBANKMENT 0.06

INDUSTRIAL AREA 0.44

MINING AREA 1.32

NDUSTRY 0.17

OPEN FOREST 27.43

PLANTATION 4.35

RAILWAY 0.30

RESERVOIR 1.34

RIVER 10.80

ROAD 3.51

SCRUB FOREST 58.04

SCRUB LAND 60.14

SETTLEMENT 7.35

STONE QUARRY 0.20

TANK / POND 0.11

Total Area 376.51


68

Figure No:-3.11 Land Use Map of the area

3.9 Water Environment

Development of any region is contingent on the availability of sufficient water resources,

as most of the process industries would require water for process or cooling purposes.

The potential for exploitation of ground water resources increases as development of new

projects increases in industrial and agricultural areas. With the increasing

industrialization and urbanization the possibilities of contamination of surface water and

ground water sources are rapidly increasing. The water resources in the area broadly fall

into following categories:

Surface Water resources: Streams and ponds, etc.

Ground Water resources: Accumulation in deeper strata of ground.


69

The source of recharge for both the resources is atmospheric precipitation in the form of

rainfall.

3.9.1 Surface Water Resources

Papagni River is at a distance of 5.8 km flowing from southwest to northwest direction.

3.9.1.1 Surface Water QualityThe Papagni River was observed to be dry during the monitoring period and further is at

a distance of 7.5 km away from the lease area in NW direction. Therefore no surface

water sample was able to be collected.

3.9.2 Ground Water Resources

Ground water is the accumulation of water below the ground surface, caused by rainfall

and its subsequent percolation through pores and crevices. Percolated water accumulates

till it reaches an impervious strata consisting of confined clay confined clay or confined

rocks. Bore wells and a large number of small diameters open well in the surrounding

areas to take care of water requirement of the urban people in the study area for the

domestic ad commercial purposes. Water levels in the study area were observed to lie

between 5-15 m below the local ground level and the water quantity in these wells was

found to be sufficient to meet the entire domestic needs.

3.9.2.1 Ground Water QualityThe quality of ground water occurring in the geological formations in the study area is

generally good in most of the areas. The representative samples are collected from

various bore wells in the study area. The Locations of Ground water Sampling are

presented in Table 3.4. The analytical results of water samples drawn from various

locations in the study are presented in Table 3.5. The map showing the locations of

sample collection (Figure 3.12) is also presented. It may be observed that the some

parameters some are above prescribed limits. All other parameters are within the

prescribed limits for drinking purpose in all the samples.

Table No:-3.4 Location of Ground Water Sampling Location

Sl. No Location Name Directionfrom MLArea

Distancefrom MLArea in (Km)

Latitude Longitude

GW-1 Mine Lease Area - - 14˚26’ 44.08” N 78˚36’47.04” E


70

GW-2 PendelimarriVillage

E 2.92 14˚26’39.69” N 78˚38’24.88” E

GW-3 PagadalapalliVillage

EEN 1.59 14˚27’ 01.37” N 78˚37’38.27” E

GW-4 KothasankatapalliVillage

NE 2.33 14˚27’ 35.21” N 78˚37’45.55” E

GW-5 Chinna DasarapalliVillage

SE 1.92 14˚26’ 01.19” N 78˚37’33.80” E

GW-6 ChimalapentaVillage

SW 6.77 14˚24’ 22.63” N 78˚33’52.99” E

GW-7 Tummaluru Village NW 5.55 14˚28’ 23.57” N 78˚34’11.81” E

GW-8 Poddurthi Village NWN 6.93 14˚30’ 05.66” N 78˚35’05.52” E

Figure No:-3.12 Ground Water Sampling Location Map


70


E 2.92 14˚26’39.69” N 78˚38’24.88” E


EEN 1.59 14˚27’ 01.37” N 78˚37’38.27” E


NE 2.33 14˚27’ 35.21” N 78˚37’45.55” E


SE 1.92 14˚26’ 01.19” N 78˚37’33.80” E


SW 6.77 14˚24’ 22.63” N 78˚33’52.99” E





70


E 2.92 14˚26’39.69” N 78˚38’24.88” E


EEN 1.59 14˚27’ 01.37” N 78˚37’38.27” E


NE 2.33 14˚27’ 35.21” N 78˚37’45.55” E


SE 1.92 14˚26’ 01.19” N 78˚37’33.80” E


SW 6.77 14˚24’ 22.63” N 78˚33’52.99” E





71

Table No:-3.5 Groundwater Analysis Data

Sl. No. Test Parameter Test Method Units GW-1 GW-2 GW-3 GW-4 GW-5 GW-6 GW-7 GW-8 ACCEPTABLE

LIMITS (As Per

IS:

10500:2012)

1 pH APHA-4500-B -- 7.7 7.6 7.2 7.1 7.2 7.2 7.2 7.6 6.5 – 8.5

2 Color APHA-2120-C Hazen 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Max. 5.0

3 Electrical Conductivity APHA-2510-B µs/cm 519 1,086 719 663 957 1,148 892 890 --

4 Turbidity APHA-2130-B NTU < 0.2 1 < 0.2 0.5 0.3 1 0.9 1 Max. 1.0

5 Total Dissolved Solids APHA-2540-C mg/l 358 749 496 457 660 792 615 614 Max. 500

6 Total Hardness as

CaCO3

APHA-2340-C mg/l 149 335 246 220 330 428 252 266 Max. 200

7 Calcium as Ca APHA-3500Ca-B mg/l 30 60 50 48 66 82 48 52 Max. 75

8 Magnesium as Mg APHA-3500Mg-B mg/l 18 45 29.3 24.2 40 54.3 32 33.1 Max. 30

9 Alkalinity to

Phenolphthalein as

CaCO3

APHA-2320-B mg/l < 1.0 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil --

10 Alkalinity to Methyl

orange as CaCO3

APHA-2320-B mg/l 177 320 296 265 312 424 324 320 Max. 200

11 Chlorides as Cl APHA-4500Cl-B mg/l 46 140 72 44 104 112 72 72 Max. 250


72

12 Sodium as Na APHA-3500Na-B mg/l 42 89 62 50 55 56 78 64 --

13 Potassium as K APHA-3500K-B mg/l 2 5 3 2 6 8 6 5 --

14 Sulphates as SO4 IS:3025(Pt-24) mg/l 23.2 51.6 22.8 19.8 32.6 25.8 28.6 26.8 Max. 200

15 Nitrates as NO3 APHA-4500NO3-B mg/l 10 22.5 18.9 35.6 22.4 32.4 33.8 25.9 Max. 45

16 Iron as Fe APHA-3500Fe-B mg/l < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 Max. 0.3

17 Fluoride as F APH4500F-D mg/l 0.3 0.6 0.5 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5 Max. 1.0

18 Silica as Si02 APHA-4500SiO2.

C

mg/l 1 1 0.8 1 0.8 1 1 1 --

GW-1: Mine Lease Area; GW-2: Pendlimarri Village; GW-3: Pagadalapalli Village; GW-4: Kotha Sankatapalli Village; GW-5: China Dasarapalli Village; GW-6:Chimalapenta Village GW-7: Tummaluru Village; GW-8: Poddurthi Village


73

3.10 Air Environment

3.10.1 Meteorology

Micro meteorological studies are simultaneously conducted with the air quality

monitoring. Meteorology plays a vital role in effecting the dispersion of pollutants, once

discharged into the atmosphere, their transport, dispersion and diffusion into the

environment. The meteorological data is very useful for interpretation of the baseline

information and for model study of air quality impacts also. Since meteorological data

show wide fluctuations with time, meaningful interpretation can only be drawn from long

term and reliable data.

Generally, light to moderate winds prevails throughout the year. Winds are light and

moderate particularly during the morning hours while during the afternoon hours, the

winds are stronger. Overall Wind Rose Diagram of the site is given below in Figure No.

3.13.

Figure No. 3.13:- Overall Wind Rose Diagram of the Site


74

Figure No. 3.14:- Frequency Class Distribution Graph

The detail frequency output is in Annexure-10

3.10.2 Ambient Air Quality

Air pollution means the presence in the outdoor atmosphere of one or more contaminants

or combinations thereof in such quantities and of such duration as are or may tend to be

injurious to human, plant or animal life or property. Air pollutants include smoke,

vapours, soot, fumes, gases, mist, odours, particulate matter, radioactive material or

noxious chemicals. With upcoming activity a range of different pollutants are released

into the atmosphere that are dispersed and have a significant impact on neighbourhood

air environment. Thus collection of base line data of air environment occupies a


75

predominant role in the impact assessment statement. The ambient air quality status

across the study zone forms basis for prediction of the impacts due to the project.

The project is located at Pagadalapalli Village, Pendlimarri Mandal, YSR District, Andhra

Pradesh. The data required for assessing air quality impacts in and around

neighbourhood is achieved by designing such a network, which encompasses micro

meteorological conditions, quantity and quality of emissions, locations, duration,

resources/monitoring technology and operational criteria. The optimal scheme for air

quality monitoring should consider all the above factors.

3.10.3 Scope of Field Study

The scope of baseline status of the ambient air quality can be assessed through a well-

designed ambient air quality stations network. An intensive ambient air quality

monitoring of the study area consisting of 10 km radius with the mine lease area as the

center point was carried out during the study period. The ambient air quality was

monitored at eight locations spread over entire study area. Figure 3.12 presents the

locations of eight ambient air quality-monitoring stations. At each sampling station

monitoring was carried out for 24 hours in a day for 2 days a week, and for three

months. The major air pollutants monitored on 24 hourly basis are, Particulate Matter

(Size Less than 10µm) or PM10 µg/m, Sulfur dioxide and Oxides of Nitrogen. Sampling

and analysis of the above variables is according to the guidelines of Central Pollution

Control Board (CPCB). National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQ) is presented in

Table 3.6.

Table No:- 3.6 National Ambient Air Quality Standards

Pollutant Time Weighted

Average

Concentration in Ambient Air

IRR ESA Methods of Measurement

Sulphur Dioxide(SO2),µg/m3

Annual*

24 Hours**

50

80

20

80

Improved west and Gaeke

Ultraviolet fluorescence

Nitrogen Dioxide

(NO2) , µg/m3

Annual*

24 Hours**

40

80

30

80

Modified Jacob & Hochheiser

Chemiluminescence

Particulate Matter

(Size Less than 10µm)

or PM10 , µg/m3

Annual*

24 Hours**

60

100

60

100

Gravimetric

TOEM

Beta Attenuation


76

Particulate Matter

(Size Less than 2.5µm)

or PM2.5, µg/m3

Annual*

24 Hours**

40

60

40

60

Gravimetic

TOEM

Beta Attenuation

Ozone (O3) , µg/m3 8 hours**

1 hour**

100

180

100

180

UV Photometric

Chemilminescence

Chemical Method

Lead (Pb) , µg/m3 Annual*

24 hours**

0.50

1.0

0.50

1.0

AAS /ICP method after

sampling on EPM 2000 or

equivalent filter paper

ED - XRF using Teflon filter.

Carbon Monoxide

(CO) , mg/m3

8 hours**

1 hour**

02

04

02

04

Non Dispersive Infra Red

(NDIR) Spectroscopy

Ammonia (NH3) ,µg/m3 Annual*

24 hours**

100

400

100

400

Chemilminescence

Indophenol blue method

Benzene (C6H6) ,µg/m3 Annual* 05 05 Gas Chromotography based

continuous analyzer

Absorption and Desorption

followed by GC analysis

Benzo (o) Pyrene (BaP)-Particulate Phase only,ng/m3

Annual* 01 01 Solvent extraction followed by

HPLC/GC analysis

Arsenic (As) , ng/m3 Annual* 06 06 AAS/ICP method after samplingon EPM 2000 or equivalent filterpaper

Nickel (Ni) , ng/m3 Annual* 20 20 AAS/ICP method after samplingon EPM 2000 or equivalent filterpaper

IRR- Industrial, Residential, Rural and Other Area and ESA - Ecological Sensitive Area

G.S.No.826 (E) dated 16 November, 2009. Vide letter no. F. No. Q-15017/43/2007-CPW.

*Average Arithmetic mean of minimum 104 measurements in a year taken for a week 24hourly at uniform interval.

**24 hourly/8 hourly values should meet 98 percent of the time in a year.


77

3.10.4 Description of Sampling Location

The location of ambient air quality stations is contingent on the ambient air quality status

of the area. Table 3.7 presents the ambient air quality locations and their distances and

directions from the mine lease area.

Table No:- 3.7 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Locations

Sl. No Location Name Directionfrom MLArea

Distancefrom MLArea in (Km)

Latitude Longitude

GW-1 Mine Lease Area - - 14˚26’ 44.08” N 78˚36’47.04” E


E 2.92 14˚26’39.69” N 78˚38’24.88” E


EEN 1.59 14˚27’ 01.37” N 78˚37’38.27” E


NE 2.33 14˚27’ 35.21” N 78˚37’45.55” E


SE 1.92 14˚26’ 01.19” N 78˚37’33.80” E


SW 6.77 14˚24’ 22.63” N 78˚33’52.99” E



3.10.5 Ambient Air Quality Status

The existing baseline levels with respect to Particulate Matter (Size Less than 10µm) or

PM10 µg/m3, Sulphur dioxide and Oxides of Nitrogen at eight locations are presented in

Table 3.8.The parameters monitored at the mine lease area show the following

variations; the other parameters of NAAQ standards are found to be below detectable

limits except for PM10, SO2 and NOx. It may be observed that the all parameters at all

stations are well within the limits prescribed by Central pollution control Board. The Voc

levels of the mine lease area and other monitoring stations were measured using a

handheld VOC monitor. The Voc levels are observed to be below detectable limits at all

locations. Ambient Air Quality Location is given in Figure 3.14.


78

Figure No:- 3.14 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Locations

Table No:-3.8 Ambient Air Quality Analysis

Sl. No.PM2.5

µg/ m3PM10

µg/ m3SO2

µg/ m3NOx

µg/ m3Silicaµg/ m3

COµg/ m3

Location-1 (Mine Lease Area)

Max 27.5 55.3 27.3 29.7 3.6 840Min 16.2 32.4 12.4 13.5 0.3 480Average 22.1 42.6 20.6 24.3 2.3 66798%percentile 27.4 55.1 27.1 29.5 3.6 840

Location-2 (Near Pendlimarri Village)


Location-3 (Near Pagadalapalli Village)


78



Sl. No.PM2.5

µg/ m3PM10

µg/ m3SO2

µg/ m3NOx


COµg/ m3







78



Sl. No.PM2.5

µg/ m3PM10

µg/ m3SO2

µg/ m3NOx


COµg/ m3







79


Location-4 (Near Kothasankatapalli Village)


Location-5 (Near Chinna Dasarapalli Village)


Location-6 (Near Chimalapenta Village)


Location-7 (Near Tummaluru Village)


Location-8 (Near Poddurthi Village)

Max 26.8 48.6 25.3 24.7 3.4 875Min 9.8 18.7 9.4 9.4 0.6 460Average 18.8 36.1 18.5 17.1 1.6 55798%percentile 26.3 48.4 25.3 24.7 3.2 859NAAQS <60 <100 <80 <80 -- 2000

Table No. 3.9:- Overall existing ambient air quality in the study area

Parameter Ambient Air Quality NAAQS

Maximum Minimum Average

PM2.5 µg/ m3 27.5 9.2 19.9 <60

PM10 µg/ m3 56.2 18.1 39.1 <100


80

SO2 µg/ m3 27.3 9.4 19.6 <80

NOx µg/ m3 29.7 9.4 19.8 <80

Silica µg/ m3 3.9 0.3 1.8 ---

CO µg/ m3 888 415 592.9 2000

3.11 Noise Environment

Noise is an unwanted sound without musical quality. Artificial noise impact on

environment, grown apace is with advancing human civilization. Noise pollution is

equally hazardous to environment as air, water and other forms of pollution. Various

noise measurement units have been introduced to describe, in a single number, the

response of an average human to a complex sound made up of various frequencies at

different loudness levels. The most common scale is, weighted decibel dB (A), and

measured as the relative intensity level of one sound with respect to another sound

(reference sound).

The impact of noise depends on its characteristics (instantaneous, intermittent or

continuous in nature), time of day and location of noise source. Table 3.8 shows the

effects of different noise levels on human beings. The environmental impact of noise can

have several effects varying from noise induced hearing loss to annoying depending on

noise levels.

The assessment of noise pollution on neighbourhood environment due to the mine was

carried out keeping in view, all the considerations mentioned above Figure 3.14 shows

different locations in the study area where noise levels are measured and Table 3.9

shows noise levels at different locations.


81

Figure No.3.15:- Different Location in the study area for Noise Monitoring

Table no:-3.10 Effects of Different Noise levels on Human beings

Source Noise Level Db(A) Effects

Large Rocket Engine(nearby) 180 Threshold of Pains

Hydraulic Press (1 m) 130

Jet take off (60 m) 120 Maximum vocaleffort

Automobile Horn (1m) 120

Construction Noise 110

Jet Take off (600 m) 110

Shout, Punch, Press, CircularSaw

100 Very annoying

Heavy Truck (15m), FarmMachinery

90 Prolonged exposure

Lathes, Sports Car, Noisy 80 Endangers hearing


81











100 Very annoying





81











100 Very annoying





82

Machines Automobile (15m) loss Annoying

Freeway Traffic (15m) 70 Telephone is difficultLoud Conversations 60Living Room in Home 50 QuietPower Station (15m) 50Bed Room in Home 40Soft Whisper (5m) 30 Very quietTick of Wall clock (1m) 30Low radio Reception 20Whisper 20Rattling of Leaves by Breeze 10 Barely audible

0 Threshold of hearing

Table No:- 3.11 Equivalent Noise Levels in the Study Area

DayTimeTime6:00AM-10:00PM

Location-1

Location-2

Location-3

Location-4

Location-5

Location-6

Location-7

Location-8

MAX 55.4 59.8 58.3 56.7 53.7 56.6 52.8 57.6

MIN 40.1 40.1 40.1 33.7 32.8 33.1 30.2 30.3

AVG 47.7 49.4 46.4 45.4 44.0 43.2 41.9 43.9

98%percentile

55.2 59.6 57.9 56.1 53.4 56.5 52.1 56.8

Standardas perCPCB

75

NightTimeTime6:00AM-10:00PM

Location-1

Location-2

Location-3

Location-4

Location-5

Location-6

Location-7

Location-8

MAX 46.2 47.8 48.4 36.7 38.7 38.7 34.8 38.7

MIN 32.4 30.4 20.8 20.4 23.1 24.1 24.8 21.8

AVG 40.5 39.4 33.8 27.8 29.2 31.9 29.2 31.7

98%percentile

46.1 47.4 47.8 36.0 38.0 38.7 34.5 38.4

Standardas perCPCB

70

Location-1Mine Lease Area,2- Near Pendlimarri Village,3- Near Pagadalapalli Village,4- NearKothasankatapalli Village,5- Near Chinna Dasarapalli Village,6-Near Chimalapenta Village,7- NearTummaluru Village,8- Near Poddurthi Village


83

3.12 Socio Economic Environment

Project development reflects in social development, i.e., growth in infrastructure

facilities, growth in employment rates, increased demands for housing, and other

amenities etc., which will have a bearing on the socio economic status. Socio-economic

survey is conducted to ascertain the existing socio-economic status to compare the same

with the developments due to the project. Baseline data of demographic characteristics-

occupational status, literacy, health status and the access to infrastructure facilities for

social development in the project area has been studied from the primary data collected

from census department by Ind Research & Development House Pvt. Ltd.

Demographic characteristics of the study area falling within 10 km radius of the mine

lease area have been compiled to assess the pre-project socio-economic status.

Secondary data has been collected from various government agencies i.e., chief planning

officer, YSR District and other government departments of forestry, irrigation etc., and

Mandal Development Offices of the relevant government departments. Census data was

complied and presented as follows.

3.12.1 Brief Demographic Profile of the Villages within Study Area

Cherlopalli

The village Cherlopalli situated nearly 2 km distance from E.V Ranga Reddy mines &

located at latitude 14.436067°N, 78.628807°E .This village is around 800 mtr distance

from Kadapa-Pendilvula road.

Most of the population of Cherlopalli village belongs to General Caste. According to

baseline study, Cherlopalli village has around 45 HH & 220 Population out of which male

population is 125 & female population is 95. The population of children between age 0-6

years around 25 out of which 13 are male child and 12 female child. Most of Population is

literate in this village. Agriculture & laboring in agricultural & mining field is the main

livelihood pattern of this village.

Cherlopalli

Sl.No Feature Male Female Total

1 Households 45

2 Population 125 95 220

SC 0 0 0


84

ST 0 0 0

OC 125 95 220

3 Children (0-6 years) 13 12 25

Pagadalapalli

The Project site E.V Ranga Reddy mines is comes under the village Pagadalapalli but the

habitation is nearly 1km distance from mines site & located at latitude 14.4499°N,

longitude 78.62703°E .This village is around 1km distance from Kadapa-Pendilvula road.

Most of the population of Pagadalapalli village belongs to General Caste & comes under

manageable category as per there economic conditions. According to baseline study,

Pagadalapalli village has around 90 HH & 350 Population out of which male population is

180 & female population is 170. The population of children between age 0-6 years

around 45 out of which 20 are male child and 25 female child.

Pagadalapalli


1 Households 90


SC 0 0 0

ST 0 0 0

OC 180 170 350


Most of Population is literate in this village. Agriculture & Livestock farming, deploying

own instruments & vehicles in mining sector, contributing laboring in agricultural field is

the main livelihood pattern of this village. Maximum HH have electric connection from

govt.

KothaSangatipalli

The KothaSangatipalli village co-ordinates constitute latitude 14.4588°N, longitude

78.628657°E. The village is around 2.5 km distance from Project site.


85

Most of the population of KothaSangatipalli village belongs to General Caste & some

other population from backward classes like washer men & barber are residing in this

village. This villagers comes under poor & average category as per there economic

conditions.

According to baseline study, KothaSangatipalli village has around 80 HH & 300 Population

out of which male population is 155 & female population is 145. The population of

children between age 0-6 years around 35 out of which 20 are male child and 15 female

child. Most of Population is literate in this village. Agriculture & Livestock farming,

contributing laboring in agricultural field is the main livelihood pattern of this village.

KothaSangatipalli


1 Households 80


SC 35 40 75

ST 0 0 0

OC 120 105 225


KothaSangatipalli is a Gram Panchayat headed by a Sarpanch but having no Panchayat

office. The Govt documents are kept with the then officials and during transition of

phase, documents would handed to other officials. Though village has Concrete road by

PMGSY scheme but the connecting road is Kutcha which is a trouble in logistics for the

villagers.

KothaSangatipalli is the village where most of the people depend upon agriculture for

their livelihood. Mostly ten people have bore well in their agriculture field without aid by

government & rest population depends upon rain. Due to more dependency on rain fed

crop groundnut which is main economical source loss in the production of ground nut.

This is the village where maximum number of SHG are working under DWACRA scheme

as well as one 1 SHG by handicapped people. Women of this village are self employed &

self engaged in livestock farming.

Chinthavandla Palli


86

The Chinthavandla Palli village co-ordinates constitute latitude 14.450967°N, longitude

78.636345°E. The village is around 3 km distance from Project site.

Most of the population of Chinthavandla Palli village belongs to General Caste. This

villagers comes under poor & very poor category as per there economic conditions.

According to baseline study, ChinthavandlaPalli village has around 60 HH & 200

Population out of which male population is 100 & female population is 100. The

population of children between age 0-6 years around 30 out of which 15 are male child

and 15 female child.

ChinthavandlaPalli


1 Households 60


SC 0 0 0

ST 0 0 0

OC 100 100 200


Most of Population is literate in this village. Agriculture & Livestock farming, Laboring in

mining field, contributing laboring in agricultural field are the main livelihood pattern of

this village. There are 10-20 people are working in the said project. This village has no

ICDS centre, a primary school which is closed due to unavailability of students &

teachers. This village has no SHG as well.

Marrimakula Palli

The Marrimakula Palli village co-ordinates constitute latitude 14.451388°N, longitude

78.641294°E. The village is around 3.5 km distance from Project site.

Most of the population of Marrimakula Palli village belongs to General Caste. This

villagers comes under poor & very poor category as per there economic conditions.

According to baseline study, Marrimakula Palli village has around 50 HH & 200 Population

out of which male population is 130 & female population is 70. The population of

children between age 0-6 years around 30 out of which 12 are male child and 18 female

child.


87

MarrimakulaPalli


1 Households 50


SC 0 0 0

ST 0 0 0

OC 130 70 200


Most of Population studied till 10th& intermediate in this village. Agriculture & Livestock

farming, Laboring in mining field, contributing laboring in agricultural field ,share

cropping are the main livelihood pattern of this village. As some of the villager are

landless they are depends upon share cropping and laboring in agriculture or mining

field. Other than old people rest of the population depends upon said project earlier. Due

to the closure of the Project, they are now suffering for livelihood. According to the

locals, E.V Ranga Reddy mines had early payment for their work comparative to other

mines of this area.

NagayaPalli

The village NagayaPalli co-ordinates constitute latitude 14.45250°N and longitude

78.56884°E. The village is around 8 km distance from Project site.

Most of the population of NagayaPalli village belongs to General Caste. This villagers

comes under manageable & well off category as per there economic conditions. According

to baseline study, NagayaPalli village has around 120 HH & 550 Population out of which

male population is 280 & female population is 270. The population of children between

age 0-6 years around 80 out of which 42 are male child and 38 female child.

NagayaPalli


1 Households 120



88

SC 23 27 50

ST 0 0 0

OC 257 243 500


Most of Population is literate in this village. Agriculture & Livestock farming, deploying

own instruments & vehicles in mining sector is the main livelihood pattern of this village.

Maximum HH have electric connection from govt.

Livelihood Pattern Distribution

Pagadala palliTotal

PopulationCherlopalli

Total

Population

Cultivators 220 Cultivators 265

Agriculture Labourer 135 Agriculture Labourer 90

Industrial Workers 60 Industrial Workers 35

Service (Govt/Pvt.) 20 Service (Govt/Pvt.) 20

Other worker 40 Other worker 4

Kothasangati palliTotal

PopulationChinthavandla palli

Total

Population






Marrimakula palli Total Nagayapalli Total


89

Population Population






From various sources, such as the FGD, and personal interviews with several people in

the villages, it was determined that during the mining operation days of EV Ranga Reddy

Mines, the average earning for family in various categories of livelihoods were as follows:

Category of LivelihoodAvg income in Rs. per

month

avg income in Rs. per

day

Cultivation & allied activities 13000 500

Agriculture labor 6750 225

misc./additional income 7650 255


89











month


day





89











month


day





90

service 8100 270

mines 18000 700

The daily Wage rates as on today for male and female workers are as follows:

Daily wage rate (Rs.) in

Agriculture

Daily wage rate (Rs.) in

Mines

Male Female Male Female

250 200 300 250

225 275

However after the Mining Operations were Closed, since 2013, the workers who used to

be engaged in mine are either idle or are converted to agricultural laborers. For

sustainability, the people of one village work in the fields of other nearby villages either

on wage basis or in batter exchange of labor basis. This has a great impact on their

family income and livelihood.

Out of the total working population, various livelihood dependency analysis was carried

out, whose result indicate that most of the marginal workers (around 61%) from the

2011 Census were mine workers. The percentage of marginal workers dependant on

mines during hay days was as follows:

Village name PopulationMarginal

Worker

% of

Marginal

Worker

Dependance

on mine

earlier

% of

marginal

worker at

mine

Cheropalli 220 70 32 30 42.86

Pagadalapalli 350 60 17 40 66.67

KothaSangatiPalli 300 120 40 80 66.67

ChinthavandlaPalli 200 68 34 40 58.82

MarrimakulaPalli 200 130 65 80 61.54

Nagaya Palli 550 55 10 40 72.73


91

Total 1820 503 28 310 61.63

3.12.2 Living Standards and Infrastructure

Sustainable development of any area is dependent not only the population but also on

the availability of infrastructure which leads to better living standards. The infrastructure

facilities are essential in providing education, awareness, health, communication, potable

water, transport etc. The standards of living are the sum of the availability of the

infrastructure to the subject community, wide variations in terms of income, economic

conditions and patterns of spending. The infrastructure facilities available in the impact

zone are reflecting the rural nature of the entire study area.

I. Educational Facilities

The educational facilities available in the rural areas are meager, despite the

proximity to urban area of Kadapa. There are 102 primary schools, 2 middle

schools and 2 high schools in the study area. There is 1 junior college, no degree

colleges, no medical college and an engineering college in the area. The higher

educational need of the population is met by Kadapa town.

II. Health facilities

The medical and health facilities available in the rural area of the impact zone are

inadequate; there is 3 PHC, 11 PHS and no child welfare centers and 53 RP

centers in the entire area. While the urban area has a number of health facilities

including a teaching hospital. The health needs of the population in this area are

met by quacks and other semi qualified persons.

III. Availability of Potable Water

The entire population in this area is dependent on ground water for drinking

purposes. About 4 villages in the study area is dependent on tube wells, while

the remaining villages are dependent on wells and hand pumps.

IV. Transport and Communication

Transport is essentially provided by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport

Corporation (APSRTC). Most of the study area has excellent road network in all

the villages, which has kacha roads. APSRTC bus facility is available for all the

villages.

However it is observed that a number of private transport vehicles are observed in

the area connecting them to Kadapa.


92

V. Sources of Energy and Availability

The primary source of energy in the study area is electricity, and the entire study

area has electricity for agriculture and domestic purpose. The Kadapa area has

LPG facility for their cooking purpose. A significant number of people in the urban

area are also dependent on Kerosene for cooking purposes, which is contingent on

the vagaries of public distribution system. A majority of the rural area is mostly

dependent on Kerosene, dried cow dung cakes, wood from roadside trees for their

domestic energy needs.

VI. Post and Telegraph facilities

There are 21 post offices in the area and no post and Telegraph office in the study

area. Phone facilities however are extended to most of the villages.

VII. Housing

Census defines the house hold as a group of persons living together and sharing

their meals from a common kitchen. The number of households in the impact

zone is 14527, while the number of the houses is 12654. The density of the

households is approximately four. The traditional houses made up of mud walls

and covered by dry common grass and leaves of bourses are commonly found in

the rural area, which are not considered puce houses. The government has been

augmenting the housing standards by constructing housing colonies for various

weaker sections of the society.

3.12.3 Project Economy


Mandal, YSR District, Andhra Pradesh. It will provide employment to 184 people

consisting of 168 unskilled workers, and remaining are managerial employees and other

supporting staff. The proposed project will also generate indirect employment of 160

no’s to the locals during activity. The employers will contribute to the provident fund,

ESI and provide facilities as per the relevant labour act.

The proximity of Kadapa town will provide access to the extensive medical facilities

available apart from the ESI medical facilities to the employees and their families. An

industrial Canteen is to be established by the company.

It may be concluded that satisfactory amenities are available for the population of the

impact zone, while the amenities are available either within the village or at a minimum


93

distance of 1 km. The area also has large tracts of waste lands which can be utilized for

industrial development.

The proposed mining activity will contribute to the industrial growth of the area, which in

turn generates employment, and improve the infrastructure facilities of the area by

strengthening the same economically.

3.13 Ecology & Biodiversity

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Ramsar Convention, and the

Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) recognize Environmental Impact Assessment

(IA) as an important decision making tool to help plan and implement development with

biodiversity “in mind.” The Conventions require Signatories (“Parties”) to apply EIA to

proposals with potential negative impacts on biodiversity to help meet their objectives,

so that development proposals respect mechanisms for the conservation of biodiversity,

result in sustainable use of biodiversity resources, and ensure fair and equitable sharing

of the benefits arising from use of biodiversity.

According to the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA), Impact

Assessment provides opportunities to ensure that biodiversity values are recognized and

taken into account in decision-making. Importantly, this involves a participatory

approach with people who might be affected by a proposal.

The main aim of Conservation of Biodiversity is to ensure “No Net Loss” of any biological

species whether big or small. The biodiversity-related Conventions are based on the

premise that further loss of biodiversity is unacceptable. Biodiversity must be conserved

to ensure it survives, continuing to provide services, values and benefits for current and

future generations. The following approach has been chosen by the IAIA to help achieve

‘no net loss’ of biodiversity:

1. Avoidance of irreversible loss of biodiversity.

2. Seeking alternative solutions to minimize biodiversity losses.

3. Use of mitigation to restore biodiversity resources.

4. Compensation for unavoidable loss by providing substitutes of at least similar

biodiversity value.

5. Looking for opportunities for enhancement.

This approach can be called “positive planning for biodiversity.” It helps achieve no net

loss by ensuring the safety and survival of rare or endangered or endemic or threatened

(REET) species. This positive approach is going to guide the present management.


94

3.13.1 The Environmental Setting of the Iron Ore Mine

The total mine lease area (MLA) is 201.914 Ha (498.93 ac). It is located towards on a

small flat hillock covered with loose rocks. It is a non-forest wasteland coved by thorny

bushes and non-palatable perennial grasses. There are trees or plantations except those

that they planted or croplands or water bodies or human settlements in the mine lease

area. Nearly about 24.16 Ha is already broken and it is under mining.Over burden and

waste is dumped in an area of about 3.86 Ha and 1.6Ha is used for storage of mined

minerals.

The mine pits as well the overburden dumps and mineral stockyards are scattered but

they are interconnected. This area under the mining activities has been denuded either

by clearing or by burying or both. The rest of the mine lease area is relatively

undisturbed. Thus the original natural vegetation is still in the undisturbed areas. As far

are the mine lease area (MLA) is concerned, it can be categorized under two types. They

are the denuded mining area and the unopened no mining area. Hence the flora of the

core is falls under two categories depending on the current land use. Papagni River runs

towards the North of the mine lease area. There was not even a drop of water in the

entire stretch of Papagni River in the buffer zone. Except for perennial crops of banana

there was hardly any cultivation during the summer season. But during the rainy season

all seasonal crops of Paddy, Jowar, Sorghum, Maize, Sunflower, Cotton, Chillies, Tomato,

Groundnut, Red gram, Green gram, Black gram, Horse gram, Chickpea, Onion as well

Chrysanthimum is grown. There are also small plantations of Teak and orchards of

Mango, Sapota, Gauva, Pomegranate, Papaya, Orange and Lime. Croplands are small,

scattered and isolated. There is no assured irrigation. Cultivation is dependent on rains

and groundwater. There are scattered hillocks sparsely covered with succulents and

thorny bushes of Ziziphushorrida. But the most conspicuous feature of these dry hillocks

is the presence of Chukrasiatabularisas isolated trees especially on hill tops.

Ganganapalle reserve forest is located towards the south of the core area at a distance of

about 4.5 Km. Vegetation is very sparse except in inaccessible regions. The forests

belong to the Southern Tropical dry deciduous type of Champion and Seth.

Chukrasiatabularis, Ziziphushorrida, Securinegaleucopyra, Wrightiatinctorea, Bauhinia

racemosa, Carissa spinarum, Euporbiaantiuorum, Euphorbia, Euphorbia tortillisand

Holopteliaintegrifoliaare quite abundant widely scattered in the forest areas. But the

entire ground was covered by dry Cymboponcoloratus which acts as a fuse to spread the

fire and fuel to support the fire. Hence burning during dry is a common practice. Another

common plant found on ground level is Waltheriaindica.

There are no ecologically sensitive areas such a biosphere reserves, National Parks or

wildlife Sanctuaries or other protected areas within a distance of 10 Km from the MLA.


95

3.13.2 Objectives and scope of the work

A survey of the flora and fauna of the MLA and the buffer zone was carried out keeping in

view of the following terms of reference as stipulated by the EAC: “A detailed biological

study for the study area [core zone and buffer zone (10 km radius of the periphery of the

mine lease)] shall be carried out. Details of flora and fauna, duly authenticated,

separately for core and buffer zone should be furnished based on field survey clearly

indicating the Schedule of the fauna present. In case of any scheduled-I fauna found in

the study area, the necessary plan for their conservation should be prepared in

consultation with State Forest and Wildlife Department and details furnished. Necessary

allocation of funds for implementing the same should be made as part of the project

cost” Based on the above primary survey of flora, both primary and secondary survey of

fauna of the mine lease area (core area) and its buffer zone extending up to a radius of

10 Km was carried during the post-monsoon season (Winter) of Dec 2018-Feb 2019.

The basic objectives of the study is to evaluate the status of the flora and fauna of the

mine lease area and the buffer areas with specific reference to the rare or endangered

or endemic or threatened (REET) species in accordance with the EAC approved TOR. The

study is also designed to evaluate the adverse impacts of the proposed iron ore mine

and to suggest remedial / mitigation measures in accordance with the objectives as

desired by the IAIA and the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF

& CC), Government of India (GoI). With these objectives in mind, the following work was

undertaken by a team of experienced professional:

1. Documentation and evaluation of the status of the terrestrial flora of the core area

and surrounding areas (buffer area).

2. Inventorization of the terrestrial flora of the core area and buffer area.

3. Assessment of the frequency, density, dominance, Importance Value Indices (IVI)

and Shannon – Wiener Indices of diversity of structural species in the dominant

plant communities.

4. Prediction of the impacts of the proposed activity on the REET species.

5. Development of a management / mitigation plan to minimize the impacts the

proposed activity on the biotic environment so that there is no net loss of

biodiversity.

Based on the survey, separate lists of flora for core and buffer areas have been prepared.

Shannon – Wiener Index of Diversity, Simpson's Index of Dominance and Pielou’s

Evenness index have been calculated for the flora of core area.


96

3.13.3 Methodology for study of Flora and Fauna

Flora and fauna studies were carried out during the winter season of 2018-2019 to

assess the list of terrestrial plant and animal species that occur in the core area and the

buffer area up to 10 Km radius from proposed MLA. The entire core area has been

surveyed for enumeration of flora and fauna. This area is described hereafter as the core

area or Mine lease area (MLA). Within the core area 10 quadrates of 5 x 20 m(100 m2)

each were chosen for phytosociological investigation using restricted random sampling

techniques leaving the old mine pits filled with water. As there is very little natural

vegetation in the buffer zone around the MLA and as the crops lands are dry and fallow,

no sampling was undertaken in the buffer zone. For the purpose of calculation of

Importance Value Indices (IVI) of the core area, quadrat method was used for

estimation of frequency and density while the cover was estimated by modified line

intercepts method. The canopy cover of each species that intercepted or over laid or

under laid along a line transect of 500 m was determined based on the total distance

intercepted. The average canopy cover was calculated as the percent cover based on four

transects of 500 m each.

The Importance Value Indices (IVI) of structural species was calculated as the sum of

relative frequency, relative density and relative dominance. Dominance was based on

canopy cover. Density was calculated as the number of individuals per hectare in case of

shrubs and tree like plants. As the herbaceous species have completed life cycle and died

(dried), they are not considered for quantitative analysis. Importance value indices (IVI)

of different species were calculated as the sum of relative frequency, relative density and

relative dominance (relative dominance was based on the percent cover). Relative

values were calculated by dividing the value attained by a species by the total

parametric value and multiplying with 100. Based on the IVI values, Shannon –Wiener

Indices of Diversity, Simpson Index of dominance and Jaccard index of Evenness were

calculated by using a computer programme called F Diversity.

Shannon – Wiener Indices of Diversity was calculated as the sum of pi value of each

species multiplied by ln of pi using the following equation:

Where, pi is calculated by dividing the IVI of a species by the total IVI of all species in the

sampled community.

Shannon – Wiener Indices of Diversity vary depending upon the species richness

(number of species present in a given unit area) and their dominance or evenness. As


96































sampled community.




96































sampled community.




97

the species richness and evenness increase, Shannon – Wiener Indices of Diversity also

increase correspondingly. On the other hand, when the species richness decreases and as

dominance increases, diversity decreases. Communities with less number of species with

high level of dominance or low level of uniformity will have lower diversity. Thus it is a

statistical function based on the richness and evenness components Evenness and

dominance are inversely related.

3.13.4 Vegetation and flora of the core zone (mine lease area)

The total mine lease area (MLA) is 201.914Ha out of which 33.087 is already under the

mining activity. The MLA is a non-forest wasteland sparsely colonized mainly by

Ziziphushorrida and others as shown in Table 3.12 & 3.14. There are no tall or large

trees in the entire mine area. There is a block plantation fruit and avenue trees in

about 0.77 Ha. A list of wild and cultivated plants grown in the block plantation is given

in Table 3.13. The MLA is widely covered with dry perennial grasses of

Cymboponcoloratus. But it turned green wherever it was burnt. The total plant cover of

the MLA was just 21.2%. There are no large trees but a few tree species could be found

as stunted plants. In the core area as well as in the wastelands around the MLA,

Ziziphushorrida,Mesquite (Prosopisjuliflora), Calotropisprocera, Carissa spinarumand

Senna alexandrinawere most widespread, abundant and dominant. Relative frequency,

relative density, relative dominance and the importance value indices of the structural

species present in the unopened MLA are shown in Table 3.14. In addition to the shrubs

mentioned above, there are a few perennial climber such as Ichnocarpusfrutescens

(Black creeper), Pergulariadaemia, Sarcostemmasecamone, Tylophoraindica, Swallow

root (Decalepishamiltoni), Aganosmacymosa, Wattakakavolubilis and Cassythafiliformis.

Most of the grasses and herbaceous species have completed their life and died and

withered away. Some of them could be easily identified based on the presence of a few

live shoots, standing dead shoots with fruits or inflorescences intact and other diagnostic

features. Cymbopogoncoloratus, a perennial, non-palatable lemon scented grass was

extensively abundant both in forest areas as well non forest hillocks. The grasses

seemed to cover the huge gaps left by the perennial shrubs and as such it is expected to

be green during the rainy season.

A list of plant species found in the core area (MLA) is given in Table 3.12. Relative

frequency, relative density, relative dominance, Importance value indices (IVI), Shannon

– Wiener Index of Diversity, Simpson's Index of Dominance and Pielou’s Evenness index

of the forest vegetation of the MLA are given in Table 3.14. The Shannon – Wiener Index

of Diversity, Simpson's Index of Dominance and Pielou’s Evenness index of the forest


98

type of communities of the core area were 1.914, 0.896 and 0.251 respectively. It

indicates that the species diversity was low and dominance was high.

Table No:- 3.12 List of trees, shrubs, perennial climbers and grasses found inthe mine lease area (Core area) during the summer season

Scientific name Local /Common name Family

Aganosma cymosa Nalla teega Apocynaceae

Agave americana Kalabanda Agavaceae

Azadirachta indica Vepa Meliaceae

Calotropis procera Jilledu Asclepiadaceae

Caralluma umbellata Kundeti kommulu Asclipiadaceae

Carissa spinarum Vaaka / Kalivi Apocynaceae

Cassia auriculata Tangedu Caesalpiniaceae

Cassytha filiformis Green thread creeper Lauraceae

Chukrasia tabularis Konda Vepa Meliaceae

Cymbopogon coloratus Bodha gaddi Poaceae

Cynodon dactylon Garika gaddi Poaceae

Decalepis hamiltonii Swallow root Asclepiadaceae

Dodonaea viscosa Bandedu Sapindaceae

Euphorbia antiquorum Bontha jamudu Euphorbiaceae

Euphorbia tortillis Naaga jamudu Euphorbia tortillis

Hemidesmus indicus Ananta mool Asclepiadaceae

Holoptelia integrifolia Nemali Naara Ulmaceae

Jatropha gossypifolia Wild Castor Euphorbiaceae

Pergularia daemia Dori Asclepiadaceae

Prosopis juliflora Mesquite Mimosaeceae

Sarcostemma secamone, Moon creeper Asclepiadaceae

Senna alexandrina Alexandrian senna Caesalipiaceae

Tylophora indica Tippa Teega Asclepiadaceae

Waltheria indica Nalla benda Ssterculiaceae


99

Wattakaka volubilis Doodi paala teega Asclepiadaceae

Ziziphus horrrida Tella regu Rhamnaceae

Ziziphus nummularia Regu Rhamnaceae

Table 3.13 List of wild and cultivated plants found in the area under miningwithin the core area

Wild Plant are indicated by*

Scientific name Local /Common name Family

Achras sapota Sapota Sapotaceae

Aegle marmelos Velaga Rutaceae

Albizia lebbeck Dirisana Mimosaceae

Azadirachta indica Vepa or Neem Meliaceae

Calotropis procera* Jilledu Asclepiadaceae

Carissa spinarum* Kalivi Apocynaceae

Cassia fistula Rela Caesalpiniaceae

Cassia siamea Seema Tangedu Caesalpiniaceae

Chukrasia tabularis Konda vepa Meliaceae

Citrus aurantium Battayi Rutaceae

Citrus limonum Nimma Rutaceae

Dalbergia sissoo Sissoo Caesalpiniaceae

Dendrocalamus strictus Bamboo Poaceae

Holoptelia integrifolia Nemali naara Ulmaceae

Leucaena leucocephala Subabul Mimosaceae

Mangifera indica Mango Anacardiaceae

Mimosops elengii Pogada Sapotaceae

Muntingia calabura Jamaica cherry Muntingiaceae


100

Peltaphorum pterocarpum Konda Chinta Caesalpiniaceae

Phyllanthus emblica Usiri Euphorbiaceae

Polyalthia longifolia Ashoka Ancardiaceae

Polyalthia pendula Ashoka Ancardiaceae

Pongamia pinnata Gaanuga Fabaceae

Psidium guajava Jaama Myrtaceae

Punica granatum Daanimma Punicaceae

Samanea saman Nidrabhangi Mimosaceae

Sapindus emarginatus Kunkudu Sapindaceae

Spathodea companulata Flame of the forest Bignoniaceae

Syzygium cumini Neredu Myrtaceae

Tamarindus indica Chinta Caesalpiniaceae

Tectona grandis Teak Verbenaceae

Terminalia arjuna Tellamaddi Combretaceae

Terminalia catappa Baadam Combretaceae

Ziziphus horrida Tella regu Rhamnaceae

Table No:- 3.14 Relative frequency, density, dominance, Importance valueindices (IVI), Shannon – Wiener Index of Diversity, dominance and

evenness of the structural species found in the undisturbed part of the minelease area. (Core area not under mining activity)

Scientific nameof plant

species

Relative

IVIFrequency Density Dominance

Calotropis procera 14.8 11.6 10.8 37.2

Carissa spinarum 8.1 10.4 10.9 29.4

Cassia auriculata 9.4 8.9 6.6 24.9


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Cymbopogoncoloratus

7.2 6.9 4.3 18.4

Prosopis juliflora 11.5 14.0 12.6 38.1

Senna alexandrina 4.5 10.2 9.5 24.2

Wrightia tinctorea 2.1 1.8 1.2 5.1

Ziziphus horrida 36.9 30.6 39.8 107.3

Shannon – Wiener Index of Diversity 1.914

Simpson’s Index of Dominance 0.896

Pielou’s Evenness index 0.251

3.13.5 Vegetation and flora of the buffer area

There are no forests in the buffer zone of 10 Km radius. There are plants but no

plantations. There are also fruit trees but not orchards or gardens.

As most part of the buffer zone is represented by current fallows without any plant

growth and as the natural vegetation is limited to a few wastelands or grazing lands and

roadsides, quadrat methods of sampling were not undertaken in the buffer zone. Further,

the mining is unlikely to have any impacts on the flora of the buffer zone. Most non

cultivate wastelands ware colonized mainly by Ziziphushorrida, Prosopisjuliflora,

Chukrasiatabularis, Caltropisprocera, Cymbopogoncoloratus etc. The people of the area

seemed to have given fairly good preference to Neem and hill Neem (Chukraisatabularis)

it is easily the most common and dominant cultivated tree. Almost all tropical native or

naturalized exotic species of trees such as Subabul and Eucalyptus are grown as avenue

trees. A list of plant species found in the buffer zone of the MLA including the species

found in the Ganganapalli reserve forest is given in Table 3.15. Chukrasiatabularis,

Ziziphushorrida, Securinegaleucopyra, Wrightiatinctorea, Bauhinia racemosa, Carissa

spinarum, Euporbiaantiuorum, Euphorbia, Euphorbia tortillisand Holopteliaintegrifolia are

quite abundant widely scattered in the forest areas. There are no rare or endangered or

endemic or threatened (REET) plant species within the buffer zone of 10 Km. similarly,

there are no thick rain forests or biosphere reserves or national parks or wildlife

sanctuaries or other ecologically sensitive areas within a radius of 10 Km from the MLA.


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3.13.6 Terrestrial Fauna of the study area

As the core area is not isolated from its surroundings by any barrier, there are no

chances for any kind of isolation or restriction of any wild animal to the core area or the

buffer area. As they are capable of moving from place to place either for food or shelter

or mate, it is not proper to list them separately for different areas. Hence, common

lists are prepared based on available secondary data and on the basis of direct

observation, indirect or circumstantial evidence such as foot prints, feathers, skin, hair,

hooves etc. The area of survey and study extends up to a radius of 10 Km in case of

terrestrial fauna. As there are no dense forests or wildlife reserves or other protected

areas around the MLA and as the area is surrounded by quarries, croplands and villages

the chances of occurrence of any rare or endangered wildlife is remote. The core area is

suitable for terrestrial reptiles such as snakes and lizards because of the presence of

large numbers of termite mounts and rocks. Among the mammals, monkeys, squirrels

and rats were found. The presence of endangered Indian Gray Wolfor fox orhyena was

ruled out as there were no attacks on sheep or goat though sheep and goat rearing is

very common. A list of vertebrate species other than birds either spotted or reported

from the study area is given in Table 3.16. Many terrestrial birds such as Indian Ring

dove, Minnows, Finches, Crows, Sparrows, Parrots, Mynas, Swifts, Doves, Pigeons,

Egrets and Weavers etc were common. A list of birds either spotted or reported from

the study area is given in Table 3.17. There are no foreign visitors or winter migrants

from across the globe. None of the species listed in Schedule I of the Indian

Wildlife (protection) Act was found in the study area.

Table No 3.15:- List of trees, shrubs, perennial climbers and tall grass foundin the Buffer zone

Latin name Common/Local name Family

Abrus precatorius Guriginja Fabaceae

Acacia leucophloea Tella thumma Mimosaceae

Acacia auriculiformis Australian Wattle Mimosaceae

Acacia nilotica Nalla thumma Mimosaceae

Aganosma cymosa Nalla teega Apocynaceae

Agave americana Kalabanda Agavaceae

Ailanthus excelsa Pedda maanu Simaroubaceae


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Alangium salvifolium Ooduga Alangiaceae

Albizia lebbeck Dirisana Mimosaceae

Alhagi camelorum Camel thorn Fabaceae

Alstonia scholaris Yeadaakula paala Apocynaceae

Annona squamosa Seethaphal Annonaceae

Anisomeles indica China ranabheri Lamiaceae

Anissomeles malabarica Pedda ranabheri Lamiaceae

Azadirachta indica Vepa Meliaceae

Barleria prionitis Mulla gorinta Acanthaceae

Bauhinia variegata Kachnar Caesalpiniaceae

Bauhinia purpurea Keolar Caesalpiniaceae

Bauhinia racemosa Aare chettu Caesalpiniaceae

Caesalpinia bonducella Gatcha Caesalpiniaceae

Callistemon lanceolatum Bottle brush Myrtaceae

Calotropis gigantea Tellal jilledu Asclepiadaceae

Calotropis procera Jilledu Asclepiadaceae

Canthium dicoccum Nalla balusu Rubiaceae

Canthium parviflorum Balusu Rubiaceae

Capparis brevispina Capparis Capparaceae

Caralluma umbellata Kundeti kommulu Asclipiadaceae

Carissa spinarum Karanda Apocynaceae

Cassia auriculata Tangedu Caesalpiniaceae

Cassia fistula Rela Caesaliniaceae

Cassia siamea Seema tangedu Caesaliniaceae


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Cassytha filiformis Green thread Lauraceae

Catunaregam spinosa Poison fruit Rubiaceae

Ceiba pentandra White silk cotton Malvaceae

Celastrus paniculata Danti Celastraceae

Chukrasia tabularis Konda vepa Meliaceae

Clerodendron phlomidis Inni Verbenaceae

Clitoris ternatea Sankhupushpa Fabaceae

Cymbopogon caesius Kamanchi gaddi Poaceae

Cymbopogon coloratus Bodha gaddi Poaceae

Cynodon dactylon Lawn grass Poaceae

Dalbergia sissoo Shisham Fabacae

Decalepis hamiltonii Swallow root Asclepiadaceae

Delonix regia Gulmohar Caesalpiniaceae

Dendrocalamus strictus Bamboo Poaceae

Dodonaea viscosa Bandedu Sapindaceae

Echinops echinata Ball of spines Asteraceae

Eucalyptus comaldulensis Neelgiri Myrtaceae

Eucalyptus tereticornis Eucalyptus Myrtaceae

Euphorbia antiquorum Bontha jamudu Euphorbiaceae

Euphorbia tortillis Naaga jamudu Euphorbiaceae

Euphroria nivulia Aaku jamudu Euphorbiaceae

Ficus benghalensis Marri /Banyan Tree Moraceae

Ficus racemosa Medi chettu Moraceae

Ficus religiosa Peepal / Raavi Moraceae


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Gmelina arborea Gummadi teku Verbenaceae

Hemidesmus indicus Ananta mool Asclepiadaceae

Holoptelia integrifolia Nemali Naara Ulmaceae

Hyptis suaveolens Danthi tulsi Lamiaceae

Ichnocarpus frutescens Black creeper Apocynaceae

Ipomoea carnea Moon flower Convolvulaceae

Jacaranda ovalifolia Jacaranda Bignoniaceae

Jatropha curcas Stanjet Euphorbiaceae

Jatropha gossypifolia Wild Castor Euphorbiaceae

Lagerstroemia parviflora Lendia Lythraceae

Lantana camara Lantana Verbenacceae

Leptadenia reticulata Jiwanti Asclepiadaceae

Leucaena leucocephala Subabul Mimosaceae

Mangifera indica Mango Anacardiaceae

Maytenus emerginata Danthi Celastraceae

Melia azedarach Bakain Meliaceae

Millingtonia hortensis Tree jasmine Bignoniaceae

Mimusops elengi Pogada Sapotaceae

Morinda pubescens Togari wood Rubiaceae

Mimosa instia Korintha Mimosaceae

Moringa oleifera Munaga Moringaceae

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Paarijaatham Oleaceae

Opuntia dillenii, Brahmajemudu Cactaceae

Pergularia daemia Thummulaa teega Asclepiadaceae


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Phoenix sylvestris Eetha Arecaceae

Phyllanthus emblica Usiri Euphorbiaceae

Pithecellobium dulce Seema chinta Mimosaceae

Polyalthia longifolia Ashoka Ancardiaceae

Polyalthia pendula Ashoka Ancardiaceae

Pongamia pinnata Karanj Fabaceae

Prosopis juliflora English thumma Mimosaeceae

Prosopis spicigera Jammi Mimosaeceae

Randia dumetorum Nalla Balusu Rubiaceae

Randia uliginosa Balusu Rubiaceae

Samanea saman Rain tree Caesaliniaceae

Sarcostemma secamone Moon creeper Asclepiadaceae

Securinega lecucopyrus Tella purugudu Euphorbiaceae

Securinega virosa Tella pulicheri Euphorbiaceae

Senna alexandrian Alexandrian Sennna Fabaceae

Syzygium cumini Neredu Mrtaceae

Tamarindus indica Chinta Caesaliniaceae

Tectona grandis Teak Verbenaceae

Terminalia arjuna Nalla maddi Combretaceae

Thespesia populnea Ganga raavi Malvaceae

Tinospora cordifolia Gurbel Menispermaceae

Tylophora indica Tippa Teega Asclepiadaceae

Vitex negundo Nirgundi Verbenaceae

Waltheria indica Angur Sterculiaceae


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Wattakaka volubilis Doodi paala teega Asclepiadaceae

Wrightia arborea Tella pala Apocynaceae

Wrightia tinctoria Reppala Apocynaceae

Ziziphus horrida Tella regu Rhamnaceae

Ziziphus marutiana Indian jujube Rhamnaceae

Ziziphus nummularia Jharberi Rhamnaceae

Table No:-3.16 List of Vertebrates other than Birds either observed orreported from the mining lease area and its surroundings up to a radius of

10 Km. The species found in the mine lease area are indicated by *.

Note: LC means Least Concern and WPA indicates Schedule of the Wildlife Protection Act.

(Vide: www.iucnredlist.org/apps/red list/details/13143)

Latin name Common name IUCN /

WPA

Amphibians

Bufo melonostrictus = Duttaphrynus

melanostictus*

Common Indian Toad LC/IV

Hyla arborea Tree Frog LC/IV

Rana hexadactyla = Euphlyctis

hexadactylus

Green Pond Frog LC/IV

Reptiles

Acanthodactylus cantoris Indian Fringe-fingered Lizard LC/IV

Bungarus caeruleus / B. fasciatus) Common Krait LC/IV

Calotes versicolor * Garden lizard LC/IV

Chamaeleon zeylanicus Indian Chameleon LC/IV

Dryophis nasutus Whip Snake LC/IV

Dryophis pulverulentus Tree Snake LC/IV

Hemidactylus brookii Brook,s House Gecko LC/IV


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Hemidactylus prashadi* Wall lizard LC/IV

Ptyas mucosus. / Tripidonatus

pisactor *

Rat snake LC/IV

Typholops braminus Blind Snake LC/IV

Varanus bengalensis Monitor lizard LC/IV

Mammals

Bandicota bangalensis* Field Rat LC / V

Funambulus palmarum * Three Striped Squirrel LC/IV

Golunda ellioti* Indian bush Rat LC/IV

Herpestes javanicus Small Indian Mongoose LC/IV

Herpestes edwardsi Common Mongoose LC/IV

Lepus nigricollis Common Hare LC/IV

Macaca mulatta Rhesus monkey LC/II

Rattus rattus House Rat LC /IV

Rousettus leschenaulti Fruit bat LC /V

Suncus murinus Musk shrew LC /V

Sus scrofa Wild Boar LC /III

Table No:-3.17 List of birds either spotted or reported from the areasaround the Mining Lease Area up to a radius of 10 Km. The species found in

the mine lease area are indicated by *

Common Name Scientific Name WPA Schedule

Common kingfisher Acedo atthis IV

Blyth’s reed warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum IV

Common sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos IV

Spotted sandpiper Actitis macularia IV


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Small blue kingfisher Alcedo atthis IV

Red munia Amandava amandava IV

Northern pintail duck Anas acuta IV

Shoveller Anas clypeata IV

Common teal Anas crecca IV

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos IV

Oriental tree pipit Anthus hodgosoni IV

Paddy field Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae IV

House swift* Apus affinis IV

Grey heron Ardea cinerea IV

Indian pond Heron Ardeola grayii IV

Common pochard Aythya ferina IV

Cattle egret* Bubulcus ibis IV

Little green heron Butorides striatus IV

Common Indian nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus IV

Crow pheasant Centropus sinensis IV

Lesser Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis IV

Bristled grass bird Chaetornis striatus IV

Kentish plover Charadrius 59lexandrines IV

Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius IV

Yellow eyed babbler Chrysomma sinense IV

Green Bulbul Chloropsis aurifrons IV

Pied crested cuckoo Clamator jacobinus IV

Temmincks stint Claridris temminckii IV


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Blue rock pigeon* Columba livia IV

Oriental magpie robin* Copsychus saularis IV

Black headed cuckoo shrike Coracena melanopetra IV

Blue Jay* Coracias benghalensis IV

Large cuckoo shrike Coracina macei IV

Jungle crow Corvus macrorhyncos IV

House crow* Corvus splendens V

Large egret Cosmerodius albus IV

Common grey quail Coturnix coturnix IV

Indian cuckoo* Cuculus micropterus IV

Grey headed flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis IV

Tickells blue flycatcher Cyorns tickelliae IV

Palm swift Cypsiurus parvus IV

Indian treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda IV

Yellow fronted pied woodpecker Dendrocopos mahrattensis IV

Brown capped pigmy woodpecker Dendrocopos nanus IV

Tickell’s Flower pecker Dicaeum erythrorhynchos IV

Black drongo* Dicrurus asimilis IV

Rocket tailed drongo

Dicrurus remifer

Golden backed woodpecker

Dinopium benghalense

IV

Little egret* Egretta garzeta IV

Intermediate egret Egretta intermedia IV

Asian koel Eudynamys scolopacea IV

Common kestrel Falco tinnunculus IV


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Grey Partridge Francolinus pondicerianaus IV

Common snipe Gallinago gallinago IV

Common moorhen Gallinula chloropus IV

White breasted kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis IV

Crested tree swift Hemiprocne coronata IV

Black winged stilt Himantopus himantopus IV

Booted warbler Hippolais caligata IV

Striated swallow Hirundo daurica IV

Common swallow Hirundo rustica IV

Wire tailed swallow Hirundo smithii IV

Pheasant tailed jacana* Hydrophasianus chirurgus IV

Black tailed godwit Limosa limosa IV

White rumped munia Lochura striata IV

Silver billed munia Lonchura malabarica IV

Spotted munia Lonchura puctulata IV

Blue throat Luscinia svecica IV

Copper smith Megalaima haemocephala IV

Crested bunting Melophus lathami IV

Chestnut headed bee eater Merops etanus IV

Small green bee-eater Merops orientalis IV

Blue cheeked bee eater Merops persicus IV

Blue tailed bee eater Merops philippinus IV

Median egret Mesophoyx intermedia IV

Bronze winged jacana* Metopidious indicus IV


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Rufous Woodpecker Microternus brachyurus IV

Black kite* Milvus migrans IV

Blue rock thrush Monticola solitarius IV

White wagtail Motacilla alba linnaeus IV

Grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea tunstall IV

Yellow wagtail Motacilla flava linnaeus IV

White browed wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis IV

Purple sunbird Nectarinia asiatica IV

Loten’s sunbird Nectarinia lotenia IV

Purple rumped sunbird Nectarinia zeylonica IV

Eurasian curlew Numenius arquata IV

Night heron Nyticorax nyticorax IV

Golden oriole Oriolus oriolus IV

Common tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius IV

Great tit Parus major IV

House sparrow Passer domesticus IV

Spot billed kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis IV

Small minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus IV

White bellied minivet Pericrocotus erythropygius IV

Yellow throated sparrow Petronia xanthocollis IV

Large cormorant Phalacorax carbo IV

Indian cormorant Phalacrocorax fusicollis IV

Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger IV

Indian pitta Pitta bracyura IV


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Baya weaver* Ploceus philippinus IV

Franklins prinia Prinia hodgsonii IV

Plain prinia Prinia inornata IV

Ashy prinia* Prinia socialis IV

Rose ringed parakeet* Psittacula krameri IV

Red vented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer IV

White browed fantail fly catcher Rhipidura aureola lesson IV

Red crested pochard Rhodonesa rufina IV

Greater painted snipe Rostratula benghalensis IV

Pied bush chat Saxicola caprata IV

Common stonechat Saxicola torquata IV

Indian robin* Saxicoloides fulicata IV

Black bellied tern Sterna acuticauda IV

Spotted dove* Streptopelia chinensis IV

Indian Ring dove * Streptopelia decaocto IV

Asian pied myna Sturnus contra IV

Brahminy starling Sturnus pagodarum IV

Lesser white throat Sylvia curruca IV

Little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis IV

Common wood shrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus IV

Wood sandpiper Tringa glareola IV

Common greenshank Tringa nebularia IV

Green sandpiper Tringa ochropus IV

Marsh sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis IV


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Common babbler Turdoides caudatus IV

Large grey babbler Turdoides malcolmi IV

Jungle babbler* Turdoides striatus IV

Common buttonquail Turnix suscitator IV

Hoopoe Upupa epops IV

Red wattled lapwing Vanellus indicus IV

Yellow wattled lapwing Vanellus malabaricus IV

Oriental white eye Zosterops palpebrosus IV

Note: The conservation status of the birds have been verified with the BirdlifeInternational’s 2010 update of the IUCN Red List for birds from web siteswww.birdlife.org & www.iucnredlist.organd found that there are no REET category birdsin and the around the mine lease area up to a radius of 10 Km.

3.13.7 Aquatic Flora and fauna of the study area

There are water bodies within the MLA. Papagni River is seasonal river which hardly

flows for 20 to 30 days in a year. During the survey period (Winter 2018-2019) the

whole stretch of Papgni River located in the buffer zone was totally dry and there was not

even a few drops of water. The whole river bed was covered by sand, Calotrpisprocera

and Prosopisjuliflora. All tanks and paddy filed were totally dry and hence no aquatic

plant or animal could be found. Hence there are no lists of aquatic flora and fauna.

3.13.8 Rare or endangered or endemic or threatened (REET) flora and

fauna of the study area

The list of plants found in the core and buffer areas are compared with the list of CITES

plants in India (www.bsenvis.nic.in/citesplant.htm). There is not even a remote

possibility of occurrence of Red sanders (Pterocarpussantalinus) and Cycasbeddomei, the

two endemic and threatened plants of YSR District within the study area. None of the

plants listed are included in Appendix II of CITES or in the RET category of the Botanical

Survey of India. Similarly, none of the vertebrates and birds reported from the study

area belongs to RET category. None of them is included in Schedule I of the Indian

Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 and its amendments thereof.


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The MLA is not a habitat for the highly elusive and critically endangered bird known

locally as Kalivi Kodior Jerdon’s courser (Rhinoptilusbitorquatus). The sprawling 464

square kilometer, Lanka Malleswara Wildlife Sanctuary of Rhinoptilusbitorquatus located

in Lankamalla Reserved forest.


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CHAPTER-4

Impact Assessments and Mitigations

4.1 Introduction

This chapter identifies sources of pollution from proposed mining activity in the laterite

and iron mine and evaluation of various impacts on environmental attributes in the study

area.

Environmental Impact can be defined as any alteration of environmental conditions or

creation of a new set of environmental conditions, adverse or beneficial, caused or

induced by the action or set of actions under consideration.

The environmental impacts can be categorized as either primary or secondary. Primary

impacts are those, which are attributed directly by the project, secondary impacts are

those, which are indirectly induced and typically include the associated activities and

changed pattern of social and economic activities by the proposed action.

This chapter discusses the incremental environmental impacts on the environmental

parameters during the operation phase of the project.

4.2 Impact Identification

Mining operations involve development of benches, approach roads, handling and

transportation, haul roads. The likely effects of these activities are:

Fugitive dust generation

Land degradation

Water contamination

Human health risks

The mining and associated activities of within the proposed mining area, etc will lead to

emissions of fugitive dust and noise levels in the mining area. However, it is proposed

that adequate control measures will be provided which includes water sprinkling along

the haulage road side to reduce fugitive dust emissions.

Proposed semi mechanized mine will result in disturbance of land use pattern of the area

and cutting of benches will result in higher chance of erosion effects due to surface run-

offs during heavy rainfall.


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The environmental impacts associated with the mining and associated activities are

described in the following sections.

4.3 Impact Assessment

4.3.1 AIR ENVIRONMENT

Impact on Air Quality

Iron and Laterite mining will be carried out by opencast semi mechanized. The air borne

particulate matter generated by handling operations and mineral transportation is the

main air pollutant. The emission of Sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of Nitrogen (NOx)

contributed by diesel operated excavation / loading equipment and vehicles plying on

haul roads will be marginal. Prediction of impacts on air environment has been carried

out taking into consideration proposed production and net increase in emissions.

Air pollution sources in the operating mine are classified into three categories:

Point source: Mining operations (Excavation)

Area source: Extraction of Laterite form the mine lease area

Line source: Transportation of Laterite from mining bench to mineral stockpile

Water tankers with spraying arrangement will be used for regular water sprinkling on the

haul roads to ensure effective dust suppression. The tippers will be timely maintained so

that exhaust smoke does not contribute abnormal values of noxious gases and un-burn

thydro carbons.

To assess the impact due to the production of 274000 Tonnes per annum on air

environment predictions has been carried out using ISC - AERMOD MODEL.

Air pollution impact prediction

The major sources of Air pollution due to the proposed mine is dust generation due to,

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

pollutants released into the atmosphere will disperse in the down wind direction and

finally reach the ground at farther distance from the source. The concentration of ground

level concentrations mainly depends upon the strength of the emission source and

micrometeorology of the study area.


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Air Quality Modeling

Prediction of particulate emissions, ISC-AERMOD View 8.8.9 model was used to predict

changes in air quality i.e., maximum ground level concentration (GLC’s) of PM10 due to

the proposed mining activity. The inputs required for the model are:

Hourly meteorological data

Source data

Receptor data

Programme control parameters

In order to estimate the ground level concentrations due to the operational emission

from the proposed project, EPA approved Industrial Source Complex ISC AERMOD View

Model has been used for a prediction. It is the next generation air dispersion model,

which incorporates planetary boundary layer concepts.

Point Source

Point sources for mining operations typically include dust collectors, hot water heaters,

and emergency generator(s). The following sources are anticipated at the present source.

Drilling

Cutting and Excavation of rocks

The above machineries are adequate to meet out the simultaneous development and

production schedule drawn out in this mining plan.

Area Source

Extraction of iron and laterite form the mine lease area, crusher activities and emission

of dust from dump area.

Particulate emission considered from the wet drilling operation as 4x10-5 kg/Ton of un-

fragmented rock (US EPA) & Excavation of un-fragmented rock: 2.30 TPH

SPM Emission concentration = 0.025 mg/s translated to 0.00025mg/sec/M3

Particulate emission from loading and transportation operation is neglected due to non

measurability factor. Further negligible SO2 and NOx Emission is anticipated in the Mining

Operation.

Line source

Transportation of Laterite & Iron Ore from quarry area to mineral stockpile,

transportation of ore to different destination by road, frequency of heavy vehicle

movements in haulage roads, the road conditions along with the Vehicle Maintenance

status etc. has a great impact on the fugitive emissions from mining.


119

The parameters considered for line sources are:

1. Road length of the segment = 1200 mt.

2. Road width = 5 mt

3. Concentration of particulate based on the traffic flow on the segment;

concentration of 0.0042 mg/sec translated to 0.000042 mg/sec/M3.

4. The emission height is considered at 1.5 mt from the ground level based on the

truck heights.

5. Composite meteorological hourly data for the months of Dec-Jan-Feb of 2018-19

is an input parameter for dispersion modeling.

Model input parameters: Control input

The options used for short-term computations are:

The plume rise is estimated by Briggs formulae, but the final rise is always limited

to that of the mixing layer;

Buoyancy Induced Dispersion is used to describe the increase in plume dispersion

during the ascension phase;

Calms processing routine is used by default;

Wind profile exponents are used by default, ‘Irwin’;

Flat terrain is used for computations;

It is assumed that the pollutants do not undergo any physic-chemical

transformation and that there is no pollutant removal by dry deposition.

Briggs rural dispersion coefficient has been considered

24 hours averaging are taken into consideration.

Predicted GLC with Operation of the mines

Based on the fact that the undulating terrain of the area and at 244 mt AMSL for the

Mining operation on top of the hillock, the dispersion modelling was carried out for a Flat

spread of pollutants (PM) in the vectorized wind directions. Based on the model output

the resultant GLC is been given in the table below.

Locations

BaselinePM10

IncrementalPM10

ResultantPM10

µg/ m3 µg/ m3 µg/ m3

Mine Lease Area 55.3 10 65.3Near PendlimarriVillage 54.6 6.47 61.07Near PagadalapalliVillage 56.2 8 64.2Near Kothasankatapalli 54.3 10 64.3


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VillageNear ChinnaDasarapalli Village 51.2 0.6 51.8Near ChimalapentaVillage 52.3 1 53.3Near TummaluruVillage 49.2 4.09 53.29Near Poddurthi Village 48.6 0.5 49.1NAAQS Standard <100 <80 2000

This is apparent from the modelling that the incremental concentrations are more in the

windward direction, in which the baseline concentrations are also comparatively more

than the other areas. The reason for varied incremental concentration is due to the wind

born factors in open area at higher altitudes. Irrespective of this fact the AAQ is still well

within the permissible limit.

Proposed air pollution control measures

Regular sprinkling of water at the active mine faces and also on the haul roads

Regular maintenance of transport vehicles

Provision of dust masks to the workers

Avoiding overloading of tippers and covering of loaded tippers with tarpaulins

during mineral transportation

Limiting the speed of transport vehicles

Regular maintenance of transportation road outside the mine lease area

Maintenance of 7.5m barrier zone all along the mine lease boundary and

greenbelt in the barrier zone

Periodical monitoring of air quality to take steps to control the pollutants.

Proposed control measures for traffic density

Batch transport system will be adopted, consisting 10 trucks in one batch thereby

providing sufficient space for normal traffic.

The transportation vehicles will be maintained in good conditions to avoid high

noise generators

Speed breakers, traffic signals, foot paths, etc will be provided at strategic

locations for the safety of the pedestrians.

Only trained drivers will be employed.

Regular cleaning / sweeping of mineral transportation roads nearby habitations

outside the mine lease area.


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4.3.2 NOISE ENVIRONMENT

Anticipated impacts on noise level

The main sources of noise in the mine area classified as follows:

Mobile Mining Equipment

Transportation vehicles

Mining machinery like excavators and transportation vehicles will create noise pollution in

the working area as well as along the transportation route. Prediction shave been carried

out to compute the noise level at various distances around the working pit due to these

noise generating sources.

Proposed control measures for noise pollution

Maintenance of greenbelt all around the working areas

Regular maintenance of mine machinery

Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the personnel who are

exposed continuously to the operation area

Display of sign boards at noise generation zones

Limiting the speed of haulage vehicles / tippers

Carrying out the mining activity and mineral transportation activities during day

time only.

4.3.3 WATER ENVIRONMENT

Impacts on surface water resources

There are no perennial water sources in and around the mining lease applied area within

500m radius. The surface rain water of the area flows from top of the area through the

natural slopes and joins to seasonal nalas of the area.

Impacts on ground water

The ground water table is estimated at 40 m below ground level in the mine lease area.

Since the mine workings are proposed on top of the hill lock, there are no chances of

touching the ground water table however, for accumulation of rain water in working pit is

possible. There are no water bodies in the mine area. The total water requirement

would be 15 KLD for mines and will be sourced from nearby villages. Later, the rainwater

accumulated in mine pits will be used for dust suppression and plantation to the extent

possible.


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The rainwater, which is going to be collected at pit bottom during rainy seasons, will be

percolated through the joints or fissures. Due to percolation, the ground water will be get

recharged.

The mineral does not contain any toxic material. The mining operation will retain much

above the ground water table of the area. Thus, there will not be any adverse impact on

the groundwater quality of the area. There will not be any process effluent generation in

the min lease area. Domestic effluent from the mine office will be discharged into septic

tank and soak pit system. Thus, no significant impact is anticipated on the surface or

groundwater regime of the area due to the proposed mining.

Proposed water pollution control measures

No mining during monsoon season

Collection of surface run-off from the mine lease area in mine pits for settling.

Construction of garland drains around the slope to collect and divert the surface

run-off from undisturbed area away from the mining area.

Plantation of fast growing grasses, small plants and bushes along with tall trees

on the 7.5m wide green belt around the mine lease area to control soil erosion.

Channelizing surface run-off from the mine lease area through garland drains to

settling ponds and only properly settled water will be discharged outside the mine

lease area.

Provision of septic tank and soak pit system for discharge of domestic effluent.

4.3.4 SOIL ENVIRONMENT

Impacts on soil quality

The lease area is in hill lock ridge shape and the surrounding is slightly undulating and

having sloppy terrain. The soil cover is absent in the quarry area. Therefore the mining in

this area will initiate utility of the land, if soil generates can be utilized for reclamation of

degraded area. Thus, no significant impact is anticipated on the soil of the area due to

the proposed mining.

Soil management

There is no fertile soil/top soil available in mine lease area. Laterite rocks are unfertile

which will be used in cement industries, hence saleable. The plantation wills also help in

preventing soil erosion from the mine lease area.


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4.3.5 LAND USE PATTERN

Impacts on land use pattern

The total mine lease area is Poramboke land on hill lock. The existing land use pattern of

the core zone is as follows

Table. 4.1:- Land use pattern of mine lease area


Total (ha)

A B C = (A+B)

Area under mining 17.89 6.27 24.16Storage for top soil -- -- --Overburden/ waste dumps 0.88 2.98 3.86Mineral storage (stockyard) 1.60 -- 1.60Infrastructure(workshopadministrativebuilding, siteservices etc)

0.38 -- 0.38

Roads (3m wide) 2.06 -- 2.06Green belt / Afforestation -- 0.77 0.77Others(Crushing plants,mess, Storeroom,weighbridge and generatorroom)

0.26 -- 0.26

Total 23.06 10.03 33.09

Table 4.2:- Reclamation and Rehabilitation Plan

Reclamation and Rehabilitation Proposals

Year Location Proposedare in ha

No. ofRows

RowLengthin m

Rowwidth inm

Plantinterval

ProposedPlants

Type ofPlants

2012-13 Pit-5N1200- E1600

0.942 123

150150150

202020

333

505050150

Teak,Sababul,Eucalyptusand Babul

2013-2014

Olddump-4N-400-E-1400

0.3640 123

757575

151515

333

25252575


2013-2014

Pit-5N1200-E1600

1.588 123

230230230

202020

333

777777231



124

2014-2015

Pit-5N1200-E1600

1.108 123

180180180

161616

333

606060180


2015-2016

Pit-5N1200-E1600

0.588 123

1605050

202020

333

54171788


Total 4.58 724Source: Approved Mine Plan

4.3.6 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Figure 4.1:- Photograph of Mine area

From the above figures it is clearly visible that the surface area is more covered with

rocks than soil and the soil is not fertile in nature. Further the soil moisture content is

very low, so that no plant can sustain in this area. Only few shrubs and herbs are grown

at random which are not economically valuable, only some grazing animals such goat or

sheep etc. roam for their food at the foothills as the core area is not isolated from the

buffer area. There is no settlement in the core area, hence in-si-tu animals are not found

here.

There is hardly any tree within the core zone or periphery of ML area. Current outline of

the buffer zone is without any major plant growth as natural shrub type vegetation is

very limited to waste land, and along the roadsides. Most common and dominant trees

around the area are Neem& Babul trees. Exotic species of tree such as Subabul and

Eucalyptus are grown as avenue tree. There are no rare or endangered or endemic or

threatened (REET) plant species within the buffer zone of 10 Km radius. Similarly, there

are no biosphere reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries or other sensitive areas

within a radius of 10 Km from the Mine Lease Area.


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chances for any kind of isolation or restriction of any wild animal to the core area. Due to

shrub type flora in the core zone and lack of water sources, there is no presence of any

animal (either domestic or wild) in this area. The area of survey and study extended up

to a radius of 10 Km in case of terrestrial fauna. As there are no dense forests or

wildlife reserves or other protected areas and as the area is surrounded by quarries,

croplands and villages, the chances of occurrence of any wildlife is remote. The core

area is suitable for terrestrial reptiles such as snakes and lizards because of the

presence of large numbers of termite mounts and rocks. Among the mammals, rats are

commonly observed. The presence of endangered Indian Gray Wolf, fox or hyena was

ruled out as there were no attacks on sheep or goat in the adjacent villages as sheep and

goat rearing is very common practice of the locals. Many terrestrial birds such as Indian

Ring dove, Minnows, Finches, Crows, Sparrows, Parrots, Pigeons, Egrets and Weavers are

commonly observed. None of the species found in the study area are listed in Schedule I

of the Indian Wildlife (protection) Act.

The total mine lease area is located over a small flat hillock covered with loose rocks

which is a non-forest wasteland covered by sporadic bushes and patches of wild grass

throughout the area. There are trees which are planted around the crusher area, except

which no trees of parent origin are visible within the area. There is no habitation of

human or animal within the total hill top area. Due to past mining activities, three quarry

areas have some storage of rainwater. Due to undulating topography and dendritic

surface drainage pattern, the runoff potential is higher than seepage and percolation in

this area. However, due to constant storage of water in the quarry areas, it acts as a

natural recharge area for the down-stream ground water conditions.

4.3.7 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

When natural & social resources problems are seen in this epiphenomena of human

practices, it becomes necessary to apply new methods to identify, understand and

reshape those practices that generate, condition & respond to natural resources

problems. Generally, achieving sustainability of natural & social resources, it is desirable

to have a smooth social transition from current short term, exploitive policies to more

long term adaptive & sustainable approaches.

The project is in mining sector and the major benefit due to the project activity will be in

the field of generating direct and indirect employment for the nearby locality of the

region. The local people were given priority during the operation period as laborers. The

project will provide positive impact on the economic development of the region in terms

of employment opportunities.


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Livelihood Benefits during Operational Phase:

The significant positive impact on employment and occupation is envisaged on

account of better economic status of the community due to better earnings.

Permanent Employees like machine operator, mining labor, security guards,

electricians, etc will be employed from the locality of the project. The locals

also can be benefited by supplying & engaging their machineries & vehicles in

mines.

Higher input will be possible towards infrastructural facilities due to the mining

activities and local needs.

Community infrastructure and services will be improved under CER /CSR

programs.

4.3.8 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Occupational health and safety hazards occur during the operational phase of mining and

primarily include the following:

Respiratory hazards

Noise

Physical hazards

Respiratory hazards

Long-term exposure to silica dust may cause silicosis. The following measures are

proposed:

Cabins of excavators and tippers will be enclosed

Use of personal dust masks will be made compulsory

Noise

Workers are likely to get exposed to excessive noise levels during mining activities. The

following measures are proposed for implementation

No employee will be exposed to a noise level greater than 85 d B(A) for a duration

of more than 8 hours per day without hearing protection

The use of hearing protection will be enforced actively when the equivalent sound

level over 8 hours reaches 85 dB(A).

Ear muffs provided will be capable of reducing sound levels at the ear to at least

85dB(A)


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Periodic medical hearing checks will be performed on workers exposed to high

noise levels

Physical hazards

The following measures are proposed for control of physical hazards

Specific personnel training on work-site safety management will be taken up;

Work site assessment will be done by rock scaling of each surface exposed to

workers to prevent accidental rock falling and / or landslide, especially after

blasting activities;

Natural barriers, temporary railing, or specific danger signals will be provided

along rock benches or other pit areas where work is performed at heights more

than 2m from ground level;

Maintenance of yards, roads and footpaths, providing sufficient water drainage

and preventing slippery surfaces with an all-weather surface, such as coarse

gravel will be taken up

Occupational health survey

All the persons will undergo pre-employment and periodic medical examination.

Employees will be monitored for occupational diseases by conducting the following tests

General physical tests

Audiometric tests

Full chest, X-ray, Lung function tests, Spirometric tests

Periodic medical examination - yearly

Lung function test - yearly, those who are exposed to dust

Eye test

Essential medicines will be provided at the site. The medicines and other test facilities

will be provided at free of cost. The first aid box will be made available at the mine for

immediate treatment.

First aid training will be imparted to the selected employees regularly. The lists of first

aid trained members shall be displayed at strategic places.


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CHAPTER-5

ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

5.1 SITE ALTERNATIVES UNDER CONSIDERATION

The mining projects are site specific as such alternate sites were not considered.

5.2 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Method of Mining

As per the original approved Mining Plan, The method of mining shall be opencast, semi

mechanized on single shift basis. Excavations shall be carried out by simple excavators.

Bench height and width will be maintained at 3m and 3m each respectively, with overall

slope at 35°.Excavation and loading shall be carried out with simple excavators of

capacity 0.9 to 1.1 cu.m bucket capacity. This shall be utilized for developmental work,

excavation and loading into the trucks. Tippers of10T capacity shall be utilized for all

transportation purposes.


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CHAPTER-6

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM

6.1 Introduction

The environmental monitoring programme provides such information on which

management decision may be taken during mine planning and operation phases. It

provides basis for evaluating the efficiency of mitigation and pollution control measures

and suggest further actions that need to be taken to achieve the desired effect.

The environmental monitoring program provides such information on which management

decision may be taken during mine planning and operation phases. It provides basis for

evaluating the efficiency of mitigation and pollution control measures and suggest further

actions that need to be taken to achieve the desired effect.

The monitoring includes:-

(i) Visual observations;

(ii) Selection of environmental parameters at specific locations;

(iii) Sampling and regular testing of these parameters.

Table 6.1:-Environmental Monitoring Plan

S.No. Particulars MonitoringFrequency

Duration ofSample

MonitoringParameters

Ambient Air Quality Monitoring1 At 6 Locations

Site office/DG setarea, workingpit-2 locations,Dump area and2-locations innearby villages(Pagadalapalli,Chimalapenta)

Quarterly 24 h PM10, PM2.5,SO2, NOx&CO

Water Quality Monitoring1 At 3 locations 2-

working pit and1-Pagadalapalli

Once in 6 months -- pH, TSS, TH,TDS &metals&IS:10500parameters

Noise Quality MonitoringNoise Levels at 4Locations;2working pits, 1-office/DG set

Quarterly 8 h EquivalentNoise levelsin dB (A)


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area and 1location atloading/unloadingpoint.

Soil Quality MonitoringSoil at 3Locations 1location near pit,1-location atdump area and1- location atPagadalapallivillage.

Quarterly One grab samplein a season

pH, EC, CEC,Moisture,Texture, BulkDensity etc.

6.2 Responsibility of Monitoring and Reporting System

The overall responsibility of monitoring the above parameters shall lie with the

management. The mine manager shall be responsible for day to day monitoring.

Records shall be maintained for the analysis of pit water and effluents, ambient air

quality data and noise levels. These records are not only required for the perusal of the

Pollution Control Board authorities but also to derive at the efficiencies of the pollution

control equipment as the objective of the project proponent is not only compliance with

statutory regulations, but also a serious commitment towards clean environment. The

management shall maintain the records as per the hazardous waste regulations and EPA

regulations and apply for the annual consents for air and water. Reporting system

provides the necessary feedback for project management to ensure quality of the works

and that the management plan in implementation. The rationale for a reporting system is

based on accountability to ensure that the measures proposed as part of the

Environmental Management Plan get implemented in the project.

6.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING BUDGET

The environmental budget is for the various environmental management measures in the

EMP. There are several other environmental issues that have to be addressed as part of

good practices, the costs for which have been accounted for in the EMP Costs. Moreover,

since environmental monitoring includes site selection, monitoring practice, sampling,

analysis and reporting, for which a standard rate is been allocated by the management

as follows.


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Table 6.2:-Environmental Monitoring Cost

Component Item Unit Unit Cost(Rs)

Total Cost /Year (Rs.)

Air

Ambient Air Quality – 6locations specified inmonitoring plan

Quaterly 4,500.00 108,000.00Fugitive dust – 6locations specified inmonitoring plan Quaterly 2,000.00 48,000.00

Water Quality

3 locations specified inmonitoring plan Half Yearly 2,000.00 12,000.00

Noise

4 locations specified inmonitoring plan Quarterly 1,200.00 19,200.00

Soil


Total 208,800.00


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CHAPTER-7

ADDITIONAL STUDIES

7.0 Introduction

As per the EIA Notification dated 14th September 2006, the Additional Studies carried

out for the project.

7.1 Public Hearing

Public hearing (PH) has been conducted on dated 23.04/2016 covering all the issues,

community felt that one time PH as per order of ownerable High Court of Madras has

already taken care and hence repeat PH is not required.

Public hearing for the project was conducted on 27.10.2016, from 10.00 A.M onwards at

Survey number 172, pagadalapalli village, pendlimarri mandal, YSR district. The

chairman of the public hearing was the Collector and District Magistrate Sri K.V

Satyanarayana, IAS, while the member convener was Sri A. Narendra Babu,

Environmental Engineer, APPCB, Regional office, Tirupati.

7.1.1 Advertisement

Advertisement for the public hearing was notified in two prominent news papers namely:

Sakshi, a Telugu Newspaper on 06.07.2016 and Indian Express, an English Newspaper

on 06.07.2016 and was postponed by the district Collector. Again Advertisement for the

public hearing was notified in two prominent news papers namely: Sakshi, a Telugu

Newspaper on 25.09.2016 and Indian Express, an English Newspaper on 25.09.2016 is

attached as Annexure-11.

Minutes of the meeting

The minutes of the public hearing along with the attendance sheet is enclosed as

Annexure-11.

7.1.2 Concerns Raised By Public & Proponent’s Response

The concerns expressed by public during the public hearing meeting and the responses of

proponent are presented in Table 7.1.


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Table 7.1 Concerns Raised in Public Hearing and Responses

S. No. Issue raised

by

Issue Proponent’s Response

1. Sri R.Gangi

Reddy

Pagadalapalli

He expressed his unhappiness on

establishment of the proposed mining

project at an area of 201.914. Ha this

may cause scarcity of fodder to the cattle

of surrounding villages. Due to the mining

operations the dust nuisance may occur in

the surrounding agriculture lands which

may also be a problem for cattle.

He also expressed his unhappiness on the

job opportunities provided by the mining

authorities to the local public so far. He

also expressed his apprehensions on

blasting operations which may cause

damage to the surrounding bore wells. He

also informed the District Collector, that

mining authorities are not allowing to the

surrounding villages to the mining area to

avail gravel for the usage of their own

needs.

With regard to Air Pollution, Industry proposed

to develop greenbelt on dump yard and also

water sprinkling system will put on operation

continuously along with providing bag filter to

the crushing unit to arrest dust pollution.

Cattle of surrounding villages will not be

allowed due to safety reasons. The allocated

land is not a classified permanent pastures and

other grazing land area.

The management assured to engage hired

vehicles to transport the material and also to

provide employment opportunities to the

eligible people hailing from surrounding

villages on priority basis.

The proponent assured that the blasting

activity will have minimal impact outside the

mine lease area, as the nearest borewell from

working mine areas is 800 meters.

Transport of gravel will not be allowed by


134

mines and geology department, as the mine

has low grade iron ore.

2. Sri. C. Ram

Mohan Reddy

Nandi

Mandalam

He expressed his unhappiness even

though many mining projects already

exist in this area and the proper revenue

is not getting to the concern Panchayaths.

Hence, there is no development activity

taking place in the surrounding villages.

He also expressed his unhappiness on lack

of information with regard to

Environmental Public hearing being

conducted.

Royalty is being paid to the mines department

and tax to District mineral development fund.

CSR activities will be taken up by management

with a fund of Rs.30 lakhs / 5 years for

development of surrounding villages as per the

suggestion of the public representatives and

revenue authorities.

Public hearing paper advertisement given in

25.09.2016 in sakshi, 25.09.2016 in Indian

Express papers and copy of EIA /EMP Reports

are submitted to District collector and

Panchayat office etc.

3. Sri A. Gangi

Reddy

Pagadalapalli

He expressed on the occasion that the

crusher was operated earlier which caused

a lot of air pollution in the surrounding

area. He also expressed his concerns on

shrinkage of loose soil resulting damage

to the bore wells due to mining

operations.

Water sprinkling in the dump yard,

development of greenery surrounding crusher

area, and provision of bag filter to the crusher

to mitigate dust pollution is proposed.

The district collector suggested that the local

geology department should conduct a study

and clarify the apprehensions of the villagers

regarding shinkage of soil.

The report is received and the conclusion as

mentioned in the report.


135

4. Y. Chinna

Sidda Reddy

Cherlopalli

He expressed his apprehensions on

mining operations which may cause

damage to the surrounding bore wells as

two bore wells of his were already

damaged.

Mining operations which include blasting will

have an impact within the mine lease area.

Vibrations due to these blasting operations will

be limited to 20 m and informed that the bore

wells of surrounding people could not be

damaged due to the blasting operations.

5. Sri Y.Pedda

Sidda Reddy

Cherlopalli

He requested the people to clear their

doubts/issues if any with regard to

environment in the presence of District

Collector.

Proponent assured implementation of all

pollution control measures.

6. Sri Siva Reddy

Kotha

Sangatipalle

While speaking on the occasion he

informed that there are 15,000 to 20,000

of cattle are depending upon these lands

for grazing and once this mining industry

comes in to operation due to air pollution

and non availability of land for grazing

and the cattle may seriously get affected

by this.

Water sprinkling in the dump yard,

development of greenery surrounding crusher

area, and provision of bag filter to the crusher

to mitigate dust pollution is proposed. The

allocated land is not a classified permanent

pastures and other grazing land area.

7. Sri Y. Chenna

Kesava Reddy

T.Sunkesula

village,

Yerraguntla

Mandal

While welcoming the project he explained

the importance of industrialization and

requested the public to approach the

District Administration headed by the

District Collector to solve their problem if

any due to the establishment of this

Proponent assured implementation of all

pollution control measures.


136

project.

Commitments to District Collector

1 To engage vehicles (transport) belonging

to local villagers on top priority

The proponent agreed to engage vehicle

(transport) belonging to local villagers on top

priority for transporting the material.

2 Emplacement opportunities in unskilled

category should provide to the local

villagers only

Local villagers are preferred for employment.

3 A social survey can be conducted for

finding out eligible educated candidates

for them skill development programs shall

be conducted to provide job opportunities

to local public.

The proponent agreed to conduct a social

survey for finding out eligible educated

candidates and impart skill development

training to provide a suitable job opportunity

by engaging third party training group.

4 A thorough study can be made and to

submit a report on sinking of land loose

soil at the depth of 100 ft with concern

government departments viz dept of

mines and geology and other related govt.

departments to clarify the apprehensions

of the surrounding villages

A copy of the report regarding reported

shrinkage of soil is presented as Annexure-11

along with the Public Hearing details.

5 The management must take up

development activities on surrounding

The proponent agreed to take up development

activities in surrounding villages with Rs.30


137

villages with CSR funds on need based

without any delay.

lakhs/5 years. The development activities will

be identified in consultation with public

representatives and revenue authorities.


138

7.2 Damage Assessment & Resource Augmentation Report

Introduction

Iron Ore and Laterite mine over an extent of 201.914 Ha located at Survey No. 172,

Village Pagadalapalli, Mandal, Pendlimari, District YSR Kadapa, and Andhra Pradesh by

M/s Sri E. V. Ranga Reddy.

Location

The mining lease is located on Open series map, Survey of India Topo-sheet no.D44G11

(57 J11). The area is bounded between the coordinates Latitude 140 26’ 18.1” N to 140

27” 17.7’N and Longitude 780 36’ 01.5”E to 780 37’ 04.2” E.

There is no forest land or habitation within mine lease area and it is classified as hill

Poramboke. The main road access for ML area shall be Kadapa-Vempalli road which is at

a distance of250m from the ML area in south direction. Pendlimarri Mandal headquarter

(Kadapa - Vempalli road) is located at a distance of 2.3 km from the lease area in east.

Operational History

Government of Andhra Pradesh, Industries and Commerce (M-III) Department

sanctioned the Mining Lease (ML) order, vide G. O. Ms. No. 73, dt.13.03.2006 for a

period of 20 years. Assistant Director of Mines and Geology (ADMG), Kadapa has

executed the mining lease deed and work orders issued vide proceedings No. 695/M1/06,

dt.25.03.2006 for 20 years period with effect from 25.3.2006 to 24.3.2026.

Detail of Violation

The M/s Pagadalapalli Iron Ore Mine at Pendlimarri Mandal, Kadapa District obtain its

mining lease over an area of 201.94 Ha and executed the lease as on 25.03.2006 and

the EIA Notification vide S.O 1533 was notified on 14.09.2006. The mine was issued a

letter on 08.02.2013 from Assistant Director of Mines & Geology, Kadapa YSR district

vide letter no. 843/Mi/ 2006 requesting to submit a valid Environment Clearance from

MoEF& CC and consent for establishing from AP Pollution control board to its immediate

effect. Subsequently AP Pollution Control Board had issued a show cause notice, based

on which the mining operation was stopped as 31st March 2013.

During the last five years the lessee has carried out the mining operations as per the

approved mining plan. The Indian Bureau of Mines officials have pointed out the below

given violations during his five years operations, Vide letter no. AP/CDP/Fe-5/Hyd dated

11.12.2009, vide letter no. AP/ CDP/Fe-5/Hyd dated 13.07.2011 and vide letter no.

AP/CDP/Fe-5/Hyd dated 30-09-2011


139

Impact Due To Mining

Ecological



very limited to waste land, and along the roadsides.

The total mine lease area is located over a small flat hillock covered with loose rocks

which is a non-forest wasteland coved by sporadic bushes and patches of wild grass

throughout the area. There are trees which are planted around the crusher area, except

which no trees of parent origin are visible within the area. There is no habitation of

human or animal within the total hill top area. Due to past mining activities, three quarry

areas have some storage of rainwater. Due to undulating topography and dendritic

surface drainage pattern, the runoff potential is higher than seepage and percolation in

this area. However, due to constant storage of water in the quarry areas, it acts as a

natural recharge area for the down-stream ground water conditions.

Damage Assessment

Developing this methodology would have a specific importance in creating a responsibility

and accountability mechanism for identifying an extent of damage imposed or likely to be

imposed on the environment through a relevant economic assessment as well as for

calculating ecological damage assessment and related compensation.

As for the regions with the developed mining industry, it is important to pursue a

principle to correctly determine the natural reserve, ecological capacity and

recoverability, put into consumer circulation the observation, monitoring and

management data, and implement technological and financing operations stage by stage.

“Net Damage or Advantage if is positive then the damage amount is due for

payment as appropriate and if is negative, then this becomes an advantage for

integrated Environmental and Socio-Economic components with mining”.

Therefore; Net Damage Estimated = (1,41,81,075 + 67,950) - 18,37,25,703 = -

16,94,76,678

Comparison of Pre & Post Mining Land Use Pattern

Digital change detection is the process that helps in shaping the changes associated with

land use land cover (LULC) properties with reference to geo-registered multi-temporal

remote sensing data. In this study different methods of analyzing satellite images are

presented, with the aim to identify changes in land cover in a span of time (2006-2016).

The methods represented in this study are vegetation indices, image differencing and


140

supervised classification. These methods gave different results in terms of land cover

area. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is calculated to estimate the

changes in LULC classes during these time periods. LULC changes are affected by human

interference and natural phenomena such as agriculture, population growth,

consumption, patterns, urbanization, economic development etc. As significance, timely

and precise information about LULC change detection of the area of interest is

tremendously significant for understanding relationships and interactions between human

and natural resources for better decision making.

Resource Augmentation Planning

Land Use

Out of the total lease area of 201.914 ha, the area used and proposed to be used for

mining of minerals is 17.89 Ha and 6.27 Ha respectively and total broken area is

proposed to be 33.09 ha, out of which existing broken area is 23.06 Ha.

Land Use Augmentation

As above mentioned land use pattern of the mine lease area manifest that all mining and

other activities are carried within lease hold area there is nothing outside the lease hold

area. As per the permission they are supposed to get both laterite and iron ore mine. The

laterite mining occurs at the top with low economical value and below it is iron ore with

high economical value.

Water Augmentation

Papagni River is flowing from SW to NW at a distance of 5.8km from the ML area in NW

direction. The rainwater flow through the slope of the area and join the seasonal nala.

Working garland channel is made to minimise the erosion and surface water

contamination around the proposed working area. As the mining activities were done at

higher level than the groundwater table, hence the water quality was not change. The

ground water is stocked at more than 40 m in bore well which is located in nearest

village. There was no chance of ground water accumulation in working pit as the mine

working are located on top of the hill to a height of 25m. Nearly 1km distance all bore

wells were located. The water requirement for mine was only for greenbelt, water

sprinkling on haulage road for dust suppression & domestic uses i.e. 15 KLD. There were

no bore well within & outside the lease area.


141

Community Damage Assessment

The product of the assessment procedure will be data forms that give a comprehensive

picture of the extent of the damage and the needs of the victims.


the villages, it was determined that during the mining operation days of E.V. Ranga

Reddy Mines, the average earning for family was Rs 18,000/ Month, which has become

Rs. 8000 to Rs. 9000 per month aftet the closure of this mine.

However after the Mining Operations were Closed, since 2013, the workers who used to

be engaged in mine are either idle or are converted to agricultural laborers. For

sustainability, the people of one village work in the fields of other nearby villages either

on wage basis or in batter exchange of labor basis. This has a great impact on their

family income and livelihood.

Out of the total working population, various livelihood dependency analysis was carried

out, whose result indicate that most of the marginal workers (around 61%) from the

2011 Census were mine workers in this area.

Community Resource Augmentation












Environment Management Plan

This section discusses the environment management (EMP) plan for

mitigation/abatement of adverse environmental impacts and enhancement of beneficial

impacts due to mining. The EMP has been designed within the framework of various

legislative and regulatory requirements on environmental and socio-economic aspects.


142

Action Plan for Damage Remediation, Natural Resource Augmentation &

Community Resource Augmentation:

The management of M/s E. V. Ranga Reddy has consciously decided to spend the

amounts as per the Augmentation plan abiding by the plan in its true sense.

Component Activity Year 1 Year 2 Year 3Total

(INR) Lakhs

Damage Remediation plan

WaterEnvironment

Construction of Checkdams and rainwaterharvesting structures inmine and Pagadalapallivillage for ground waterrecharge

2 2 2 6

EcologyPlantation in nearbyvillages & along the roads

2 1 1 4

Air & NoiseEnvironment

Health Camps to monitorthe respiratory and healthstatus of nearby villages(2 villages 1 camp/year @Rs. 1 lakh

2 2 2 6

LandEnvironment

Subsidy towards OrganicPesticides / ManureSupport for Horticulture innearby villages

2 2 2 6

Socio-Economic

Facilities support togovernment schools innearby villages`

2 2 2 6

TOTAL (A) 28

Natural Resources Augmentation Plan

1Drinking water facility byproviding bores & RO unitin nearby 2 villages

5 2 2 9

2

Providing financial supporttowards energy savinginitiatives like supplyingLED bulbs to Pagadalapalliand nearby Villages

1 1 1 3

TOTAL (B) 12

Community Resource Augmentation Plan


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(INR) Lakhs

1

Skill development foreligible candidates inHorticulture, Agriculture innearby 2 villages

2 2 2 6

2

Financial support towardspurchase of Agriculturaltools or machinery forfarmers in nearby villages

2 1 1 4

TOTAL (C) 10

TOTAL A+B+C 50.00

Estimated Cost for Environment Management

Environment management cost is estimated and presented below in Table

Particulars CapitalCost (Rs.In Lakhs)

RecurringCost

Air Pollution Control measures: bag filter to crushers, watersprinkling arrangement at crusher and water sprinklingarrangement on haulage roads.

18 1.1

Water Pollution Control measures; garland drains, sedimentponds, septic tank, retaining walls

20 1.5

Noise Pollution control measures; acoustic enclosure for DGset.

0.8 -

Waste Management: retaining walls at stock piles, dumps. 7.5 0.5Environmental Monitoring 14 14Occupational safety: PPE and medical check up 3.5 0.6Greenbelt Development/Afforestation 2.5 2.5

TOTAL 66.3 20.2

The total Estimated Damage Cost due to Mining is estimated at Rs. 1,41,81,075/- &

Total As-on-date Revenue Loss for Govt against Air & Water Act in AP is Rs. 67,950,

which totals to a damage cost of Rs. 1,42,49,025/-. Against which, the proponent has

paid up an amount in form of Taxes and Royalty for Rs. 5,26,35,703/-; Fine paid under

violation of E(P) Act under Sec 15 for Rs. 50,000/-. This sums up to a compensatory

amount paid till date to Rs. 5,26,85,703/-, which is more than the amount estimated

for the damage. Above and all the mining operation has provided Livelihood Support to

the locals for the duration of mining for Rs. 13,10,40,000/-, which has a greater socio-

economic impact on the locals due to temporary closure of the mines. Therefore the total

direct and indirect Compensations Paid as-on-date is estimated at Rs. 18,37,25,703.


144

Above this, the proponent has been doing environment management for the mine during

operation as per the IBM guidelines with a constant recurring budget for EMP.

Out of the total working population of the area, various livelihood dependency analysis

was carried out, whose result indicate that most of the marginal workers (around 61%)

from the 2011 Census were mine workers, who have been under financial constraints

after the temporary closure of the mine. Practically these people are waiting desperately

for the E V Ranga Reddy Mines to reopen for their benefit.

The complete Report on Remediation Plan along with Natural and Community Resource

Augmentation Plan corresponding to the M/s E. V. Ranga Reddy is attached as per

Annexure-12

7.3 Hydrogeology Report

7.3.1 Hydrogeology of the Area






Ground Water in Archaeans

Major Portion of the area is underlain by crystalline rocks of Archaean age. The

occurrences and movement of ground water is mainly controlled by the nature and depth

of weathering, joints and fracturing system. The open wells existing in the area are

tapping upper weathered zone of depth ranging from 5 to 18 m below ground level (B/L).

Most of the wells in the area fall in the depth range of 5 to 18 m B/L and about 30% of

wells fall in the depth range of 10 to 15 m B/L. Only 10% of wells are in the range of

more than 15-m depth. The depth of water table in them ranges from 0 to 17 m B/L. The

yield in dug wells with 10 to 15 m depth ranges from 80 to 180 KLD. The wells are

capable of sustained yield of 500 LPM with draw down ranging from 1 to 6 m. The yield

of bore wells range from 2000 to 4000 LPH. The wells take approximately 24 to 48 hours

for complete recuperation.

Ground water in Basalts and Laterite

Ground water occurs in the joints, fractures and crevices of massive basalts while in the

case of vesicular basalts it occurs in the cavities which are left open without being filled

by secondary minerals. These cavities form good conduits for movement of ground


145

water. The occurrence and movement of ground water, is controlled by the thickness of

weathered and fractured zones and the intensity of vesicles in case of vesicular basalts.

The depth of open wells tapping is laterite and weathered basalts range between 5 to 30

m. Most of the wells are Circular in shape and fall in the depth range of 10 to 15m.

Depth of water Table in them varies from 1 to 14 m B/L. The yield of water in dug wells

with 5 to 30m depth ranges from 50 to 150 KLD. The yields of bore wells range from

3000 to 5000 LPH. The wells take approximately 24 to 48 hours for recuperation.

7.3.2 Depth of ground water

In the granitic terrain, the average depth of ground water ranges from 5-8 m in recharge

areas and from ground level to about 3 m in low lying areas and valley bottoms. The

productive aquifers in the granitic terrain are met at the depth of 15 – 50 m below the

land surface depending upon the topography. The annual water level fluctuations in the

recharge areas exceed 9 m where as it is less than 3m in low lying areas. In basaltic

terrain the maximum water level fluctuation is of the order of 20 m in recharge areas

while the fluctuation along valley bottoms is about 6 m. Ground Water Prospect map is

given below in Figure No. 7.1.

Ground water levels are monitored from a network of 29 hydrograph stations in the

district which are being monitored four times in a year i.e. in the months of January,

May, August and November. These observation wells, tapping the phreatic aquifer,

include dug wells (26) and 3 Piezometer wells. The historical water levels highlight the

areas extent of ground water behavior and over exploitation and fluctuations of water

levels and quality changes with time and in space, effects of surface water on

ground water, rainfall (Pre-and post-monsoon) recharge, chemical and other

anthropogenic activities on the ground water regime. The depth to water level

distribution maps are prepared for May (Pre-monsoon) and November (Post monsoon) as

shown in Figure. 3.2 & 3.3 respectively.

Pre-monsoon water levels:

The depth to water level during pre-monsoon ranges from 3.13 m to 17.35 m bgl. The

shallow water levels of 2 to 5 m are observed in north east and north western part of the

area. The depth to water levels between 5-10 m is observed in majority of the area.

Deeper water levels of more than 10 m bgl are observed in the south eastern parts of the

project area.

Post-monsoon water levels:

The depth to water level ranges from 0.85 m to 12.27 m bgl during the post monsoon

period. The depth to water levels between 5-10 m is observed in major part of this area.


146

The depth to water levels 10 -20 m are observed in south eastern part of the project

area.

Ground Water Fluctuations:

Majority of the district shows rise in water level between pre and post monsoon period.

Rise of water level between 2-4 m is observed in major part of the study area. Rise of

water level of more than 4 m is observed only in south eastern and southern part of the

buffer area

Figure No:-7.1 Groundwater Prospect Map

A complete Hydrogeology Report is attached as Annexure-13.


147

CHAPTER-8

PROJECT BENEFITS

8.1Improvements in the Physical Infrastructure

The development of mining projects plays a key role in the economic growth of the

country. The growth of the Iron Ore & laterite mining industry significantly contributes to

economic growth as it generates employment both directly, indirectly and also due to

development of very vital semi mechanized mining industry. Peripheral development

takes place both around the mines and the downstream mining industries, due to more

influx of money through the populace, overall importance of the area increases and the

infrastructure improves.

From the very inception management of the mine has been aware of and concerned

about the health and safety of not only its own employees and their families but also

about the ecology and issues affecting society around their mines. As a corporate citizen

it has always been the endeavor of group to take effective steps to tackle all these

issues. Following improvements in the physical infrastructure are envisaged;

Condition of roads: As the transportation of all the Iron ore will be through road

to the site, the unit will liaison with the concerned Government department for

maintenance/up gradation of the road.

Condition of educational buildings: The unit will aid in

construction/maintenance of school buildings in the nearby villages.

Condition of medical and health care: The mines will have an in-house first

aid dispensary and tie-up with nearby hospitals/nursing homes for day to day and

annual checkup and treatment of employees, their family and other affected

persons.

Conditions of their infrastructural facilities: like transport, drinking water,

health and hygiene are also likely to improve due to the proposed project.

8.2 Infrastructure Facilities to be provided for the Mine workers

The safety of the mine workers, safety shoes, helmets, leg guard, ear plugs, sun

glasses and gloves, noise mask will be provided.

There shall be provided adequate and suitable shelters. The standard of shelters

will be accorded to Mine Rule 1955.


148

Tiffin and food, there shall be the provisions of Canteen and is will be maintained

properly for the use of all persons employed. The food items will be supplied at a

reasonable rate on a non-profit basis.

Sufficient quantity of drinking water will be provided on a scale of at least two

liters for every person employed at any one time and such drinking water shall be

readily available at conveniently accessible points during the whole of the working

shift. Sources of drinking water will be properly inspected and if required during

pre-monsoon season, by means of mechanical system, cooled water will be

provided to workers. Water sample shall be tested for it portability twice a year

from a Govt Laboratory.

On the surface at mine, adequate latrine and urinal accommodation shall be

provided at conveniently accessible places.

Dust suppression, washing etc, water tankers will be provided.

Washing and boating, cubicle will be made and water will be stored in the

cemented tank constructed at designated locations.

Jiggery, Soap and towel will be provided to all the mine workers/mine workers in

order to mitigate the effect of dust.

If required, Kerosene and Coal will be provided to the mine workers for preparing

their food at their houses in order to avoid cutting of trees.

Solar lamps, solar torches to be provided to the mine workers and solar lights

shall be supplied at designated location/villages.

Arrangements will be made for training of persons in first-aid and for speedy

removal of injured from the mine to a dispensary or hospital, ambulance will be

provided. Even if the ambulance van is not readily available in-spite of proper and

timely requisition, it may be other suitable motor vehicle in which proper and

timely requisition, it may be other suitable motor vehicle in which the person can

be taken in a supine condition on a stretcher, will be provided.

First-aid personnel, First-aid rooms, First-aid stations will be provided, as per the

requirements.

Houses where mine workers stay will be repaired and maintained annually or as

per demand of the workers.

Sufficient number of hand pumps and well will be provided for washing, bathing

and their daily-use affair.

To facilitate education activities, school bus will be provided to fetch children and

their daily-use affair.

School bags, school books and stationeries will be provided to the children of main

workers/employee. Time and again, School sports competitions/school quiz

competition, school debate competitions will be organized, keeping in view to

educate the society and to compete with the growth of the nation.


149

Sarees, Blankets, Raincoats, Umbrellas will be distributed among villagers and the

main workers.Tarpoline/sheets for their houses will also be supplied.

Check-dams/Protection wall/garland drain will be prepared in order to arrest the

mine water, so that the land for cultivation/agriculture should not get destroyed.

Medical camp will be organized and local prevailing diseases among woman and

children will be attached on priority basis.

Blood donation camp will also be organized and the public school be made aware

towards diseases occurring because of pollution etc.

Medicine will be provided to mine workers on free basis.

A committee towards “woman health awareness” will be formed and the local will

be made aware towards child control programme.

In and around mining area, road will be kept in excellent condition for

transportation of vehicles, play ground for mine workers will be provided and

tournament will also be organized. Football, Bat, Ball, T-shirts and Necker will be

provided to the local.

8.3 Improvements in the Social Infrastructure

Community development activities are very important aspects for any big organization

because people of the villages surrounding the mines are the indirect stakeholders.

Marginal positive impact on socio-economic environment is foreseen due to direct and

indirect employment, opportunity of business and social welfare taken up by the

company. The mostly rural population may see development of educational, medical and

infrastructural facilities. M/s E.V. Ranga Reddy is planning to have a well designed

Corporate Social Responsibility with a view to enhance the quality of life of the

beneficiaries. To implements this, the management proposes to launch several

projects/schemes. It is anticipated that the project would bring following benefits to the

people of the surrounding villages leading to improved standard of living, increased

revenue to the state by way of royalty, taxes and duties, improved green cover on the

denudated hillock.

The major areas where the management has already taken up social responsibilities are:

Education: Free education and mid-day meal for the students of deprived

sections. Support scholarship scheme, book donation, etc. are other facilities.

Social security measures

Promoting Sports & Cultural activities

Concern for society and Environment Protection

Community development & cultural events in villages

Health camps in surrounding areas.


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8.4 Employment Potential

The Governments always give major emphasis on the employment generation and social

upliftment while sanctioning any project in their state. There are some employments

directly involved with the project while others are related with its associated activities.

The employment in associated activities is referred to as indirect employment.

Direct Employment

Unemployment is quite common in the study area. Employment opportunities are not

growing in accordance with growth of education. Employment scenario of the study area

is largely dependent on the condition of govt. the present mining project has

employment generation potential by way of recruiting local people directly for different

activities of the mining project, specifically at the construction phase. It is expected that

substantial portion of the investment in this project will trickle down to the local people in

the form of employment and income.

It will provide employment to 184 people consisting of 168 unskilled workers, and

remaining are managerial employees and other supporting staff. The proposed project

will also generate indirect employment of 160 no’s to the locals during activity. The

employers will contribute to the provident fund, ESI and provide facilities as per the

relevant labor act.


available apart from the ESI medical facilities to the employees and their families. An

industrial Canteen is to be established by the company.








8.5 Other Tangible Benefits

Indirect Employment

The indirect employment and income effect of any mining activity is non-marginal and

usually remain widespread across a long region. Over the years M/s E. V. Ranga Reddy


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will cause generation of income and employment opportunities in the allied and service

units. Attempt is made to estimate the indirect employment effect of the project.

Downstream Industrialization

Mining projects by the very nature serve as the nuclei for development of allied

industries in the areas around them. These small and large scale units usually have

input-output linkages with the mining projects. The demand for iron ore by the several

industries is immense. This will bring mutual advantages with one acting as

complementary to another

8.6 Conclusion

On the basis of the overall results of the present impact assessment the following

conclusions are drawn.

The project is not going to cause any damage to the existing agriculture situation.

Instead, it is likely to provide the farmers with on-farm income.

The project has strong positive effect on average consumption in the study area,

which is likely to lead to increase average income through multiplier effect.

The project has very strong positive employment and income effects, both direct

as well as indirect.

There is possibility of increase in industrial development in the vicinity. This is

likely to bring more skill diversification among local people.

The project is going to have positive impact on health care and occupational

safety.

The project will have positive impact on educational status of people of the study

area.

Overall community development is envisaged due to this project.


152

CHAPTER-9

ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN

9.1 Introduction

This section discusses the Environment Management Plan (EMP)for mitigation/abatement

of adverse environmental impacts and enhancement of beneficial impacts due to mining.

The EMP has been designed within the framework of various legislative and regulatory

requirements on environmental and socio-economic aspects.

9.2 Air Quality Management

The air quality changes are anticipated due to particulate matter from mining activities

and SO2 and NOx from transport and other supporting activities which utilize liquid fuels.

The addition of gaseous pollutants due to the proposed mining activities is expected to be

relatively low. The proposed mining activity shall marginally increase the air quality

levels and following mitigative measures are proposed.

9.2.1Fugitive Dust Control

Dust will be generated from mine working faces, occasional drilling and blasting,

stockpiles, crushing activity and also during handling and transportation of the material.

The suggested control measures are given below:

Mining activity

The dust generated during the occasional drilling and blasting will be suppressed by

covering the drill rods by wet gunny cloth. Water sprinkling is adopted to mitigate

fugitive emissions generate during crushing and screening of mineral. DG set shall be

located in a separate closed shed with acoustic enclosure by providing sufficient stack

height as prescribed by CPCB. The crusher hopper and unloading point shall be provided

with water spray, bag filter will be provided in the crusher unit and the conveyor systems

shall be enclosed. Development of greenery surrounding the crusher area shall also act

as barrier.

Stock-piles

Wind erosion resulting in particulate dispersion, fugitive dust during loading and

unloading are mitigated by adopting optimum height of release of material from trucks,

spraying water to maintain optimum moisture on the surface to precludedust raise,


153

provision of greenery surrounding the stock piles. Loading and unloading operations will

not be taken up if the wind speeds are high.

Transportation/Haulage

The haulage of Iron Ore and Laterite within the mining area will lead to emissions of

fugitive dust in the mining area. However it is proposed to provide adequate control

measures which include water sprinkling in haul roads to reduce the fugitive dust

emissions. Tractor mounted sprinkler will be deployed. It is also proposed to cover the

material in the trucks with tarpaulin. Overloading of trucks will be avoided tomitigate

fugitive dust during transportation of mineral. Periodically the roads shall be graded and

spillage material shall be removed to the earmarked areas. The engines of the

equipments shall be periodically serviced to ensure proper exhaust gases monitored to

check smoke and CO levels. Idling of engines while loading and unloading will be avoided

to reduce transport emission. The number of trips for transportation of mineral shall be

62/day and PUC certified trucks shall be utilized for transportation of mineral and waste

material. Avenue plantation along the roads is proposed. Water will be sprayed on the

dumper material before transporting the same to crusher.

9.3 Noise Quality Management

Major sources of noise levels are operation of mine machinery and equipment, occasional

drilling, blasting (Magazine Outsourced) and vehicular movement. Noise generation may

be for an instant, intermittent or continuous periods, with low to high decibels. The

equipment systems will include cabins to ensure that the operators and other work

persons, in and around the operating equipment, have comfortable workstations.

To keep the ambient noise levels within the permissible limits of 50 dB (A), the following

measures will be adopted: Improved silencers, mufflers and closed noise generating

parts; Procurement of drill, loaders and dumpers and other equipment with noise proof

system in operator's cabin; Periodic proactive maintenance of noise generating

machinery including the transport vehicles to maintain the noise levels; blasting

operations to be carried out only during daytime; Blasting shall not be carried out in

stormy and rainy weather.

9.3.1 Control of Ground Vibrations and Fly Rock Boulder

Iron ore and Laterite excavation is proposed by using an excavator without low drilling

and blasting activity. Most of the area is covered with float ore only. Hard ore area

proposed is for excavation, which may require selective blasting. It is proposed to adopt


154

sequential blasting to create free faces within the rock mass during the blast, to provide

relief and control displacement of the rock mass, to improve fragmentation, to control

available explosive energy, to reduce explosive quantity detonated at one time and to

control ground vibration and fly rock menace.

9.4 Water Quality Management

Water requirement for the project is mainly for wet drilling operation (0.5KLD)

maintaining the green belt (3KLD), for sprinkling on the haulage roads (2.5KLD) to

mitigate dust emissions and for domestic purposes (9 KLD). The total water requirement

is 15 KLD. The rainwater stored in the worked out pits will be used for sprinkling, wet

drilling and greenbelt development. The domestic water is drawn from the neighbouring

villages through tankers. The generation of wastewater is only from the domestic

source, expected to be approximately 6 KLD which is sent to septic tank followed by soak

pit.

The mining lease area is a part of hill. The ground water is at 40 m depth below foothill

level. Workings will be carried out on top of the hill at a height of 25m from surface level.

Following measures will be adopted to mitigate the impact on the water resources:

During excavation and drilling activities effort will be taken to avoid face collapse at these

cracks and fissures. To prevent surface water contamination by oil/grease, leak proof

containers will be used for storage and transportation of oil/grease. The floors of

oil/grease handling area will be kept effectively impervious. As there are no perennial

water sources running on or through the site, the mine water discharge is limited to the

monsoon season only. During monsoon period runoff from the waste dump and top soil

dump would be checked by constructing garland drain and retaining wall to prevent

sliding and wash off of the material, the retaining wall would be made from boulders.

Check dam and siltation pond will be constructed of appropriate size to arrest silt and

sediment flows from soil and mineral dumps. The water so collected will be utilized for

watering the mine area, roads, green belt development. The drains will be periodically

desilted and maintained, the garland drain (size, gradient and length) and sump capacity

will be designed keeping 50% safety margin over and above the peak sudden rainfall and

maximum discharge in the area adjoining the mine site. The rain water accumulating at

pit bottom in rainy seasons will be diverted to worked out pits for storage and reuse. A

low head diesel pump unit will be deployed to dewatering the working mine pit if such

conditions arise.


155

9.4.1Rain water Harvesting Plan

The rain water accumulate at pit bottom in rainy seasons will be diverted to worked out

pits which are being used as reservoir. The stored storm water is reused for mining

activity and for green belt development. Due to percolation of rainwater from pit bottom,

the ground water will be get recharged. Rainwater from the mine office and other

structures shall be collected and reused for dust suppression. It is also proposed to utilize

the stored run-off water for dust control and toilet flushing. The old pit-1 and pit-2 are

using as reservoir to collect rainwater of approximately 175 KL capacity to accommodate

mine use.

Figure 9.1Rainwater Storage in Pits

9.5 Land Management

Land degradation is one of the major adverse impacts of opencast mining in the form of

excavated voids and also in the form of waste dumps. Land reclamation plan must,

therefore, be implemented simultaneously with the mining activities. During plan period

about 6.27ha area will be occupied by pit against the existing area of 17.89ha, dumps

will occupy about 2.984ha in addition to existing area of 0.88ha and plantation will cover

0.775ha. Site services like office, rest shelter cum first aid centre have been developed in

an area of 2.24ha and approach road covers an area of 2.06ha. The worked out pit-5 will

be backfilled with mine waste and reclaimed land will be rehabilitated by developed green

belt and some of the pits are used as reservoir to store the rain water. During the period


156

of next four years reclamation and rehabilitation is proposed to pit-5. During plan period

about 19.93 ha area is going to be mined out.

9.5.1 Land Reclamation

Any effort to control adverse impacts would be incomplete without an appropriate land

reclamation strategy. The first step in a successful reclamation programme is to decide

the post reclamation land use. About 4.226 ha in pit-5 will be proposed for back filling

and plantation will be developed with approximately 649 plants. Progressively, the

reclaimed land will be rehabilitated by planting different kinds of saplings including

ornamental trees, fruits etc. All efforts will be made to bring back the environment to its

original healthy state. Eucalyptus, Teak, Subabul and Babul plants are proposed at 3m

interval in 3 rows each year. The line row methods will be followed in ever year. All

precautions will be taken to achieve the survival rate at 90% plantation by providing

fertilizer water at regular intervals. The old dump-4 area of about 0.364 ha is proposed

for rehabilitation in the 1st year. It is proposed to plant a total of724 plants in 4.59ha

area in four years period. After back filling the pit-5, plantation will be developed.

Table 9.1 Reclamation and Rehabilitation Proposals


No.ofRows

RowLengthin m

Rowwidthin m

Plantinterval

ProposedPlants

Type ofPlants

2012-13

Pit-5N1200- E1600

0.942 123

150150150

202020

333

505050150


2013-2014

Olddump-4N-400-E-1400

0.3640 123

757575

151515

333

25252575


2013-2014

Pit-5N1200-E1600

1.588 123

230230230

202020

333

777777231


2014-2015

Pit-5N1200-E1600

1.108 123

180180180

161616

333

606060180


2015-2016

Pit-5N1200-E1600

0.588 123

1605050

202020

333

54171788


Total 4.58 724Source: Approved Mine Plan


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It is appropriate to convert the land under a cover of dense vegetation, keeping in view

the following; Trees absorb CO2, contribute oxygen, purify the air, conserve the soil and

prevent its erosion. Trees promote precipitation and add to stabilization of slopes.

Keeping in view, the land reclamation shall be carried out with an emphasis on

plantation. The disturbed land area due to excavation, dumping, construction of haul

roads, ramps, structures etc. would be fully reclaimed before finally abandoning the

mine. The reclamation process shall take one year for grading and top soil spreading and

another four years for landscaping and land stabilization. Thus the area shall be fully

reclaimed within five years of completion of mining operations. During post mining

period, the mine area will be reclaimed before decommissioning/abandoning the mine.

The cost proposed for backfilling, removal of machinery and site services and plantation

are approximately Rs. 10 Lakhs.

9.5.2 Land Restoration

During the course of mining, the original land form would get disturbed. In the initial

stages of the mining operation, concomitant reclamation of the land may not be possible

due to following operational reasons; Simultaneous opening of different benches at

different levels for achieving the desired tonnage and grade of R.O.M., Irregular and

heterogeneous nature of mineralization and Unfavorable topography limiting the total

backfilling of the pits with overburden. In consideration of the above constraints, it would

be preferable to take up the backfilling of the mined out block after exploitation of the

mineral. The restoration of the degraded land would cover backfilling and terracing with

the overburden / wastes and surfacing the same with top soil. Fast growing trees and

other native shrubs would be planted to stabilize the reclaimed land and prevent wind

erosion of solid particles. It is preferable to sow seeds of eco-friendly weeds which grow

even in adverse conditions. These weeds stabilize the ground and enhance the growth of

the native species of trees that shall be planted over the dumps. Post-mining land

restoration is basically mine rehabilitation. It is estimated that at the end of the total

exploitation of the deposit, about 33.1 ha mine leasehold land would be degraded. It

would be necessary to plan and execute the post-mining restoration with an objective to

recoup the lost vegetation so that the local communities are benefited to the extent

practicable. The original land form should be brought back by backfilling and terracing

with the overburden / waste material and subsequent vegetation of the restored land.

While reclaiming the mined out area, the original land form cannot be fully restored.

There would be some left out pits and depressions of varying depth which can serve as a

recharge pits by the impounding rain water. This would be beneficial in two aspects,

namely (i) it may recharge the spring table by seepage of water through cracks and


158

joints and (ii) the impounded water reservoir can be utilized for development of

afforestation.

9.6 Waste Management

No separate topsoil is generated from the mining and it is mixed with gravel and it will be

treated as waste. The un-saleable material consisting of gravel or fine material with

below 25% Fe will be treated as waste. During the next four years about 4,92,313 m3 of

waste will be generated from this mine. In this mine ROM recovery is 50%, remaining

50% shall go as waste and below 25% Fe material from recovery will be considered as

mine wastage. During next four years the quantity of ROM rejected and below 25% Fe

material generation will be about 5,00,901 m3. The total ROM waste that will be

generated at the end of lease period or life time based on the present reserve estimate is

approximately 15,06,749 m3. A dump yard is proposed towards northern side of the

lease area at 600m from the proposed mine pit in NW direction. Dump yard is proposed

in Northern side of the lease area with 284m length, 105m width and to a height of 20m

with slopes of 450 angles with a bench system having 5m height benches with a capacity

of 5,96,400 m3 to form contour terraces and later the waste will be used for back filling

the pit-5 in the coming four years. Retaining walls (with boulders mine waste material) of

suitable size will be constructed around the base of the dumps to prevent sliding and

wash off of the material. The waste dumps will be stabilized by constructing a retaining

wall around the toe of the dump to a length and width of 284m and 1.5m and to a height

of 2m at proposed dump area and about 140m length and 1m width to a height of 2m at

old dump-4 area. The overall slope will be maintained at 200. Hazardous waste like waste

oil and used batteries generated from the DG sets and mining machinery will be sent to

authorize recyclers.

9.7 Soil Conservation Measures

No separate topsoil will generate from the mining and it is mixed with gravel and is

treated as waste. The fertile soil if available will be used for plantation around site

services on dumps and all along the road. Soil mixed with boulders is unfertile which will

be used for laying roads. Garland drains will be provided around the mine wherever

required to arrest any soil from the mine area being carried away by the rain water;

retaining wall (boulders of waste material) will be constructed around the base of dumps

to prevent sliding and wash of the material along with soil. Toe walls with suitable baffles

will be provided all along the toe of the soil dumps to arrest any soil from the dump

slopes being carried away by the rain water; Loose material slopes will be covered by

plantation by making contour trenches at 3 m interval to check soil erosion both due to


159

wind and rain; Retaining walls (concrete or local stone) will be provided, around the

stockpile or wherever required, to support the benches or any loose material as well as to

arrest sliding of loose debris.

The soil erosion is expected to be very less due to the lease area being rocky and

undulating. The overburden and topsoil dumps would be provided with check dam/ bund

wall to prevent carryover of soil particles / silt to the drainage channels on the slopes

during monsoon period. After completion of the construction phase, the surplus earth

shall be utilized to fill up the low lying areas, the rubble will be cleared and all un-built

surfaces will be reinstated. The top soil from the excavated during the construction phase

will be preserved in separate stacks for green belt development.

9.8 Conservation of Flora and Fauna

The environment management plan to mitigate the adverse impacts on Flora and Fauna

of the core zone comprises mainly of afforestation with the dominant native species. The

development of greenbelt along the boundary of the mine brings an aesthetic look. The

fauna which was scared away due to the mining activities shall slowly restore. The

restoration of Fauna shall be accelerated by the introduction of few native species also.

The pits shall be fenced to prevent inadvertent entry of the animals. The working of the

mine is restricted to daytime only. A composite plan of greenbelt development within the

ML area will be implemented. The plan is prepared taking into consideration the growth

of diverse species mostly of local origin. The species to be planted should be compatible

with the local site conditions and provide good habitation for avifauna. Nitrogen fixing

leguminous species is also included. The species selection also takes into account various

other purposes like erosion control, economic value, medicinal value as well as

aesthetics. For carrying out this greenbelt development programme within the acquired

area, it may be necessary to arrange procurement of good quality soil from other sources

apart from conditioning of the existing soil cover with lime and other nutrients.

9.9 Greenbelt Development Plan

About 100 no. of saplings are planted in eastern part of the lease area in 600m2, the

survival rate is 40% and about 250 no. of fruit and avenue plants are developed around

the site office. The Afforestation (restoration) plan has been prepared keeping in view the

land use changes that will occur due to mining operation in the area. The objectives of

the restoration plan are; Reclaim the mined out areas by planting trees, which are

indigenous in nature, Provide a green belt around the periphery of the mining area to

combat the dispersal of dust in the adjoining areas, Protect the erosion of the soil,


160

Conserve moisture for increasing ground water recharging, Restore the ecology of the

area, Restore aesthetic beauty of the locality and meet the requirement of fodder, fuel

and timber of the local community. The proposed mine lease area has low vegetation due

to denudation and anthropogenic pressures, however it is proposed to have dense green

belt in and around the mine site, loading and unloading facilities, and in abandoned mine

area during reclamation process. About 4.226 ha in pit-5 will be proposed for back filling

and plantation will be developed with approximately 649 plants. The old dump-4 area of

about 0.364 ha is proposed for rehabilitation in the 1st year. It is proposed to plant a

total of 724 plants in 4.59ha area in four years period. About 0.775ha area on eastern

and western sides of barrier zone will be planted during plan period with 80 plants like

teak, Subabul and babul at 3m interval. Every year about 220m length of barrier zone

along the boundary will be planted with 250 plants. Precautionary measures like regular

watering, providing manure & fencing will be taken up to achieve at least 60% of survival

rate of plantation in this area.

Table 9.2:- List of Plants identified for Greenbelt and Restoration of MinePits

Botanical Name Local Name Importance

Achras sapota Sapota Edible fruits

Aegle marmelos Velaga Edible fruits & Medicinal

Ailanthus excelsa Pedda maanu Tree borne oil

Albizi a lebbeck Dirisana Shade, timber and scented flowers

Azadirachta indica Vepa or Neem Neem oil & neem products

Cassia fistula Rela Ornamental and bark is a source of

tannin

Cassia siamea Seema Tangedu Ornamental tree

Chukrasia tabularis Konda vepa Fast growth; thick canopy and

propagation

from cuttings

Dalbergia sissoo Sissoo Timber

Dendrocalamus strictus Bamboo Mainly as soil binder and bamboo

Ficus benghalensis Marri Shade and a source of food for birds

Ficus religiosa Raavi Shade and a source of food for birds

Gmelina arborea Gummadi teku Timber

Grevilea robusta Silver oak Avenue tree

Holoptelia integrifolia Nemali naara Fibre and timber

Leucaena leucocephala Subabul Fodder and pulp wood

Mangifera indica Mango Edible fruit


161

Mimosops elengii Pogada Shade and edible fruit

Muntingia calabura Singapore cherry Shade and edible fruit

Peltaphorum

pterocarpum

Konda Chinta Shade

Phoenix sylvestris Eetha Soils binder & fruit

Pithecellobium dulce Seema chinta Aril of the fruit is edible

Pongamia pinnata Gaanuga Source of biodiesel

Polyalthia pendula Ashoka Majestic tree with drooping branches

Polyalthia longifolia Ashoka Avenue tree

Psidium guajava Jaama Edible fruit

Samanea saman Nidrabhangi Shade, timber and fodder.

Sapindus emarginatus Kunkudu Soap nut tree

Spathodea companulata Flame of the forest Ornamental avenue tree

Syzygium cumini Neredu Edible fruits

Tamarindus indica Chinta Tamarind fruit and leaf

Tectona grandis Teak Timber

Terminalia arjuna Nallamaddi Timber and shade tree

Terminalia catappa Baadam Edible nuts

Ziziphus horrida Regu Edible fruit

Figure 9.2:- Plantation Program


162

Table 9.3:- Plantation Planned Cost for next Five Years


ProposedNo. ofPlants

Type ofPlants

Cost ofPlantation

Fist Year Pit-5PeripheralArea

0.942 2355 Teak, Sababul,Eucalyptus andBabul

2,35,500

2ndYear

Old dump-4 0.364 910 Teak, Sababul,Eucalyptus andBabul

91,000

3rd Year Pit-5ReclaimedArea


3,97,000

4th Year Pit-5ReclaimedArea


2,77,000

5th Year Pit-5ReclaimedArea


1,47,000

Total 4.58 11450 11,47,500

9.10 Transportation Management

The main haul road and feeder roads would be generally of 8 m wide keeping provisions

for roadside plantation and drainage. The corners and bends would be made in such a

way as to offer the vehicle operator, a clear visibility of at least 10 m along the road. The

alignment of haul roads and feeder roads may require alteration with the progress of

mining work. The number of trips (18 ton tipper) required for transportation of end

material (336000 TPA) will be approximately 62 no’s per day. The main road access for

ML area shall be Kadapa-Vempalli 4 lane road which is at a distance of 250m from the ML

area in south direction. The mine lease has approach road from the main road and there

are no settlements, major crops or water bodies along the approach road. Considering 8


163

workings hours per day, the increased traffic shall be 8 no. of trips per hour, which will

have minimal environmental impact on the road and the peripheral areas.

9.11 Socio Economics

Community Resource Augmentation


















mines.

Higher input will be possible towards infrastructural facilities due to the mining

activities and local needs.

Community infrastructure and services will be improved under CER /CSR

programs.

9.12 Environmental Management System (EMS)

The mine authority will adopt environmental management system (EMS) which will assist

mine management to meet both current and future environmental requirements and

challenges. EMS will provide a structural view and control of the organisation's

environmental performance that will be applied from planning and exploration to mine

closure.


164

The following components are being taken to establish an EMS; Organizational

Commitment, Environmental Policy, Environmental Impact Assessment, Objectives and

Targets, Environmental Management Plan (EMP), Documentation, Responsibilities and

Reporting Structure, Training, Environmental Review Audits and Emission and

performance monitoring.

The mine management will follow a comprehensive and systematic health and safety

function which involves all personnel seeking to identify hazards and assessing risk to

prevent and eliminate all accidents/injuries. A basis will be evolved for identifying and

correcting unsafe practices and conditions, monitoring safely performance and

recognizing results. The mine management will prepare a detailed reclamation and mine

closure plan of mine operation prior to commencement of the mine operation.

9.12.1 Environment Policy

In order to protect the environment and for sustainable development, an Environmental

Policy will be developed & adopted by Lessee and as follows:

9.12.2 Objective

The Environmental Policy is framed specifically to fulfil the following objectives:

Create a work environment which enhances/ motivates production and

productivity.

Encourage safe and scientific mining and other engineering practices.

Promoting awareness among employees and the neighbouring village populace to

adopt environment acceptable procedures, restricting environment degradation

and pollution to the barest minimum.

To achieve Communal harmony and peace amongst the employees and the local

villagers for heading fast towards "sustainable development".

Restoration of the post mining land use to the pre-mining status, to the extent

possible.

Prevent pollution in its activities associated with mining.

Continually improve environmental performance and comply with environmental

legislations and regulations.

Conserving energy and other resources through optimum utilization and waste

minimization. Reducing the waste and fugitive pollutants emissions though

extensive possibility.

Training and involving the employees for development of Clean and Green

Environment.


165

Evaluate environmental performance through periodic reviews and audits to

ensure that our conduct is consistent with these principles.

9.12.3 Responsibility

Maintaining ecological balance by adequate environmental protection and environment

improvement works is entrusted to the Mines Manager of the project. In the event of

observation of non compliance by any employee, the same is informed to mine manager

and the lessee. These two will identify the cause and implement the mitigation measures

or engineering controls required. The Lessee will monitor the environmental performance

and guide the manager and employees for maintaining good environmental practices and

to adopt newer, safe and cleaner technologies.

9.12.4 Environment Management Cell (EMC)

A Cell for Environment Management within the mine at the project level, will take the

overall responsibility for co-ordination of the actions required for environmental

management and mitigation, and for monitoring the progress of the proposed

management plans and actions to be taken for the project. The Cell will be under the

overall supervision of the Mine Manager, and responsible for monitoring of the

implementation of the various actions which are to be executed by the agencies specified

in the EMP. The Cell will report on a regular basis to the mine manager. The Cell will be

headed by Mine Manager and the other members of the cell that will include a

Horticulturist and supervisor.

9.13 CSR Action Plan

An amount of Rs. 30 lakhs is earmarked for CSR activities and will be spent over a period

of 5 years for the proposed project. The social development programs are identified in

consultation with the local authorities and district administration. The activities identified

for social development in the neighboring area, schedule of implementation and cost

estimate is presented in table

Table 9.3 CSR Plan and Budget for 5 years

Activity No. of Beneficiaries Amount (Rs. Lakhs)

Medical camps in nearby

villages and supply of

medicines

Approximately 3 villages

(Pagadalapalli, Chimalapenta

and Chhatram) and 1000 people

5


166

Health Awareness programs

like HIV/AIDS, TB, Asthma

and other lifestyle diseases

Approximately 3 villages as

above

3

Supply of Bags, books,

uniforms & Education

facilities for poor brilliant

students

4 Schools and 200 students 5

Plantation and construction

of toilets in nearby schools


Training and awareness

programs for job facilities to

unemployed graduates and

post graduates

3 villages as above and 200

members approx.

5

Embroidery and tailoring

training to back ward and

weaker section women


members approx.

2

Finance to local sports

persons/ events

Approximately 30 no’s 3

Financial support during

festivals

3 villages as above 3

TOTAL 30

Other than the CSR activities, the project proponent also commits to spend an amount of

Rs. 44 Lacs towards Corporate Environment Responsibility in next three years for the

community as planned below:

Table 9.4 CER Plan with Budget for next 3 years

ComponentCategory

Activity Year1

Year2

Year3

Total(INR)Lakhs

WaterManagement

Construction of Check dams and rainwaterharvesting structures in mine and Pagadalapallivillage for ground water recharge

2 2 2 6

Ecology Plantation in nearby villages & along the roads 2 1 1 4

LandEnvironment

Subsidy towards Organic Pesticides / ManureSupport for Horticulture in nearby villages

2 2 2 6

CivilConstruction

Facilities support to government schools in nearbyvillages`

2 2 2 6


167

DrinkingWater

Drinking water facility by providing bores & ROunit in nearby 2 villages

5 2 2 9

AlternativeEnergy

Providing financial support towards energy savinginitiatives like supplying LED bulbs toPagadalapalli and nearby Villages

1 1 1 3

SkillDevelopment

Skill development for eligible candidates inHorticulture, Agriculture in nearby 2 villages

2 2 2 6

Supply ofAgriculturalTools

Financial support towards purchase of Agriculturaltools or machinery for farmers in nearby villages

2 1 1 4

TOTAL 44

9.14 Cost Estimate for Environment Management

Other than the Plantation Cost and Environmental Monitoring Cost, which are recurring

costs, the Environment Management Cost is estimated for abatement of Pollution and its

Control Measures:

Table 9.4 EMP COST


RecurringCost


18 1.1


20 1.5


0.8 -

Waste Management: retaining walls at stock piles, dumps. 7.5 0.5Environmental Monitoring 14 14Occupational safety: PPE and medical checkup 3.5 0.6Greenbelt Development/Afforestation 2.5 2.5

TOTAL 66.3 20.2


168

CHAPTER-10

SUMMARY & CONCLUSION

10.1.1 Introduction

Sri E. V. Ranga Reddy proposes to conduct opencast semi mechanized mining for low

grade Iron ore and Laterite over an extent of 201.914 ha in Survey Number 172,

Pagadalapalli village, Pendlimarri mandal, YSR district, Andhra Pradesh.

As per EIA Notification dated 14thSep, 2006 as amended from time to time, the project

falls under Category “A”, of item 1 (a).

10.1.2 Purpose of EIA Report

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC), Government of India

Issued a notification vide S.O. 1533 dt. 14.9.2006; mandates prior environmental

clearance for various developmental project or activity. Mining of Minerals spread over 50

ha of mining lease area needs to obtain prior environmental clearance vide Serial No.

1(a) under category ‘A’ of the schedule of the above mentioned notification. Accordingly

the project proponent obtained terms of reference from Ministry of Environment, Forests

and Climate Change, Government of India (GOI) for conducting environmental study and

prepare Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environment Management Plan

(EMP), following the due process as mentioned in the said notification, vide letter no. J

11015/46/2013-IA. II (M), dt.18.7.2014, dt.10.01.2017. The present study follows the

prescribed TOR’s after necessary due diligence regarding violation of EP act, and Public

Consultation and submission of final environmental impact assessment report (EIA) for

the appraisal of expert appraisal committee (EAC) to obtain Environmental Clearance.

10.1.3 Statutory Application Status

Description DateMine lease deed executed by "The Asst. Director of Mines and Geology,Kadapa" proceedings no. 695/MI/06, dt.25.03.2006 : 25.03.2006

EIA notification S.O 1533, dt.14.09.2006 : 14.09.2006

TOR application submitted : 11.02.2013

TOR meeting : 16.04.2013

Corrigendum in TOR : 17.05.2013

Violation Letter received from MoEF & CC : 17.06.2013

Credible action was taken letter submitted : 14.05.2014


169

TOR letter issued : 18.07.2014

DFO Letter for flora and fauna authentication : 05.08.2014Draft EIA Submitted to RO, APPCB for Public Hearing (PH) : 03.01.2015PH Advertisement : 06.07.2016

Postponement of Environmental Public Hearing : 09.08.2016

Re public hearing advertisement : 25.09.2016

Public hearing : 27.10.2016

TOR extension applied : 09.11.2016

TOR extension acceptance : 08.12.2016

TOR extension meeting : 15.12.2016

TOR extension Minutes of meeting : 27.12.2016

TOR Extension received : 10.01.2017

Report on subsidence received from ADMG : 02.02.2017

Final EIA submitted to MoEF&CC : 10.02.2017

EAC meeting schedule : 10.03.2017

EAC meeting : 20.03.2017

Letter from MoEF&CC for Submission of AMP : 19.04.2017

Approved Mine Plan (AMP) : 11.09.2017

Details sought by MoEF&CC, Production details duly authenticated byDepartment of Mines & Geology, since the inception of the mine

: 12.10.2017

Production details from Assistant Director of Mines &Geology, Kadapa.A.P.

: 27.10.2017

MoEF&CC letter to Project Proponent to reapply for EC under ViolationCategory.

: 28.03.2018

Project Proponent reapplied for EC. Acknowledge No.IA/AP/MIN/74255/2018 : 11.04.2018

Project considered for ToR in 13th meeting of Expert AppraisalCommittee held on 18th-20th Sep, 2018 for the proposal involvingviolation.

: 18.09.2018

New Fresh ToR issued under Violation : 10.12.2018

10.1.4 Mining Method











170








10.1.5 Mining Location

The mine lease area is situated on Survey of India topo sheet no. 57J/11 with


Longitude with a highest elevation of 244m above MSL in Southwest portion of ML area

and lowest elevation of 187m above MSL in northeast portion of the ML area spread over

an extent of 201.914 Ha. Major Town and railway station is Kadapa town, located at

21km away from the lease area. Papagni River is flowing from SW to NW at a distance of

5.8km from the ML area in NW direction. Ganganapalle reserve forest is located at

4.5km in south direction from the mine lease boundary.

10.1.6 Site Details

Topography The lease area is a hilly terrain consisting of different ridges and

valleys.

Coordinates 14° 26’ 18.1” - 14° 27’ 17.7”N Latitude

78° 36’ 01.5” - 78° 37’ 04.2” E Longitude

Toposheet No 57J/11

Elevation above

MSL

244m above MSL in Southwest portion of ML area and lowest

elevation of 187m above MSL in northeast portion of the ML area

Nearest Town Kadapa; 21Km

Nearest Habitation Pendlimarri;3.53Km, Pagadalapalli,1.1Km

Nearest Major

Road/ Highways

NH18, Kurnool Chittoor Highway 20.60Km, Kadapa-Vempalli Road

2.3 Km

Nearest Railway

Station

Kadapa Railway Station; 21Km


171

Airport Kadapa Airport 18.49Km

Seaport Vishakapatnam 610Km NE

River Nala Papagni River is flowing from SW to NW at a distance of 5.8km

from the ML area in NW direction.

R.F/ P.F Ganganapalle reserve forest is located at 4.5km in south direction

from the mine lease boundary

10.1.7 Objective of EIA Study

As per Terms of Reference (ToR) vide letter no-23-239/ 2018-IA.III (v) dtd:-10.12.2018,

it is mandated to carry out EIA/ EMP Study. As previously, the Ministry issued the Terms

of Reference (ToR) vide letter no J-11015/46/2013-IA. II(M) dated 18th July, 2014, the

Ministry noted that the said proposal is a violation proposal as mine was operating

without obtaining prior Environmental Clearance. The prosecution report has been filed in

the Court of additional Judicial Magistrate, Kadapa on 31.01.2014 vide Case No. C. C.

28/2014 to take cognizance of offence by the said court by invoking powers under

section 19 of Environment (protection) act, which has been committed by the offending

project and the affidavit dated 28.05.2014 stating that such violations of Environment

(protection) Act, 1986 will not be repeated in the future is also submitted and the mining

is closed from 23.02.2013. Further, PP requested to Extension of Validity of TOR

Accordingly, the Ministry granted the Extension of Validity of TOR vide letter of even on

dated 10th January, 2017. The Project Proponent applied on 10.02.2017 along with the

EIA/ EMP report for grant of Environmental Clearance. PP also submitted that PP

conducted the Public Hearing on 27.10.2016, accordingly the same was appraised in the

16th EAC in its Meeting held during 20-21 March, 2017 wherein the committee did not

consider the proposal as the proponent did not submit approved mine plan. PP submitted

the approved mine plan on 11.09.2017. Further Ministry requested on 12.10.2017 to PP

to submit the Past Production detail on 12.10.2017. PP submitted the past production

details vide letter no 843/ M1/2006, dated 17.10.2017.The proposal was examined in the

Ministry and it has found that it is a violation category proposal PP carried out the mining

operation without and EC from 2006-07 to 2016-17. To deal with the violation category

proposals, the Ministry has issued the Notification S.O> 804 (E) dated 14th march 2017.

The PP submitted a new proposal no. IA/AP/ MIN/74255/ 2018 dated 11.04.2018 under

violation category and submitted Form-I and PFR. There after the proposal was

considered by the EAC (Violation) in its meeting held during 18th – 20th September, 2018

wherein the recommended the proposal for grant of Additional & Standard Term of


172

Reference (ToR). In cognisance of the offence the PP plead guilty and paid a Rupees of

Rs 50,000/- to the court & the case was dismissed.

10.2.1 Project Description

Sri E. V. Ranga Reddy is a private entrepreneur and an independent lease holder of Iron

Ore and Laterite Mine over an extent of 201.914 Ha. Government of Andhra Pradesh,

Industries and Commerce (M-III) Department sanctioned the Mining Lease (ML) order

vide G. O. Ms. No. 73 dated 13-03-2006 for a period of 20 years. Assistant Director of

Mines and Geology (ADMG), Kadapa has executed the mining lease deed and work orders

issued vide proceedings No. 695/M1/06, dated 25.03.2006 for 20 years period with effect

from 25.3.2006 to 24.3.2026. The proposed mine lease area is a government land with

hilly terrain. It is proposed to extract Iron Ore and Laterite by opencast semi mechanized

method with average production of 2,74,000 TPA and 62,000 TPA respectively. The

Scheme of mining is approved by Indian Bureau of Mines, vide Lr. No. 659 (532)/Iron ore

and Lat/2005/Hyd. dt.25.3.2013 for annual production of 2,74,000 TPA of low grade Iron

ore and 62,000 TPA of Laterite. As per DMG of State Government the PP has not carried

out any mining activities beyond mining lease area and.The capital cost of the project is

Rs. 3.0 Crores.

10.2.2 Land use Pattern


Total (ha)

A B C = (A+B)

Area under mining 17.89 6.27 24.16

Storage for top soil -- -- --

Overburden/ waste dumps 0.88 2.98 3.86

Mineral storage (stockyard) 1.60 -- 1.60

Infrastructure (workshopadministrative building, siteservices etc)

0.38 -- 0.38

Roads (3m wide) 2.06 -- 2.06

Green belt / Afforestation -- 0.77 0.77

Others(Crushing plants,mess, Storeroom,

0.26 -- 0.26


173

weighbridge and generatorroom)

Total 23.06 10.03 33.09

10.2.3 Geology of the Area

The lease area is a hilly terrain consisting of different ridges and valleys. The area is

barren land consisting of stony outcrops. Since it is a rocky terrain, it does not have

much vegetation except scattered bushes. In general the area is undulating land and

there is about 54m relief and the area has no perennial water course in and around the

applied area.

10.2.4 Mineral Reserve

Category UNFCClassification

Reserves (Tons)

Iron Ore Laterite

Proved 111 28,66,399 3,87,396

Probable (Floatand Hard)

121 5,42,029 65,600

Total 3,408,428 452,996

10.2.5 Depletion of the Mineral Reserve

Year

Production Grade

Iron ore

(Tons)

Laterite

(Tons)Iron ore Laterite

2006-07 30,437 -- 45- 58% Fe --

2007-08 21,340 3550 45-58% Fe 25-45% Fe

2008-09 29,851 4920 45-58% Fe 25-45% Fe

2009-10 16,850 2800 45-58% Fe 25-45% Fe

2010-11 1,04,825 -- 45-58% Fe --


174

2011-12 1,41,967 -- 45-58% Fe --

Total 4,39,320 11,270

10.2.6 Lithology of the Pits

Pit No. Size (Lx

Wx D) in m

Lithology of the pits Position


with small hematite iron ore

float is observed and after 3

to 5.5m depth 5-10cm small



associated ferruginous shale

and Quartzite.

Working


with hematite pebbles are

observed and after 2 to 4.5m


hematite bands are



Quartzite.

Non working



after 3 to 5.5m depth 5-10cm





Quartzite.

Non working

Pit-4 215 x 146 x 13.5 Up to 3.5m depth; Laterite Working


175


after 3.5 to 13.5m depth 5-

10cm small irregular hematite




Quartzite.

Pit-5 210 x 120 x 14 Up to 3m depth Laterite with

float ore is observed and after

3 to 12m depth 5-10cm small

irregular hematite bands are



Quartzite. After 12m depth

onwards shale is encountered,

now this pit is proposed for

backfilling in coming four

years period.

Non working

Pit-6 310 x 175 x 14.5 Up to 4m depth Laterite soil

with hematite float ore

pebbles is observed and after

4 to 14.5m depth 510cm





Quartzite.

Working

Pit-7 170 x 130 x 16 Up to 4m depth Laterite soil


observed and after 4 to 16m


hematite alternative bands

are encountered with


Working

Pit-8 130 x 50 x 4 Up to 3.5m depth Laterite soil


Non Working


176

observed and after 3.5m to

4m depth 5-10cm small




10.2.7 Life of Mine

The total mineable reserves shall be 21,37,589 tones (G2reserves) of iron ore and

Laterite and the annual production proposed is 2,74,000 (45-58 % Fe) tones of iron ore

and 62,000 (25-45 % Fe) tones of Laterite, hence the anticipated life of mine will be

6.36 years, say about 7 years.

10.2.8 Conceptual Mining Plan

The existing method of mining is semi mechanized mining by using hired excavator

occasionally without drilling and blasting and the same will be carried out to obtain the

targeted production of about 2,74000t of Iron Ore (45-58 % Fe) and 62,000 Laterite per

year. During next four years period the working Pit-4 will be advanced towards west to

east and Pit-7 is advanced to east to west initially and later these working will be

advanced towards southwest and east to merge in to a single pit. During the four years

period over an extent of 6.27 ha additional area is proposed for mining to an average

depth of 9m. During the period of four years about 4,92,313 m of ROM of waste will be

generated from this mine and it will be used for backfilling the worked out pit-5, which is

located on NE side of the area over an extent of 42,260 m and old Dump-4 shall be

proposed for rehabilitation over an area of 0.364ha. The Pit-5 already reached about

17m depth. Ore is available up to 15m depth, after 15m depth shale is encountered.

During the period of next four years reclamation and rehabilitation is proposed to pit-5,

remaining pits will be continued mining up to a depth of 15m. The old pits of Pit-1, Pit-2,

Pit-3 and Pit-8 shall be proposed for core drilling. The reclaimed land will be rehabilitated

by planting different kinds of saplings including ornamental trees, fruits and etc.


177

10.2.9 Mining Technology

















10.2.10 Mining Machinery Used

Name of Machinery Capacity Quantity

Excavator /Proclain 1.1 Cu. m. 2

Tippers 18 Tons 6

Crushing andScreening Plant

150 TPH 1

Crushing andScreening plant

100 TPH 1

Vibrating Screener 50 TPH 1

Generator 63 kVA and 73 kVA 2

Jeep -- 1

Jack Hammer drills -- 3

Tractor AirCompressor

-- 2


178

10.2.11 Employment Potential

S. No. Employ No.

1. Mining Engineer (Full Time) 1

2. Mine supervisors 3

3. Tipper and Excavator Operator 8

4. Mechanic 1

5 Workers 168

6 Watchmen, gardener and office assistant 3

Total 184

10.2.12 Water Requirement

Water requirement for the project is mainly for maintaining the green belt, for sprinkling

on the haulage roads to mitigate dust emissions and for domestic purposes. The total

water requirement is 15 KLD. The rainwater stored in the worked out pits is used for

sprinkling, wet drilling and greenbelt development. The domestic water is drawn from

the nearby villages through tankers.

10.2.13 Crushing and Screening Plant







springs.

10.2.14 Waste Generation and Management

During the next four years about 4,92,313 m3 of waste will be generated from this mine.

In this mine ROM recovery is 50%, remaining 50% shall go as waste and below 25% Fe

material from recovery will be considered as mine wastage. During next four years the

quantity of ROM rejected and below 25% Fe material generation will be about 5,00,901

m3. The total ROM waste that will be generated at the end of lease period or life time

based on the present reserve estimate is approximately 15,06,749 m3.


179

10.2.15 Dump

During the next four years the waste dumps will be stabilized by constructing retaining

wall over a length and width of 284m and 1.5m width at proposed dump area and about

140m length and 1m width at old dump-4 to a height of 2m each.

10.2.16 Reclamation and Rehabilitation

Year Location Proposed areain ha

No. ofrows

RowLength(m)

RowWidth(m)

Plantinterval

Proposedplants

Type ofplants

2012-13

Pit-5

N1200-E1600

0.942 1

2

3

150

150

150

20

20

20

3

3

3

50

50

50


150

2013-14

Old

Dump-4

N-400–E-1400

0.364 1

2

3

75

75

75

15

15

15

3

3

3

25

25

25


75

2013-14

Pit-5

N1200-E1600

1.588 1

2

3

230

230

230

20

20

20

3

3

3

77

77

77


231

2014-15

Pit-5

N1200-E1600

1.108 1

2

3

180

180

180

16

16

16

3

3

3

60

60

60


180

2015-16

Pit-5

N1200-E1600

0.588 1

2

3

160

50

50

20

20

20

3

3

3

54

17

17


88

Total 4.59 724

10.2.17 Mined Out Area

Year Presentminingarea

Proposedminingarea

TotalMiningarea (Ha)

ReclamationandRehabilitation

TotalMinedoutArea (Ha)


180

(Ha) (Ha) proposed(Ha)

2012-13 8.02 0.67 8.69 0.94 7.75

2013-14 3.80 1.50 5.30 1.59 3.71

2014-15 2.23 3.10 5.33 1.11 4.22

2015-16 3.85 1.00 4.85 0.59 4.26

Total 17.89 6.27 24.16 4.23 19.93

10.2.18 Abandonment Cost

Months Activity Cost per year

0-2 Back filling 6,00,000/-2-4 Formation of garland trench around Pits 1,00,000/-3-5 Fencing around the Pit and conversion pit

into artificial Total Mined out Area (Ha)reservoir (Water harvesting) (At the end ofdeposit)

1,00,000/-

5-6 Removal of machinery / Site services etc(At the end of deposit)

1,00,000/-

6-8 Plantation / Afforestation maintenance siteserviceconstructions about

75,000/-

Total 9,75,000/-

Mine closure Year wise Cost breakup

2012-13

Cost 2013-14

Cost 2014-15

Cost 2015-16

Cost Totalarea

Totalcost

Backfilling inpit-5

0.942 100000 1.588 100000 1.108 100000 0.588 100000 4.226 400000

Afforestationon backfillingwith no. ofplants

0.942 3750 1.588 5775 1.108 4500 0.588 2200 4.226 16225

Retaining wallconstructionat toe ofdump

0.058 10000 0.058 10000 0.058 10000 0.058 10000 0.232 40000

Greenbeltwith no. ofplants

0.072 5000 0.072 5000 0.072 5000 0.072 5000 0.288 20000

Afforestationon olddump-4

0.364 1875 0.364 1875

Total for 4years

478100


181

10.3 Environmental Scenario

10.3.1 Core Zone

The mine is located at Survey No. 172, Village Pagadalapalli, Mandal Pendlimari, District

YSR Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh state under Survey of India topo sheet no. 57J/11 with


Longitude. The area is having highest elevation of 244m above MSL in Southwest portion

of ML area and lowest elevation of 187m above MSL in northeast portion of the ML area

spread over an extent of 201.914 Ha. Major Town and railway station is Kadapa town,

located at 21km away from the lease area. The nearest airport is Renigunta located at a

distance of 135 km in southeast direction, the nearest port is Krishnapatnam located at a

distance of 165 km in southeast direction.

The climate here is tropical. In winter, there is much less rainfall in Kadapa than in

summer. In Kadapa, the average annual temperature is 29.2°C. Precipitation here

averages 753 mm. May is the warmest month of the year. The temperature in May

averages 34.3°C. December has the lowest average temperature of the year. It is

24.1°C.

10.3. 2 Buffer Zone

This is the 10 km radius area surrounding the core zone. The area around the proposed

project is in general undulated. The area covering the Plant and its surroundings falls

under the Survey of India Toposheet No: 57J/11. Papagni River is flowing from SW to NW

at a distance of 5.8km from the ML area in NW direction. Ganganapalle reserve forest is

located at 4.5km in south direction from the mine lease boundary. There is no national

park, wildlife sanctuary, critically polluted area and inter-state boundary within 10km

radius of the ML area.

This buffer zone is the area where the impacts, if any, due to the activity would be

contained. Schools and Colleges are located at Kadapa town & nearby villages. Hospital,

medical facility is available at Kadapa.

10.3. 3 Study Period

The monitoring to study the present environmental condition in terms of its components

at the location was carried out from 3rd Dec 2018 to 28th Feb 2019.


182

10.3.4 Physiography of the Area

The mine lease area falls in survey of India Topo sheet no. 57 J/11 at the intersection

14° 26’ 18.1” - 14° 27’ 17.7”N Latitude and 78° 36’ 01.5 - 78° 37’ 04.2” E Longitude.

The mine lease elevation above mean sea level (MSL) is 187 - 244 m. The mine lease

area is surrounded by open land in all directions. The nearest village from mine lease

boundary is Pagadalapalli located at a distance of 1.0 km in east direction. The main road

access for ML area shall be Vempalli - Kadapa road which is at a distance of 250 m from

the ML area in south direction. Major town and railway station is Kadapa at a distance of

21 km in southeast direction and the nearest airport is Renigunta located at a distance of

135 km in southeast direction, the nearest port is Krishnapatnam located at a distance of

165 km in southeast direction. Papagni River is passing from southwest to northwest

direction at 5.8km in NW direction and joins Penneru River outside the study area at a

distance of 20 km in northeast direction. Ganganapalle reserve forest is at a distance of

4.5km from the ML boundary in south direction. There are no National parks, sanctuaries

and ecologically sensitive areas within the impact area of 10 km. The slope of the region

is from south and southwest to northeast direction. The area has mainly single crop

agriculture lands irrigated either by tube wells and or rain fed.

10.3.5 Geology

The study area is underlain by various geological formations like Archaen Crystallines,

Deccan Traps, Puranas, Laterites, and River Alluvia. The area is occupied by Peninsular

Gneissic complex of the Archean age comprising pink and grey granites, granitic sanded

geneisses, migmatities, pegmatites, quartz veins and dolerite dykes. They occur in the

form of domes, scarpes, massive, columnar blocks and ‘tors’ etc. which is scattered over

flat undulating country. Both massive granites and gneisses are intruded positioned,

dolerite dykes and quartzite and pegmatitic reefs. The Unconsolidated materials in

granitic terrain consist of the “in-situ” weathered remains of parent bedrock for the most

part of the district. Those materials (including soils) present at the ground surface over

upland areas and valley sides range in the thickness from few centimetres to 25m, the

average thickness approximately 22 m.

10.3.6 Hydrogeology





183



10.3.7 Drainage pattern

The rainwater accumulated in the mining pits located in the eastern part of the mine

lease area, flows from mound slopes. In buffer zone, the drainage pattern is sub

dendritic in nature. The entire drainage system of the region is controlled by the

Papagani River and its tributaries. There are no rivers and streams in the core zone

except a seasonal nala passes through the lease in the south eastern part. The Drainage

plays a major role in the analysis of ground water of and terrain. The drainage pattern

and the density are significant in identifying the lithologies, more so in a carbonate

terrain.

10.3.8 Soil

The test results of soil samples collected in the impact area are interpreted referring to

the book; “Handbook of Agriculture, Indian Council of Agricultural Research”. The

reference tables are presented in Table 3.2. The pH of soil samples is slightly alkaline.

Soil texture is Loam, Silt Loam & Sandy Loam. Mostly sand texture is Sandy Loam. The

level of nitrogen in most of the soil samples is high while the potassium levels are low.

Organic Carbon is average sufficient.

10.3.9 Land Use

Land Use Categories Area in Ha

CROP LAND 164.12

DENSE FOREST 36.81

EMBANKMENT 0.06

INDUSTRIAL AREA 0.44

MINING AREA 1.32

NDUSTRY 0.17

OPEN FOREST 27.43

PLANTATION 4.35

RAILWAY 0.30


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RESERVOIR 1.34

RIVER 10.80

ROAD 3.51

SCRUB FOREST 58.04

SCRUB LAND 60.14

SETTLEMENT 7.35

STONE QUARRY 0.20

TANK / POND 0.11

Total Area 376.51

10.3.10 Water Environment

Surface Water

The Papagni River was observed to be dry during the monitoring period and further is at

a distance of 7.5 km away from the lease area in NW direction. Therefore no surface

water sample was able to be collected.

Ground Water

The mining lease applied area is a part of hill. The ground water is at 40 m depth at the

foot hill outside the lease area. Workings will be carried out on top of the hill at a height

of 25m from ground level. The rain water accumulating at pit bottom in rainy seasons

will be diverted to work out pits which are being used as reservoir at foot hills by making

a drain and settling tanks. A low head diesel pump unit will be deployed to dewatering



The ground water quality seems to be uniform with high TDS and traces of Iron

concentration as the area is mostly lateritic with underlain ferruginous shales typifying

the chemical properties of the ground water. Further, due to semi arid climatic condition,

the TDS concentration seems to be high at locations with shallow water table.

10.3.11 Ambient Air Quality

Ambient air Quality of the Study Area in which PM2.5 is 27.5 µg/ m3 is maximum and 9.2

µg/ m3 is minimum range. PM10 is 56.2µg/ m3 is maximum and 18.1µg/ m3 is minimum


185

range. SO2 is 27.3 µg/ m3 is maximum and 9.4 µg/ m3 is minimum range. NOx is 29.7

µg/ m3 is maximum and 9.4 µg/ m3 is minimum range. Silica is 3.9µg/ m3 is maximum

and 0.3 µg/ m3 is minimum range.CO is 888µg/ m3 is maximum and 415 µg/ m3 is

minimum range.

10.3.12 Noise Quality

Noise Levels of the study area at day time ranges from 59.8 dB (A) to 30.2 dB (A) & at

night time noise level ranges from 48.4 dB (A) to 20.4 dB (A).

10.3.13 Socio Economic Environment


Mandal, YSR District, Andhra Pradesh. It will provide employment to 184 people

consisting of 168 unskilled workers, and remaining are managerial employees and other

supporting staff. The proposed project will also generate indirect employment of 160

no’s to the locals during activity. The employers will contribute to the provident fund,

ESI and provide facilities as per the relevant labour act.


available apart from the ESI medical facilities to the employees and their families.








10.3.14 Ecology & Biodiversity

The total mine lease area (MLA) is 201.914Ha out of which 33.087 is already under the

mining activity. The MLA is a non-forest wasteland sparsely colonized mainly by

Ziziphushorrida. There are no tall or large trees in the entire mine area.There is a block

plantation fruit and avenue trees in about 0.77 Ha. The MLA is widely covered with dry

perennial grasses of Cymboponcoloratus. But it turned green wherever it was burnt. The

total plant cover of the MLA was just 21.2%. There are no large trees but a few tree

species could be found as stunted plants. In the core area as well as in the wastelands


186

around the MLA, Ziziphushorrida,Mesquite (Prosopisjuliflora), Calotropisprocera, Carissa

spinarumand Senna alexandrinawere most widespread, abundant and dominant. Relative

frequency, relative density, relative dominance and the importance value indices of the

structural species present in the unopened MLA. In addition to the shrubs mentioned

above, there are a few perennial climber such as Ichnocarpusfrutescens (Black creeper),

Pergulariadaemia, Sarcostemmasecamone, Tylophoraindica, Swallow root

(Decalepishamiltoni), Aganosmacymosa, Wattakakavolubilis and Cassythafiliformis.

There are no forests in the buffer zone of 10 Km radius. There are plants but no

plantations. There are also fruit trees but not orchards or gardens.


chances for any kind of isolation or restriction of any wild animal to the core area or the

buffer area.

There are water bodies within the MLA. Papagni River is seasonal river which hardly

flows for 20 to 30 days in a year. During the survey period (Winter 2018-2019) the

whole stretch of Papgni River located in the buffer zone was totally dry and there was not

even a few drops of water. The whole river bed was covered by sand, Calotrpisprocera

and Prosopisjuliflora. All tanks and paddy filed were totally dry and hence no aquatic

plant or animal could be found. Hence there are no lists of aquatic flora and fauna.

10.4 Impact Assessments and Mitigations

Mining operations involve development of benches, approach roads, handling and

transportation, haul roads. The likely effects of these activities are:

Fugitive dust generation

Land degradation

Water contamination

Human health risks

The mining and associated activities of within the proposed mining area, etc will lead to

emissions of fugitive dust and noise levels in the mining area. However, it is proposed

that adequate control measures will be provided which includes water sprinkling along

the haulage road side to reduce fugitive dust emissions.

Impact on Air Quality

Impact on Noise Environment

The main sources of noise in the mine area classified as follows:


187

Mobile Mining Equipment

Transportation vehicles

Mining machinery like excavators and transportation vehicles will create noise pollution in

the working area as well as along the transportation route. Prediction shave been carried

out to compute the noise level at various distances around the working pit due to these

noise generating sources.

Proposed control measures for noise pollution

Maintenance of greenbelt all around the working areas

Regular maintenance of mine machinery

Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the personnel who are

exposed continuously to the operation area

Display of sign boards at noise generation zones

Limiting the speed of haulage vehicles / tippers

Carrying out the mining activity and mineral transportation activities during day

time only.

Impact on Water Environment

Impacts on surface water resources

There are no perennial water sources in and around the mining lease applied area within

500m radius.

Impacts on ground water

The ground water table is estimated at 40 m below ground level in the mine lease area.

Since the mine workings are proposed on top of the hill lock, there are no chances of

touching the ground water table however, for accumulation of rain water in working pit is

possible. There are no water bodies in the mine area

The mineral does not contain any toxic material. The mining operation will retain much

above the ground water table of the area. Thus, there will not be any adverse impact on

the groundwater quality of the area. There will not be any process effluent generation in

the mine lease area. Domestic effluent from the mine office will be discharged into septic

tank and soak pit system. Thus, no significant impact is anticipated on the surface or

groundwater regime of the area due to the proposed mining.

Proposed water pollution control measures

No mining during monsoon season

Collection of surface run-off from the mine lease area in mine pits for settling.


188

Construction of garland drains around the slope to collect and divert the surface

run-off from undisturbed area away from the mining area.

Plantation of fast growing grasses, small plants and bushes along with tall trees

on the 7.5m wide green belt around the mine lease area to control soil erosion.

Channelizing surface run-off from the mine lease area through garland drains to

settling ponds and only properly settled water will be discharged outside the mine

lease area.

Provision of septic tank and soak pit system for discharge of domestic effluent.

Impacts on soil quality

The lease area is in hill lock ridge shape and the surrounding is slightly undulating and

having sloppy terrain. The soil cover is absent in the quarry area. Therefore the mining in

this area will initiate utility of the land, if soil generates can be utilized for reclamation of

degraded area. Thus, no significant impact is anticipated on the soil of the area due to

the proposed mining.

Soil management

There is no fertile soil/top soil available in mine lease area. Laterite rocks are unfertile

which will be used in cement industries, hence saleable. The plantation wills also help in

preventing soil erosion from the mine lease area.

Impact on Biological Environment

The surface area is more covered with rocks than soil and the soil is not fertile in nature.

Further the soil moisture content is very low, so that no plant can sustain in this area.

Only few shrubs and herbs are grown at random which are not economically valuable,

only some grazing animals such goat or sheep etc. roam for their food at the foothills as

the core area is not isolated from the buffer area. There is no settlement in the core

area, hence in-si-tu animals are not found here.



very limited to waste land, and along the roadsides. Most common and dominant trees

around the area are Neem& Babul trees. Exotic species of tree such as Subabul and

Eucalyptus are grown as avenue tree. There are no rare or endangered or endemic or

threatened (REET) plant species within the buffer zone of 10 Km radius. Similarly, there

are no biosphere reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries or other sensitive areas

within a radius of 10 Km from the Mine Lease Area.


chances for any kind of isolation or restriction of any wild animal to the core area. Due to


189

shrub type flora in the core zone and lack of water sources, there is no presence of any

animal (either domestic or wild) in this area.

Impact on Socio Environment

Generally, achieving sustainability of natural & social resources, it is desirable to have a

smooth social transition from current short term, exploitive policies to more long term

adaptive & sustainable approaches.












mines.

Occupational health and safety hazards

Respiratory hazards

Noise

Physical hazards

10.5 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVE

The mining projects are site specific as such alternate sites were not considered.

10.6 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM

S.No. Particulars MonitoringFrequency

Duration ofSample

MonitoringParameters

Ambient Air Quality Monitoring1 At 6 Locations

Site office/DG setarea, workingpit-2 locations,Dump area and

Quarterly 24 h PM10, PM2.5,SO2, NOx&CO


190

2-locations innearby villages(Pagadalapalli,Chimalapenta)

Water Quality Monitoring1 At 3 locations 2-

working pit and1-Pagadalapalli

Once in 6 months -- pH, TSS, TH,TDS &metals&IS:10500parameters

Noise Quality MonitoringNoise Levels at 4Locations;2working pits, 1-office/DG setarea and 1location atloading/unloadingpoint.

Quarterly 8 h EquivalentNoise levelsin dB (A)

Soil Quality MonitoringSoil at 3Locations 1location near pit,1-location atdump area and1- location atPagadalapallivillage.

Quarterly One grab samplein a season

pH, EC, CEC,Moisture,Texture, BulkDensity etc.

Responsibility of Monitoring and Reporting System

The overall responsibility of monitoring the above parameters shall lie with the

management. The mine manager shall be responsible for day to day monitoring.

Records shall be maintained for the analysis of pit water and effluents, ambient air

quality data and noise levels. These records are not only required for the perusal of the

Pollution Control Board authorities but also to derive at the efficiencies of the pollution

control equipment as the objective of the project proponent is not only compliance with

statutory regulations, but also a serious commitment towards clean environment.

Environment Monitoring Cost

Component Item Unit Unit Cost(Rs)

Total Cost /Year (Rs.)

AirAmbient Air Quality – 6locations specified inmonitoring plan

Quarterly 4,500.00 108,000.00


191

Fugitive dust – 6locations specified inmonitoring plan Quarterly 2,000.00 48,000.00

Water Quality

3 locations specified inmonitoring plan Half Yearly 2,000.00 12,000.00

Noise


Soil


Total 208,800.00

10.7 Additional Studies

Public Hearing

Public hearing (PH) has been conducted on dated 23.04/2016 covering all the issues,

community felt that one time PH as per order of Hon’ble High Court of Madras has

already taken care and hence repeat PH is not required.

Public hearing for the project was conducted on 27.10.2016, from 10.00 A.M onwards at

Survey number 172, pagadalapalli village, pendlimarri mandal, YSR district. The

chairman of the public hearing was the Collector and District Magistrate Sri K.V

Satyanarayana, IAS, while the member convener was Sri A. Narendra Babu,

Environmental Engineer, APPCB, Regional office, Tirupati.

Damage Assessment & Resource Augmentation

The total Estimated Damage Cost due to Mining is estimated at Rs. 1,41,81,075/- &

Total As-on-date Revenue Loss for Govt against Air & Water Act in AP is Rs. 67,950,

which totals to a damage cost of Rs. 1,42,49,025/-. Against which, the proponent has

paid up an amount in form of Taxes and Royalty for Rs. 5,26,35,703/-; Fine paid under

violation of E(P) Act under Sec 15 for Rs. 50,000/-. This sums up to a compensatory

amount paid till date to Rs. 5,26,85,703/-, which is more than the amount estimated

for the damage. Above and all the mining operation has provided Livelihood Support to

the locals for the duration of mining for Rs. 13,10,40,000/-, which has a greater socio-

economic impact on the locals due to temporary closure of the mines. Therefore the total

direct and indirect Compensations Paid as-on-date is estimated at Rs. 18,37,25,703.

Above this, the proponent has been doing environment management for the mine during

operation as per the IBM guidelines with a constant recurring budget for EMP.

Out of the total working population of the area, various livelihood dependency analysis

was carried out, whose result indicate that most of the marginal workers (around 61%)


192

from the 2011 Census were mine workers, who have been under financial constraints

after the temporary closure of the mine. Practically these people are waiting desperately

for the E V Ranga Reddy Mines to reopen for their benefit.

Action Plan for Damage Remediation, Natural Resource Augmentation &

Community Resource Augmentation:

The management of M/s E. V. Ranga Reddy has consciously decided to spend the

amounts as per the Augmentation plan abiding by the plan in its true sense.


(INR) Lakhs

Damage Remediation plan

WaterEnvironment

Construction of Checkdams and rainwaterharvesting structures inmine and Pagadalapallivillage for ground waterrecharge

2 2 2 6

EcologyPlantation in nearbyvillages & along the roads

2 1 1 4

Air & NoiseEnvironment

Health Camps to monitorthe respiratory and healthstatus of nearby villages(2 villages 1 camp/year @Rs. 1 lakh

2 2 2 6

LandEnvironment

Subsidy towards OrganicPesticides / ManureSupport for Horticulture innearby villages

2 2 2 6

Socio-Economic

Facilities support togovernment schools innearby villages`

2 2 2 6

TOTAL (A) 28

Natural Resources Augmentation Plan

1Drinking water facility byproviding bores & RO unitin nearby 2 villages

5 2 2 9

2

Providing financial supporttowards energy savinginitiatives like supplyingLED bulbs to Pagadalapalli

1 1 1 3


193


(INR) Lakhs

and nearby Villages

TOTAL (B) 12

Community Resource Augmentation Plan

1

Skill development foreligible candidates inHorticulture, Agriculture innearby 2 villages

2 2 2 6

2

Financial support towardspurchase of Agriculturaltools or machinery forfarmers in nearby villages

2 1 1 4

TOTAL (C) 10

TOTAL A+B+C 50.00

Hydrogeology Study






Increased ground water development there is depletion of water table and piezometric

levels. Long term water level trends of last two decades (1993-2012) shows that, about

56% of the monitoring wells showing depleting water table mostly in the western part of

the area and south eastern part of the area. From the CGWA data, it is observed that

most of the potential zones of aquifer are encountered within the depth range of 20-150

m. The phreatic zones are encountered within 5 – 10 meter BGL depending upon the

local soil conditions.

Rainwater harvesting structures like contour bunding, check dams, percolation tanks,

farm ponds are already present in these areas. However, construction of the artificial

recharge structures should be taken up scientifically for 50% of non-committed run-off so

as to not to deprive the downstream watersheds.

Modern irrigation systems using drip and sprinkler irrigation equipment have to be used

for reducing the stress on ground water system and help in enhancing the availability of

resource. Further emphasis on cultivation of high value and low water requiring crops


194

such as pulses, oilseeds are to be emphasized by the agricultural department for these

areas.

10.8 Project Benefit

Improvement of Physical Structure

Condition of roads: As the transportation of all the Iron ore will be through road

to the site, the unit will liaison with the concerned Government department for

maintenance/up gradation of the road.

Condition of educational buildings: The unit will aid in

construction/maintenance of school buildings in the nearby villages.

Condition of medical and health care: The mines will have an in-house first

aid dispensary and tie-up with nearby hospitals/nursing homes for day to day and

annual checkup and treatment of employees, their family and other affected

persons.

Conditions of their infrastructural facilities: like transport, drinking water,

health and hygiene are also likely to improve due to the proposed project.

Infrastructure Facilities to be provided for the Mine workers

The safety of the mine workers, safety shoes, helmets, leg guard, ear plugs, sun

glasses and gloves, noise mask will be provided.

There shall be provided adequate and suitable shelters. The standard of shelters

will be accorded to Mine Rule 1955.

Tiffin and food, there shall be the provisions of Canteen and is will be maintained

properly for the use of all persons employed. The food items will be supplied at a

reasonable rate on a non-profit basis.

Sufficient quantity of drinking water will be provided on a scale of at least two

liters for every person employed at any one time and such drinking water shall be

readily available at conveniently accessible points during the whole of the working

shift. Sources of drinking water will be properly inspected and if required during

pre-monsoon season, by means of mechanical system, cooled water will be

provided to workers. Water sample shall be tested for it portability twice a year

from a Govt Laboratory.

Improvements in the Social Infrastructure

The major areas where the management has already taken up social responsibilities are:

Education: Free education and mid-day meal for the students of deprived

sections. Support scholarship scheme, book donation, etc. are other facilities.


195

Social security measures

Promoting Sports & Cultural activities

Concern for society and Environment Protection

Community development & cultural events in villages

Health camps in surrounding areas.

Employment Potential

Unemployment is quite common in the study area. Employment opportunities are not

growing in accordance with growth of education. Employment scenario of the study area

is largely dependent on the condition of govt. the present mining project has

employment generation potential by way of recruiting local people directly for different

activities of the mining project, specifically at the construction phase. It is expected that

substantial portion of the investment in this project will trickle down to the local people in

the form of employment and income.

It will provide employment to 184 people consisting of 168 unskilled workers, and

remaining are managerial employees and other supporting staff.

10.9 Environment Management Plan

Air Quality Management

The air quality changes are anticipated due to particulate matter from mining activities

and SO2 and NOx from transport and other supporting activities which utilize liquid fuels.

The addition of gaseous pollutants due to the proposed mining activities is expected to be

relatively low. The proposed mining activity shall marginally increase the air quality

levels and following mitigative measures are proposed.

Noise Quality Management

The equipment systems will include cabins to ensure that the operators and other work

persons, in and around the operating equipment, have comfortable workstations.

To keep the ambient noise levels within the permissible limits of 50 dB (A), the following

measures will be adopted: Improved silencers, mufflers and closed noise generating

parts; Procurement of drill, loaders and dumpers and other equipment with noise proof

system in operator's cabin; Periodic proactive maintenance of noise generating

machinery including the transport vehicles to maintain the noise levels; blasting

operations to be carried out only during daytime; Blasting shall not be carried out in

stormy and rainy weather.


196

Water Quality Management

The total water requirement is 15 KLD. The rainwater stored in the worked out pits will

be used for sprinkling, wet drilling and greenbelt development. The domestic water is

drawn from the neighbouring villages through tankers. To prevent surface water

contamination by oil/grease, leak proof containers will be used for storage and

transportation of oil/grease. The floors of oil/grease handling area will be kept effectively

impervious. As there are no perennial water sources running on or through the site, the

mine water discharge is limited to the monsoon season only. During monsoon period

runoff from the waste dump and top soil dump would be checked by constructing garland

drain and retaining wall to prevent sliding and wash off of the material, the retaining wall

would be made from boulders. Check dam and siltation pond will be constructed of

appropriate size to arrest silt and sediment flows from soil and mineral dumps.

Soil Conservation Measures

No separate topsoil will generate from the mining and it is mixed with gravel and is

treated as waste. The fertile soil if available will be used for plantation around site

services on dumps and all along the road. Soil mixed with boulders is unfertile which will

be used for laying roads. Garland drains will be provided around the mine wherever

required to arrest any soil from the mine area being carried away by the rain water;

retaining wall (boulders of waste material) will be constructed around the base of dumps

to prevent sliding and wash of the material along with soil.

Greenbelt Development Plan

About 100 no. of saplings are planted in eastern part of the lease area in 600m2, the

survival rate is 40% and about 250 no. of fruit and avenue plants are developed around

the site office. The Afforestation (restoration) plan has been prepared keeping in view the

land use changes that will occur due to mining operation in the area. The objectives of

the restoration plan are; Reclaim the mined out areas by planting trees, which are

indigenous in nature, Provide a green belt around the periphery of the mining area to

combat the dispersal of dust in the adjoining areas, Protect the erosion of the soil,

Conserve moisture for increasing ground water recharging, Restore the ecology of the

area, Restore aesthetic beauty of the locality and meet the requirement of fodder, fuel

and timber of the local community.


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The proposed plantation program with budgetary provisions are detailed below

Year Location Proposed

are in ha

Proposed

No. of

Plants

Type of

Plants

Cost of

Plantation

Fist Year Pit-5

Peripheral

Area

0.942 2355 Teak, Sababul,

Eucalyptus and

Babul

2,35,500

2nd

Year

Old dump-4 0.364 910 Teak, Sababul,

Eucalyptus and

Babul

91,000

3rd Year Pit-5

Reclaimed

Area


Eucalyptus and

Babul

3,97,000

4th Year Pit-5

Reclaimed

Area


Eucalyptus and

Babul

2,77,000

5th Year Pit-5

Reclaimed

Area


Eucalyptus and

Babul

1,47,000

Total 4.58 11450 11,47,500

Transportation Management

The main haul road and feeder roads would be generally of 8 m wide keeping provisions

for roadside plantation and drainage. The corners and bends would be made in such a

way as to offer the vehicle operator, a clear visibility of at least 10 m along the road. The

alignment of haul roads and feeder roads may require alteration with the progress of

mining work. The number of trips (18 ton tipper) required for transportation of end

material (336000 TPA) will be approximately 62 no’s per day. The main road access for

ML area shall be Kadapa-Vempalli 4 lane road which is at a distance of 250m from the ML

area in south direction. The mine lease has approach road from the main road and there

are no settlements, major crops or water bodies along the approach road. Considering 8


198

workings hours per day, the increased traffic shall be 8 no. of trips per hour, which will

have minimal environmental impact on the road and the peripheral areas.

Environment Policy

Create a work environment which enhances/ motivates production and

productivity.

Encourage safe and scientific mining and other engineering practices.

Promoting awareness among employees and the neighbouring village populace to

adopt environment acceptable procedures, restricting environment degradation

and pollution to the barest minimum.

To achieve Communal harmony and peace amongst the employees and the local

villagers for heading fast towards "sustainable development".

Restoration of the post mining land use to the pre-mining status, to the extent

possible.

Prevent pollution in its activities associated with mining.

Continually improve environmental performance and comply with environmental

legislations and regulations.

Conserving energy and other resources through optimum utilization and waste

minimization. Reducing the waste and fugitive pollutants emissions though

extensive possibility.

Training and involving the employees for development of Clean and Green

Environment.

Evaluate environmental performance through periodic reviews and audits to

ensure that our conduct is consistent with these principles.

CSR Action Plan

Activity No. of Beneficiaries Amount (Rs. Lakhs)

Medical camps in nearby

villages and supply of

medicines

Approximately 3 villages

(Pagadalapalli, Chimalapenta

and Chhatram) and 1000 people

5

Health Awareness programs

like HIV/AIDS, TB, Asthma

and other lifestyle diseases

Approximately 3 villages as

above

3

Supply of Bags, books,

uniforms & Education

facilities for poor brilliant



199

students

Plantation and construction

of toilets in nearby schools


Training and awareness

programs for job facilities to

unemployed graduates and

post graduates


members approx.

5

Embroidery and tailoring

training to back ward and

weaker section women


members approx.

2

Finance to local sports

persons/ events

Approximately 30 no’s 3

Financial support during

festivals

3 villages as above 3

TOTAL 30

CER Plan with Budget for next 3 years

ComponentCategory

Activity Year1

Year2

Year3

Total(INR)Lakhs

WaterManagement

Construction of Check dams and rainwaterharvesting structures in mine and Pagadalapallivillage for ground water recharge

2 2 2 6

Ecology Plantation in nearby villages & along the roads 2 1 1 4

LandEnvironment

Subsidy towards Organic Pesticides / ManureSupport for Horticulture in nearby villages

2 2 2 6

CivilConstruction

Facilities support to government schools in nearbyvillages`

2 2 2 6

DrinkingWater

Drinking water facility by providing bores & ROunit in nearby 2 villages

5 2 2 9

AlternativeEnergy

Providing financial support towards energy savinginitiatives like supplying LED bulbs toPagadalapalli and nearby Villages

1 1 1 3

SkillDevelopment

Skill development for eligible candidates inHorticulture, Agriculture in nearby 2 villages

2 2 2 6

Supply ofAgriculturalTools

Financial support towards purchase of Agriculturaltools or machinery for farmers in nearby villages

2 1 1 4

TOTAL 44


200

EMP COST


RecurringCost


18 1.1


20 1.5


0.8 -

Waste Management: retaining walls at stock piles, dumps. 7.5 0.5Environmental Monitoring 14 14Occupational safety: PPE and medical checkup 3.5 0.6Greenbelt Development/Afforestation 2.5 2.5

TOTAL 66.3 20.2


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CHAPTER-11

DISCLOSURE OF CONSULTANT

Declaration by Experts Contributing to the Final EIA Report of M/s E .

V. Ranga Reddy for Production of Iron Ore 274000TPA (ROM) and

Laterite 62000TPA (ROM) mine over an extent of 201.914 Ha at

Survey No. 172, Village Pagadalapalli, Mandal Pendlimari, District

YSR Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh

I, hereby, certify that I was a part of the EIA team in the following capacity that

developed the above Report.

EIA coordinator: Mr. Arvind Purohit

Signature

Functional Area Experts:

S. NO. Functional

areas

Name of the expert/s Signature and date

1 WP Mr. Suman Banerjee

2 ISW Mr. SoumyaDwivedi

3 LU Mr. Manish Shukla

4 AP Mr. Suman Banerjee

5 NV Dr. Manoj Kr. Mishra

6 AQ Dr. Manoj Kr. Mishra

7 GEO Mr. U.P.S Chauhan


201

CHAPTER-11










Signature


S. NO. Functional

areas










201

CHAPTER-11










Signature


S. NO. Functional

areas










202

8 HW Mr. Anand Kumar Dubey

9 RH Mr. SoumyaDwivedi

10 EB Dr. BidehShukla

11 SE Dr. DebashishBhttacharya

12 SC Dr. BidehShukla

13 HG Mr. Manish Shukla

Signature

For Ind Tech House Consult


202







Signature



202







Signature


Documents

ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR M/s ...environmentclearance.nic.in/writereaddata/EIA/1605201947...Ranga Reddy for Production of Iron Ore 274000TPA (ROM) and Laterite 62000TPA