TABLE OF CONTENTS S.No. Contents Page No. 1-4 … Agrawal/Pre... · 30″ to 800 49′ 35″ E and is covered by Survey of India Toposheet number 64 C ... an area of 1.50 Hectare

TABLE OF CONTENTS

S.No. Contents Page No. 1. Introduction

1-4

2. Project Description 5-6 3. Geology

7-9

4. Mining

10-15

5. Blasting

16

6. Mine Drainage

17

7. Analysis of Alternative

18-19

8. Socio economic Measures

20

9. Project Benefits

21

10. Site Services

21

11. Conclusion

22

Pre Feasibility Report of Shri Dilip Kumar Agrawal, Paragaonkhurd Granite Mine, 1.982 Ha

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

Shri Dilip Kumar Agrawal, a resident of Raipur is having a lease of Granite Mine (minor mineral) over an area of 1.982 Hectare at village Paragaonkhurd of Tehsil Dongargarh, District Rajnandgaon in the state of Chhattisgarh. The State Govt. issued a letter of intent to Shri Dilip Kumar Agrawal, Raipur, of Paragaon Khurd Granite area over an area of 1.982 Ha (4.90 Acres), Village – Paragaon Khurd, Tahsil – Dongargarh, District - Rajnandgaon for submission of mining plan as per Granite Conservation and Development Rule 1999 vide letter no. F 3-36/2010/12 dated 03/01/2011 Earlier, Shri Dilip Kumar Agrawal has granted Prospecting license over an area of 1.982 Hectares (4.90 Acres) in the same area for Granite, vide State Govt. order No. F 2-65/2008/12 dated 26th August 2009 for 2 years. The Prospecting License has been implemented by the office of Collector Rajnandgaon on 30th September 2009.

The purpose of this Pre feasibility report is to assess the various types of environmental features and baseline informations present in the mine area and delineate an effective environmental management plan that will reduce or minimize the adverse environmental impact to a manageable level for the project.

The report is based on preliminary information about the project details, site conditions, field visits, literature studies and surveys carried out.

Table 1.1 Location Details

S.No Particulars Details 1 Location Paragaonkhurd 2 Village Paragaonkhurd 3 Tehsil/District Dongargarh, Dist- Rajnandgaon 4 State Chhattisgarh 5 Latitude 210 07′ 48″ to 210 07′ 58″ N 6 Longitude 800 49′ 30″ to 800 49′ 35″ E 7 Geographical Location in Toposheet 64 C/16 8 Nearest National Highway 6.5 km 9 Nearest railhead 9 km (Dongargarh) 10 Nearest airport 95 km Raipur 11 Nearest town Dongargarh

The area falls within latitude of latitude of 210 07′ 48″ to 210 07′ 58″ N & longitude of 800 49′ 30″ to 800 49′ 35″ E and is covered by Survey of India Toposheet number 64 C/16 on 1: 50,000 scale. The site is flat. The details of the mine is that it covers an area of 1.50 Hectare having a khasra no. 726 - 1.356 Ha, 727 - 0.626 Ha, Total – 1.982 Ha at village- Paragaonkhurd, tehsil- Dongargarh, District-Rajnandgaon (C.G).


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It is a non forest private revenue land. The area is about 10 km from Tumribod approachable by all season road. Tumribod is on NH-6 and about 15 km from Rajnandgaon towards Nagpur. The Dongargarh railway station is about 9 kms (approx) from the area. The area is also approachable from Musra (6 km) a small railway station between Dongargarh and Rajnandgaon on Mumbai-Hawra rout. The Dongargarh railway station is about 9 kms (approx) from the area. The medical facility is available at Dongargarh, which is 9 Kms. away from the area. The post office and educational facility are available at Dongargarh..

1.1 Purpose of the Project

The State Govt. issued a letter of intent to Shri Dilip Kumar Agrawal, Raipur, of Paragaon Khurd Granite area over an area of 1.982 Ha (4.90 Acres), Village – Paragaon Khurd, Tahsil – Dongargarh, District - Rajnandgaon for submission of mining plan as per Granite Conservation and Development Rule 1999 vide letter no. F 3-36/2010/12 dated 03/01/2011

The purpose of this Pre feasibility report is to assess the various types of environmental features baseline informations present in the mine area that are likely for obtaining Environmental Clearance from Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF), New Delhi (as per EIA Notification 2006)

The report is based on preliminary information about the project site conditions, field visits, literature studies and surveys carried out.

1.2 Nature and Size of Project

The proposed project is a manual opencast granite (minor) project and is classified as “CATEGORY – B” by Ministry of Environment & Forests, New Delhi as per new EIA notification dated 14th September 2006.

1.3 Land requirement

Paragaonkhurd Granite Mine (minor) of Shri Dileep Kumar Agrawal is located at Village Paragaonkhurd, Tehsil –Dongargarh in the district of Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh State.

1.4 Water Requirement

Water is required for mining operations/establishment mainly for sprinkling on haulage roads and at faces for suppression of dust. Water is also required for washing and servicing utilities for equipment. Water requirement for the proposed mining activity is about 6 m3/day. Mine water harvested in rainy reason will be used for the purpose of water spraying, cleaning & plantation. The drinking water requirement of the mines workers, staff will met by bore wells provided in leasehold area etc.


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1.5 Power Requirement

The power is required mainly at the mine office premises and residential areas. Power is supplied by CSEB from kharsia distribution center. The power requirement of the mine is about 100 KVA.

1.6 Man Power Requirement

The mining establishment presents vast opportunities of employment to various posts and under various cadres such as Management, Supervisory, skilled workmen, semi-skilled workmen and unskilled workmen will be 10.

1.7 Cost of the project

The capital cost for the project will be 40 lakhs including existing lease area, crusher and machinery. 1.8 Importance to Country

Exploiting this granite deposit (minor mineral) is important for the country’s long term economic growth and regional growth. By mining the deposit, the lesse acts as bridge the gap between demand and supply of granite in the market and will provide country with increased government earning and revenues transform the region’s economy from predominantly agricultural to significantly industrial and accelerate the pace of regional development of region. The project shall also provide additional revenue to State Government and create direct and indirect employment opportunities, which will catalyze overall growth of the State and improve the quality of life of the people living in the region.

1.9 Major points covered in the study

The scope of study broadly includes:

To conduct literature review for collecting informations relevant to the study area; To identify various existing pollution loads in the study area. To prepare an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) outlining the measures for improving the

environmental quality and scope for existing mine for environmentally sustainable development.

The literature review includes identification of relevant articles from various publications, collection of data from various government agencies and other sources.

Existing topography, location of surface water bodies like ponds, canals and rivers; Location of villages/towns/sensitive areas; Accessibility, power availability and security of monitoring equipment; pollution pockets in the area. Areas which represent baseline information conditions.

The study also provides framework and institutional strengthening for implementing the mitigation measures.

1.10 Description of the Environment


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The findings of baseline environmental informations of the study area are summarized below:

The soil in the study area would very well support vegetation after amending it suitably. The entire lease area is a private non forest private revenue area. No endangered species of plants and animals has been found in the study area. The basic infrastructure facility of the study area is fairly developed.

1.11 Climate

The climate of this region has a tropical wet and dry climate, temperatures remain moderate throughout the year, except from March to June, which can be extremely hot. The temperature in April–May sometimes rises above 48 °C .These summer months also have dry and hot winds. The city receives about 1,300 millimetres (51 in) of rain, mostly in the monsoon season from late June to early October. Winters last from November to January and are mild, although lows can fall to 8 °C .


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2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Table 2.1- Details of Project:

S.No Particulars Details 1. Proposed Production 2000 cu. m per year 2. Lease Area 1.982 Ha 3. Expected Project cost 40 Lakhs 4. Method of mining Manual open cast 6. Water Requirement 6 KLD 7. Manpower Requirement 10 8. Power requirement 100 KVA 9. Forest if any Not in the lease area

2.1 Lease Area

The area falls within latitude of latitude of 210 07′ 48″ to 210 07′ 58″ N & longitude of 800 49′ 30″ to 800 49′ 35″ E and is covered by Survey of India Toposheet number 64 C/16 on 1: 50,000 scale. The site is flat. The details of the mine is that it covers an area of 1.982 Hectare having a khasra no. 726 - 1.356 Ha, 727 - 0.626 Ha, Total – 1.982 Ha at village- Paragaonkhurd, tehsil- Dongargarh, District-Rajnandgaon (C.G).

2.2 Details of the Mine

The Paragaonkhurd Granite Mine falls within latitude of latitude of 210 07′ 48″ to 210 07′ 58″ N & longitude of 800 49′ 30″ to 800 49′ 35″ E and is covered by Survey of India Toposheet number 64 C/16 on 1: 50,000 scale. The site is flat The area is about 10 km from Tumribod approachable by all season road. Tumribod is on NH-6 and about 15 km from Rajnandgaon towards Nagpur. The Dongargarh railway station is about 9 kms (approx) from the area. The area is also approachable from Musra (6 km) a small railway station between Dongargarh and Rajnandgaon on Mumbai-Hawra rout. The Dongargarh railway station is about 9 kms (approx) from the area. The climate of this region has a tropical wet and dry climate, temperatures remain moderate throughout the year, except from March to June, which can be extremely hot. The temperature in April–May sometimes rises above 48 °C .These summer months also have dry and hot winds. The city receives about 1,300 millimetres (51 in) of rain, mostly in the monsoon season from late June to early October. Winters last from November to January and are mild, although lows can fall to 8 °C .

2.3 Transport and Communication

The area is about 10 km from Tumribod approachable by all season road. Tumribod is on NH-6 and about 15 km from Rajnandgaon towards Nagpur. The Dongargarh railway station is about 9 kms


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(approx) from the area. The area is also approachable from Musra (6 km) a small railway station between Dongargarh and Rajnandgaon on Mumbai-Hawra rout. The Dongargarh railway station is about 9 kms (approx) from the area.

2.4 Topography and Drainage

The area is almost flat land having general slope towards southern direction. The maximum height of the area is 336 mRL on the north-east side and lowest elevation is about 334 mRL towards southern direction.


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3.0 GEOLOGY 3.1 GEOLOGY OF THE AREA:

The rock formation of this area is broadly termed as granite. Geologically granite is an acidic igneous rock which is lighter in colour. But for commercial and mining purpose, “granite” is named for a rock with a range from acidic to basic minerals varying in colour from light to dark. In the lease area granite is occurring as a sheet rock of massive nature in the form of plutonic rock sheet type and dark grey in colour and having coarse-grain texture.

This granite rock of is a basic granite type with granular coarse-grain texture having dark grey minerals. Since the occurrence of this granite appears to be in the plutonic form and having coarse-grained to fine grained texture, therefore, geologically this rock is Granite, because of its nature of occurrence as plutonic rock and thereby increases in the grain size.

A thin section has been prepared for the microscopic study of the rock, on the basis of this examines the rock is named Ambhibolite. The term amphibolite is used for a hornblendic rock in which foliation gives place to granoblastic texture.

Amphibole (Hornblende) minerals are covered most of the part of slide they are clearly showing two set cleavage to compose 600 and 1200 angles. It is showing green to black pleochroism. Some other mineral grains are having pyroxene they are showing also two set cleavage in 900 angles all minerals are present as a phenocrysts in the rock section. Thus, the rock may be amphibolite.

The granite is covered with average 1 meter top soil. Below the top soil weathered granite zone occur varying in thickness from 1 meter to 5 meters. Below this weathering zone granite is compact in nature, which can be suitably used as dimension stone. Thus, the local Lithology is as under:

Rock type Av. Depth (m)

Av. MSL

Alluvial soil 0 – 1.0 335 – 334 m Weathered rock 1.0 – 2.5 334 - 332 m Massive granite rock 2.5 – 5.0 332 – 327 m

3.2 REGIONAL GEOLOGY:

Rajnandgaon –Dongargarh area is in the western part of Chhattisgarh which exposes a sequence of volcanics and low grade metasedimentry rocks of Late Palaeoproterozoic age, which form the part of Nandgaon Group of Dongargarh Supergroup, comprises Nandgaon, Khairagarh and Chilpi groups. Dongargarh Granite is intrusive in the Nandgaon Group.

Dongargarh Granite:


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Dongargarh Granite occurs as a batholith covering an area of about 8,000 sqm in Rajanandgaon, Kanker, Bastar and Dhamtari districts forming the central part of Bastar Province. The batholith comprises three distinct plutons, the Dhanora-Manpur largest pluton in the southern part, the Chichola pluton in the central and Amgaon pluton in the northern part. These plutons are oval in shape, elongated along N-S to NNE-SSW and generally taper to south. These intrude Amgaon gneiss-supracrustals, and volcano-sedimentaries of the Nadgaon and Ainhur groups. Enclave of migmatic gneiss, metasediment, rhyolite, basalt, pyroclast and conglomerate of the above groups occur within Dongargarh Batholith.

Dongargarh granitoids show magmatic fabric including porphyritic, rapakivi and granitic textures, occasional magmatic flow-orientation of plagioclase phenocrysts, lenticels of weakly aligned anhedral quartz, glommerocryts of plagioclase and megacrysts of potash-feldspar.

Lithostratigraphy of Nandgaon Group (Sarkar; et.al.1994)

Group Formation Lithology

Basic Intrusive Dolerite dyke (Grayish to greenish black, medium to coarse grained, massive hard and compact rock)

Quartz vein or reef & Pegmatite

Quartz vein: White light Gray, light pinkish gray, smoky, medium to coarse grained

Dongargarh Granite

Dongargarh Granite: Microgranite & aplite, coarse & porphyritic granite, Porphyritic microgranite & granophyre

Pitepani

Volcanics

Hypabysal gabbro & dioritic units, Non-porphyritic , porphyritic & amygdaloidal tholeite, Basic tuff & agglomerates Shales & siltstone

Nandgaon Orogeny (Unconformity)

Nan

dgao

n G

roup

Bijali

Rhyolites

Porphyritic & non-porphyritic rhyolites, rhyolite porphyry (flow layer) Rhyolitic conglomerate, Sandstones, siltstones, shales & tuffs

DO

NG

AR

GA

RH

S

UPE

RGR

OU

P

Unconformity 3.2 Details of Exploration

Already carried out in the area:


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Geological Survey: Mapping has been carried out on 1:1,000 scale and prepared the topographic-cum-geological map. Technological: The drilling has not been carried out due to very hard formation, however, 5 nos of pits have been dug to know the thickness of OB and weathered rock zone. Measurement of compressive strength, polishing index have been carried out. Petrological and other studies: colour, granularity, inclusions, texture and microscopic studies have been done. Ground water table measurement has been carried out.

3.4 Conceptual Plan

As per the conceptual plan period, the generation of top soil will be dumped out of the lease area with a height of about 3.0 m. The angle of repose (slope) of dump will be around 370. The dump will get stabilized after leveling and plantation. However, shrubs will be planted on the slope for further protection/stabilization of this dump.


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4.0 MINING 4.1 Mining Method

The mining of granite will be by open-cast quarrying in the existing old pit of about 1,800 sq m area and depth upto about 3.0 m. During the first two years of this Mining Plan period, this pit will be further developed upto 2 m of massive granite, after the removal of 0.5 m of weathered rock. During the third and fourth years, the pit will be enhanced towards southern direction and during the fifth year, the pit will be enhanced towards west direction. The mining of granite will be done by selecting a block of minimum 2m x 2m x 2m size. Following method will be adopted for cutting the block:

Figure:

In the granite exposure, after selecting the block in the corner of size 2m x 2m x 2m as shown in the figure, point A will be marked 2 m from both the free faces B & C, thereafter on A-B line at about every one feet interval drilling points will be marked similarly at right angle to the A-B line, A-C is drawn and at about every one feet interval drilling points will be marked. Two horizontal holes will be drilled at point B’ & C’ at right angle to the surface to meet at point A’. Then a wire saw with a durable thread will be inserted from the point B’ and taken out at C’ by blowing compressed air and the block can cut horizontally by connecting the wire saw cutting machine/motor. Then, JH holes will be drilled vertically at right angle from the top surface on the marked points from point A to B and A to C upto 2 m depth.

Then, either of the two methods are adopted for cutting the block:-


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Method I: The vertically drilled holes at right angle to A to B and A to C lines will be filled with semi-solid liquid mixed with clay in all the holes upto the top. Due to the tendency of clay-mixed liquid to expand on drying, the block gets separate out by static force created due to expansion and thus the block is separated out.

Method II: The vertically drilled holes at right angle to A to B and A to C lines, two L-shaped plates will be inserted in all the holes and then chisels of appropriate diameter (according to JH hole diameter) will be inserted in all the holes in between L-shaped plates as shown in the fig above. Thereafter hammering will be done on chisels in alternate holes (1, 3, 5, 7,..) and then this process will be repeated on other set of alternate holes (2, 4, 6, 8,..), in this way hammering will be done repeatedly so that chisel is gradually getting inside the holes, due to this, cracks are developed inside the block. The process of hammering will be done by skilled person having expertise in this job. They stop hammering after hearing a particular sound to which they are well-accustomed. Ultimately the block get cracked and separated out. This method is commonly practiced in granite mining, being cheep and gives the desired results.

The sub-blocks will be examined for presence of any cracks or any weaker portion on the face. If any crack is formed or weaker is available, this portion will be cut and rejected. Thereafter, the sub-blocks will be manually loaded into the trucks for sale in market. The purpose of mining granite is for making the polished tiles. For this, granite is mined in blocks and further divided into sub-blocks of varying thickness free from any irregularity like, cracks, crevices and non-uniformity in texture.

The mining of granite as uniform blocks is a specialized method requires very careful and skilled job, time-taking and hence comparatively expensive. This mining also requires specialized equipments like wire-saw for cutting of blocks which are not used in other mineral/ore mining industries.

Thus, the mineable reserve which can be recovered as acceptable blocks will be likely to be 15% of the total reserve as explained earlier. Presently, there are three nos of OB/waste dumps, the details of the dumps are as under:

Dump nos Area of dump Height of dump Dump-1 60 sqm 1.0 m Dump-2 160 sqm 1.0 m Dump-3 330 sqm 1.5 m Total 550 sqm --

The excavation of granite blocks will be carried out after the removal of top soil and weathered granite as OB.

During the first and second years, since the excavation will be carried out only in the existing pit, only 0.5 m of weathered rock will be removed.


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During third years and onwards, the top soil (1.0 m) and weathered rock (2.5 m) will be removed before the mining of granite blocks.

Hence, total area for development will be 1,800 (existing) + 2,700 (next five years) = 4,500 sq m. The sub-blocks of granite will be measured in cum and production is shown in cum on which the Govt. royalty is based.

The granite sub-blocks/blocks which are compact without any crack and of uniform texture will be only accepted. Thus, the recovery of marketable slabs is expected to the about 15%.

The year-wise removal of top soil for next five years is given as table.

Year Av.

Length (m)

Av. Width

(m)

Area (sq m)

Thickness of top soil

(m)

Volume (cu m)

1st Year -- -- -- -- -- 2nd Year -- -- -- -- -- 3rd Year 35 25.71 900 1.0 900 4th Year 35 25.71 900 1.0 900 5th year 100 9 900 1.0 900

Total 2,700 2,700

The year-wise removal of weathered rock for next five years is given as table.

Year

Av. Length

(m)

Av. Width

(m)

Area (sq m)

Thickness of top soil

(m)

Volume (cu m)

1st Year 35 25.71 900 0.5 450 2nd Year 35 25.71 900 0.5 450 3rd Year 35 25.71 900 2.5 2250 4th Year 35 25.71 900 2.5 2250 5th year 100 9 900 2.5 2250

Total 4,500 7,650


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The year-wise production of granite block for next five years is given as table.

Year

Av. Length

(m)

Av. Width

(m)

Area (sq m)

Depth (m)

Volume (cu m)

Recovery 15% of total excavation

Generated rejects 85% of total excavation (cu m)

1st Year 35 25.71 900 2.0 1,800 270 1,530 2nd Year 35 25.71 900 2.0 1,800 270 1,530 3rd Year 35 25.71 900 2.0 1,800 270 1,530 4th Year 35 25.71 900 2.0 1,800 270 1,530 5th year 100 9 900 2.0 1,800 270 1,530 Total 4,500 9,000 1,350 7,650

The non-saleable granite rejects will be stacked in the marked dumping area for future use.

The non-saleable granite blocks can be used in future for manufacturing of bricks as well as flooring or wall tiles by small scale industries sector. Such blocks of future usage will be segregated and dumped separately. The remaining rejects not usable will be dumped separately.

The granite being very hard and its breaking to smaller sizes (25/40mm) may be suitable for ballast of 25 to 40 mm size for Rly track/road-making.

This depends on the future need of consumers and depending on demand, the production of sub-blocks can be 500 cum.

The recovery of 15%, the potential reserve is 7,400 cum.

The life of the mine at the full development of mining at rate of 500 cum will be 7,400 / 500 = 15 years up to a proved depth of 5m.

No further exploration is proposed.

Presently, there is a existing old pit within the lease area the size of the pit is about 1,800 sq m and maximum depth will be about 3.0 m.

During this mining plan period, about 2,700 sq m additional area will be required. Total developed area upto this mining plan period will be 4,500 sq m. The depth of the pit will be 5.5 m (1.0 m top soil, 2.5 m weathered rock and 2.0 m massive granite). Ultimate pit limit upto a depth of 6.0 m (1.0 m top soil, 2.5 m weathered rock and 2.5 m massive granite) will be about 15,640 sqm.


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The non-saleable granite rejects will be stacked in two dump yards out side of the lease area, which is an owner land. One dump yard will be for presently non-saleable granite but can be used for future for making bricks and tiles. The second dump will be for totally reject granite.

Presently, there is three nos of OB/waste dump in the area covering total 550 sqm area with about 1 m height. For making 270 cum of granite per year, the blocks of 1,800 cu m will have be taken; since with the recovery of marketable sub-blocks which is about 15% of total excavated blocks i.e. 1,700 cum. Thus, the rejection with 85%, i.e. 1,530 cum. The area required for dumping this rejected granite will be 40m x 18 m of a height of 2 m every year.

Since the granite rock will go down to a greater depth, below the presently proved reserve upto 5m, will further continue, hence question of back-filling is not required.

Since the granite is a very hard rock, the final slope of the pit can be safety taken as 450.

The afforestation has been proposed within the 7.5 m of non-mining zone on the eastern side.

Post mining land use envisaged.

Area in Sq m S. No.

Description Present End of five year Upto the lease Period

1 Area under mining 1,800

1,800 + 2,700 =

4,500

15,640

2 Area under roads

Nil Nil

3 Area under infrastructures

Nil Nil

Area for stacking of top soil

Nil 1,350 1,350

4(a) Dumping area for non-saleable granite for

future use

550 1,275 1,275

4(b) Dumping area for non-saleable granite reject

Nil 1,275 + 2,550 = 3,825

3,825

5 Area for Plantation (15 trees per year)

Nil 1,000 4,160

Note:- S. No. 2, 3 and 4 (a & b) will be outside of the lease area on the hired land.


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The mining of granite rock will be done by open-cast quarrying by semi-mechanized method a bench height of 2.0 m with slope at 450 will be maintained. The details are already been given earlier.

Extent of Mechanisation:

The mining of granite will be by open cast quarrying by semi-mechanized method aided by following equipments and machineries which are already deployed in the mine:

Type Nos Remarks Jack Hammer 6+3 standby = 9 nos Drill rods of 2ft to 25 ft length

As per requirement

Compressor 2 nos 340 cpm capacity Wire saw with drill 1 no. For cutting of blocks Steel chisels As per requirement Different sizes Excavator 2 nos One 20 Tonner

One 30 Tonner Tipper 2 nos For granite reject dumping Diesel Generator 1 no

The transportation of granite blocks to the cutting polishing unit to be done by hired trucks.


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5.0 BLASTING

Blasting is not required for mining of granite due to the reason that, this will develop cracks due to vibration which is unwanted and harmful for block mining.

(a). Type of explosives used / to be used

Not applicable

(b). Powder factor in ore and overburden /waste / development heading / slope Not applicable

(c). Whether secondary blasting is needed. If so describe it briefly Not applicable

(d). Storage of explosive (like capacity and type of explosives (like capacity and type of explosive magazine)

Not applicable


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6.0 MINE DRAINAGE

The depth of water table as observed in the nearby wells is about 8 m below the general ground level.

Working expected to be about 6 m above the water table during this mining plan period. The granite mining will be goes down only upto 5-6 m. Hence, no water is likely to be encountered during the mining operation; hence no pumping arrangement is required. However, during rainy season temporary pumping arrangement will be provided in the mine.


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7.0 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVE 7.1 Introduction

It is necessary that one should try to find various alternatives and what is environmentally best being preferred. There can be many points for which alternatives must be found. This is attempted here, irrespective of whether scoping has asked so or not. This is done voluntarily and submitted herein below.

7.2 Alternatives:

Any proposed human activity is never a simple straight forward matter. A number of decisions are required to be taken and for each step. Selection is thus all the more critical in an industrial development where time, money, environment and natural resources are at stake.

Project Proponent has decided to undertake an “Alternative Analysis (AA)” for this project. The various alternatives are Site, Technology and ‘No-Project’.

7.3 Site alternatives:

The Paragaonkhurd granite mine is located at paragaonkhurd, Tehsil – Dongargarh in the district of Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh State.

Paragaonkhurd area was granted by the State Government. The mine is nearer to the national highway.

The area is about 10 km from Tumribod approachable by all season road. Tumribod is on NH-6 and about 15 km from Rajnandgaon towards Nagpur. The Dongargarh railway station is about 9 kms (approx) from the area. The area is also approachable from Musra (6 km) a small railway station between Dongargarh and Rajnandgaon on Mumbai-Hawra rout. The Dongargarh railway station is about 9 kms (approx) from the area.

Easy availability of manpower in near by villages.

On this examination, the present site was selected for the proposed lease area.

The site indeed has served the purpose well resulting in no adverse impact on environment. On the same line the existing lease area; which now has an added advantage of optimization of utilities and employment.

7.4 Technology Alternatives

The technology of opencast mining has been developed over the years, and refined indigenously. Moreover, at present, this technology is widely used for granite mining. On this examination, the present technology “opencast Mining” was selected for the existing lease area.

7.5 NO-PROJECT’ Option:

In this option, it is required to be considered as to whether it is more advantageous to the Nation.


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The economic growth of the area in terms of employment generation, consumption behaviour and market growth are expected outcome of the project. It is assumed that the generation of indirect employment would be multiple of direct employment.

The significant positive impact on employment and occupation is envisaged on account of

Better economic status of the community due to better earnings. Higher inputs towards infrastructural facilities due to mines. To be mindful of its social and moral responsibilities to consumers, employees, shareholders,

society and local community.

It is noteworthy that the activity now proposed will support to cause of National productivity by providing & revenue to the government exchange in an environmentally friendly manner. Therefore, No Project option cannot be entertained.

Mines while making production, also generates pollution. Production is beneficial to the Industry & Country. Pollution is a diseconomy to the general public, by way of mal-effect on health and well-being. Mines are asked to internalize this external diseconomy by designing pollution mitigation measures. This is an extra cost to the Mines. However, under sustainable development the cost is supported by the mines then benefit will go to the public around and the environment. This is a cost-benefit relation.

Cost and benefit are in inverse proportion. More mitigation cost to mine is more benefit to society. Less mitigation cost to mine is benefit saving to Industry but adverse to society. Best solution is that mine gets the production (albeit with lesser margin due to spending on environmental protection) and society gets the benefit (from employment and reasonably safe environment). This also comes under overall justification for the project.

This study has taken full responsible care to see that the Mines do not wish to gain profit at the cost of comfort of the society. In fact it is the endeavor of the Proponents

In the final analysis society to get pollution-free environment, and Indian community getting useful drugs.

This could be a win-win situation with benefit to Proponents, benefit to the Public and no (or low) harm to the environment.

All this is possible for which Environment Management Plan as worked out below is scrupulously obeyed.

8.0 SOCIO ECONOMIC MEASURES


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Due to the proposed Mines, there is a positive impact by way of employment, education, better socioeconomic conditions, improved local and regional economy, etc.

Rural / Village & community welfare – development of sheds, road repairs etc. Sanitation & drinking water – provision and repair of bore wells and sanitation

The project proponent shall earmark funds for social development and welfare measures in the surrounding villages. These measures shall include funding for:

1) Repair and improvement of community centers, building etc. 2) Rain water harvesting measures. 3) Drinking water availability efforts.

8.1 Voluntry Submission:

However, briefly this can be mentioned that this study has taken full responsible care to see that the proponent group does not wish to gain profit at the cost of comfort of the society.

In fact it is the endeavor of the Proponents

To keep transparent relations with the neighbours in the area To strengthen the Gram panchayat democratic set up, by paying taxes.

Not to disturb any prime agricultural land. Not to encroach on others’ existing water source.

Not to overload the existing power supply, causing load-shedding to the villagers.

To remove the barren-ness of the land and prevent wasting of rainwater.

To Recharge the groundwater. To strengthen the physical infrastructure.

To create greenery within our premises and develop thick green belt around the mine lease area

acting as abatement to pollution. Plantation program outside to some Extent in villages.

To reduce the wastewater pollution created by this new activity by utilizing it in our own fields as water to grow plantation.

9.0 PROJECT BENEFITS


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The economic growth of the area in terms of employment generation, consumption behaviour and market growth are expected outcome of the project.

It is assumed that the generation of indirect employment would be multiple of direct employment. The significant positive impact on employment and occupation is envisaged on account of

Better economic status of the community due to better earnings.

To be mindful of its social and moral responsibilities to consumers, employees, shareholders,

society and local community.

The following benefits are anticipated due to the proposed lease are.

The proposal will ensure the continuous granite supply in the surrounding areas for the improvement in social & regional development.

The granite excavation, in general; result in the improvement in social & regional development. The Project would generate direct and indirect employment and business opportunities in the

region. The Project will be beneficial and important to the Society and the Country by : Direct and indirect employments. Improvement in direct and indirect means of livelihoods of local population. Improved local and regional economy.

10.0 SITE SERVICES

Statutory Requirement: The following site services will be provided close to the mine in private premises: (a) Managers office (b) Rest Shelters (c) Drinking Water (d) Urinals and Latrines (e) First aid room

Administrative Requirement: a) Managers office

11.0 CONCLUSION


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In any human activity there are always possibilities of finding various options. Project proponent has decided to examine and adopt one such option that will be both environment friendly and best suited for Granite Production. Various alternatives in terms of site, technology, and equipment are considered. A final selection is thus arrived.

The Proposal is for the environment clearance of the existing Mine. The Proposal does not require further Infrastructure Facilities other than few Mining Machineries. The Project is viable and environmental friendly.

ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is required to ensure sustainable development in the surrounding area of the proposed mine site, hence it needs to be an all encompassing plan for which the mine authorities, Government, Regulating agencies like Pollution Control Board, Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), etc. working in the region and more importantly the affected population of the study area need to extend their co-operation and contribution.

It has been evaluated that the study area is not affected adversely with the existing and proposed mining activity and it is likely to get new economic fillip, not only for the study area but also for the region as a whole. Mitigation measures at the source level and an overall Management Plan at the study area level are elicited so as to improve the supportive capacity of the area and also to preserve the assimilative capacity of the receiving bodies.

The Management Action Plan aims at controlling pollution at the source level to the extent possible, with the available and affordable technology, followed by treatment measures before they are discharged.

It is to be appreciated that mining process to a certain extent is an inevitable destructive process, but the hazards are within measurable limits, and can be ameliorated to a significant extent. 1). Air Pollution Management The potential sources of air pollution arising from the future mining operations would be drilling, haul roads and transportation of limestone. Air pollution caused by mining and associated activities can be classified into the following categories: Gaseous pollutants (Nitrogen Oxides, Sulphur Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide); and Suspended Particulate Matter.

However, the following measures were being adopted in the proposed mining activity to mitigate the particulate matter levels in ambient air. Measures to Prevent Generation and Dispersal of Dust

Dust particles, which are normally generated during mining operations, become air borne, thus leading to increase in PM level in the ambient air. Another source of dust generation is the transport of the material by dumpers. In the proposed mining activity adequate control measures were adopted during both mining operations as well as transportation of limestone.

Measures to Control Air Pollution due to Airborne Dust Following steps are taken to prevent air pollution due to air borne dust:

Water sprinkler will be provided to avoid dust generation during material unloading. Dense plantation being carried in and around the existing mines will help in

combating air pollution. Afforestation of completely mined out area has been planned with minimum gap

between excavation and afforestation to fix the dust and prevent from getting airborne.

Water spraying all along the haul road with the help of rain gun to suppress dust during the movement of tippers.

Regular maintenance of vehicles and machinery. Wet drilling system in all the drills.

2) Water Pollution Management

Surface Water Pollution Control Measures The probable causes of surface water pollution in the proposed mining area are soil erosion and wash off from the stacked material. Therefore the action program to prevent water pollution focuses on prevention of wash off and mine water directly flowing into nearby natural drainage channels. As there will be no toxic substance present in the discharged water, there is no adverse effect on the water regime. The additional measures adopted are:

Rain Water Harvesting in Mined out area. The worked out slopes are being stabilized by planting appropriate shrub/grass species

on the slopes. This prevents wash-off of material from these slopes. The domestic sewage is routed to septic tanks followed by soak pits. Adequate maintenance of the tanks is undertaken to avoid choking with sludge. 3). Noise and Vibration Control The noise level monitoring carried out in the area has indicated that the present noise levels are generally below 50 dB(A) and will not increased over the baseline levels even after the commencement of mining activity. It is also not envisaged to cross 50 dB(A).

Mitigation Measures to Reduce Ambient Noise Levels

The following control measures are being adopted to keep the ambient noise levels well below the limits:

A thick tree belt is being provided and will be made more thick in phased manner

around the periphery of the mine to screen the noise. Measures to Protect Workers from High Noise Levels The following measures are being taken to protect the workers from exposure to higher noise levels:

Provision of protective devices like ear muffs/ear plugs at work place. Reducing the exposure time of workers to the high noise levels.

4). Reclamation and Rehabilitation Land degradation is one of the major adverse impact of open cast mining activities and any effort to control adverse impacts would be incomplete without appropriate land reclamation strategy.

The first step in a successful reclamation program is to decide the post reclamation land use and is converted it into a plantation zone.

Horticultural landscaping techniques will be utilized in land reclamation subsequent to the mining. The mine floor will be leveled for plantation purpose. The slopes of the mine benches will be suitably dressed and vegetated. The following broad objectives have been considered for maintaining the ecological balance in the area: Continuing the development of mining activities by utilizing resource is the best

advantage. Conservation of natural resources by keeping degradation of land and pollution to the

minimum. Maintain a balance on ecosystem i.e. human, faunal and floral. Rehabilitation/reclamation of land (re-vegetation of degraded land by mining) for future

productive use of the area. 5). Plantation

With rapid industrialization and consequent deleterious impact of pollutants on environment, values of environmental protection offered by trees are becoming clear. Trees are very suitable for detecting, recognizing and monitoring air pollution effects. Monitoring of biological effects of air pollutant by the use of plants as indicators has been applied on local, regional and national scale. Trees function as sinks of air pollutants, besides their bio-aesthetical values, owing to its large surface area. Annual need of oxygen for one person is met by 150 m2 of leaf surfaces i.e. 30-40 m2 of greenery. So it is necessary to develop green belt (as per CPCB Guidelines) in and around the polluted site with suitable species to combat the air pollution effectively.

The plantation development not only functions as foreground and background landscape features resulting in harmonizing and amalgamating the physical structures of the mines with surrounding environment, but also acts as pollution sink as indicated above. Thus, implementation of afforestation program is of paramount importance. In addition to augmenting present vegetation, it will also check soil erosion, make the ecosystem more complex and functionally, stable and make the climate more conducive. Massive Plantation After checking the soil and land erosion through the measures, plantation program is to be taken up in completely mined out areas in a systematic manner, starting with soil binding grasses and shrubs followed by larger trees species. Local varieties of plants should be given predominance along with introduction of some exotic species. Broad casting of seeds of local shrubs will be extremely useful in providing an immediate green cover.

Greenbelt is a set of rows of trees planted in such a way that they form an effective barrier between the working zone and the surroundings. The main purpose of Plantation development is to contribute to the following factors:

To attenuate noise levels generated from the mine; To improve the aesthetics of the area; To trap the vehicular emissions and fugitive dust emissions; To prevent soil erosion and to protect the natural vegetation

6). Socio-Economic Development The Project Proponent will under took community development works in order to improve the amenities in nearby villages as a part of commitment towards social and economic upliftment of the area. The unit has also taken up religious and cultural aspects of the area into consideration and has identified important religious functions for providing financial assistance so that these are celebrated with full vigour and enthusiasm strengthening the concept of brotherhood and fraternity.

Documents

TABLE OF CONTENTS S.No. Contents Page No. 1-4 … Agrawal/Pre... · 30″ to 800 49′ 35″ E and is covered by Survey of India Toposheet number 64 C ... an area of 1.50 Hectare