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Draft EIA- River Bed Mining at Mai Chak (46.37Ha), J&K

File No DEIA/JNK/2016/02 1

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND Rivers are the most important life supporting system of nature. For centuries, humans have been enjoying the natural benefits provided by rivers without understanding much on how the river ecosystem functions and maintains its vitality. Man has changed the nature of many of the world's rivers by controlling their floods, construction large impoundments, over exploitation of living and non living resources and using rivers for disposal of wastes. Among these, unscientific and indiscriminate extraction of river bed material from river bed are the rampant activities which are threatening the very existence of the river ecosystem. In order to mitigate the impact of river bed mining on the environment, a scientific assessment is a pre-requisite for framing sustainable development strategies.

Indeed, in a developing country like India, the supply of sand & gravel as a raw material for infrastructure development has a paramount importance. Therefore, the implementation of scientific mining principles through EIA & EMP plays a vital role in sustainable economic growth of ourcountry.

Benefits of Sustainable River Bed Mining ü Prevents the river bed from becoming shallow due to the deposition of sediments. ü Scientific mining prevents the excessive erosion, which can damage flora, agriculture land

and settlements situated in close proximity. ü It maintains the water retention capacity and help to avoid flood like situations. ü It generates useful economic resource for construction and generates employment in local

areas.

PURPOSE OF THISREPORT Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a decision making tool, in the hands of the Authorities which brings forth the factual position about a project that enables them in arriving at an appropriate conclusion for the proposed projects, to retain them if environmentally sound, and reject if found having deleterious overall impact. EIA identifies the extent of the environmental, social and economic impacts of a project prior to decision making. EIA systematically examines both beneficial and adverse impacts of the proposed project over and above the prevailing conditions of environmental parameters and ensure that these impacts are taken into account during the project designing stage itself and the values of the combined impacts are never allowed to exceed and remain within the statutory norms. This process has been envisioned and set in motion by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change(MoEF&CC)forsustainabledevelopmentandthefinaldecisionisarrivedatonlywhen those who matter are made known of the salient features of the project being envisaged close to them and their opinion has been sought in a widely advertised Public Hearing Event under the chairmanship of the district authorities so that public could also express their opinion freely. This Draft Environmental Impact Assessment report is being prepared to comply with the Terms of Reference (TOR) received from MoEF & CC under EIA notification, 2006 dated 14-9-2006, as amended on 1st Dec 2009 & 4th April 2011, 13th December 2012, 13th March 2013, 9th September 2013 of MoEF & CC, Govt. of India, for seeking environmental clearance for river bed mining in the applied mining lease area measuring 46.37 hectares falling under Category “B” project and is being considered in the Ministry as the tenure of SEIAA, Jammu and Kashmir has expired to obtain Environmental Clearances from the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change (MoEF & CC), Govt. of India.




ENVIRONMENT CLEARANCE OR EIA PROCESS FOR THIS PROJECT Mining Lease for river bed material is proposed to be granted as provided in Jammu & Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession Rule - 1962 (State Rules) and amendments. This mine lease will be granted for a period of 20 years which shall commence from the date of grant of Environment Clearance from MoEF & CC, which is mandated by the EIA notification of 2006 and subsequent amended notifications issued by MOEF&CC.

As per the Gazette Notification dated 14th Sep, 2006 and its subsequent amendments, the project is classified as Category – B Project. The Environmental Clearance process for the proposed project will comprise of three stages. These stages in sequential orderare:-

ü Screening ü Scoping ü Public Consultation or PublicHearing ü Appraisal ü The flow chart depicting these stages to obtain the prior Environmental Clearance for the

project is as given below in Figure1.1.




IDENTIFICATION OF PROJECTPROPONENT Name Shri Dhyan Singh S/O shri Harpal Singh Address R/O Villlage-Bhallesar,Tehsil RS Pura,Jammu & Kashmir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

ProjectName Maichak River Bed Mining Location of theProject Village: Maichak,Tehsil Sumwan, District Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir Name ofRiver UjhRiver Mine LeaseArea 46.37 Ha.


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4 File No DEIA/JNK/2016/02

Details of Villages present in LeaseArea

S. No.

Village Areas

KhasraNo.

1 Mai Chak 46.37 1,2,3,489/4,490/4,6,508/7,8

Latitude &Longitude Village Area Latitude Longitude

Maichak 46.37 ha 32°25'0.962"N to

32°25'46.011"N

75°24' 24.181"E to

75°24' 47.023"E

ToposheetNumber 43P/7 Type of Land Government Land ProjectCost 75 Lakhs Man Power & No. of Workingdays

14 Skilled & Trained Manpower for 275Days/Year.

Water Demand &Source 16 KLD,to be procured from nearby Villages throughtankers. Lowest & Highest Elevation

357.50-360.00 AMSL

GeologicalReserves 43,88,499.5 Tones

MineableReserves 41,14,218.5 Tones

TargetedProduction 7,67,987 TPA Validity ofLease The period of contract for mining will be for 20 years. Type ofMining Opencast semi mechanized (river bed)

SeismicZone Seismic ZoneIV End use ofProduct As a Raw Material for Constructionpurpose. NearestTown Kathua (11.2 km NW) NearestR.S/Airport Budhi Railway Station, 2.25 km towards North-East direction

Jammu Airport (60.7 km NW) NearestHighway NH – 1A (0.69 km towards North Direction)

NH-15 (23.8 Km towards North East Direction). State, National boundaries

Interstate boundary of Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab about 9.1 km. Nearest WaterBodies UjhRiver Historical Monuments (in 10 KmBuffer)

None within the study Area.


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Status of Protected/ Other Areas (in 10 KmBuffer)

These are reserve forest found in the study area. Distance and direction of each RF and PF is given below :

Forest Distance Distance Ujh RF 0.9 Km West Behari RF 7.7 Km NW Amala RF 6.2 Km NW Jasrota RF 3.8 Km NW Jasogarh Budhi PF 6.8 Km NW Sundrikot PF 9.3 Km NE

Nearest Dispensary &Govt.Hospital

Sub District Hospital-About 7.62 km(approx.) in SE Direction

Local geology of thearea The region is occupied by high mountain ranges, valleys, gorges and canyons

The applied area is a river bed of Ujh river, a tributary of Ravi river. The southern and south-western limit of the area forms of the gentle terrain called as Outer Plains which merges with the Punjab State with elevations ranging from. 280 to 500m AMSL whereas the northern and north-eastern parts are hilly and mountainous having elevations roughly between 500 and 3000m AMSL with intermountain valleys called as Dun belt. Ravi river forms the district/State border with Himachal and Punjab State towards east.

The flood plains and Older Alluvium cover of Recent to Pleistocene age formed by the Ravi River in the river bed and either banks- Punjab and in the Kathua parts of J&K comprises of heterogeneous nature of the sediments- boulder conglomerates, quartzitic boulders, pebbles, gravels, cobbles, silt and fine to coarse sand.

REGULATORYCOMPLIANCES Data for environmental parameters will be generated for Ambient Air, water, soil and noise quality for one month representing season. Data will be complied to make six monthly reports, which will be submitted along with other conditions laid into the EC letter. Annual report will be submitted into the regional office of MoEF & CC and local State Pollution Control Board.

POST – ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCEMONITORING The project proponent will submit half yearly compliance report in respect of stipulated prior Environmental Clearance terms and conditions on 1st June and 1st Dec. of each calendar year. The latest compliance report will be displayed on the website of the concerned regulatory authority. Environment statement will be prepared based on one year data comprises of six monthly reports. Further environmental conditions will be complied and reports will be submitted at the State Pollution Control Board and Regional Office ofMoEF&CC.


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ToR COMPLIANCE POINT WISE COMPLIANCE OF TOR ISSUED BY MOEF&CC

S. No

TOR Points Implementation / Plan / Status covered in EIA report.

1. Year-wise production details since 1994 should be given, clearly stating the highest production achieved in any one year prior to 1994. It may also be categorically informed whether there had been any increase in production after the EIA Notification, 1994 came into force w.r.t the highest production achieved prior to 1994.

This is a fresh Mining Lease area awarded by Dept. of Geology & Mines, Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir. The grant of lease for Minor Minerals requires Mining Plan and Environment Clearance in favor of Sh. Dhyan Singh S/o Shri Harpal Singh vide letter MCC/DGM/MML/AF-3/14/1632 dated 21/02/2015.Production will be commenced only after obtaining Environmental Clearances from MoEF &CC, New Delhi and CTE from State pollution Control Board, Jammu & Kashmir. Attached as Annexure I.

2. A copy of the document in support of the fact that the Proponent is the rightful lessee of the mine should be given.

The Mining Plan has been issued to Sh. Dhyan Singh S/o Shri Harpal Singh by Directorate of Mines & Geology, Srinagar, Govt.of Jammu & Kashmir vide letter DGM/F-435/AoMP/762-765 dated 15/05/2015 for mining on 46.37 Ha. EC is required to furnish before lease deed is executed. Mining Plan Approval letter is enclosed as Annexure II. NOC from the office of Kathua Forest Division is applied and will be enclosed in Final EIA/EMP Report. ToR was granted from MoEF & CC vide letter no J-11015/362/2015-IA.II (M) dt27.11.2015. (Annexure No – III)

3. All documents including approved mine plan, EIA report and Public hearing should be compatible with one another in terms of the mine lease area, production levels, waste generation and its management and mining Technology etc. and should be in the name of lessee.

All documents including approved mining plan and EIA report are compatible with one another in terms of the mine lease area and production levels. TOR and Mine Plan Comparison

Particulars TOR Mining Plan Lessee M/s Sh. Dhyan

Singh

M/s Sh. Dhyan Singh

Area 46.37 Ha 46.37 Ha Production 7,67,987 TPA 7,67,987 TPA Water Demand 16 KLD 16 KLD

Method of mining Semi mechanized Semi mechanized

4. All corner coordinates of the mine lease area, superimposed on a High Resolution Imagery/topo-sheet,

All corners of the coordinates of ML area are superimposed on topo sheet of survey of India Toposheet No. 43P/7 and same has been provided under Chapter 1


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topographic sheet, geomorphology and geology of the area should be provided. Such as imagery of the proposed area should clearly show the land use and other ecological features of the study area (core and buffer zone).

of EIA/EMPReport. Land use & High resolution Imagery FCC maps are prepared with the use of RS–GIS technique and is provided underChapter-3.

5. Information should be provided in Survey of India Topo-sheet in 1:50,000 scale indicating geological map of the area, geomorphology of land forms of the area, existing minerals and mining history of the area, important water bodies, streams and rivers and soil characteristics.

The land use & land cover map of the area are superimposed on topo sheet (No 43 P/7) of survey of India in 1:50,000 scale and geological map of the area, geomorphology of land forms of the area, existing minerals and mining history of the area, important water bodies, streams and rivers and soil characteristics has been furnished in Chapter 3 of EIA/EMP Report.

6 Details about the land proposed for mining activities should be given with information as to whether mining conforms to the land use policy of the State; land diversion for mining should have approval from State land use board or the concerned authority.

The mining lease area of 46.37 ha was allotted to Shri Dhyan SinghS/o Sh. Harpal Singh by the Dept. of Geology & Mines, Srinagar, Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir. Copy of approval of Mining Plan is attached as Annexure II. Letter of Intent from Dept. of Geology & Mines, Srinagar, Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir will be issued to the leasee after grant of environment Clearance of the Lease area from MoEf & CC.

7 It should be clearly stated whether the proponent company have a well laid down Environment policy approved by its Board of directors? If so, it may be spelt out in the EIA report with description of the prescribed operating process/procedures to bring into focus any infringement/deviation/violation of the environmental or forest norms/conditions? The hierarchical system or administrative order of the company to deal with the environmental issues and for ensuring compliance with the EC conditions may also be given. The system of reporting of non-compliances/ violations of

The company has formulated the environmental policy, approved by its board of Directors/Owner; the same will function in hierarchical manner in coordination with an Enviro-Legal Consultancy.

The policy is attached as Annexure IV wherein the continuous improvement, corrective measure programs and environmental commissioning programs are clearly spelt out.




environmental norms to the board of Directors of the company and/or shareholders or stakeholders at large may also be detailed in the EIA report.

8 Issues relating to mine safety, including subsidence study in case of underground mining and slope study in case of open cast mining, blasting study etc. should be detailed. The proposed safeguard measures in each case should also be provided.

Mining i.e. removal / collection of river bed material will be carried out by open cast semi - mechanized and no underground mining will be done. So no subsidence study is required. No drilling and blasting will be carried out. The mine safety is discussed in Chapter 7 of EIA report. The mine safety in brief is discussed as follows: • Mining will be done as per the provisions of Jammu

& KashmirMinorMineral Concession Rules, 1962. • The provisions mentioned in the Draft SUSTAINABLE

SANDMINING MANAGEMENT GUIDELINE, September 2015 issuedbyMoEF& CC will be adheredto.

• Mining will be done as per approved mining plan & progressive mine closure plan.

• All safety measures will be adopted at the time of operational phase of the project.

• It will be implemented to prevent restrict access to excavation area by unauthorized person as per Mines Act 1952; MMR, 1961.

• Removal/ collection of river bed material will be up to 3 meter depth.

• Protective equipmentsas safe guard measures like dust musk, goggles, ear plug/ muffs, head phones and other equipment will be provided to workers working at high pollution potential areas.

9. The study area will comprise of 10 km zone around the mine lease from lease periphery and the data contained in the EIA such as waste generation etc. should be for the life of the mine / lease period.

Study area of 10 km zone around the applied mine lease boundary are considered. Attached as Key plan of the study area as Annexure-V • No mining waste will be generated in the proposed river

bed mining project. • There is no generation of OB/ waste material in case of

river bed mining. • This overburden will be used for reclamation of land

simultaneously. • Working in the next hectare area will be started only

after reclamation of the mined out of first area. • Lease period is 20 years.

10. Land use of the study area delineating forest area, agricultural land, grazing land, wildlife sanctuary and national park, migratory routes of fauna, water

The land use of the study area which shows forest area, agriculture land, water bodies, human settlement etc. has been given at Chapter III of EIA/EMP report. Land use plan of the study area is divided into agriculture land, forest, settlement and river side is given as follows:-




bodies, human settlements & other ecological features should be indicated. Land use plan of the mine lease area should be prepared to encompass preoperational, operational and post operational phases and submitted. Impact, if any, of change of land use should be given.

Ø Existing Land use of the studyarea:

Sr. No

Description of Land

Estimated Area ( Ha)

Percentage to total area

1 Khud 869.83 2.50 2 Nala 755.67 2.16 3 River 2014.15 5.78 4 Forest 5739.18 16.47 5 Scrub Land 337.87 0.97 6 Settlement 458.62 1.33 7 Agriculture 24655.2 70.79 Total 34830.52 100

• There is no National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary, Migratory routes of fauna and National Monument within 10km periphery of the lease area and as per secondary data available.

• There is no habitation within lease area. • Land use pattern of the mine lease area at present along

and the end of 5 years are as follows.

Particulars Present land use

At the end of 5 years

Quarry 0.015 43.88

Infrastructure 0.00 0.00

Dumps 0.00 0.00

Buffer Zone of 7.5m

0.00 2.49

Undisturbed Land

46.355 0.00

Total 46.37 46.37

Change of Land use:-The applied river bed lease area consists of 46.37Ha on Ujh river. No forest land, grazing land & agricultural land involved. There will not be any permanent change in land use in the core zone, as mining activity involves collection of River Bed Material. Plantation will be done around the applied lease area.

11. Details of the land for any overburden dumps outside the mine lease, such as extent of land area, distance from mine lease, its

Details of the land for overburden are as follows: • There is no generation of OB/ waste material in case of

river bed mining. • There is no human settlement/property on lease area.




land use, R&R issues, if any, should be given.

• Hence R & R is not applicable on this project.

12. A Certificate from the Competent Authority in the State Forest Department should be provided, confirming the involvement of forest land, if any, in the project area. In the event of any contrary claim by the Project Proponent regarding the status of forests, the site may be inspected by the State Forest Department along with the Regional Office of the Ministry to ascertain the status of forests, based on which, the Certificate in this regard as mentioned above be issued. In all such cases, it would be desirable for representative of the State Forest Department to assist the Expert Appraisal Committees.

The Mining Lease area does not involve any forest land. The land of the Mining lease area is Government land on the river bed of Ujh and this area is free from any reservation of Forest Department, Jammu & Kashmir Government. The proponent has taken an area of 46.37 Ha as per vide letter MCC/DGM/MML/AF-3/14/1632 dated 21/02/2015 from Department of Geology & Mines, Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir. The mining department has taken prior clarification from the Forest department before putting it into the allotment. Hence this area is free from the forest. Forest NOC is applied forfrom the office of Divisional Forest officer Kathua, J&K and will be attached in Final EIA/EMP Report.

13. Status of forestry clearance for the broken up area and virgin forestland involved in the Project including deposition of net present value (NPV) and compensatory a forestation (CA) should be indicated. A copy of the forestry clearance should also be furnished.

No Forest Land involved in the applied lease area. Forest NOC will be issued from the office of Divisional Forest officer Kathua,J&K attached in Final EIA/EMP Report. Compensatory Forestation (CA) is not applicable in the proposed mining area.

14. Implementation status of recognition of forest rights under the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 should be indicated.

The area is not covered under Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. Hence, it is not applicable.

15. The vegetation in the RF / PF areas in the study area, with necessary details, Should be given.

These are reserve forest found in the study area. Distance and direction of each RF is given below :

Forest Distance Distance Ujh RF 0.9 Km West Behari RF 7.7 Km NW Amala RF 6.2 Km NW Jasrota RF 3.8 Km NW Jasogarh Budhi PF 6.8 Km NW Sundrikot PF 9.3 Km NE

The list of species are discussed in chapter-3 of EIA/EMP report.

16. A study shall be got done to Anticipated The flora & fauna in the core zone are




ascertain the impact of the Mining project on Wildlife of the study area and details furnished. Impact of the project on the wildlife in the surrounding and any other protected area and accordingly detailed mitigative measures required, should be worked out with cost implications and submitted.

impact on flora & fauna

so common that they could be found in all similar areas. So, no reduction in species diversity & no specific mitigation measures are proposed.

Habitat loss or fragmentation

The proposed mining activity will not change the existing land use of the area as it is river bed which would be replenished by natural means. Thus no habitat loss or fragmentation is envisaged.

Additional risk to rare or endangered or endemic or threatened species.

There are no rare and endangeredspecies in the core as well as buffer area. So no damage is going to be done on such life forms, which require protection by the proposed project.

17. Location of National parks, Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves, Wildlife corridors, Ramsar site Tiger/Elephant reserves (existing as well as proposed), if any, within 10 km of the mine lease should be clearly indicated, supported by a location map duly authenticated by Chief Wildlife Warden. Necessary clearance, as may be applicable to such projects due to proximity of the ecologically sensitive areas as mentioned above, should be obtained from the Standing Committee of National Board of Wildlife and copy furnished.

National parks, Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves, Wildlife corridors, Tiger/Elephant reserves (existing as well as proposed) are not present within 10 km of the applied mine lease area.

18. A detailed biological study for the study area [core zone & buffer zone (10 km radius of the periphery of the mine lease)] shall be carried out. Details of flora & fauna, endangered, endemic and Ret Species duly authenticated, separately for core and buffer zone should be furnished based on such primary field survey, clearly

A detailed Biological study of the study area (core zone & buffer zone in 10 km radius of the periphery of the mine lease) has been carried out by Ecology & Biodiversity Functional Area Expert during the monitoring season (March 2015 - May. 2015) and results are verified with literature and research papers.

• Details of flora and fauna of core & buffer zone are given in Chapter III.

• During study, one Schedule I species; i.e. Indian




indicating the schedule of the fauna present. In case of any scheduled-I fauna found in the study area, the necessary plan alongwith budgetary provision for their conversion should be prepared in consultation with State Forest and Wildlife Deptt. and details furnished. Necessary allocation of funds for implementing the same should be made as part of the project cost.

Peafowl was found in the study area. • A Conservation plan for the same has been prepared

with detailed mitigative measures & budgetary provisions attached as Annexure VI.

19. Proximity to Areas declared as ‘Critically Polluted’ or the Project areas likely to come under the ‘Aravali Range’, (attracting court restrictions for mining operations), should also be indicated and where so required, clearance certifications from the prescribed Authorities, such as the SPCB or State Mining Dept. Should be secured and furnished to the effect that the proposed mining activities could be considered.

The project site is neither falling under Aravali range nor it is located or in proximity to area declared as Critically Polluted.

20. Similarly, for coastal Projects, A CRZ map duly authenticated by one of the authorized agencies demarcating LTL,HTL,CRZ area, location of the mine lease w.r.t CRZ, coastal features such as mangraves, If any, should be furnished.(Note: The Mining Projects falling under CRZ would also need to obtain approval of the concerned Coastal Zone Management Authority).

Not Applicable, since the project site does not come under CRZ area.

21. R&R Plan/compensation details for the Project Affected People (PAP) should be furnished. While preparing the R&R Plan, the relevant State/National Rehabilitation & Resettlement Policy should be kept in view. In respect of SCs /STs and other weaker sections of the society in the study area, a need based sample

The Mining lease is on the Ujh river bed. There is no population or property or both involved at the site. No R&R plan is required. The details of socio-economic study are described in Chapter III of EIA –EMP Report. Detail Regarding Survey attached as Annexure VII.




survey, family-wise, should be undertaken to assess their requirements, and action programs prepared and submitted accordingly, integrating the sectoral programs of line departments of the State Government. It may be clearly brought out whether the village located in the mine lease area will be shifted or not. The issues relating to shifting of Village including their R&R and socio economic aspects should be discussed in the report.




22. One season (non-monsoon) primary baseline data on ambient air quality (PM10, SO2 and NOx), water quality, noise level, soil and flora and fauna shall be collected and the AAQ and other data so complied presented date-wise in the EIA and EMP report. Site specific meteorological data should also be collected. The location of the monitoring stations should be such as to represent whole of the study area and justified keeping in view the re-dominant downwind direction and location of sensitive receptors. There should be at least one monitoring station within 500 m of the mine lease in the pre-dominant downwind direction. The mineralogical composition of PM10 particularly for free silica should be given.

One season (non-monsoon) primary baseline data of ambient air quality (PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NOx), water quality, noise level, soil and flora and fauna are collected during pre monsoon season (March to May, 2015) and the AAQ and other data are compiled in the Chapter 3 of EIA and EMP report. The mineralogical composition of PM10 particularly for free silica is given in Chatper 3of EIA/EMPreport.. Site specific meteorological data is given below:

Months-2015

Wind Speed (m/s)

Temperature oC) Relative Humidity (%)

Highest Lowest

Highest Lowest

March 1.6 25 10 70.2 62.3 April 1.7 33 16 66.9 55.9 May 1.5 40 21 58.2 52.7

Result of Free Silica in PM10 Station Names Code Free Silica in PM10 (µg/m3)

Max Min Core zone AQ-1 7.35 1.04 Core zone AQ-2 7.01 1.54 Upwind direction (Rajbagh-village)

AQ-3 4.63 1.21

Down wind direction (Surajbeli-village)

AQ-4 5.32 1.04

Down wind direction (Sumwan-village)

AQ-5 7.14 1.21

Shiv Temple (Girnari-village)

AQ-6 7.15 1.12

NH-1A (Hamirpur-village)

AQ-7 4.75 1.33

Sanjwan-village

AQ-8 6.49 1.16

Nihalpur-village

AQ-9 5.64 1.32

Bhagwan-village

AQ-10

5.12 1.26




23. Air quality modeling should be carried out for prediction of impact of the project on the air quality of the area. It should also take into account the impact of movement of vehicles for transportation of mineral. The details of the model used and the input parameters used for modeling should be provided. The Air quality contours may be shown on the location map clearly indicating the location of site, location of sensitive receptors, if any, and habitation. The wind roses showing pre-dominant wind direction may also be indicated on the map.

Air Quality Dispersion Model: ISCST3 version 3: Dispersion model, based on steady state Gaussian plume dispersion, was used for the prediction of ground level concentrations. Meteorological data generated at site during study period has been used for onsite input metadata. Input parameter: Meteorological data of wind speed & direction, temperature, atmospheric stability and mixing height during study period has been used as input of the model. Transportation: Proposed Capacity of mine/annum – 7,67,987 TPA Proposed production capacity – 2792 TPD based at 275 days Transportation of river bed material from river bed face to consumers will be by Trucks through National Highway 1A and existing connecting metallic roads. Total around 112 Trucks will be envisaged per day on the basis of 25 tonnes capacity of truck. Air quality modelling is prepared for prediction of impact of the project.

Location

Ground Level Concentrations of PM10 in µg/m3 Background (Max.)

Predicted

Total Expected

CPCB Standard

AQ1 58.23 14.69 72.92 100 AQ2 60.41 12.22 72.63 100 AQ3 58.50 6.76 65.26 100 AQ4 60.29 2.47 62.76 100 AQ5 59.37 1.43 60.80 100 AQ6 60.00 1.17 61.17 100 AQ7 60.00 0.65 60.65 100 AQ8 60.63 9.88 70.51 100 AQ9 58.58 6.75 65.33 100 AQ10 58.65 6.82 65.47 100

The wind rose diagram showing that the predominant direction. The details are given in Chapter 4 of EIA / EMP Report.

24 The water requirement for the project, its availability and source should be furnished. A detailed water balance should also be provided. Fresh water requirement for the project should be indicated.

Total water requirement is 16 KLD. The availability of water from dug well situated nearby villages through water tankers. Water will be obtained through tanker supply from nearby villages.

Purpose Requirement (KLD) Domestic 0.6 Dust Suppression 7.0




Plantation 8.4 Total 16.0

25 Necessary clearance from the Competent Authority for drawl of requisite quantity of water for the project should be provided.

Total water requirement is 16 KLD for dust suppression, domestic and green belt development, which will be made available from dug well situated in nearby village through water tankers. Permission has been taken from the panchyat for the same. The NOC from Gram Panchayat will be attached in Final EIA/EMP Report.

26 Description of water conservation measures proposed to be adopted in the Project should be given. Details of rainwater harvesting proposed in the Project, if any, should be provided.

Water will be taken from existing water sources from hired Tankers so no new bore well will be dug up so necessary clearance from Competent Authority are not required. Water conservation measures proposed to be adopted are as given below:- • Optimum utilization to avoid unnecessary wastage of

water will be done. • Awareness programs will be taken up to educate public

for conservation of water. • Mobile toilets with modular septic tank having efficient

water utilization capacity (low facets water requirement for flushing) will beused.

• Atomized water sprinklers will be used to minimize the air borne dust emissions on haul roads.

• Regular monitoring of water sources will be carried out for winter, Post-monsoon and Pre-monsoon.

This is river bed mining project. So, no rain water harvesting structure is being proposed in the lease area. However, the Proponent will create rain water harvesting structure on a public building (under CSR planning) such as Panchayat Bhawan, School or any other alike place after due permission from the concerned authority.

27 Impact of the project on the water quality, both surface and groundwater should be assessed and necessary safeguard measures, if any required, should be provided.

SurfaceWater No permanent infrastructure will be developed which may obstruct the river flow, the proposed River Bed Mining will not be done in rainy days hence there will not be any adverse impact on the surface water. GroundWater The ground water quality will not be changed because mining activity will not intersect the ground water table as it is restricted to 3 m or 1m above ground water level, whichever will belowest.

Impact of the project on the water quality & its mitigation measures has been incorporated in Chapter-4 of




EIA/EMPreport. 28 Based on actual monitored data, it

may clearly be shown whether working will intersect groundwater. Necessary data and documentation in this regard may be provided. In case the working will intersect groundwater table, a detailed Hydro Geological Study should be undertaken and report furnished. The Report inter-alia, shall include details of the aquifers present and impact of mining activities on these aquifers. Necessary permission from Central Ground Water Authority for working below ground water and for pumping of ground water should also be obtained and copy furnished.

• The maximum working depth of mining will be 3 m bgl in river bed where the groundwater table is at an average depth of 6-30 m bgl.

• So mining depth will not intersect the ground water table. Hence permission is not required fromCGWA.

• Water will be sourced from the hired tankers; hence permission from CGWA is notapplicable. Analysis report of the surface water is discussed in chapter 3 of EIA/EMP Report.

29 Details of any stream, seasonal or otherwise, passing through the lease area and modification / diversion proposed, if any, and the impact of the same on the hydrology should be brought out.

Ujh River itself part of applied lease area. No proposal for modification/ diversion of any stream or otherwise, because working is proposed in the blocks which remains dry except the monsoon season mine operation will beclosed. It is opencast mining of river bed material located on the river bed and mining is permitted only up to depth of 3 meter; hence there will be no stream diversion/modifications. The drainage pattern of the study area is given in Chapter 3, of EIA- EMPReport.

30 Information on site elevation, working depth, groundwater table etc. should be provided both in AMSL and bgl. A schematic diagram should also be provided for the same.

Site elevation – 357.50-360.00 AMSL River Bed: Maximum Working Depth : 3m bgl Ground water Table: Pre- Monsoon= 6-30 m bgl Post Monsoon= 6-28.5 m bgl Information about site elevation, working depth has been incorporated in Chapter 2 of EIA Report.

31. A time bound Progressive Greenbelt Development Plan shall be prepared in a tabular form (indicating the linear and quantitative coverage, plant species and time frame) and submitted, keeping in mind, the same will have to be executed up front on

It is proposed to develop greenbelt as social forestry program in the approach villages at public places like school, PHC’s, Panchayat Bhawan with due permission from Panchayat and in consultation with Forest Department. Priority will be given to school and PHC’s. A suitable combination of trees that can grow fast and also have good leaf cover shall be adopted to develop the greenbelt. It is proposed to plant native species along with




commencement of the project. Phase wise plan of plantation and compensatory afforestation should be charted clearly indicating the area to be covered under plantation and species to be planted. The details of plantation already done should be given. The plant species selected for greenbelt should have greater ecological value and should be of good utility value to the local population with emphasis on local and native species and the species which are tolerant to pollution.

some fruit bearing and herbal trees during the plan period at the rate of 500 trees/ha.

Year

Saplings to be planted

Survival (@ 80%)

Species Place of Plantation

I 1500 1200 Khair, babul, Deodar,Shisham, Buri, Simbal, Gulmohar , apples, al-monds, melons, and Laukats etc

Along the roads, in schools and public building and other social forestry program.

II 1500 1200 III 1500 1200 IV 1500 1200 V 1500 1200 Total

7,500 6,000

32. Impact on local transport infrastructure due to the project should be indicated. Projected increase in truck traffic as result of the project in the present road network (including those outside the project area) should be worked out, indicating whether it is capable of handling the incremental load. Arrangement for improving the infrastructure, if contemplated (including action to be taken by other agencies such as State Government) should be covered. PP shall conduct impact of transportation study as per Indian Road Congress Guidelines.

The transportation of river bed material will be done by vehicles through National Highways 1A and existing connecting metalled roads. The level of service (LoS) value for the proposed mine is found ‘Very Good’ for NH-1A &Bamyal and Nagri road which will remain same after the commencement of mining project. Hence, no adverse impacts on local infrastructure are envisaged. Traffic density from the proposed mining activity has been incorporated in Chapter 3 of Draft EIA/EMP report. Existing Traffic Scenario & LOS

Road V (Volume in PCU/hr)

C (Capacity in PCU/hr)

Existing V/C Ratio

LOS

NH-1[A] 1648 4000 0.412 B Bamyal & Nagri Road

1124 3500 0.321 B

Projected Traffic Scenario & LOS

Road Increased PCU’S- State/National Highway

V C Modified V/C Ratio

LOS

NH-1[A] 1648+63 1711

4000 0.427 B

Bamyal & Nagri Road

1124+63 1187

3500 0.339 B




33. Details of the onsite shelter and facilities to be provided to the mine workers should be included in the EIA report.

Ø Onsite shelter and facilities will be provided to the Mine workers as per the Approved Mining Plan & in accordance with the Mines Rules.

Ø Following are the infrastructural facilities which will be provided to the workers:

1. Rest Shelter, drinking water facilities, washrooms separately for male & female workers, sanitary facility, first aid facilities, etc.

2. Personal protective equipment such as ear muffs, gloves etc. will be provided to the workers to ensure their safety.

34. Conceptual post mining land use and Reclamation and Restoration of mined out areas (with plans and with adequate number of sections) should be given in the EIA report.

Uniform extraction of river bed surface to ensure that there is no irregular water accumulation in pits. Excavation to be done within the prescribed limit. Natural replenishment of river with sedimentation will take place during the monsoon season. Thus, reclamation and restoration activity will not be carried out for River bed area.



Quarry 0.015 43.88 Infrastructure 0.00 0.00 Dumps 0.00 0.00 Buffer Zone of 7.5m

0.00 2.49

Undisturbed Land

46.355 0.00

Total 46.37 46.37

35. Occupational Health impacts of the Project should be anticipated and the proposed preventive measures spelt out in detail. Details of pre-placement medical examination and periodical medical examination schedules should be incorporated in the EMP. The project specific occupational health mitigation measures with required facilities proposed in the mining area may be detailed.

Details about, Occupational Health impacts , Personnal protective measures, pre-placement medical examination and periodical medical examination schedules, management plan has been furnished in Chapter-4 of EIA report.

Anticipated occupationalHealth and

SafetyImpacts

Proposed mitigationmeasures

Lung disease and respiratory disorder due to dustexposure

Ø Dust mask will be provided to the workers.

Ø Precautions will be adopted to prevent dust generation at site and dispersing in theenvironment.

Ø Air emission control system such as water sprinkling, green




belt development. Ø Free Silica analysis of mineral

will bedone. Ø Budget of pollution control i.e

dust suppression by water sprinkling is proposed inEMP.

Noise Ø Ear muff will beprovided Ø Maintenance ofvehicles. Ø PUC certified vehicles used for

transportation. Accident atsite Ø PPEs will be provided to the

workers likely hand gloves, safety shoesetc

Ø Proper signage will be used at mining site as well as the transportationroute.

Others Ø Awareness program/training program will be organized for workers for occupationalsafety.

36. Public health implications of the Project and related activities for the population in the impact zone should be systematically evaluated and the proposed remedial measures should be detailed along with budgetary allocations.

In this proposed project, impact on the health of public has been assessed and the remedial measures have been proposed by the applicant. At the primary basis provision of first aid has been adopted. Adverse health impact will be due to air pollution, noise pollution etc. All control measures for air emissions, noise control will be taken to strictly comply with norms. Periodical free health camps will be taken up in the villages. Measures: -

• Trucks/dumpers will be covered by tarpaulin covers to control dust dispersion.

• Catalyze combustion fitted with vehicles and silencers to air pollution.

• All transportation vehicles carry a valid PUC Certificates to noise pollution.

Funds generated under the Corporate Social Responsibility will be used for the causes of poor people of the society. Separate fund will be earmarked for one time cost and recurring cost to manage the infrastructure development for poor people in the nearby villages. About 0.50 Lacs will be spent for free health checkups and medicine facility for the public, it is included in the CSR budget.

37 Measures of socio economic significance and influence to the

• No adverse impact is anticipated on any socio economic environment. There is no habitation within the applied




local community proposed to be provided by project. Applicant should be indicated. As far as possible, quantitative dimension may be given with time frame for implementation.

lease area. Therefore neither villages nor any part of village or any hamlet will be disturbed during the working period.

• The villages and their inhabitants in the buffer zone will not be disturbed from their settlements due to the mining operations.

• Preliminary survey was conducted to assess local need assessment; In this regard interactions were made for both Mai chak projects ( 46.37 Ha and 49.68 Ha) and following measures are suggested: Particulars

Activity Rs in Lacs per annum Capital Cost

Education Financial assistance to schools for construction and maintenance of toilets separately for males and females. Supply of books and stationary to needy and poor students.

1.75

Health Health camps for local community

0.50

Training Vocational Training for self employment

0.50

Miscellaneous

Distribution of blankets and woollen clothes to BPL households

0.40

Total 3.15

38 Detailed environmental management plan to mitigate the environmental impact which, should inter-alia include the impacts of change of land use, loss of agricultural and grazing land, if any, occupational health impacts besides other impacts pacific to the proposed project.

To mitigate the environmental impacts i.e. water sprinkling will be adapted to control dust emissions, plantation on approach road & nearby vicinity of water bank, haul roads kept levelled wide and compacted etc. safeguard measure will be adopted. Detailed environmental management plan to mitigate is incorporated in report. Details are given in Chapter-10 of EIA-EMPReport.

Particulars Details

Air Quality Managem

Loading Water sprinkling will be done before loading by making it moist.




ent Transportation

• Water sprinkling during transportation over approach roads will be done for suppression of dust.

• Regular maintenance of machinery will be carried out.

• Overloading will be prevented.

• Trucks/Dumpers will be covered by tarpaulin covers.

Plantation Plantation will be carried out at the approach road, along the road of river bank and vicinity area in village roads.

Monitoring Periodic air quality monitoring will be done and adequate measures will betaken

Noise Management

Transportation

1. Source of noise will be during operation of transportation vehicles, for this proper maintenance will be done at regularintervals.

2. Oiling & greasing at regular interval will bedone.

3. Adequate silencers will be provided in all the diesel engines ofvehicles.

4. Minimum use of horns and speed limit of 10 km/hr. in the villagearea.

5. Its will be ensured that all transportation vehicles carry a valid PUCCertificates.

Green area

Plantation Plantation will be carried out at the approach road, river bank and vicinity area to control Dust, Air & Noise Pollution and improve aesthetic environment.




Water Quality management

Surface water quality mgt.

Waste water will not be generated during removal/ collection of river bed material. Mining will be conducted on dry area.

Ground water quality management

1. Ground water will not be intersected during mining activities. 2. Excavation will be carried out upto a maximum depth of 3 meter from the surface of river bed materialdeposit.

Waste water management

1. Waste water will not be generated during removal/ collection ofriver bed material.

2. Washrooms will be made available near workingblocks.

3. Septic tanks and soak pits will be provided for the disposal of domestic/ washroomseffluents.

Solid Waste Management 4. No waste is generated in the mining activities as the project involves collection ofriver bed material.

River bank protection & management

• Collection will be done during day light only.

• No stockpiling of collected river bed material will be done. Mining will be conducted on demand.

• Mining will be done for 3 meter thickness at a time in the direction of river, to avoid the providing effect & maintaining the uniform surface.

• Markers showing water level will be marked on the site.

39 Public hearing points raised and commitment of the project Applicant on the same along with time bound action plan to

Details of Public Hearing will be compiled in Final EIA/EMP Report.




implement the same should be provided and also incorporated in the final EIA/EMP report of the project.

40 Details of litigation pending against the project, if any, with direction /order passed by any Court of Law against the project should be given.

There is no litigation against the project.

41 The cost of the project (capital cost and recurring cost) as well as the cost towards implementation of EMP should clearly be spelt out.

Capital cost of project – 75 Lakh Environmental committee will be setup under the company environmental policy headed by the senior officer not below the rank of General Manager. The committee will be constituted with member from the management, Panchyat, environment dept., house -keeping and waste management. Details of works specified is given as follows:

S. No. Particulars Amount (Lakh)

Recurring cost(Lakh)

1 Pollution monitoring – Air, Water, Noise

1.50 0.50

2 Pollution monitoring – Water sprinkling

0.20 0.10

3 Wire fencing at plantation sites

0.30 -

4 Plantation including maintenance

0.50 0.20

5 Haul road and other roads repair and maintenance

0.50 -

6 Pre-monsoon and post monsoon survey for sedimentation in the river bed

1.00 0.30

Total 4.00 1.1

42 A Disaster Management Plan shall be prepared and included in the EIA/EMP report.

Details are incorporated in Chapter 7 of EIA Report.

43 Benefits of the project if the project is implemented should be spelt out. The benefits of the project shall clearly indicate environmental, social, economic, employment potential etc.

1. River Bed Mining project will have significant benefits in infrastructure development.

2. It will generate employment for the local people in the villages which are in majority in form of unskilled or semi skilled.

3. Funds allocated under CSR will help the poor for vocational training and skilled development. They will help to fit for other industry and self employment.

4. The EMP will improve environment quality around the




project for better environment in future. 5. River bed Materal is co-constituent of cementing material

will have major role in infrastructure development. ADDITIONAL TOR 44 Replenishment and drainage study

from a reputed Institution. Ø Replenishment of river bed material will be very much

dependent on rainfall and run-off from surrounding areas.

Ø Dandy-Bolton equations have been used to calculate sedimentation yield.

Ø A comprehensive replenishment study is envisaged for few continuous years to understand the pattern and potential of sedimentation and replenishment.

Formula For Q < 2 in: S = 1280 Q 0.46 [1.43-0.26 log (A)] For Q > 2 in: S = 1965 e -0.055Q [1.43-0.26 log (A)] Here: Q (in) = Mean Annual run off = 65.82 in A (mi2) = Catchment area= 142.34 mi2 Sediment yield S= (tons/yr) With above inputs, the calculation of the sediment yield by the Dandy and Bolton formula is illustrated below:

With above formula the value of S = 583.71 Million Tons /square mile/annum . Therefore the Total Sediment Yield for drainage basin of 142.334 square mile will be = 142.334 x 583.71= 0.83082 lac MT per annum. *source: - Calculation of sediment yield by the Dendy-Bolton formula Dandy & Boltan formula also says that actual sediments yield from individual drainage basins may vary 10-fold or even 100 fold from computed yields. Since itinerary of river Yamuna indicates that its basin comprises of sedimentary rocks with good average rainfall therefore there are fair chances of yield of sediments to be 50 fold of computed results, given the previous experiences of the river bed mining in the area, hence Actual Sediment Yield will be : 83081.7 x 50 = 4,15,40,89 M T / Annum. Annual sediment deposition at the place of mining: Bolton




formula The detail of replenishment study is given in Chapter VII of EIA/EMP Report. The proposed project site will not disturb natural drainage pattern of the area. Major River and Nala in 10 km of Buffer area and drainage map of the study area is shown below:

S.No Particulars Distance Direction

1 Tarnah Nadi 9.5 km NE

2 Chhab Nala 6.8 km NE

3 Shap Nala 1.8 km SW 4 Basera Nala 1.5 km SW 5 Phag Nala 1.0 SW 6 Syar khad 7.7 SE

45 Impact of mining activity on adjacent agricultural land with particular reference to run off, soil erosion and loss of top soil due to change in topography.

The mining will be conducted as per approved mining plan. The mineable area has been divided in three blocks. The mining of these blocks is suggested on rotation basis in such a way that pit of previous year mining will act as depository for the post monsoon season. There is no agricultural land in the mining lease area. The process has been discussed in Chapter-2 of EIA/EMP Report.

46 Details of transportation of mined out materials as per the Indian Road Congress for both the ways (loaded as well as unloaded trucks) load and its impact on Environment.

The removed/mined out material will be loaded directly into the truck/dumper and sent to buyers. Regular water sprinkling will be done in area and on haul road to reduce the dust diffusion. As per the traffic density conducted at NH-1A,Bamyal & Nagri Roadand existing connecting metalled roadsare capable of handling the additional traffic. Traffic analysis was carried out to understanding the carrying capacity of the roads near the project site and the connecting main roads in the area. The traffic study is summarized in below table:

Road Increased PCU’S-

State/National

Highway

V C Modified V/C Ratio

LOS

NH-1 1648+63 1711 4000

0.427 B

Bamyal &

Nagri Road

1124+63 1187 3500

0.339 B

From the above analysis it can be seen that the V/C ratio is likely to change to 0.4 & 0.3 with LOS being “B” which is




Very Good, as per classification. So the additional load on NH-1and Bamyal & Nagri Road is not likely to have any adverse effect. The detailed study on traffic analysis as per the Indian Road Congress for both the ways (loaded as well as unloaded trucks) load and its impact on environment are given in Chapter–VIII, of EIA / EMP Report.

47 Impact of all existing mining on the present land use in the study area.

There is no existing mining in Study area. Impact on Land use due to proposed project and its mitigation measures are given in Chapter IV in EIA/EMPreport.

48 Details of excavation schedule & sequential mining plan.

The maximum targeted production is 7,67,987 TPA and working is proposed in the lease area. To achieve the production mining will be done as per the approved mining plan. Entire stretch of the lease area consists of three blocks for ease of operation, supervision, management and safety. Workings will be restricted within the lease area.


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CHAPTER 2

PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2.0 TYPE OF PROJECT

This project is proposed for the excavation of river bed material from the bed of river Ujh. It is an opencast semi mechanized mining project to excavate river bed material in its existing form for direct usage as a construction material for infrastructure development. Mining operators, in conjunction with cognizant resource agencies, must work to ensure that river bed mining is conducted in a responsible manner. Excessive in-stream river bed material mining causes the degradation of rivers. In-stream mining lowers the stream bottom, which may lead to bank erosion. Depletion of river bed material in the streambed and along coastal areas causes the deepening of rivers and estuaries, and the enlargement of river mouths and coastal inlets. Excessive in stream river bed mining is a threat to bridges, river banks and nearby structures. River bed mining also affects the adjoining groundwater system and the uses that local people make of the river. In stream river bed mining results in the destruction of aquatic and riparian habitat through large changes in the channel morphology. Impacts include bed degradation, bed coarsening, lowered water tables near the streambed, and channel instability. These physical impacts cause degradation of riparian and aquatic biota and may lead to the undermining of bridges and other structures. Continued extraction may also cause the entire streambed to degrade to the depth of excavation. Scientific approach is required to minimize the impact and make use of river bed material in infrastructure development.

2.1 NEED FOR THE PROJECT Budget 2015 echoes the need to foster the infrastructure ecosystem and outlines the policies and reforms which are expected to revive the growth of infrastructure. As a result, demand of river bed material has increased mainly in infrastructure activities like roads, highways, buildings & townships. With the rapid pace of development, the gap between demand & supply of river bed material as construction material must be minimized to control the pricing mechanism. The price correction in the river bed material rates will definitely provide growth impetus to our citizens and as well as to our economy (both directly and indirectly), if it is available legally. Therefore, utilization of river bed material through scientific mining methodologies (sustainable mining) at the stretch of Ujh basin in Jammu & Kashmir must be allowed to support growth in nearby area. Scientific mining of river bed material will help to increase the catchment area of river bed that will reduce the flood impact on river and in periphery on human settlement. River bed material is backbone construction material. River bed mining boosts infrastructure development in construction of roads and buildings.

2.2 PROJECT SITE The proposed project is on the stretch of Ujh river bed at village Mai Chak, Taluk Sumwan, District Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir. The above project location map indicates that proposed site is well connected with rail, road and air network. NH -1A is passing towards North Direction of the project at 0.69 km which originate from Uri in J&K to Jalandhar (Punjab) and further connects NH-15 and NH-20. Nearest airport is Jammu Airport located at 60.7 km towards North-West direction and Budhi Railway Station is


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the nearest railway station located at the distance of 2.25 km towards North-East direction. The location map of project site and surrounding are given below.

Figure 2.1: Site Location Map and Facilities in periphery.

2.3 PROJECT HIGHLIGHT Salient features of the proposed project are given as follows:

Table 2.1Salient Features of Project

Parameters Details Mining Lease Area 46.37 Ha. Revenue village names for this Mine Lease

Village - Mai Chak, Taluk- Sumwan,District Kathua in J & K

Connected/ Nearby Highways for Transportation of River Bed Material

NH -1A, (0.69 km in North), NH-15 (23.8 Km in NE )

Historical Monuments None Status of Protected/ Other Areas Five Reserve Forest and One Protected Forest Present in

the Study Area. Nearest Medical Facilities Sub District Hospital about 7.62 km(approx.) in SE

Direction Nearest Educational Facilities Shamrock Genius Gems School about 1.1 km (approx.) in

NW Direction Nearest Police Station Kathua Nearest Power Supply Kathua City Power Grid

The location map of project site and surrounding are given below.




Figure 2.2: Project Location in India and in J & K state.

S.No Latitude Longitude 1 32°25'0.962"N 75°24'36.236"E 2 32°25'4.421"N 75°24'24.181"E 3 32°25'46.011"N 75°24'35.602"E 4 32°25'43.473"N 75°24'47.023"E

Figure 2.3: Pillar coordinates of Project Location.




Regional Geology Details of Regional Geology

Regional Geology of the area is enriched of river, hills and plain land stretch. The area applied is a Ujh River Bed. Ujh is tributary of River Ravi.The Ravi is perennial Trans Boundary River flowing through north-western India and north-eastern Pakistan. It originates in the Himalayas at an elevation of 4300 m amsl in the Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh. It turns southwest at the boundary of Jammu and Kashmir then the river flows to the Pakistani border through Punjab State along it more than 80 km before entering Pakistan’s Punjab Province. The Sewa River, in upper reaches of Basohli Tehsil, District Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir is one of the major tributary of Ravi. The Ravi River is a joint stream formed by the glacier fed Badal and Tant Gari rises from Bara Bangal a branch of the Dholadhar ranges of Himalayas. The course of the river in the lower reaches of Kathua and Punjabis in the maturity stage. The flood plains and Older Alluvium cover of Recent to Pleistocene age formed by the Ravi River in the river bed and either banks- Punjab and in the Kathua parts of J&K comprises of heterogeneous nature of the sediments- boulder conglomerates, quartzitic boulders, pebbles, gravels, cobbles, silt and fine to coarse sand. The Mangar Khad is one of the perennial tributary which joins the Ravi River in the north-eastern part of the lease area. Lithology formation and formation of group and super group are given below:

Table 2.2: Litho logy formation and formation of group and super group Group Super

group Formation Litho logy Age

Younger and Older Alluvium

Fine to coarse grained sand, silt and clay Fine to medium grained micaceous sand, silt and clay. Coarse sand (cobble, boulder)

Recent toUpper Pleistocene

Upper Siwalik Middle Siwalik Lower Siwalik

Conglomerate intercalated with sand, silt and clay dominantly coarse-grained sandstone and pink grey mudstoneMedium to coarse-grained sandstones and subordinate grey brown mudstoneRed Mudstone and fine medium-grainedgrey green sandstone

Pliocene-Middle Pleistocene Upper Miocene Upper Miocene

----------- --------------- Main Boundary Thrust------------------

----------------

Murree Group

Sandstone, clay stone, shale and siltstone

Early Miocene

------------ -------------- ------------- Murree Thrust--------------- ---------- Banjal / Siara

Quartzite ,phylites, limestone and carbonaceous phylites

Proterozoic


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Group ------------ ------------ -------- Panjal Thrust---------------------

-- ------------

Salkhala Group

Sewa Para Gneisses Proterozoic

Local Geology

The litho units encountered in the riverbed and surrounding areas are the river born sediments brought and deposited in the flood plains by River Ujh. The elevation of the site is 320 AMSL to 324AMSL in the river bed the sediments are river borne and has depositedintheriverbedaswellinthefloodplains.The flood plains and Older Alluvium cover of Recent to Pleistocene age formed by the Ravi River in the river bed and either banks- Punjab and in the Kathua parts of J&K comprises of heterogeneous nature of the sediments- boulder conglomerates, quartzitic boulders, pebbles, gravels, cobbles ,silt and fine to coarse sand.

Table 2.3 Geological and Mineable Reserves (As per Approved Mine Plan)

S.No Category Reserve (Tonnes) 1 Total Geological Reserve 4388499.5 2 Mineable Reserve 4114218.75 3 Blocked Reserve 274281.5 4 Targeted Production 7,67,987

2.4 PROJECT – ACTIVITIES This project is proposed for the excavation of river bed material partly from the bed of river Ujh. It is an opencast semi mechanized (river bed) mining project to excavate mineral in its existing form for direct usage as a construction material. River bed material excavation will be carried out up to a depth of 3.0 m or 1.0 m above the ground water table or whichever is less by using light weight excavators. Mining will be carried out in 3 Blocks and Year wise proposed production details as per approved Mining Plan are given below:-

Name Area (Ha.) Mai Chak River Bed Mining 46.37 Ha. Total Area 46.37 Ha.

Table 2.4 MINING AREA ((SOURCE: MINE PLAN)) Year ROM(Tones) Saleable(Tones)

I 7,67,987 7,67,987 II 7,67,987 7,67,987 III 7,67,987 7,67,987 IV 7,67,987 7,67,987 V 7,67,987 7,67,987

Total 38,39,935 38,39,935 Source : Five Years Proposed Production Details (T/A) ((Source: Mine Plan))


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Bench- wise proved reserves of river bed minerals are given as discussed in Table in the below table.

2.5 MINING METHODOLOGY As per Jammu & Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1962 extraction of river bed material in bench mode will be limited to 3.0 m depth, width will be approx. 20 m and bench will advance parallel to the bank of the river. Extraction activities will start in the block from the upstream to downstream side. This will not obstruct the movement of water, if any, during monsoon period in the river course. Roads in the lease area for the movement of loaded tippers/ trucks will not have slopes more than 1 in 20. Roads will be properly maintained and water sprinkling will be used for dust suppression. Lease area will have its own approach road, which already exist and is well connected to main highways. Light weight excavators will be used for loading of mineral in tippers/trucks. The mineable area is divided in three blocks i.e. Block A, Block B and Block C. The Mining of these blocks is suggested on rotation basis in such a way that pit of previous year mining will act as depository for the summer season. Proved Category of reserve is considered for mining. Benches of 1.0 to 1.5 M height have been drawn from ultimate pit limit of proved reserves estimated. Area of individual bench is being multiplied by strike influence which gave the volume of the bench. Specific gravity the river bed material is taken as 2.50 which is further multiplied by the volume of the bench.

2.6 CONCEPTUAL MINING PLAN The digging depth will be restricted to 3.0 m only or 1.0 m above the ground water table. This will be further get replenished during the rainy season. The reserves of proved River Bed Material estimated on surface geological plan are to the tune of 4.388 million tonnes. The deposit in the river bed will never exhaust. The material will be regularly replenished during floods by the action of river water. The following steps will be taken care in mining:

• Pit limit at the end of lease period • Dimensions of the pits are expected to be as Maximum length of 873.32m, Breath 335 m

and Depth 1.5 m • Sites of disposal of waste rock and top soil at the end of lease period • No top soil or waste will be generated in the mining as such no disposal of waste is

needed. The existing and in next five years of mining degradation of land will be as below:-

Table 2.6 - Present& after 5years Land use Pattern

Particulars Present land use At the end of 5 years

Quarry 0.015 43.88 Infrastructure 0.00 0.00 Dumps 0.00 0.00 Buffer Zone of 7.5m 0.00 2.49

Undisturbed Land 46.355 0.00

Total 46.37 46.37




2.7 PROPOSED INFRASTRUCTURE Infrastructure including Water Supply and Man Power for the project is discussed as below:

Table 2.7:Proposed Infrastructures Proposed Basic Amenities will be provided to workers at the mine site during operational phase.

Rest room shelter/Tents, first-aid facility, PP-temporary structure office and Portable Bio-toilets, etc

Power requirement Only day time Mining operations will be carried out, hence No Electricity is required.

Nearest source of Water supply & Demand

Daily water demand is assumed as 16.0 KLD and it will be procured through tankers by near villages as per demand.

Manpower Requirement Total employment in the Mining activities will be around 14 People and local villagers will be preferred for skilled and non-skilled jobs after training.

2.8 WATER DEMAND

16 KLD Water will be sourced from nearby villages through water tankers.Permission has been taken from the Gram Panchayat for the same. 8.4 KLD of water will be used for plantation of 3 ha land per year at the rate of 500 trees/ha, 7 KLD will be consumed for dust suppression and 0.6 KLD for domestic use.

Figure 2.4: Water Balance

Total WaterRequirement

(16KLD)

DustSuppression

(7.00 KLD)

Domestic

(0.6KLD)

Plantation

(8.4 KLD)


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2.9 MAN POWER Poor section of the society will be given priority in employment at proposed project. 14 (nos.) of people will be benefitted for direct employment and hundreds will get business opportunity in the project.

Table 2.8: Man Power Requirement S.No. Category Numbers

1 Mining Officer 1 2 Office Assistant/Dispatch Supervisor 1 3 Environment Supervisor 1 4 Office Boy 1 5 Skilled 2 6 Piece rated Worker 8

Total 14

CONCLUSION The proposed river bed mining project on the Ujh river bed is located at the village Mai Chak in the District Kathua of Jammu & Kashmir. It is well connected with rail, road and airport. NH -1A is passing towards North Direction of the project at 0.69 km which originates from Uri in J&K to Jalandhar (Punjab) and further connects NH-15 and NH-20. Budhi is the closed railway station at the distance of 2.5 NE and Jammu Airport is the nearest airport at the distance 60.7 km, NW. The mining lease area is 46.37 ha. There is no power requirement in the project as mining will be carried out in day hours only. 16 KLD of water will be used (8.4 KLD water will be utilized in plantation, 7.0 KLD for dust suppression and 0.6 KLD for domestic use) in the project. Water will be sourced through water tankers. The proposed project has positive impact on socioeconomic conditions of the area. 14 People will get employment and few hundred will be indirectly benefitted through business and other allied activities. Mining will be conducted in 275 days in year.




CHAPTER 3 DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT

3.0 INTRODUCTION EIA process requires the primary baseline data collection to know the information on the biophysical, social and economic backgrounds of Mine Lease Area. The criteria of the baseline data collection was based on the impact zone on both the sides of the river bank which was expected to be around the 2-3km from both the sides. The monitoring stations were considered based on their sensitivity by considering the close proximity with the sensitive areas like reserve forests. Bio-diversity part, national sanctuary and expected high pollutant concentration zones like Naka etc. The baseline data have been collected as per CPCB guidelines and approved methodology in the month of March, April and May 2015 by NABL approved laboratory, M/s Noida Testing Laboratory. 3.1 SOURCES OF ENVIRONMENTAL DATA The baseline information on micro-meteorology, ambient air quality, water quality, noise levels, soil quality and floristic descriptions have largely been drawn from the data generated by NABL accredited laboratory, M/s Noida Testing Laboratory. However, Secondary Data is sourced from Census Handbook, Revenue Records, publications of Statistical Department, Reports on soil survey and the records of Land use Organization, District Industries Centre, Forest Department, Central Ground Water Board, etc. Baseline study The study area of the Environment Impact Assessment comprises of core and buffer zones. The field survey for the collection of the baseline data commenced in March 2015 and continued till May 2015 representing Pre-monsoon season. The data collected are pertaining to air, water, noise, soil, geology, flora, fauna, land-use, forests and other environmental parameters. A socio-economic study is also conducted in the study area covering large habitations. Field surveys are also conducted in the study area for the purpose of augmenting the remote sensing data. For this purpose data on various attributes such as land features, rivers, forests and vegetation types were recorded from the ground land cover facility (GLCF).

Baseline Data had been collected&analyzedin relation to proposed projectis as follows:-

• Physiography Analysis • Topography &Land use Environment • Water Environment • Air Environment • Noise Environment • Biological Environment • Socio-Economic Environment


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3.2 COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS OF BASELINE DATA PhysiographyThis section includes the study of natural features like topography, drainage, climate and hydrology etc. Jammu and Kashmir is home to several valleys. Kashmir Valley, Tawi Valley, Chenab Valley, Punch Valley, Sind Valley and Lidder Valley. The Himalayas divide the Kashmir valley from Ladakh while the Pir Panjal range which encloses the valley from the west and the south separates it from the Great Plains of northern India. Along the northeastern flank of the Valley runs the main range of the Himalayas. This densely settled and valley beatifies the whole region. 3.3 TOPOGRAPHY The area applied is Ujh River Bed. Ujh river is another major tributary of the Ravi River. Its source is in the Kailash mountains at an elevation of 4,300 metres (14,100 ft), close to the Bhaderwah Mountains in Jammu district. After flowing for 100 kilometres (62 mi), it joins Ravi at Nainkot in Pakistan. The Ravi is perennial Trans Boundary River flowing through north-western India and north-eastern Pakistan. It originates in the Himalayas at an elevation of 4300 m amsl in the Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh. It turns southwest at the boundary of Jammu and Kashmir then the river flows to the Pakistani border through Punjab State along it more than 80 km before entering Pakistan’s Punjab Province. The Sewa River, in upper reaches of Basohli Tehsil, District Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir is one of the major tributary of Ravi. The Ravi River is a joint stream formed by the glacier fed Badal and TantGari rises from Bara Bangal a branch of the Dholadhar ranges of Himalayas. The course of the river in the lower reaches of Kathua and Punjabis in the maturity stage. The flood plains and Older Alluvium cover of Recent to Pleistocene age formed by the Ujh River in the river bed and either banks- Punjab and in the Kathua parts of J&K comprises of heterogeneous nature of the sediments- boulder conglomerates, quartzitic boulders, pebbles, gravels, cobbles silt and fine to coarse sand. The Mangar Khad is one of the perennial tributary which joins the Ujh /Ravi River in the north-eastern part of the lease area.

Topography Map of the Study Area

There are hilly terrain and river/nalas. High elevation 750 m above MSL in the north and north-east of the proposed site and low elevation 300 m above MSL in the south and southwest of the site. Flow of rivers and nallas are from north, northeast to South, south-east. Interstate boundary of Punjab with J & K lies at the south site.

3.4 DRAINAGE PATTERN The main Ravi River flows through the base of Dalhousie hill, past the Chamba town. It is at an elevation of 856 metres (2,807 ft).It flows into the south-west, near Dalhousie, and then cuts a gorge in the Dhauladhar Range, before entering the Punjab plain near Madhopur and Pathankot. It then flows along the Indo–Pak border for 80 kilometres (50 mi) before entering Pakistan and joining the Chenab River. The total length of the river is about 725 kilometres (450 mi).Ujh River is another major tributary of the Ravi River. Its source is in the Kailash mountains at an elevation of 4,300 metres (14,100 ft), close to the Bhaderwah Mountains in Jammu district. After flowing for 100 kilometres (62 mi), it joins Ravi at Nainkot in Pakistan.

As the Ravi flows past Lahore in Pakistan (26 kilometres (16 mi) below Amritsar in India) it is called "The river of Lahore" since that city is on its eastern bank. After passing through Lahore the river takes a turn at Kamlia and then debouches into the Chenab River, south of the town of


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Ahmadpur Sial. On its western bank is the town of Shahdara Bagh with the tomb of Jahangir and the Tomb of Noor Jahan.

Figure 3.1: Drainage map of India

The entire district is profusely drained by numerous ephemeral and small perennial streams, which originate from northern mountainous region and are flowing in southwestern direction. The perennial River Ravi that is a sub basin to Indus river along with its tributaries viz Ujh, Tarnah and Bein drains the district. Ravi river forms the district/State border with Himachal and Punjab State towards east. The major rivers draining the district are Ravi, Ujh and Sewa. Apart from the major drainage system there are number of seasonal streams (khads) traversing the whole district. They carry huge loads of boulders, pebbles, sand and silt during monsoon. They also generate flash floods immediately after rains causing extensive damage downstream.

The proposed project does not impact natural drainage pattern of the area. There are natural drainages in the area. They are not affected by the proposed project and mining activities.


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Figure 3.2: Drainage Map of Site and in the Study area

The major drainage in 10 km of the study area is given as follows:

Table 3.1 Major River and Nala in 10 km of Buffer Area

S.No. Particulars Distance Direction 1 Tarnah Nadi 9.5 km NE 2 Chhab Nala 6.8 km NE 3 Shap Nala 1.8 km SW 4 Basera Nala 1.5 km SW 5 Phag Nala 1.0 SW 6 Syar khad 7.7 SE

Floods:Low-lying areas of the Kashmir Valley, especially Sonawari, Awantipora, Srinagar, alongwith parts of Jammu are prone to floods. Upper catchments of all the tributaries of the Jhelum, Indus, Chenab and Tawi rivers are prone to flash floods. An enormous amount of water flows into the valley and the only outlet for the water from the valley is the narrow gorge at Baramulla. Floods generally occur in the summer when heavy rain is followed by a bright sun, which melts the snows. If an embankment is breached or topped, a district which is dry a few hours back becomes a lake after a few hours. On the intervening night of August 5 - 6, 2010, Leh witnessed a devastative cloudburst followed by flashfloods. 3.5 SEISMICITY OF AREA The project site falls under seismic zone IV which is a high damage risk zone (MSK VIII). The IS code assigns zone factor of 0.24 for zone IV as shown in the seismic zonal map of India.


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Figure 3.3: Seismic Map of India

Earthquakes: The state of Jammu & Kashmir is the western most extension of the Himalayan mountain range in India. Here it comprises of the Pir Panjal, Zaskar, Karakoram and Ladakh ranges. The Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) underlies the Pir Panjal Range and is known as the Panjal Thrust in the region. The Zaskar ranges which are part of the Great Himalayan range are underlain by the Zaskar Thrust. The Kashmir Valley lies between the Pir Panjal and the Zaskar thrusts, making it very vulnerable to earthquakes. Other northern parts of Jammu & Kashmir are heavily faulted. Along the Zaskar and the Ladakh ranges runs a NW-SE trending strike-slip fault, the longest in the Jammu & Kashmir area. Apart from the routine small tremors moderate to large earthquakes hit nearly all parts of the state. Other major damages are caused by earthquakeas the J & K lies on seismic zone IV in the seismic zone map of India.

Project Site


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Figure 3.4: Seismic Map of J & K

3.6 LAND ENVIRONMENT Object of this study is to provide a baseline status of the study area covering 10 Km radius around the proposed Mine site so that temporal changes due to the mining activities on the surroundings can be assessed.The land-use is divided into agriculture land, settlement, river / khad and forest area as shown in the map. The area is fertile and dominated by the proportion of agriculture land.

Land Cover Area: Classification scheme adopted for the preparation of land use/land cover maps on 1:50,000 scales. Land use / Land cover classification standardized by


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Figure 3.5: Land Use Pattern of the Study Area (10 km BufferMap)

Following is the Land use pattern of the mine lease area and buffer area in 10 km of radius.

Table 3.2 Land Use Pattern of the Study Area (10 km Buffer Map)

Sr. No Description of Land Estimated Area ( Ha) Percentage to total area

1 Khad 869.83 2.50 2 Nala 755.67 2.16 3 River 2014.15 5.78 4 Forest 5739.18 16.47 5 Scrub Land 337.87 0.97 6 Settlement 458.62 1.33 7 Agriculture

24655.2 70.79

Total 34830.52 100


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Table 3.3: The main Reserve Forests in 10 km in the area

Reserve Forest Distance Distance Ujh RF 0.9 Km West Behari RF 7.7 Km NW Amala RF 6.2 Km NW Jasrota RF 3.8 Km NW Jasogarh Budhi RF 6.8 Km NE Bagni RF 8.1 Km NW Sundrikot PF 9.3 Km NE

There is no National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary, Migratory routes of fauna and National Monument within 10km periphery of the lease area and as per secondary data available.

There is no habitation within lease area.

3.7 SOIL ENVIRONMENT Soil of the proposed site is influenced by the physiographic features of the area. There is dominance of sub-mountain soil and mountain soil as J & K is home of hills and mountains. Sand is dominated in the soil texture in all the locations. It is observed that sub-mountain soil is dominated in soil map of the area.

Sub-mountain and mountain soils are the types of soil.Alluvial soils are found, which are loamy with little clay content and contain small quantity of lime with high magnesium content. There are three parallel belts widely apart from Forest and Hill soils, one stretching from Poonch to Kathua in Jammu province second North West of Jhelum valley in Kashmir province and the third belt stretching from south eastern part of Ladakh range. The soils are generally mixed with pebbles. In southern part of Udhampur and Doda district brown soil under Deciduous Forest are found. Colour of the soil is dark-brown and varies from dry loams to silt loams with gravels in a small percentage.

In middle Ladakh range two isolated patches (one in Ladakh and another in Doda district) of Podzolised soil occur over a long stretch.

The soil features of the proposed site are characterized by Soil Map of India as given below:




Figure 3.6: Soil Characteristics

In Poonch, Udhampur and Anantnag district sub-mountain soils are mainly found. In the valley this soil is cultivated intensively and rice is the main crop.

Objective of soil monitoring

The objectives of the soil sampling are:-

• To determine the baseline soil characteristics of the study area; • To determine the impact of existing as well as proposed activity on soil characteristics

and • To determine the impact on soil with view to agriculture.

Soil Monitoring Locations

Soil monitoring was conducted at six locations (6 in nos.) once in season representing core and buffer area of the project. The Distance and direction of the monitoring locations are given as follows:

Soil samples were collected from the various locations in the study area for pre-monsoon season given as follows:




Figure 3.7: Soil Monitoring Locations

Soil quality was analyzed at the site, core and buffer areas at six locations as shown above in the figure. The distance and direction of the locations are given below as follows:

Table 3.4 Soil Monitoring Locations

S.No.

Monitoring code

Sampling Locations

Distance & Direction w.r.t. lease area 46.37 ha


1 SQ-1 Mai Chak (site – 46.37 ha)

0.6 km, SW 1.1 km, NE

2 SQ-2 Sumwan (site – 49.68 ha)

1.5 km, SE 1.4km, SE

3 SQ-3 Chak Wazir Chand (closest Human settlement)

1.4 km, SW 1.5 km, SW




4 SQ-4 Sanjwan (down stream of River)

2.8km, E 2.5 km, E

5 SQ-5 Hamirpur (Commercial area)

3.4 km, NW 4.4 km, NW

6 SQ-6 Narayanpur (Near highway NH 1A & up stream of river)

1.8 km, NE 3.7 km, NE

The soil sampling locations (6 in nos.) are superimposed on the topo-sheet map and shown below. Samples were collected from the site and buffer area representing site, human settlement, sensitive and commercial areas. Results and Soil Monitoring

Monitoring was carried in pre-monsoon season at the frequency of once in a season at six locations in May for physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil at these locations. High electrical conductivity (401 to 452 mS/cm) was observed in the analysis report. Sands are dominating in the soil texture at all locations. The presence of Nitrogen content varies from 0.07 to 0.12 %. Analysis results of the soil are given below:

Table 3.5: Soil analysis results

S. No.

Parameter Unit SQ1 SQ2 SQ3 SQ4 SQ5 SQ6

1. pH(1:5 suspension)

- 8.02 8.13 7.68 8.20 8.11 7.62

2. Electrical Conductivity at 25OC (1:5suspension.)

µS/cm 422 437 415 452 401 444

3. Calcium (as Ca) mg/kg 431.12 474.25 446.44 483.12 407.77 462.31

4. Magnesium(as Mg)

mg/kg 108.82 118.56 111.61 119.86 101.94 115.57

5. Sodium (as Na) mg/kg 226.41 218.96 224.54 233.74 215.13 229.58

6. Potassium (as K) mg/kg 98.76 93.94 99.12 91.82 95.45 97.74

7. Water holding Capacity

% by mass 37.14 32.58 36.14 34.11 31.06 31.81

8. Porosity % by mass 33.18 35.49 33.47 35.46 29.14 37.57 9. Sand % by mass 56.13 56.85 57.14 55.02 54.87 53.76 10. Clay % by mass 31.85 32.89 30.36 32.25 33.56 34.61 11. Silt % by mass 12.02 10.26 12.50 12.73 11.57 11.63

12. Cation Exchange Capacity

Meq/100gm 12.56 11.35 10.12 11.28 11.04 12.16


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Summary

The analysis results show that soil is basic in nature as pH value ranges from 7.62 to 8.20 showing the saline property of soil with low nitrogen value ( <0.12) in soil composition. The concentration of Nitrogen, Phosphorus & Potassium has been found to be low in the soil samples.pH and EC measurements can vary greatly and are affected by several environmental factors including, climate, local biota (plants and animals), bedrock and surficial geology, as well as human impacts on the land.

Low values of EC reflects relatively dilute waters, such as distilled water or glacial melt water.

3.8 WATER ENVIRONMENT Source of water for the proposed project is River Ujhand the irrigation canals. The perennial River Ujh that is a sub basin to Indus river along with its tributaries viz Ujh, Tarnah and Bein drains the district. Ravi river forms the district/State border with Himachal and Punjab State towards east. The major rivers draining the district are Ravi, Ujh and Sewa.. The ground water properties vary with locations. The depth of the water table is the lowest (2 m) in the Hiranagar area. It increases at the other locations. Ground water movement is restricted to inter-mountain valleys

Objective of Water Monitoring

Water samples are collected from Ground water (6 in nos.) and Surface water (2 in nos.) to study the water quality in the core and buffer areas in pre-monsoon season (May month). The purpose of the study is to assess the water quality characteristics and study of impact due to proposed project. The objective of analysis of water quality is given as follows: Ground Water Objective of Ground water is discussed as follows:

• To evaluate the impacts on people, agriculture productivity, habitat conditions, recreational resources and aesthetics of the vicinity) and environment.

• To evaluate the physical, chemical and biological properties of water quality in the study area.

Surface Water Quality

This is river bed mining project on ujh river bed. The project itself is a part of surface water body. The applied lease falls in Ujh River Bed. Objective of surface water analysis is discussed as follows:

13. Sodium Absorpation Ratio

- 2.16 1.62 1.22 1.38 1.42 1.49

14. Nitrogen % by mass 0.12 0.09 0.08 0.09 0.07 0.08

15. Phosphorus mg/kg 10.04 09.87 10.70 09.36 9.42 09.68 16. Zinc mg/kg 10.15 10.01 09.58 09.84 10.02 10.21 17. Bulk Density gm /cc 1.13 1.51 1.36 1.41 1.28 1.34




• To analyze physical,chemical and biological properties and to assess impact of project on surface water quality (if any).

• To assess the water quality& characteristics; • To evaluate the impacts on agriculture productivity, habitat conditions, recreational

resources and aesthetics of the vicinity; • To predict the likely impacts on water quality due to the mining and related activities.

Water Monitoring Locations

Water monitoring was conducted at six locations (6 in nos. for Ground water and 2 nos. for Surface water) in pre-monsoon season representing core and buffer area of the project. The Distance and direction of the monitoring locations are given as follows:

Ground water Table 3.6 Ground Water Monitoring Locations

S.No. Monitoring code

Sampling Locations



1 GW-1 Mai Chak 0.6 km, SW 1.1 km, NE 2 GW -2 Sumwan 1.5 km, SE 1.4 km, SE 3 GW -3 Chak Wazir

Chand 1.4 km, SW 1.5 km, SW

4 GW -4 Sanjwan 2.8 km, E 2.5 km, E 5 GW -5 Hamirpur 3.4 km, NW 4.4 km, NW 6 GW -6 Narayanpur 1.8 km, NE 3.7km, NE

Surface water S.No. Monitoring code Sampling Locations Distance & Direction 1 SW-1 Upstream of River Ujh 1.2 km, NE 2 SW -2 Downstream of River Ujh 2.8 km, SW

Sampling locations of Ground and Surface water are shown on the map given below:




Figure 3.8: Water samples (Ground & Surface) locations

Analysis and Results of Water samples The water (Ground & Surface) monitoring locations are superimposed on the topo-sheet map and shown below. Samples were collected from the proposed site and buffer area representing site, human settlement, sensitive area and commercial area of the Ground water and analyzed for physical, chemical and biological parameters. The locations of Ground water sampling locations are shown on map superimposed on the topo-sheet for the pre-monsoon season. Water samples were taken from six (6 nos.) locations for the ground water representing the core and buffer area and two locations for the surface water in up & downstream of river analyzed for physical, chemical and biological properties. There are other nalas and small streams which are tributaries of River Ujh in the study area.

Table 3.7– Results of Ground water analysis S. No.

Parameter Test method

Ground Water Analysis Results of Locations

Unit Requirement (Acceptable Limit)

Permissible Limit in absence of alternate source

GW-1 GW-2 GW-3 GW-4

Organoleptic & Physical parameters




1. Colour IS-3025(P-04)

<1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 Hazen Unit

5 15

2. Odour IS-3025(P-05)

Agree able

Agree able

Agreeable

Agreeable

- Agreeable

Agreeable

3. Taste IS-3025(P-07 & 08)

Agree able

Agree able

Agreeable

Agreeable

- Agreeable

-

4. Turbidity IS-3025(P-10)

<1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 NTU 1 5

5. pH value IS-3025(P-04)

7.43 7.62 7.49 7.64 - 6.5-8.5

-

6. Total Dissolve Solid (TDS)

IS-3025(P-16)

301 317 323 369 mg/l 500 2000

General Properties - 7. Aluminum

(as Al) IS: 3025 (P- 55)

<0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 mg/l 0.03 0.2

8. Total Ammonia

IS: 3025 (P- 34)

<0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 mg/l 0.5 No Relaxation

9. Anionic surface Detergents(as MBAS)

Annex K of IS-13428

<0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 mg/l 0.2 1.0

10. Barium (as Ba)

IS: 15302


11. Boron (as B)

IS: 3025 (P- 57)

<0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 mg/l 0.5 1.0

12. Calcium (as Ca)

IS: 3025 (P- 40)

40.55 48.08 49.89 36.92 mg/l 75 200

13. Chloramines (as Cl2)

IS: 3025 (P- 26)


14. Chloride (as Cl)

IS: 3025 (P- 32)

45.78 51.86 53.26 46.30 mg/l 250 1000

15. Copper (as IS : <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 mg/l 0.05 1.5




Cu) 3025 (P-42)

16. Fluoride (as F)

IS: 3025 (P-60)

<0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.10 mg/l 1.0 1.5

17. Free Residual Chlorine

IS: 3025 (P-26)

<0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.10 mg/l 0.2 1.0

18. Iron (as Fe) IS: 3025(P-53)


19. Magnesium (as mg)

IS: 3025 (P-46)

17.96 13.84 13.66 11.30 mg/l 30 100

20. Manganese (as Mn)

Clause 35 of IS 3025

<0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.10 mg/l 0.1 0.3

21. Mineral Oil Clause 6 of IS: 3025


22. Nitrate (as NO3)

IS: 3025 (P- 34)

9 8 9 4.63 mg/l 45 No Relaxation

23. Selenium (as Se)

IS: 3025 (P- 56)


24 Silver (as Ag)

Annex J IS: 13428


25 Sulphate (as SO4)

IS: 3025 (P- 24)

20.23 20.31 20.14 23.63 mg/l 200 400

26 Sulphide(as H2S)

IS-3025 (P-29)


27 Alkalinity ( as Ca CO3)

IS: 3025 (P- 23)

157.85 161.54

165.44 152.30 mg/l 200 600

28 Total Hardness (as CaCO3)

IS: 3025 (P- 23)

176.22 177.87

181.65 178.63 mg/l 200 600

29 Zinc (as Zn) IS: 3025 (P- 49)

<0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 mg/l 15

Toxic Properties 30. Cadmium

(as Cd) IS-3025(P

<0.001

<0.001

<0.001 <0.001 mg/l 0.003 No Relaxatio




-41) n 31. Cyanide (as

CN) IS-3025(P-27)


32. Lead ( as Pb)

IS-3025(P-47)


33. Mercury (as Hg)

IS-3025(P-48)

<0.001

<0.001

<0.001 <0.001 mg/l 0.001 No Relaxation

34. Molybdenum (Mo)

IS-3025(P-2)


35. Nickel (as Ni)

Annex L of IS-13428


36. Poly nuclear Aromatic

APHA 6440

<0.0001

<0.0001

<0.0001 <0.0001 mg/l 0.0001

No Relaxation

37 Poly chlorinated biphenyl

APHA 6630

<0.0001

<0.0001

<0.0001 <0.0001 mg/l 0.0005

No Relaxation

38. Arsenic (as As)

IS-3025(P-37)

<0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 mg/l 0.01 0.05

39. Total Chromium (as Cr)

Annex J of IS-13428


Biological Properties 40. Escherichia

coli IS-1622

Absent

Absent

Absent Absent Absent/250ml

41 Coliform Bacteria

IS-1622

Absent

Absent


Table 3.7 – Results of Ground water analysis continued … S. No.





GW-5

GW-6

Organoleptic & Physical parameters 1. Colour IS-3025(P-

04) <1.0 <1.0 Hazen

Unit 5 15

2. Odour IS-3025(P- Agreeable Agreeable - Agreeab Agreeable




05) le 3. Taste IS-3025(P-

07 & 08) Agreeable Agreeable - Agreeab

le -


<1.0 <1.0 NTU 1 5


7.56 7.53 - 6.5-8.5 -


IS-3025(P-16)

285 302 mg/l 500 2000

General Properties - 7. Aluminum

(as Al) IS: 3025 (P- 55)

<0.01 <0.01 mg/l 0.03 0.2

8. Total Ammonia

IS: 3025 (P- 34)


9. Anionic surface Detergents(as MBAS)

Annex K of IS-13428

<0.1 <0.1 mg/l 0.2 1.0

10. Barium (as Ba)

IS: 15302 <0.1 <0.1 mg/l 0.7 No Relaxation

11. Boron (as B)

IS: 3025 (P- 57)

<0.1 <0.1 mg/l 0.5 1.0

12. Calcium (as Ca)

IS: 3025 (P- 40)

38.33 43.09 mg/l 75 200


IS: 3025 (P- 26)


14. Chloride (as Cl)

IS: 3025 (P- 32)

44.11 50.12 mg/l 250 1000

15. Copper (as Cu)

IS : 3025 (P-42)

<0.05 <0.05 mg/l 0.05 1.5

16. Fluoride (as F)

IS: 3025 (P-60)

<0.1 <0.1 mg/l 1.0 1.5


IS: 3025 (P-26)

<0.1 <0.1 mg/l 0.2 1.0

18. Iron (as Fe) IS: 3025(P-53)



IS: 3025 (P-46)

15.48 16.37 mg/l 30 100

20. Manganese Clause 35 <0.1 <0.1 mg/l 0.1 0.3




(as Mn) of IS 3025 21. Mineral Oil Clause 6

of IS: 3025 <0.5 <0.5 mg/l 0.5 No

Relaxation

22. Nitrate (as NO3)

IS: 3025 (P- 34)

8 9 mg/l 45 No Relaxation


IS: 3025 (P- 56)


24 Silver (as Ag)

Annex J IS: 13428



IS: 3025 (P- 24)

18.22 17.87 mg/l 200 400

26 Sulphide(as H2S)

IS-3025 (P-29)



IS: 3025 (P- 23)

149.86 155.53 mg/l 200 600


IS: 3025 (P- 23)

160.33 175.89 mg/l 200 600

29 Zinc (as Zn) IS: 3025 (P- 49)

<0.05 <0.05 mg/l 15

Toxic Properties 30. Cadmium

(as Cd) IS-3025(P-41)


31. Cyanide (as CN)

IS-3025(P-27)


32. Lead ( as Pb)

IS-3025(P-47)


33. Mercury (as Hg)

IS-3025(P-48)


34. Molybdenum (Mo)

IS-3025(P-2)


35. Nickel (as Ni)

Annex L of IS-13428



APHA 6440

<0.001 <0.0001 mg/l 0.0001 No Relaxatio




n 37 Poly

chlorinated biphenyl

APHA 6630


38. Arsenic (as As)

IS-3025(P-37)

<0.01 <0.01 mg/l 0.01 0.05


Annex J of IS-13428


Biological Properties 40. Escherichia

coli IS-1622



IS-1622


Surface water Analysis

Table 3.8– Results of Surface water analysis S. No.





SW-1 SW-2

1. Colour IS-3025(P-04)

<1.0 <1.0 Hazen Unit

5 15

2. Odour IS-3025(P-05)

Agreeable Agreeable - Agreeable Agreeable

3. Taste IS-3025(P-07 & 08)

Agreeable Agreeable - Agreeable -


<1.0 <1.0 NTU 1 5


7.83 7.52 - 6.5-8.5 -


IS-3025(P-16)

278 298 mg/l 500 2000

7. Aluminum (as Al)

IS: 3025 (P- 55)

<0.01 <0.01 mg/l 0.03 0.2

8. Total Ammonia IS: 3025 (P- 34)


9. Anionic surface Annex K <0.1 <0.1 mg/l 0.2 1.0




Detergents(as MBAS)

of IS-13428

10. Barium (as Ba) IS: 15302 <0.1 <0.1 mg/l 0.7 No Relaxation

11. Boron (as B) IS: 3025 (P- 57)

<0.1 <0.1 mg/l 0.5 1.0

12. Calcium (as Ca) IS: 3025 (P- 40)

44.11 40.55 mg/l 75 200


IS: 3025 (P- 26)


14. Chloride (as Cl) IS: 3025 (P- 32)

42.11 40.72 mg/l 250 1000

15. Copper (as Cu) IS : 3025 (P-42)

<0.05 <0.05 mg/l 0.05 1.5

16. Fluoride (as F) IS: 3025 (P-60)

<0.1 <0.1 mg/l 1.0 1.5


IS: 3025 (P-26)

<0.1 <0.1 mg/l 0.2 1.0

18. Iron (as Fe) IS: 3025(P-53)



IS: 3025 (P-46)

13.48 15.96 mg/l 30 100

20. Manganese (as Mn)

Clause 35 of IS 3025

<0.1 <0.1 mg/l 0.1 0.3

21. Mineral Oil Clause 6 of IS: 3025


22. Nitrate (as NO3) IS: 3025 (P- 34)

8 9 mg/l 45 No Relaxation


IS: 3025 (P- 56)


24 Silver (as Ag) Annex J IS: 13428



IS: 3025 (P- 24)

18.22 22.23 mg/l 200 400

26 Sulphide(as H2S)

IS-3025 (P-29)



IS: 3025 (P- 23)

142.80 154.24 mg/l 200 600


IS: 3025 (P- 23)

145.22 166.00 mg/l 200 600

29 Zinc (as Zn) IS: 3025 (P- 49)

<0.05 <0.05 mg/l 15

30. Cadmium (as IS- <0.001 <0.001 mg/l 0.003 No




Cd) 3025(P-41)

Relaxation

31. Cyanide (as CN) IS-3025(P-27)


32. Lead ( as Pb) IS-3025(P-47)


33. Mercury (as Hg)

IS-3025(P-48)


34. Molybdenum (Mo)

IS-3025(P-2)


35. Nickel (as Ni) Annex L of IS-13428



APHA 6440


37 Poly chlorinated biphenyl

APHA 6630


38. Arsenic (as As) IS-3025(P-37)

<0.01 <0.01 mg/l 0.01 0.05


Annex J of IS-13428


40. Escherichia coli IS-1622



IS-1622


Discussion of Result The results of Ground water samples are collected at six locations in the pre-monsoon season as discussed above for organoleptic & physical parameters, general parameters, toxic and biological parameters. The analysis results at the six ground water locations and two surface water locations are given below:

The analysis results indicate that pH of the groundwater to be in range of 7.43 – 7.64. The TDS were found to be in the range of 285 – 369 mg/l. Total Hardness was in range of 160.33 – 181.65 mg/l. The analysis results indicate that pH of the surface water to be in range of 7.52 – 7.83. The TDS were found to be in the range of 278 – 298 mg/l. Total Hardness was in range of 145.22 – 166.00 mg/l. Other parameters like chlorides and sulphate were observed to be well within the prescribed limits. The physico – chemical analysis for some of the parameters is exceeding the


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standards as per IS: 10500. The necessary treatment required to minimize the impact has been mentioned in EMP and cost to be borne by the Project Proponent.

3.9 AIR ENVIRONMENT The prime objective of the baseline air monitoring was to evaluate baseline of Ambient Air Quality in the core & buffer area of the proposed project. The Ambient Air Monitoring locations are selected considering the project layout and meteorology of the area. This is useful for assessing the conformity to standards of the ambient air quality during the operation of the mine. The baseline status is assessed though a scientifically designed ambient air quality monitoring network based on the following considerations:-

• Meteorological conditions; • Topography of the study area; • Background of Ambient Air Quality

Micro-Meteorological Data

Meteorology is the key to understand the air quality. The essential relationship between meteorological condition and atmospheric dispersion involves the wind speed and direction in the broadsense. Other factors such as variation in temperature, humidity, cloud amount, atmospheric stability classes etc. also plays a direct role in dispersion and dilution of pollutants. Wind fluctuations over a wide range of time, accomplish dispersion and strongly influence other processes associated with them. This section makes a comparative analysis of the meteorological data of the study area collected by the project team in 2015. An auto weather monitoring stations was installed at Maichak village during the study period to record various meteorological parameters on hourly basis to understand the wind speed & direction, temperature variation, cloud amount, rainfall and relative humidity.Wind speed was measured at 8.30 and 17.30 hours of IST during March, April and May months of pre- monsoon season.

The monthly mean meteorological data recorded are given as follows:-

Table 3.9: Micro-meteorology of the area

Months-2015

Wind Speed (m/sec)

Temperature oC) Relative Humidity (%) Highest Lowest Highest Lowest

March 1.6 25 10 70.2 62.3 April 1.7 33 16 66.9 55.9 May 1.5 40 21 58.2 52.7

Wind Rose Diagram Wind rose is the diagrammatic representation of wind speed and frequency in a specified direction with its arms representing sixteen directions. Each arm gives a clear frequency distribution of wind speed in a particular direction for a given period of time.




Figure 3.9: Wind rose Diagram

The prominent wind direction during this period was from N and fromSE. This is followed by southwest direction of wind.The average wind speed recorded during the study period was 8km/h. Calm conditions prevailed for 23.7 %.South and North-West are the worst affected quadrant due to proposed project.

Micro-meteorology

Site specific micro-meteorological data is collected at the site for March. April & May in Pre- Monsoon season. Results are given below.




Fig. - Monthly avg. temperature in Pre-monsoon

Fig. - Monthly avg. humidity in Pre-monsoon

Fig. - Monthly avg. pressure in Pre-monsoon

Figure 3.10:Micro-meteorology in Pre-monsoon

0

50

March April May

24.76 32.52 39.899.54 16.22 21.32

Tem

prat

ure(

0 C)

Temprature(0C)Temp.( Max) Temp.( Min)

0

50

100

March April May

98.82 86.9366.20

49.2930.86

12.67

Hum

idity

(%)

Humidity(%)Humidity(Max ) Humidity(Min)

95010001050

March April May

1018.19 1011 1006.361011.67 1005.62 1000.4

Pres

sure

(Atm

.)

Summer session of 2015

Pressure(Atm.)Pressure( Max) Pressure( Min)

11.52

March April May

1.64 1.66 1.5

Win

d sp

eed(

m/s

)

Wind speed (m/s)Averaage Ws(m/s)




Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations

Ambient air quality monitoring (AAQM) stations(8 in nos.) were selected on the basis of topography and meteorology of the area which are as follows:-

• One (1 no.) AAQM location in the upwind direction of wind within 500 m as supported by wind-rose of the season.

• Two AAQM stations on the downwind directions (one within 500 m and other within one to 2 km)

• One AAQM station represents the sensitive areas within the vicinity. • Two AAQM stations represents the haul road connecting the mining area to connecting

roads where potential supply of materials. • One AAQM stations represents commercial area in the buffer zone of the project. • One AAQM stations represents sensitive area (Hospital, school, archeological sites etc.)

Locations of Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations.

The Distance and Directon of the Ambient Air Quality monitorng statios are shown below.

Table 3.10: Ambient Air Quality Sampling Locations

S.No. Monitoring code

Sampling Locations Distance & Direction w.r.t. lease area 46.37 ha


1 AQ-1 Core zone 0 - 2 AQ-2 Core zone 0 3 AQ-3 Upwind direction

( Rajbagh-village) 1.4 km, NW 2.8km, NW

4 AQ-4 Down wind direction (Surajbeli-village)

500 m, SE -

5 AQ-5 Down wind direction (Sumwan-village)

500 m, SE

6 AQ-6 Shiv Temple (Girnari-village)

4.3 km, NW 5.8 km, NW

7 AQ-7 NH-1A (Hamirpur-village)

3.5 km, NW 4.4 km, NW

8 AQ-8 Sanjwan-village 2.7 km, W 2.6 km, W 9 AQ-9 Nihalpur-village 3.3 km,E 3.8 km, W 10 AQ-10 Bhagwan-village 5.5 km, SE 4.8 km, SE The ambient air monitoring has been carried out with a frequency of two days in a week at ten locations covering one complete Pre Monsoon Season.

Environmental parameters and Frequency

Parameters Sampling Frequency

PM10 24 hourly sample twice a week PM2.5 24 hourly sample twice a week SO2 8 hourly for 24 hrs sample twice a week




NOx 8 hourly for 24 hrs sample twice a week Carbon Monoxide Hourly for 24 hrs sample twice a week

Figure 3.11: Ambient Air Quality Sampling locations

Ambient Air Quality Monitoring results Ambient Air monitoring was conducted at ten locations for PM2.5,PM10,SO2 and NO2 during pre-monsoon season as per method specified by CPCB. The results of analysis for the environmental parameters are shown below.The results of Silica freely available are analyzed at the eight AAQM stations. Results of monitoring are given in Table below.

Table 3.11: Result of Free Silica in PM10 Station Names Code Free Silica in PM10 (µg/m3)

Max Min Core zone AQ-1 7.35 1.04 Core zone AQ-2 7.01 1.54 Upwind direction( Rajbagh-village) AQ-3 4.63 1.21 Down wind direction (Surajbeli-village) AQ-4 5.32 1.04 Down wind direction (Sumwan-village) AQ-5 7.14 1.21 Shiv Temple (Girnari-village) AQ-6 7.15 1.12 NH-1A(Hamirpur-village) AQ-7 4.75 1.33 Sanjwan-village AQ-8 6.49 1.16 Nihalpur-village AQ-9 5.64 1.32 Bhagwan-village AQ-10 5.12 1.26




Table 3.12: Statistical Summary of Concentration Levels (µg/m3) of Criteria Pollutants

S. No.

Criteria Pollutant

Locations & Station Names Min Max Average

CPCB Standard (µg/m3)

1 PM2.5 AQ1 Core zone 26.91 29.76 27.80 60 AQ2 Core zone 27.84 30.69 28.79

AQ3 Upwind direction( Rajbagh-village)

27.97 28.86 26.63

AQ4 Down wind direction(Surajbeli-village)

28.29 31.14 29.24

AQ5 Down wind direction(Sumwan-village)

25.53 29.42 27.19

AQ6 Shiv Temple (Girnari-village) 26.87 30.76 25.53 AQ7 NH-1A(Hamirpur-village) 26.24 28.21 27.16 AQ8 Sanjwan-village 21.26 27.02 24.22 AQ-9

Nihalpur-village 24.18 30.16 28.24

AQ-10

Bhagwan-village 22.26 28.42 27.12

2 PM10 AQ1 Core zone 57.13 58.23 58.50 100 AQ2 Core zone 58.23 60.41 59.50


54.47 58.5 56.82

AQ4 Down wind direction(Surajbeli-village)

58.08 60.29 59.35

AQ5 Down wind direction (Sumwan-village)

55.34 59.37 57.69

AQ6 Shiv Temple (Girnari-village) 55.97 60.00 58.32 AQ7 NH-1A(Hamirpur-village) 55.97 60.00 58.32 AQ8 Sanjwan-village 52.36 60.63 56.91 AQ-

9 Nihalpur-village 56.32 58.58 57.24

AQ-10


3 SO2 AQ1 Core zone 5.43 6.97 6.30 80 AQ2 Core zone 5.56 6.77 6.27


5.24 6.73 6.10

AQ4 Down wind direction (Surajbeli-village)

5.0 6.51 6.01


5.36 6.85 6.22

AQ6 Shiv Temple (Girnari-village) 5.38 6.87 6.24 AQ7 NH-1A(Hamirpur-village) 5.67 6.56 6.13 AQ8 Sanjwan-village 5.85 8.42 6.84




AQ-9


AQ-10


4 NO2 AQ1 Core zone 11.37 13.11 12.16 80 AQ2 Core zone 11.06 12.80 11.85


11.21 12.98 12.12


11.12 12.86 11.91


11.29 13.06 12.20

AQ6 Shiv Temple (Girnari-village) 11.24 13.01 12.15 AQ7 NH-1A(Hamirpur-village) 11.18 12.74 12.06 AQ8 Sanjwan-village 10.23 13.63 11.57

AQ-9


AQ-10


5 CO AQ1 Core zone 260 410 320 2000 AQ2 Core zone 280 430 340


260 440 370


210 380 280


240 420 350

AQ6 Shiv Temple (Girnari-village) 270 450 370 AQ7 NH-1A(Hamirpur-village) 240 420 340 AQ8 Sanjwan-village 320 410 370 AQ-9

Nihalpur-village 280 420 342

AQ-10

Bhagwan-village 260 384 324

Discussion of Results The Ambient Air Quality Monitoring reveals that of ten monitoring stations the minimum concentrations of PM10were52.36µg/m3at AQ8and maximum 60.63µg/m3 at AQ8. The results of PM2.5 reveals that the minimum concentration of 21.26µg/m3at AQ8while maximum concentration of 30.76µg/m3 was found at AQ6. The gaseous pollutants SO2 and NOx were within the prescribed CPCB limit of 80 µg/m3 for residential and rural areasat all stations. The minimum & maximum concentrations of SO2 were found to be 5.0 µg/m3at AQ4&8.42µg/m3at AQ8respectively. The minimum & maximum concentrations of NOx were found to be 10.23µg/m3at AQ8&13.63µg/m3at AQ8respectively. The




free silica content in PM10 was found to be minimum 1.04 g/m3 and maximum 7.35 g/m3 at AQ1 and AQ1 respectively.

3.10 NOISE ENVIRONMENT The main objective of noise monitoring in the study area is to establish the baseline noise level and assess the impact of the noiselevel on the ambient noise in core and buffer areas

The impact of noise on the surrounding community depends on:

ü Characteristics of noise sources are instantaneous, intermittent or continuous in nature. It is well known that steady noise is not as annoying as one feels compared to continuously varying noise.

ü High noise levels at night in residential areas are not acceptable. ü Noise level is monitored in day & night and results are compared with respect to CPCB

standards applicable to that area. CPCB categories the area into

• Industrial • Commercial • Residential and • Silence zone and separate noise level standard in day and night for each area.

The environmental impact of noise can have several effects varyingfrom Noise Induced HearingLoss (NIHL) to annoyance on loudness of Noise levels.

Monitoring locations Ambient Noise Monitoring was conducted at eight locations(10 in nos.) in core and buffer areas. The locations were representative of proposed site, human settlements, commercial, industrial and sensitive areas monitored at one hour interval for 24-hours in pre-monsoon season.

Table 3.13: Ambient Noise Sampling Locations S.No. Monitoring

code Sampling Locations Distance &

Direction w.r.t. lease area 46.37 ha


1 NQ-1 Core zone 0 - 2 NQ -2 Core zone 0 3 NQ -3 Upwind direction( Rajbagh-

village) 1.4 km, NW 2.8km, NW

4 NQ -4 Down wind direction (Surajbeli-village)

500 m, SE -

5 NQ -5 Down wind direction (Sumwan-village)

500 m, SE

6 NQ -6 Shiv Temple (Girnari-village) 4.3 km, NW 5.8 km, NW 7 NQ -7 NH-1A(Hamirpur-village) 3.5 km, NW 4.4 km, NW 8 NQ-8 Sanjwan-village 2.7 km, W 2.6 km, W 9 NQ -9 Nihalpur-village 3.3 km,E 3.8 km, W 10 NQ- 10 Bhagwan-village 5.5 km, SE 4.8 km, SE


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The Ambient Noise Stations superimposed on the topo-sheet locations and shown in Noise Level Monitoring Locations Map. Noise monitoring location represents noise levels for residential, commercial and mixed zone and forest /hospital/ sensitive areas representing silent zone in the study area.

Figure 3.12 : Noise Monitoring Locations

Methodology:-

Nose monitoring was conducted at 1-hour interval for twenty four hours in Day (0600 – 1000) and Night (1000 – 0600) separately for all sampling locations as per method recommended by CPCB/MoEF. The results were compared with standards applicable for the areas as given below.

Table 3.14: CPCB standards for Ambient Noise Quality

Area Code Area Limit in dB(A) Day Night

A Industrial 75 70 B Commercial 65 55 C Residential 55 45 D Silence 50 40


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Note:- 1. Day time shall mean from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 PM 2. Night time shall mean from 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 PM 3. Silence zone is an area comprising not less than 100 metres around hospitals, educational

institutions, courts, religious places or any other area which is declared as such by the competent authority

Table 3.15: Ambient Noise Monitoring Results

The statistical analysis is done for measured noise level at ten locations. The parameters are analyzed for Leq (day) and Leq (night). The statistical analysis results are given in below:-

S. No. Project Site

Station code Leq Value monitored, in dB(A) DAY* NIGHT*

1 NQ-1 Core zone(Area 46.37 ha) 58.5 41.1 2 NQ -2 Core zone(Area 49.68 ha) 61.3 38.6 3 NQ -3 Upwind direction 53.2 36.8 4 NQ -4 Down wind direction 58.5 41.1 5 NQ -5 Down wind direction 52.6 35.9 6 NQ -6 Shiv Temple 53.2 36.2 7 NQ -7 NH-1A 52.6 34.5 8 NQ-8 Sanjwan-village 58.5 41.1 9 NQ-9 Nihalpur-village 55.4 40.2 10 NQ-10 Bhagwan-village 54.8 38.4 Discussion of Result

The values of noise observed in some of the areas are primarily owing to vehicular traffic and other anthropogenic activities. Noise monitoring reveals that the maximum & minimum noise levels at day time were recorded as 61.3 dB(A) &52.6 dB(A) respectively. The maximum & minimum noise levels at night time were found to be 41.1 dB(A) &34.5 dB(A) respectively

3.11 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT Introduction The biodiversity we see today is the fruit of billions of years of evolution, shaped by natural processes. The vast array of interactions among the various components of biodiversity makes the planet habitable for all species, including humans. There is a growing recognition that, biological diversity is a global asset of tremendous value to present and future generations. At the same time, the threat to species and ecosystems has never been as great as it is today. Species extinction caused by human activities continues at an alarming rate. Protecting biodiversity is in our self-interest.

The biological study was under taken by Ecology & Biodiversity Expert, as a part of the EIA study report to understand the present status of ecosystem prevailing in the study area, to compare it with past condition with the help of available data, to predict changes in the biological environment as a result of present activities and to suggested measures for maintaining its health.




The state of J & K has been regarded as heaven on earth, and is also called the biomass of state of India. The biodiversity of the rich area of J & K happens to be one of the 26 hotspots in India with high endemicity. The whole Himalayan belt is one hotspot mega ventre having 8 critical areas which includes two regions from the state viz Ladakh and Kashmir. The environments, social and economic value of plants are very well known. On the other hand, the faunal component of biodiversity of the state is rich with interesting and unique forms both in the forest zone and above forest line. The variety of animal forms ranges from higher groups like vertebrates, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and lower groups like invertebrates including insects and even unicellular micro organisms.

A survey was conducted to study the flora around 10 km radius. Some of the information was gathered from the local habitants. All the collected data were classified to interpret the impact of pollution on the flora and fauna of that region. Survey of the mild plants as well as cultivated crop plants was made and all the available information was recorded. The primary data collected was compared with the Secondary data collected from Forest Department, Jammu & Kashmir and Forest Division in District Kathua.

Physical Environment of the Study Area

The district is surrounded by Punjab in the South-East, Himachal Pradesh in North-East, Doda and Udhampur in North and North-West, Jammu in the West and Pakistan in the South-West with an area of 2651 Sq Kms, population of 6.15 Lacs, 5 Assembly Constituencies & 5 Tehsils; Bani, Basohli, Kathua, Billawar and Hiranagar. It is also divided into 8 blocks: Bani, Barnoti, Basholi, Billawar, Duggan, Hiranagar, Kathua and Lohai Malhar & has approximately 512 villages.

Objectives and Purpose of Study:

The basic objectives of the study are to evaluate the status of the flora and fauna of the core area and the buffer areas with specific reference to the rare or endangered or endemic or threatened (REET) species. The study is also designed to evaluate the adverse impacts of the proposed activity, if any and to suggest remedial / mitigation measures in accordance with the objectives as desired by the IAIA and the Ministry of Environment , Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India (GoI).

Forest Cover in Kathua District

The District has two Forest Divisions Viz. Kathua & Billawar and one Wildlife division viz. Jammu East Kathu Wildlife division.There are five forest types occurring in the State Viz. Subtropical Dry Evergreen, Himalayan Moist Temperate, Himalayan Dry Temperate, Subtropical Pine and Sub-alpine and alpine Forests.

Kathua Forest Division

This division has an area of 467.27 Sq. Kms. The Main tree species are Bamboo, Chir, Khair and other broad leaved species. According to survey, the Kathua Forests are rich with 178 plant species, 10 species of wild animals, 71 bird species and a large No. of speices of snakes and lizards. Division is divided into 3 territorial ranges Viz. Kathua, Samba and Jasrota. There is one Soil Conservation Range. Alongwith this division there is one Social Forestory Division and two




Centrally sponsored Forestry Projects Viz. Thein DAM-I and Thein Dam-II operating in the district.

Recently, Forest Protection Force has been installed in the district headed by Deputy Director, Forest Protection Force assisted by One Assitant Director, 6 Inspectors and 70 Guards.

Billawar Forest Division

This division has an area of 642.47 Sq. Kms. The Main tree species are Deodar, Chir, Oak, Kail, Khair and other broad leaved species. Division is divided into 4 territorial ranges Viz. Billawar, Bani, Basohli and Ramkote. There is One Soil Conservation Range.

Wild Life Division

Kathua District has 1 Wildlife Sanctuary at Jasrota with an area of 10.04 Sq. Kms. The Sanctuary has Wild Animals like Leopard, Deer, wild boar and snakes. 13 aquatic birds are reported to occur in Ujh Baraage near Jasrota. Wild Life Sanctuary is looked after by Wildlife Warden, Kathua.

Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary lies on the Bank of River Ujh near Jasrota Village. The Sanctuary derives its name from the Historic Jasrota Fort. Earlier it was declared as Game Reserve under the provision of Old Game Act of 1942 by Late Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir.

Survey Methodology

Detailed survey was conducted to evaluate floral and faunal composition of the study area. Primary data on floral and faunal composition was recorded during site visit and secondary data was collected from the Forest department and published relevant literature.

Field study period: The ecological survey has been conducted for one season. The details are given below:

Core zone: At the project site.

Buffer zone: Around the project site in 10 km radius.

Inventory of flora and fauna has been prepared on the basis of collected data. The mode of data and parameters considered during field investigations is given below:

Methodology for Terrestrial Ecology The primary objective of survey was to describe the floral and faunal communities within the study area. The sampling plots for floral inventory were selected randomly in the suitable habitats (Anderson, 1867; Jain and Rao, 1983). The methodology adopted for faunal survey involve random survey, opportunistic observations, diurnal bird observation, active search for reptiles, faunal habitat assessment, active search for scats and foot prints, animal call, and review of previous studies. The aim was to set baselines in order to monitor and identify trends after the commissioning of the mining activity. Emphasis has been placed on presence of endemic species, threatened species if any present in the study area.




Methodology for Inland water sampling The samples for qualitative and quantitative analysis of planktons were collected from the sub surface layer at knee depth. Water samples were filtered through plankton net of 20μ mesh size (APHA, 1971). The filtered samples were concentrated by using the centrifuge. By using Lackey’s drops method and light microscope (Lackey, 1938), the quantitative analysis was carried out for phytoplankton and zooplankton. The standard flora and other literature were followed for the qualitative evaluation of Plankton (Welch, 1948; Vollenweider, 1969; Edmondson, 1974).

Table 3.16: Mode of data collection & parameters considered during the survey

Aspect Data Mode Of Data Collection Parameters Monitored

Terrestrial Ecology

Primary data collection

By field survey

Floral and Faunal diversity

Secondary data collection

From authentic sources like Forests/Wild Life department of Jammu Kashmir , available published literatures like –Biodiversity and Environment Management and available publishes papers of scholars

Floral and Faunal diversity and study of vegetation, forest type, importance etc.

Aquatic Ecology

Primary data collection

By field survey

Floral and Faunal diversity

Secondary data collection

From authentic sources like Forests/Wild Life department of Jammu Kashmir , available Published literatures like –Biodiversity and Environment Management and available publishes papers of scholars.

Floral and Faunal diversity and study of vegetation, forest type, importance etc.

Floral Diversity of the Study area

The climatic, edaphic and biotic variations with their complex interrelationship and composition of species, which are adapted to these variations, have resulted in different vegetation cover, characteristic of each region (Ohasi, 1975). The tree species, herbs, shrubs, climbers and major crops, were documented during this base line study

Trees: The dominant trees in the study area are Albizia lebbeck, Benth., Bauhinia variegata, Linn., Celtis tetrandra, Roxb., Salix alba, L. Total 27 species of trees belong to 27 families are enumerated from the study area.




Table 3.17: Trees in the study area

S.No. Botanical Name Family Vernacular 1 Albizia lebbeck, Benth. Mimosaceae Siris 2 Albizia chinensis, (Osbeck) Merr. Mimosaceae Sanura, Ola, 3 Acacia nilotica, L. Mimosaceae; Kikar 4 Acacia catechu, Willd. Mimosaceae Khair 5 Bauhinia variegata, Linn. Caesalpinniaceae Krael 6 Bauhinia vahlii, Wight and Arn. Caesalpiniaceae Blungad 7 Butea monosperma, (Lam.) Kuntze. Papilionaceae Palah 8 Celtis tetrandra, Roxb. Urticaceae Kharak 9 .Cordia dichotoma, Forst. Boraginaceae Lasura 10 Dendrocalamus strictus, Nees. - Poaceae Chuanthi 11 .Dalbergia sissoo, Roxb. Papilionaceae Tahli 12 Erythrina subrosa, Roxb. - Papilionaceae .Thubb 13 .Ehertia laevis, Boraginaceae Chamrod 14 Ficus hispida, Linn Moraceae Lana 15 Grewia serrulata, DC. Tiliaceae Dhamani 16 .Leucaena leucocephala, (Lam.) de Wit. Mimosaceae Laseeni 17 Moringa oleifera, Lamk. Moringaceae; Suhanjana 18 Mitragyna parviflora, Korth. Rubiaceae Sangla 19 Pistacia chinensis Anacardiaceae Kakarsinghi; 20 Pyrus pashia, Ham. - Rosaceae Kainth 21 Quercus semecarpifolia, Smith. - Fagaceae Khrew 22 Quercus dilatata, Lindl. Fagaceae Maru 23 Salix alba, L. Salicaceae Badhaa 24 Sapindus mukorossi, Gaertn Sapindaceae Ritha 25 Terminalia bellirica, Roxb Combretaceae Bahera 26 Zizyphus mauritiana, Lamk. Rhamnaceae Ber 27 .Zizyphus nummularia, W. et A., Prodr Rhamnaceae Fuadi

Shrubs: Total 14 shrub species belong to 14 families are enumerated from the study area. The shrubs observed in the study area are given in the table.

Table 3.18: Shrubs in the study area

S.No. Botanical Name Family Vernacular Common Name 1 Achyranthus aspera Linn. Amaranth aceae Puthkanda Prickly chaff

Flower 2 Barleria cristata Linn. Acanthaceae Kali Barenker Philippine violet 3 Berberis lyceum Royle Berberida ceae Kaverlli Barberry

4 Calotropis proceraR.Br. Asclepid aceae Desi akk. Sodom apple 5 Camabis sativa Linn. Cannabaceae Bhang Marijuana 6 Carrisa opaca Stapf. Apocyanaceae Garna - 7 Clematis buchananiana

DC. Ranunculaceae Berkella -

8 Colebrookea appositifolia Lamiaceae Chitti Suali Duss Indian Squirrel




Smith Tail 9 Cotoneaster microphyllous

Wall ex. Lindl. Rosaceae Rej.Brithal Littleleaf

cotoneaster 10 Dodonaea viscose Jacq. Sapindaceae Santha Hopbush 11 Flacourtia indica Merr. Salicaceae Kakkoya Indian Plum 12 Lantana camara

Var.aculeate Mold. Verbenaceae Panjfulli Jarri Spanish Flag

13 Prinsepia utilis Royale. Rosaceae Bhikal Bekkra Himalayan Cherry

14 Wooffordia fruticosa Linn.)Kurz

Lythraceae Dhai

Fire flame bush

Source:http://www.openaccessscience.com/

Medicinal Plants in the Study Area Table 3.19: Medicinal Plants in the study area

S.No Botanical Name Local Name

Families

Plant Part

Medicinal Uses

1 Acacia catechu (Linn.) Wild.

Khair Mimosaceae

Stem Source of kattha, which is astringent, digestive and useful in ailments of throat, mouth, gums, cough and diarrhoea.

2 Acacia nilotica (Linn.) Del.

Kikar Mimosaceae

Pods, bark, flowers, gum, leaves and roots.

1. Pods are effective in urinogenital disorders. 2. Gum is used along with Calotropis procera latex to cure asthma, stop bleeding and urinary & vaginal discharges. 3. It is also useful in diabetes, cure skin diseases and bleeding piles. 4. Flowers are used as tonic in diarrhoea and dysentery.

3 Achyranthes aspera Linn.

Parkanda

Amaranthaceae

Leaves and Seeds

1. The roasted seed powder mixed with honey is given during cough & throat irritations. 2. Leaf juice is given to cure diarrhea.

4 Adhatoda vasica Nees.

Brenkar Acanthaceae

Flower and Leaves

Flower ash with honey is given to cure whooping cough.

5 Aegle marmelos Corr.

Bel, Bill Rutaceae

Leaf, Fruit and Root.

1. The unripe or half-ripe fruits improve appetite and digestion. 2. The antibiotic activity of the leaf, fruit and root has been confirmed.




3. The tribal take an infusion of root bark in fever.

6 Asparagus racemosus Wild.

Sanspod Liliaceae

Roots The fresh juice of roots along with equal amount of Til oil is applied on the head to remove pain and improvement of milk in lactating mothers.

7 Bauhinia variegata Linn.

Kaemblu Berberidaceae

Root bark, Roots and Lower stems

1. Root bark, roots and lower stems are boiled in water, strained and evaporated till a semi-solid mass is obtained; this is called Rasaut, soluble in water. 2. Rasaut mixed with butter and alum is• applied externally on eye lids to cure ophthalmia and other eye diseases.

8. Bombax ceiba Linn. Simbal Bombacaceae

Root, Bark and Young fruits

1.Roots are used in the treatment of diarrhoea. 2.Bark is mucilaginous, which is used• for healing wounds and to stop bleeding. 3.Young fruits are useful in ulceration• of bladder and kidney.

9 Butea monosperma (Lamak.) Tubert.

Pala, Palash

Fabaceae

Gum, Seeds and root bark

1. The gum is valuable for treatment of diarrhoea. 2. Seeds are useful against ringworms, roundworms and tapeworms.

10 Cannabis sativa Linn.

Bhang Cannabinaceae

Leaves 1.The main use of hemp is for easing pain and inducing sleep. 2.The tincture helps parturition and all painful urinary infections.

11 Cedrus deodara Loud.

Deodar Pinaceae

Stem Decoction of the wood is used in the treatment of urinary disorder, piles, kidney stones and diabetes.

12 Cordia dichotoma G. Forst

Lusade Boraginaceae

Fruits The fruits are used against cholera, dropsy and dysentery

13 Curcuma aromatica Salisb.

Ban haldi

Zingiberaceae

Rhizome The rhizome powder is very effective to stop bleeding from the wounds.

14 Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. Ex DC.

Talli Fabaceae

Leaves The fresh juice of leaves mixed with honey dropped into the eyes for the improvement of




eyesight 15 Datura metel Linn. Datura Solanac

eae Leaf, twigs and fruits

The juice of the fruits is useful to check dandruff and falling of the hair.

16 Emblica officinalis Gaertn.

Amla Euphorbiaceae

Fruit The fruits are very effective against jaundice. Dried fruits are good blood purifier. It is also used in vomiting and habitual constipation

17 Ficus benghalensis Linn.

Bado Moraceae

Latex Its latex is used to expel out the thorns which are broken down inside the body.

Lantana camara Linn.

Panjfulli jadi

Verbenaceae

Leaves The leaves are used as an antiseptic for wounds and externally for scabies.

18 Mallotus philippinensis Muell.-Arg

Kamla Euphorbiaceae

Powder of the seeds

The powder of the fruits is highly beneficial for expelling out intestinal worms.

19 Mimosa pudica Linn.

Chui-mui Fabaceae

Leaves Paste of leaves arrests bleeding and fasten the wound healing process.

20 Oroxylum indicum (Linn.) Vent.

Tantu Begnoniaceae

Stem bark, Leaf and Fruit

1.Leaf decoction is given in stomachache. 2.Mature fruits are used in treating cough, piles and cardiac disorders

21 Pinus roxburghii Sar.

Chir Pinaceae

Resin The oleo-resin is useful dressing for ulcers.

22 Punica granatum L. Daduni Punicaceae

Bark, Roots, Seeds and Leaves

1. The fruit is very useful against the cough and jaundice. 2. Leaves, seeds, roots and bark are effective in anthelmintic activity.

23 Terminalia chebula Roxb.

Harad Combretaceae

Fruit 1. The powder of the fruit is used as dentifrice for the strength of gums. 2.The fruit is very effective against• cough.

24 Terminalia bellirica Roxb.

Bahera Combretaceae

Fruits 1. The fruits are useful in digestion and diarrhoea. 2. It is also useful in piles and leprosy,• dropsy and fever.

25 Toona hexandra (Wall Ex. Roxb.)

Tooni Meliaceae

Leaves Leaves are tonic, useful in chronic dysentery.

26 Vitex negundo Linn. Bana Verbenaceae

Flowers and

1.The extract of the leaves is used to expel out worms in




Leaves children. 2.Fresh flowers extract cures diarrhoea

27 Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz

Dhai Lythraceae

Flowers and Leaves

1.The flowers are useful against burning sensation, skin diseases, diarrhoea, fever, headache, ulcers and wounds. 2.The leaves juice is effective against• gall bladder problems.

28 Zanthoxylum alatum Roxb.

Tirmiru Rutaceae

Stem The bark is used against toothache and stomachache.




Agriculture/Crop Pattern:

Agriculture land use includes two distant concepts: first is the functional use of land to meet human needs (e.g. agricultural, recreational, and residential) and second is the form of ground cover (e.g. crops, trees, houses). Agriculture regions may be categorized on the basis of land use. District Kathua is also having three crop in combination with rice, wheat and barley as major crops. This part of Jammu division for a part of great plains of India and have good climatic condition, irrigation facilities accompanied by rich alluvial soil. Agriculturally this is rich belt of the province.

Jammu districts ranks first in production of wheat i.e. 48.67% area followed by rice, maize, bajara and pulses which occupies area of 28.87%, 9.9% , 5.91% and4.06% of total cropped area of the district respectively .In Udampur district maize is first ranking crop followed by wheat with 47.37% and 33.26% of the total area in hectare respectively .In districts of Rajouri, Poonch and Doda wheat is the first ranking crop with total of 46.41%,54.92% and 61.81% area under production of maize crop respectively. The reason being climatic conditions and irregular terrain. While district Kathua rank first in production of wheat followed by rice i.e. 41.96% and 30.30% of area. Reason of rice cultivation being sub tropical type of climatic conditions anp plain topography

Kathua district is classified into three agro-climatic zones namely: Sub-Tropical (Up to 800m) which includes Plain areas with water logging conditions, Intermediate lower (800 to 1500m) which include Sloppy lands with problem of soil erosion and Intermediate higher (Above 1500 m) which include High hills with gully erosion.

Table 3.20: Variety of Crops Recommend for 'Kathua' District

Crop name Details Paddy (Dhan) Gobhi Sarson Wheat (Gehon) Oat Maize (Makka) Sudan Grass Pearl Millet (Bajra/Bulrush Millet/Spiked Millet) Onion Sorghum (Jowar/Great Millet) Cabbage Black Gram (Urd Bean) Cauliflower Bengal Gram (Gram/Chick Pea/Kabuli/Chana) Knol-Khol Green Gram (Moong Bean/ Moong) Bitter Gourd Lentil (Masur) Bottle Gourd Peas (Field Peas/ Garden Peas/Matar) Cucumber Groundnut (Pea Nut/Mung Phalli) Indian Squash (Tinda/Round Melon) Indian Rapeseed And Mustard (Yellow Sarson) Brinjal Raya (Indian Mustard) Chillies Sesame (Gingelly/Til) Bhendi Sunflower (Suryamukhi) Tomato Berseem (Egyptian Clover) Fenugreek Rajmash Bean Spinach Pea (Vegetable) Radish Coriander Turnip (Saljam) (Source: http://www.gdckathua.com/pdffolder/currentjournal/AgricultrelandusSingh.pdf)




Table 3.21: Sacred plants of District Kathua

Botanical Name English Hindi Vernacular Family Ficus religiosa, L.;

Peepal Tree

Pipal;

Bar-Brahma;

Moraceae;

Mangifera indica, Linn.;

Mango

Aam

Amb

Anacardiaceae.

Butea monosperma, Kuntz.;

Dhak

Plash

Plah

Papilionaceae;

Ocimum sanctum, L.;

Holy Basil

Tulsi

Tulsi

Lamiaceae

Musa paradisiaca, Linn.;

Banana

Kela

Kela

Musaceae

Aegle marmelos, Corr.;

Bengal Quince

Bel

Bil-patri;

Rutaceae

Calotropis procera, R. Br.;

Swallow wart

Safed ak

Ak-datura

Asclepiadaceae

Cyanodon dactylon, (L.) Pers.;

Bermuda grass

Dub

Khabbal

Poaceae

Sesamum indicum, Linn.

Sesame

Til

Sanskrit Vila,

Pedaliceae

Hordeum vulgare, Linn.;

Barley

Sanskrit Yava

Jau

Poaceae

Dendrocalamus strictus, Nees.

Bamboo

Baans

Chuanthi

Poaceae

Vitex negundo, L.;

--

-- Bana

Verbenaceae

Datura stramonium, Linn.;

Thorn Apple

Dhatura

Datura

Solanaceae

Saccharum officinarum,

Sugarcane

Ganna

rusala

Poaceae




Linn.;

Jurinea macrocephala, (Royle) C.B. Clarke;

Incense Root

Guggal

Mundia-dhup

Asteraceae

Pyrus pashia, Ham.;

Elephant apple

--

Kainth

Rosaceae

Punica granatum, Linn.;

Pomegranate

Anar-dana

Daduni

Punicaceae

Faunal BiodiversityofStudy area

The fauna of Jammu and Kashmir is diverse due to its unique location and climatic condition. About 16% of the Indian mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and butterflies are presented in the state. Birds contribute much to the chordate diversity following by mammals, reptiles, fishes and amphibians. The state is home to about 75 species of mammals, besides several sub-species, belonging to 54 genera, 21 families and 8 orders. Carnivores represent 32% of the total mammalian fauna in the state. Of the 19 species of the ungulates reported from the state, 13 have been listed as globally threatened.

The avian diversity of the state varies seasonally and available data suggests the existence of as many as 358 species of birds belonging to 179 genera, 51 families under 16 orders. The state is home to 14 species of amphibians belonging to 6 genera, 5 families and 1 order, and 68 species of reptiles belonging to 43 genera, 12 families and 2 orders. The available data suggests that 44 species of fishes belonging to 14 genera under 5 families occur in the state. The available data also reveals that as many as 225 species of insects, besides several sub-species, belonging to 136 genera, 35 families and 4 orders occur in the state

Birds: Some of them even breed in the state. List of species given below:

Table 3.23: List of Birds

S.No Family Scientific Name 1 Podicipedidae Little Grebe 2 Ardeidae Indian Pond Heron 3 Accipitridae Pariah Kite

Black winged Kite Indian Shikra Indian White Backed Vulture Himalayan Griffon Vulture

4 Charadriidae Red wattled lapwing Black Winged Stilt

5 Scolopacidae Common Sandpiper




6 Galliformes Grey Partridge Jungle Bush Quail Indian Peafowl

7 Columbiforms Little Brown Dove Red Turtle Dove

8 Psittaciformes Large Indian Parakeet Rose Ringed Prakeet

9 Strigidae Great Horned Owl 10 Coraciidae Blue Jay 11 Alcedinidae Small Blue Kingfisher

Pied Kingfisher 12 Meropidae Indian small green beer eater 13 Capitonidae Large Green Barbet

Blue throated Barbet 14 Picidae Lesser Golden Backed Woodpecker 15 Lanidae Rufous-backed shrike 16 Oriolidae Indian Golden Oriole 17 Dicruridae Black Drongo 18 Strurnidae Bank Myna

Indian Myna Starling

19 Corvidae House Crow Himalayan Jungle Crow Western spotter forktail Blue Throat

20 Motacillidae India White Wagtail Indian Pied Wagtail

21 Zosteropidae Indian White Eye 22 Passeridae Indian House Sparrow

Himalayan Cinnamon Tree Sparrow 23 Fringillidae Himalayan Rock Bunting 24 Alaudidae Crested Lark 25 Certhidae Himalayan Tree Creeper 26 Bucerotidae Common Grey Hornbill 27 Phasianidae Pavo cristatus Source:Biodiversity and environment Management

Buterflies : Butterflies oberserved in the study area during study period. List of Buterflies are given Below:

Table3.24: List of Butterflies in the Study Area

Scientific Name Family Common Name Anaphaeis aurota Fabricius The Pioneer White or African Caper White butterfly Aporia leucodice Eversmann The Himalayan Blackvein butterfly. Catopsilia pomana Fabricius Lemon Emigrant butterfly Ceporia nerissa Fabricius The Common Gull butterfly




Colias electo fieldi Ménétriés The Dark Clouded yellow butterfly Colias phiolodice Godart The Common or Clouded Sulphur butterfly Eurema hecabe Linnaeus The Large Grass Yellow or Common Grass Yellow butterfly Pontia daplidice Linnaeus The Bath White butterfly Gonepteryx ramni Linnaeus The Common Brimstone butterfly Ixias Marianne Cramer The White orange tip butterfly Ixias pyrene Linnaeus The Yellow Orange Tip butterfly. Pieris brassicae Linnaeus The Large Cabbage White butterfly Pieris canidia Sparrman The Indian Cabbage White butterfly




Table3.26: Fauna found in Study area

S.No Name Global IUCN Status Indian Wildlife protection Act 1 Rhesus Monkey LR-lc II 2 Asiatic Jackal LR-lc II 3 Indian Fox LR-nt II 5 Small Indian Civet LR-nt II 6 Common Grey

Mongoose LR-lc IV

7 Spotted Deer LR-lc III 8 Barking Deer LR-lc III 9 Wild Boar LR-lc III 10 Rufous-Tailed Hare LR-lc IV 11 Grey Musk Shrew LR-lc V 12 Five Stripped Squirrel LR-lc IV 13 Indian Crested

Porcupine LR-lc IV

14 House Mouse LR-lc V 15 House Rat LR-lc V 16 Indian Mole Rat LR-lc V LR-lc: Lower Risk-least concern LR-nt: Lower risk-near threatened VU: Vulnerable (Note:Conservation status of mammals according to IUCN categorization and Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 amended up to 2002.) Least Concern S.No Species Name Common Name 1 Arctogalidia trivirgata Small-toother palm civit 2 Axix axis Chital,cheetal,Chital stag,Spotted deer, Axis deer 3 Caracal caracal Caracal, Persian Cat 4 Crocidura fuliginosa Southeast Asian Shrew 5 Delphinus delphis Saddke-backed dolphin 6 Lagenodelphis hosei Fraser’s dolphin 7 Lepus migricollis Indian Here,Blck Naped Hare 8 Lepus oiostolus Woolly Hare 9 Ochotona curzoniae Plateau pika, Black-lipped Pika 10 Ochotona mactrotis Large-eared pika 11 Ochotona thibetana Moupin Pika,Tibetan Hamster 12 Paguma larvata Gem-faced civet,Masked Palm civet, Himalayan Paln Civet 13 Paradoxurus

hermaphroditus Common palm civet,Toddy cat

14 Paradoxurus jerdoni Brown palm civet




CHAPTER 4 IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

4.0 INTRODUCTION Human activity affects environment. Environmental parameters (such as Ambient Air Quality, Water quality, Soil, Noise level, Flora and Fauna and Socio-economic status) get affected. It has direct relation with health and hygiene of people. Impact on environment may be adverse or beneficial depends on activities it brings on environment changes in physical, chemical and biological status of air, water, land including biota and in socio-cultural life styles.Regular monitoring is required to know current status of environmental parameters. Mitigation measures are required and suggested once values are exceeding the stipulated limit. The potential impacts are identified in the activities and impact on environmental parameters is noted and mitigation measures are explored and implemented.

On the basis of the impact analysis, the mitigating action and future monitoring requirement are focused in the Environmental Management Plan for counting or minimizing adverse impacts. The following parameters are of significance in the Environmental Impact Assessment study for the proposed project and are being discussed in this section.

• Land Environment • Water Environment • Air Environment • Noise Environment • Biological Environment • Socio-Economic Environment

4.1 LAND ENVIRONMENT

On the River bed,the river mining does not carry any overburden/ waste. Waste generated from the one block will be used to refill the previous. There is no waste left to manage at the end of mining activity. Further, there is un-mined area left between the two blocks to avoid runoff and soil erosion of main land into the block, which is strengthen by development of plantation / green area between the two blocks. It is assumed that land will be reclaimed its original land-use after landfill.

Table 4.1: Proposed Impact and Mitigation Measures Impact Prediction Mitigation Measures Obstruction in river flow / course.

Mining of minerals will be started from dip side towards rise at the centre and also laterally in 1.0m slice.

Erosion of channel bed and banks.

Unwanted material or spillage (if any) will not be stacked by the side of the excavation voids created. Excavation will be carried out in a manner so that water flow / course will not be obstructed.

Increase in channel slope. Change in channel morphology.

Mining is to be done leaving safety barrier or offset on both sides and maximum barrier should be on concave side of river preferably the flow channel (excavation void created) should be kept straight so as to help avoid erosion as side cutting or




collapsing.

Impact on stream’s physical characteristics, such as channel geometry, bed elevation in stream roughness of the bed, flow velocity, discharge capacity, sediment transportation capacity etc.Impact on ecological equilibrium of river-ine regime.

• The mine working will remain confined to river bed only and in no case mining will disturb any surface area outside the river bed which may affect topography or drainage.

• The mining from river bed will not have impact on natural drainage of surrounding areas as the excavated river bed material from river bed is filled with first heavy flow in river during monsoon season. Mining activities will be stopped during monsoon. Further mining activities for the second block will be started after completion of the first block as per schedule of the mining plan.

• First block will be reclaimed and back filled as per standards of mine refilling.

4.2 WATER ENVIRONMENT Impact Prediction Mitigation Measures Flow pattern might be changed due to river bed mining. Mining activities depth will be increased, which may result in increase of flow velocity.

• No diversion is proposed. There will not be any adverse impact on flow pattern, surface hydrology and ground water regime.

• Mining activities will be restricted to 3.0m depth, which will not cause much change in flow pattern of the river.

• An offset of 20m will be left from both sides of river, which will minimize the chances of bank failure.

Change in surface water quality and ground water quality.

• There will be no change in surface water quality as river is seasonal.

• Ground water quality will not be affected due to mining activities as it is restricted to 3.0m depth and the water level is 6-30 m bgl below the surface of river bed.

• A safety zone of 45m around the wells will be created and itwill be left un-mined.

• The mining will not be allowed below the water table. • Regular monitoring of water samples will be done as

precautionary measures. Impact on ground water recharge potential as the thickness of the natural filter materials (sediments) is reduce causing less infiltration.

Mining will be done as per approved Mine Plan and applicable Rules & Regulation, so that there is no damage on ground water recharge potential due to river bed mining.

Waste water discharge. Portable Bio-tiolets will be used; hence no sewage / liquid effluent will be generated and contamination is also not expected due to percolation.




4.3 AIR ENVIRONMENT Mining activities at the proposed site will have adverse impact on Ambient Air Quality. Movement of trucks & dumpers and mining machines, piling, loading and unloading of materials, operation of DG sets are the potential parameters responsible for Air Pollution. Base line value represents Air Quality of the area when there are no project activities. Impact of project activities on Ambient Air Quality are predicted with emission factor of particulate matter and meteorology as input of the model through the Air Quality Dispersion Model discussed in the next section.

Air Quality Impact Prediction (AQIP)

The major sources of air pollution from the mine are dust generation due to loading & transportation of mineral and wind erosion of exposed material. In this present study, United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA – 42 series) approved mathematical equations, have been used to predict emission rates for different operations in mining including the mineral transportation. Air dispersion model is the mathematical simulation of air pollutants disperse in atmosphere.

Mathematical model used in modeling for River Bed Mining

The ISCST3 short-term dispersion model

The Industrial Source Complex (ISC) Short Term model provides options to model emissions from a wide range of sources that might be present at a typical industrial source complex. The basis of the model is the straight-line, steady-state Gaussian plume equation, which is used with some modifications to model simple point source emissions from stacks, emissions from stacks that experience the effects of aerodynamic downwash due to nearby buildings, isolated vents, multiple vents, storage piles, conveyor belts, and the like. Emission sources are categorized into four basic types of sources, i.e., point sources, volume sources, area sources, and open pit sources. The volume source option and the area source option may also be used to simulate line sources. At the present scenario, area source model are used to predict Ground Level Concentration of GLC during piling, loading and unloading. The impact of mining activities on the haul road is also worked out and presented in the report. Haul road is divided into small area sources and predicted GLC is given in the report.

The ISC Short Term model accepts hourly meteorological data records to define the conditions for plume rise, transport, diffusion, and deposition. The model estimates the concentration or deposition value for each source and receptor combination for each hour of input meteorology, and calculates user-selected short-term averages.

Point source emissions

The ISCT3 Short Term model uses a steady-state Gaussian plume equation to predict GLC of pollutants released into the atmosphere due to mining activities on the Ambient, such as stacks and isolated vents. DG sets used at the site for power backup in case of power failure which is a source of Air Pollution due to burning of fuel. This section describes the Gaussian area source model, including the basic Gaussian equation, and the formulas used for determining dispersion parameters.




Details of Emissions The sources of pollutants were identified. Mineral excavation was identified as area source emission, loading and unloading of minerals as point source and transportation routes were identified as line source.

Pollutants / Model Options Considered for Computations The model simulations deal with major Pollution Particulate Matter (PM2.5,PM10) and Gaseous emissions viz. SO2 & NO2.

Meteorological Data Data recorded by continuous weather monitoring station on wind speed, direction, and temperature at one hour interval for the monitoring period was used as meteorological input to the dispersion model. The data obtained was verified and established from the other authenticated sources like IMD/other Govt. organization. Data for stability classes and mixing height were taken from the secondary sources for this period and used in this model.

Presentation of result In the present case model simulations have been carried using the hourly triple joint frequency data. Short – term simulations were carried to estimate concentration at the receptors to obtain an optimum description of variations in concentrations over the site in 10-km radius covering 16 directions. The incremental concentration is estimated for the monitoring period. For each time scale, i.e. for 24 hr. the model computes the highest concentration observed during the period over all the measurement points.

Dust emission rate from the applied mining area, based on the following empirical formula.

a) Dust emission due to excavation: Annual Production [0.75{18.6(s)1.5 / (M)1.4}

Dust emission (kg/hr) = -----------------------------------------------------

Wd x Wh x 1000×3(controlled emission)

DE = Dust emission in kg/hr.

Pa = Annual Production

Wd = No. of days of operation in a year

Wh = Effective working hrs. in a day

s = Silt Content(11.83%)

M = Moisture Content(15%)

Dust Emission x 1000 Emission Factor = ------------------------- (g/s/m2) 3600 × 10000

= 0.0000385(g/s/m2)




Mine Dimensions The mine dimensions are as follows:

Applied lease Area = 46.37 hectare

Meteorological Data On site hourly meteorological data for summermonths (Mar 2015 to May 2015) in respect of wind speed, wind direction, temperature and cloud amount are utilized in this study. The data was put in model format. The mixing heights have been extracted from CPCB publications.

Modeling Procedure

Methodology: Prediction of Ground Level Concentrations (GLCs) due to mining have been made by Industrial Source Complex, Short Term (ISCST3) as per CPCB guidelines. ISCST3 is US-EPA approved model to predict the Ground Level Concentration of pollutants. The model uses rural dispersion and regulatory defaults options as per guidelines on air quality models (PROBES/70/1997-1998). The model assumes receptors on undulating and hilly terrain areas. This model is capable of handling area, and volume sources simultaneously.

Wind Speed Profile

The wind power law is used to adjust the observed wind speed, uref, from a reference measurement height, zref, to the stack or release height, hs. Us is the wind speed at the stack height using power law equation(v2 = v1(z2/z1)p) where p is the wind profile exponent. The value of p depends upon atmospheric stability. Values of p may be provided by the user as a function of stability category and wind speed class. ISCST3 model is based on Gaussian plume equation is used to predict Max. Ground Level Concentration of pollutants and impact on socio-economic environment.

Ground Level Concentration (χ), from a point source at any receptor under unlimited mixing is given by (USEPA ISCST3, 1987). Qg1g2 χ = where, g1 = exp(-y2/2σy2) g2 = exp[-(z-H)2/2σz2] + exp[-(z+H)2/2σz2] In unstable or neutral conditions if σz > 1.6 L (limited mixing) the distribution below the mixing height is uniform with height provided that both the effective height H, and the receptor height z are below the mixing height Qg1 χ = In unstable case or neutral conditions when σz < 1.6 L Qg1 χ = Where, Q = source strength

(2 πσyσzu)

(σyLu 2π )

(2 πσyσzu)




Z = receptor height above the ground u = wind speed L = mixing height and σy &σz = dispersion parameters g3 = Σexp[-(z-H+2NL)2/2σz2] + exp[-(z+H+2NL)2/2σz2] Evaluation with N the number of reflections, varying from –4 to +4 is usually sufficient Stability Classification Hourly stability is determined by wind direction fluctuation method as suggested by Slade(1965)and recommended by CPCB (PROBES/70/1997-1998). σθ = Wdr/6 σθ, is standard deviation of wind direction fluctuation, Wdr is the overall wind direction fluctuation or width of the wind direction in degrees. The table for stability classes is given as under.

Table 4.2 : Atmospheric Stability Classes and Deflections

Stability Class σθ(degree) A > 22.5 B 22.4 – 17.5 C 17.4 – 12.5 D 12.4 – 7.5 E 7.4 – 3.5 F < 3.5

Dispersion Parameters Dispersion parameters σy and σz for open country conditions (Briggs, 1974) are used as the project is locatedon a flat terrain in a rural area. Atmospheric dispersion coefficients vary with downwind distance (x) from emission sources for different atmospheric stability conditions. (CPCB – PROBES/70/1997-98).

Rural Conditions

Stability Class σy σz A 0.22x(1+0.0001x)-.5 0.20x B 0.16x(1+0.0001x)-.5 0.12x C 0.11x(1+0.0001x)-.5 0.08x(1+0.0002x).5 D 0.08x(1+0.0001x)-.5 0.06(1+0.0015x).5 E 0.06x(1+0.0001x)-.5 0.03x(1+0.0003x)-1 F 0.04x(1+0.0001x)-.5 0.16x(1+0.0003x)-1 Ambient Air Quality Standards Ambient air quality standards promulgated by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for all type of land uses for the relevant air quality parameters are as follows:

Concentration (µg/m3) PM10 PM2.5 SO2 NOx 100 60 80 80




Table 4.3: Total expected ground level in the study area for study period Location Ground Level Concentrations of PM10 in µg/m3

Background (Max.)

Predicted Total Expected CPCB Standard

AQ1 58.23 14.69 72.92 100 AQ2 60.41 12.22 72.63 100 AQ3 58.50 6.76 65.26 100 AQ4 60.29 2.47 62.76 100 AQ5 59.37 1.43 60.80 100 AQ6 60.00 1.17 61.17 100 AQ7 60.00 0.65 60.65 100 AQ8 60.63 9.88 70.51 100 AQ9 58.58 6.75 65.33 100 AQ10 58.65 6.82 65.47 100 It is seen from the above table, the GLC’s obtained at various locations for the study period are well within the CPCB standards (dated 18th November, 2009). From the above it could be clearly seen that due effective implementation of various control measures as discussed in the proposed mine plan, there will not be any significant impact on the ambient air quality in the region.

Figure 4.1: Isopleths showing predicted incremental GLC’s


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Results and Conclusions

The ground level concentrations are computed for 24-hr average. The maximum ground level concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, NOx and CO from the different mining activities for study period The incremental GLC was superimposed on the baseline to find the cumulative value of GLC at the various locations. The max. total GLC was 72.92 µg/m3 (baseline – 58.23 µg/m3 and incremental – 14.69µg/m3) which is well within the stipulated limit of CPCB 100 µg/m3 as shown in the above table. Mitigation Measures

• Water sprinkling will be done on the haul roads twice in a day. • The dust generated during the process will be minimized by water spray at the working

faces before and after the activity. • Plantation will be carried out on approach roads. • Planning transportation routes of mined material so as to reach the nearest paved roads

by shortest route. (minimize transportation over unpaved road); • Dust mask provided to the workers engaged at dust generation points like excavations

loading and unloading points. • Speed limit will be enforced to reduce airborne fugitive dust from vehicular traffic. • Deploying PUC certified vehicles to reduce their noise emission. • Haul road shall be covered with gravels • Spillage from the trucks will be prevented by covering tarpaulin over the trucks.

4.4 NOISE ENVIRONMENT Noise is among the major source of pollution generated due to mining activities, movement of instruments, trucks dumpers and DG sets. The potential impact of noise pollution and mitigation measures are discussed below:

Table 4.4: Impact & Mitigation Measures

Impact Prediction Mitigation Measures • Noise Impact due to mining

activities. • Noise impact due to

vehicular movement. • Auditory impact

• The noise levels from all these sources are periodical and restricted to particular operation.

• The noise measurement data indicated that present noise levels in the study area is within the permissible limits of National Ambient Noise Quality Standards.

• Periodical monitoring of noise will be done. • No other equipments accept the transportation vehicles

and excavator for loading will be allowed. • Noise generated be these equipments will be intermittent

and does not cause much adverse impact. • Proper maintenance of all equipments / machines will be

carried out which help in reducing noise during operations. • Plantation will be taken up along the approach roads and

vicinity of river bank. The plantation minimizes propagation of noise and also arrests dust.

• Ear muffs will be provided while working on mining equipments.




• Regular health check-ups will be conducted for hearing loss and for any such health implications

4.5 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT The proposed project will do mining activities. It requires infrastructure, temporary road and drainage to conduct mining in the proposed area. These developments will affect socio-economic environment of the area and have potential impact on environment. The potential impact and mitigation measures are discussed below:

Table 4.5: Potential Impact and Management in Biological Environment

Issues Potential Primary Impact Management Temporary road

• Short-term disturbance in habitats of wildlife populations from noise (impacts usually local and short-term)

• Do not cut trees that are larger in diameter than local regulations permit, or in the absence of regulations, greater than 90 cm.

• Minimize clearing of vegetation. Leave in place smaller vegetation, topsoil, root stock, seeds and endangered or protected species and species used by local communities for commercial or subsistence use.

Infrastructure • Erosion and changes in surface hydrology.

• Vegetation cleared, disturbing local habitats.

• ‘’Minimize the footprint’’, use existing infrastructure to the extent possible to avoid or reduce clearing.

• In clearing vegetation, use hand-cutting techniques to the extent possible, thereby avoiding the use of heavy machinery.

Drainage • Erosion and changes in surface hydrology, causing short and possible long term changes in local habitats.

• Take topography, natural drainage and site runoff patterns into account. Ensure adequate drainage away from streams, river and other waterways.

Erosion (topsoil loss)

• Impedes ability of habitats to revegetate, causing possible long term damage to affected area.

• Siltation of waterways, with negative impacts on surrounding environments.

• Take topography, natural drainage and also site runoff patterns into accounts.

• Ensure adequate drainage. • Stabilize all slopes, revegetating with

native species to reduce/avoid erosion. • Break-up compacted surfaces and replace

topsoil, brash, seed source, leaf litter, etc.

Traffic • Short-term disturbance of habitats from traffic; short-term disturbance of wildlife populations from

• Keep traffic to the absolute minimum requirements.

• Impose and enforce speed limits and provide driving guidelines for vehicle




noise. • Compaction of soils and

changes in surface hydrology.

• Killing of local wildlife.

operators. • Treat (water) road surfaces to manage

dust. • Allow only authorized employee access to

site(s) transportation. Detailed report of Biological study is discussed in Chapter 3of EIA report.

4.6 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT River bed material mining activity has impact on socio-economic environment. It has impact on habitation, employment generation, health and culture. Economy of the area is widely affected as project will provide employment opportunity in various activities. River bed material is used locally for the infrastructure development which has long term effect to generate other developments.

Table 4.6: Potential Impact and Management in Socio-economic Environment

Aspects Impacts Mitigation Measures Habitation

• No loss of habitation. • The nearest habitation is beyond 2.7 km.

• All necessary measures are being taken, so that there is no disturbance to the normal life of persons.

Employment Generation

• Direct employment to 14 persons.

• Improved income expenditure.

• Improved micro investments – savings patterns.

• Local people will be employed. • Training will be provided to non

workers and unskilled workers. • Awareness program to motivate people

for savings and investment.

Health Implications

• No health related problems were reported during the primary survey.

• No significant health implications to the workers due to mining activities.

• Regular health camps will be organized for the local people.

• Adequate number of medical facilities are situated in the area the nearest being Sub District Hospital-About 7.62 km(approx.) in SE Direction.

Health impacts – on mental, physical, and social well being.

• The proposed project will not adversely impact the mental, physical and social well being. It will improve the well being of the people and the area.

• Expectations in fair pay, employee care, social responsibility commitments etc. will be timely met. Grievance redressal mechanism is made to handle complaints from the study area.

Loss / gain of self esteem

• A rise in the self esteem due to increase rate of economic growth in the region. Higher degree of

• Immigration in search of employment will be controlled.


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self satisfaction and contentment.

Loss/ gain of culture and religion

• Proposed project will be interaction of people with various culture and region during mining activities.

• The proposed project will promote neither selective, nor relative, but universal respect through contribution in various festivities, equal observance and protection among employees and societies at large in all CSR activities.

CSR Benefits The proposed project is a river bed material mine will provide infrastructural & other facilities.

• The mine will promote girl child education, women empowerment, scholarship to encourage the student and give donation to built toilet for sanitation, General health camps for nearby villagers.

• Vocational training to persons for income generation. Awareness program for villagers & Assistance to self help groups

• The mine will give boost to local population. Monetary gains, education, health, sanitation, water conservation, plantation and improvement in general environment will lead to positive growth.

EMP improves Environmental Quality

The proposed project will improve Environmental Quality of the area.

• Pollution monitoring – Air, Water, Noise,

• Pollution monitoring – Water sprinkling

• Wire fencing at plantation sites

• Plantation including maintenance

• Haul road and other roads repair and maintenance

• Pre-monsoon and post monsoon survey for sedimentation in the river bed

• Separate funds allocation of 4.0 lakh annual and recurring cost of 1.1 lakh will improve Environmental Quality.

Detailed report of Socio-Economic is discussed in chapter 7 of the Report.




CHAPTER 5 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

(SITE & TECHNOLOGY)

5.0 INTRODUCTION Demand of river bed material has increased mainly in infrastructure activities like roads, highways, buildings & townships with the rapid pace of development, the gap between demand & supply of material as construction material must be minimized to control the pricing mechanism and support the demand of local market. The price correction in the river bed material rates will definitely provide growth impetus to our citizens and as well as to our economy (both directly and indirectly), if it is available legally. Therefore, utilization of mineral through scientific mining methodologies (sustainable mining) at the stretch of Ujh river bed at the village Mai Chak, Tehsil Sumwan and District Kathua in the state of Jammu & Kashmir will support growth in nearby areas and J & K State at large. 5.1 SITE The propose site for mine lease was allotted to Shri Dhyan Singh by the Dept. of mines and Geology, Srinagar, Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir at the village Mai Chak (46.37 ha) in the District Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir. This is site specific project. Alternate site is not possible as proposed site was allotted by the Dept. of Mines & Geology, Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir to the said allottee Shri Dhyan Singh on the basis of highest royalty for Minor Mineral Mine (46.37 ha)based on competitive bidding process. The site details are discussed in Chapter3 of EIA report and other appropriate sections. 5.2 TECHNOLOGY The proposed technology was approved by the Director General, Mines and Geology, Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir. Technology will not change during mining activities. This project is proposed for the excavation of river bed material from the bed of river Ujh. It is an opencast semi mechanized mining project to excavate river bed material in its existing form for direct usage as a construction material. Excavation will be carried out in River bed up to a depth of 3.0 m or 1.0 m above the ground water table or whichever is less by using light weight excavators. Year wise proposed production details as per approved Mining Plan are given below:-

S. No. Village Name Area (Ha.) 1 Mai Chak River Bed Block 46.37 Ha.

Total area 46.37 Ha Table 5.1 – Yearly Production Capacity

Year ROM in River (Tone) Total Production (MTPA) I 7,67,987 7,67,987 II 7,67,987 7,67,987 III 7,67,987 7,67,987 IV 7,67,987 7,67,987 V 7,67,987 7,67,987

Total 38,39,935 38,39,935 Source: Approved Mining Plan




5.2.1 MINING METHODOLOGY As per Jammu & Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession Rule - 1962 (State Rules) and amendments extraction of river bed material in bench mode will be limited to 3.0 m depth, width will be approx. 20 m and bench will advance parallel to the bank of the river. Extraction activities will start in the blocks from the upstream to downstream side. This will not obstruct the movement of water, if any, during monsoon period in the river course. Roads in the lease area for the movement of loaded tippers/ trucks will not have slopes more than 1 in 20. Roads will be properly maintained and water sprinkling will be done for dust suppression. Every block will have its own approach road, which already exist and is well connected to main highways. Light weight excavators will be used for loading of mineral in tippers/trucks.

5.3 CONCEPTUAL MINING PLAN The digging depth will be restricted to 3.0 m only or 1.0 m above the ground water table. This will be further get replenished during the rainy season. The Mineable reserve of River Bed Material estimated on surface geological plan are to the tune of 4114218.75MT. The deposit in the river bed will never exhaust. The material will be regularly replenished during floods by the action of river water. The following steps will be taken care in mining:

• Pit limit at the end of lease period • Sites of disposal of waste rock and top soil at the end of lease period • No top soil or waste will be generated in the mining as such no disposal of waste is

needed.

The existing and in next five years of mining degradation of land will be as below:-

Table 5.2: Land use pattern



Quarry 0.015 43.88 Infrastructure 0.00 0.00 Dumps 0.00 0.00 Buffer Zone of 7.5m 0.00 2.49

Undisturbed Land 46.355 0.00 Total 46.37 46.37

Proposed infrastructure, water supply, manpower and basic amenities

Table 5.3: Facilities and Details Facilities Details Proposed Basic Amenities will be provided to workers at the mine site during operational phase.

Rest room shelter/Tents, first-aid facility, PP-temporary structure office and Portable Bio-toilets, etc

Power requirement Only day time Mining operations will be carried out, hence No Electricity is required.

Nearest source of Water supply & Daily water demand is assumed as 16 KLD and it will be


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Demand procured through tankers by near villages as per demand. 8.4KLD water will be used for plantation of 3.06 ha/year of land at the rate of 500 trees / ha with 1.5 l of water per trees. 7.0 KLD of water will be used for dust suppression and 0.6 KLD water will be used for domestic use.

Manpower Requirement Total employment in the Mining activities will be around 14.People and local villagers will be preferred for skilled and non-skilled jobs after training. Poor section of society will be benefitted from the project.

5.4 CONCLUSION Analysis of alternate site /technology is not possible as proposed site was allotted by the

Director General, Mines and Geology, Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir. Mining plan is approved by the competent authority. Change in site and technology are not applicable for the proposed project.




CHAPTER 6 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME

6. INTRODUCTION Regular monitoring of environmental parameters is of immense importance to assess the status of environment during project operation. The knowledge of baseline conditions comes through monitoring of environmental parameters; the monitoring program will serve as an indicator for environmental conditions due to operation of the project. Monitoring is an important tool for the management, environmentalist and policy maker to make changes in pollution control equipments, environmental policy to save environment. It is decision making tool for the state of environment carried out through periodic monitoring. Further, impact assessment study is carried over short period of time and the data cannot bring out all variations induced by the natural or human activities. Therefore, regular monitoring program of the environmental parameters is essential to take into account the changes in the environmental quality over the period of time to comply environmental conditions necessary to save environment.

6.1 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND REPORTING PROCEDURE Monitoring will conform to commitments and compliances. This may take the form of direct measurement and recording of quantitative information, such as amount and concentrations of discharges. The objectives of the monitoring are:-

• Very effectiveness of planning decisions; • Measure effectiveness of operational procedures; • Conform statutory and corporate compliance; and • Identify unexpected changes.

6.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING CELL A centralized Environmental Monitoring Cell will be established for monitoring of important and crucial environmental parameters which are of immense importance to assess the status of environment during mine operation. With the knowledge of initial parameters, deviations in environmental conditions due to operation of the mine will be assessed and mitigation steps will be taken to safeguard the environment. The routine monitoring program will be implemented under the project monitoring as per CPCB & MoEF & CC guidelines. Officer not below the rank of General Manager will be responsible of Environmental Management Cell and execution of environmental monitoring program.


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Figure : Hierarchical Structure of Environmental Cell

The core responsibilities of the Environmental Monitoring Cell will be:-

• The organization and interpretation of the environmental monitoring data to establish a record of change associated with the implementation of a project or the operation of an organization.

• The process of verification that all or selected parameters measured by Environmental Monitoring Program are in compliance with regulatory requirements, internal policies and standards, and established environmental quality performance limits.

• Assessment of the effective environmental management system, practices and procedures.

• The environmental monitoring and audit work will be carried out by qualified personnel. • A summary of non-compliance of the environmental quality performance limits. • To implement and monitor the control and protective measures based on the EMP. • To coordinate the environment related activities to the top management within as well as

with outside concerned agencies. • To provide of health check up of workers and the people living in nearby villages. • To develop greenbelt in the nearby villages, schools, Govt. offices and transportation

routes.

6.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SCHEDULE Environmental monitoring schedules will be prepared covering various phases of project advancement, such as Mining and regular operational phase. Environmental Monitoring Program will be conducted once in season except monsoon.




Table 6.1 Environmental Parameter and Frequency

S.No. Potential Impact

Parameters for Monitoring

Frequency of Monitoring

Location

1 Air Emission PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOX& CO

As per CPCB / MoEF & CCrequirement i.e. 24 hourlymonitoring for one month in each season except monsoon season.

Two locations in the core mining area and four in buffer area.

2 Noise Spot Noise level recording

Leq (day), Leq (night),

Leq (dn)

Periodic / As per CPCB norms i.e. quarterly


3 Water Quality

As per drinking waterstandards

Once in a season except monsoon.


4 Soil Quality Analyzed as CPCB method

Once in a season except monsoon.

Two locations in core and two in the buffer area.

4 Health Total health parameters

Initial Medical Examination (IME) and Periodic Medical Examination – Once in a five year as per Mines

Rules, 1955.

All employees

6.4 MONITORING SCHEDULE During operational phase, dust and particulate matter will be the main pollutant which arises from different mining activities.The major attributes based on regular monitoring, environmental setting and nature of project activities are listed below:

• Source emission and ambient air quality; • Ground water levels and ground water quality; • Water and waste water quality; • Soil quality - Once in season; • Noise levels (equipment and machinery noise levels, occupational exposures and • Ambient noise levels) • Ecological preservation and a forestation


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6.5 MONITORING PARAMETERS Ambient air quality monitoring Workspace Monitoring

The concentration of air born pollutants in the workspace / work zone environment will be monitored periodically. If concentrations higher than threshold limit values will be observed, the source of fugitive emissions will be identified and necessary measures will be taken as detailed in EMP.

Ambient Air Quality Monitoring

The ground level concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx and CO in the ambient air will be monitored at regular intervals except monsoon.Monitoring locations will be decided on the meteorology of the area, topography potential of receptors in the core and buffer area locations. Any abnormal rise will be investigated to identify the causes. Greenbelt will be developed for minimizing dust propagation.

Monitoring of water quality

Monitoring of Ground Water

Objective of Ground Water Monitoring are as follows:

• To observe the change in water table of the area; • To assess Ground Water Quality in operation phase of project; • To suggest mitigation if required to improve ground water quality; • To study Ground water table to help environmental planners, developers and management.

The monitoring of groundwater is the most important tool to find out the depletion in level of water table. Water table will be monitored at regular interval to checkthe behavior pattern of the water table. It is suggested to collect water samples andanalyze. Records of analysis will be maintained.

Monitoring of Surface Water

Samples will be collected from well-mixed section of the river (main stream) and will beanalyzed. There are two locations to collect the samples from the surface water. The objective is to collect the water samples in up-stream and down -stream of the river and analyzed for physical, chemical and biological parameters to study the seasonal variation of water quality except monsoon. Monitoring noise levels Potential receptors of Noise levels in the core and buffer areas are identified based on the present noise levels and proposed increment. Noise levels in the work zone environment shall be monitored. The frequency will be once in three months (one season) in the work zone. Noise monitoring will be conducted in three seasons except monsoon with monitoring frequency once in a season carried on hourly basis for 24-h representing site, human settlements, close to high ways, commercial and residential areas and for the industrial area (if any). Similarly, ambient noise levels near habitations will also be monitored once in three months. Audiometric tests will be conducted periodically for the employees working close to the high noise sources.


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Reporting schedules of the reporting data It is proposed that voluntary reporting of environmental performance with reference to the EMP will be undertaken.

The Environmental Monitoring Cell will co-ordinate all monitoring programs at site and data thus generated will be regularly furnished to the State regulatory agencies/ State Pollution Control Board at the frequency of six month. The Environmental audit reports will be prepared for the entire year of operations and will be regularly submitted to regulatory authorities.

Conclusion Post Environmental monitoring is an essential step in the EIA process to validate the model results with monitored data and establish relation between them. It helps environmental planners, policy makers, scientists and technologists to make amendment in them to save environment through mitigation measures and apply of clean technology. Mitigation may be in form of technology up-gradation, design modification or modification in environmental policy. Environment works on cause -and -effect relationship. Clean mining activity will be required for sustainable growth.

The Environmental Monitoring Cell will co-ordinate all monitoring program, environmental awareness program and its importance in proposed project at site. Data generated will be furnished as per statutory requirements laid down in CTE/CTO and the environmental conditions. The frequency of monitoring will be one month in each season except monsoon. Half yearly report will be submitted on June and January of each year to the Regional Office of MoEF&CC, Jammu and Kashmir. The Environmental audit reports will be prepared for the entire year of operations and will be regularly submitted to regulatory authorities. Objective of entire process will be to improve environment and reduce the impact of project / project activities on environment.


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CHAPTER 7 ADDITIONAL STUDIES

7.0 RISK ANALYSIS AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN Risk goes in parallel with development. Risk is associated type of development activities. It is sector specific and each sector has its specific risk and mitigation. Identification of risk and its potential of hazards is the part of study which will be on-site and off –site. Risk analysis and disaster management is discussed in this section.

The possible risks in the case of river bed mining project are bank erosion, floods, accidents due to transportation etc. Mining and allied activities are associated with several potential hazards to both the employees and public at large. A worker in a mine should be able to work under adequately safe and healthy condition. This is possible only when there is adequate safety in mines. Safety of the mine and the employees is taken care of by the Mining Rules & Regulations, which are well defined with laid down procedure for safety, which when scrupulously followed safety is ensured not only to manpower but also to machines & working environment.

7.1 RISK ANALYSIS Risk analysis is the systematic study of uncertainties and risks encountered in various areas in the proposed project. Risk analysis identifies the risks involved in mining operations and related activities. In this Chapter of EIA report, the types of risk involved, risk potential and impact on environment, lives and property will be discussed. The potential of impacts in the proposed project is to understand how and when it arises, and estimates the impact (financial or otherwise) of adverse outcomes. It also defines and analyzes the dangers to individuals, businesses and Government posed by potential natural and human-caused adverse events.

7.2 RISK AND HAZARDS IN RIVER BED MATERIALMINING River bed material mining is done by open cast semi-mechanized method. Mining is done only within the Ujh River Bed stretch located near revenue village Maichak of Tehsil Sumwan, District-Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir. The lease area is 46.37 ha. There is no land degradation due to mining activities as mining is done only on river bed surface. There will be no Over Burden (OB) or waste generation as the river bed material is exposed in the river bed. There will be neither any stacking of soil nor creation of OB dumps. The solid waste management in the River Bed Mining project is ruled out.

However, there are various factors, which can create unsafe working conditions/ hazards in mining of river bed material (minor minerals) from river bed. The following types of hazards are identified during the river bed mining operations:-

• Accident during river bed material loading, transportation and dumping • Accident due to vehicular movement • Inundation/ Flooding • Quick Sand Condition


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Mitigation measures

Measures to prevent accidents during loading

The following activities will be done to minimize the risk are:-

• At the time of loading no person will be there within the swing radius of the excavator. • The dumpers/ trucks will stand near the loading equipment and fully braked when the

muck is filled in it. • The truck would be brought to a lower level so that the loading operation suits to the

ergonomic condition of the workers. • The workers will be provided with gloves and safety shoes during loading. • Opening of the side covers (pattas) should be done carefully and with warning to prevent

injury to the loaders. • Mining activities in daylight only.

Measures to prevent accidents during vehicular movement & transportation


• The truck will be covered with tarpaulin and maintained to prevent any spillage. • To avoid danger while reversing the trackless vehicles especially at the embankment and

tipping points, all areas for reversing of Lorries should be made man free as far as possible. • The vehicles must be maintained in good conditions and checked thoroughly at leastonce in

a week. • All transportation within the main working will be carried out directly under the

supervision and control of the management. • Overloading should not be permitted and the maximum permissible speed limit should be

ensured. • The truck drivers should have proper driving license. • A statutory provision of the fences, constant education, training etc. will go a long way in

reducing the incidents of such accidents

Measures to prevent incidents during Inundation/ Flooding


• During monsoon months and heavy rains the mining operations are ceased. • There should be mechanism/ warning system of heavy rains and discharges from the • Up-stream of water. • Inundation of flooding is expected and beneficial for these mines as during this time only

the mineral reserve gets replenished

Precautionary Measure for Sudden Release of Water from Upstream Dam


• The mining should be done only during the dry season and under strict supervision. • Mining activities should be avoided during monsoon season.


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• No go zones should be clearly marked and made aware to the mine workers. • Deep water areas must be identified. • Measures to prevent sudden increase in water level


• The mining activities will be restricted to 3m depth from river bed surface. • Mining activities will be avoided during monsoon season. • Mining will be done as per the approved Mining Plan and it will be ensured toavoid the

pounding effect.

7.3 DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN This should deal with action plan for high risk accidents like Landslides, Earthquakes, subsidence, Avalanches & Snow Blizzards, Drought, Wind Strom, Cloudburst, flood, inundation, fire, seismic activities, tailing dam failures etc. and emergency plan proposed for quick evacuation, ameliorative measures to be taken etc. The capability of lessee to meet such eventualities and the assistance to be required from the local authorities should be described. The shallow depth of activities in river bed mining will not involve any high risk accident due to side falls/collapse. The complete mining operation will be carried out under the Management and control of experienced and qualified Mines Manager having Certificate of Competency to manage the mines granted by DGMS. • All the provisions of Mines Act 1952, MMR 1961 and Mines Rules 1955 and other laws

applicable to mine will strictly be complied with. • During heavy rainfall the mining activities will be closed. • All persons in supervisory capacity will be provided with proper communication facilities. • Proper coordination with Irrigation Department will be maintained so that at the time of

releasing water, if any, from the dam suitable warning/information is given in advance. • Disaster Warning System” as developed will be strictly implemented.

Occupational health hazards

Dry- pit mining by open cast method involves dust generation by excavation, loading and transportation of mineral. At site, during excavation and loading activity, dust is main pollutant which affects the health of workers in mining activities whereas environmental and climatic conditions also generate the health problems.

Addressing the occupational health hazard means gaining an understanding of the source (its location and magnitude or concentration), identifying an exposure pathway (e.g. a means to get it in contact with someone), and determination of likely a receptor (someone receiving the stuff that is migrating).

Occupational hazard due to river bed mining mainly comes under the physical hazards.Possible physical hazards are as below mention:-

Physical hazards due to mining operations

Following health related hazards were indentified due to riverbed river bed mining operationsto the workers:-


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Light: - The workers may be exposed to the risk of poor illumination or excessive brightness. The effects are eye strain, headache, eye pain and lachrymation, congestion around the cornea and eye fatigue.

Heat and Humidity: - The most common physical hazard is heat. The direct effects of heat exposure are burns, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and heat cramps; the indirect effects are decreased efficiency, increased fatigue and enhanced accident rates. Heat and humidity are encountered in hot and humid condition when temperatures and air temperatures increase in summer time up to 40o C or above in the river bed mining area.

Eye Irritation: - During the high windy days in summer the sand could be the problems for eyes like itching and watering of eyes.

Respiratory Problems: - Large amounts of dust in air can be a health hazard, exacerbating respiratory disorders such as asthma and irritating the lungs and bronchial passages.

Noise Induced Hearing Loss: - Machinery is the main source of noise pollution at the mine site.

Management of health hazards

Table 7.1: Management of Health Hazards

Particulars Control Measures

Heat & Light

• The mine site will have adequate drinking water supply so that workers do not get dehydration.

• Lightweight and loose fitting clothes having light colors will be preferred to wear.

• Rigorous exercise and more physical activities will be avoided in hot weather.

Noise • Noise exposure measurements will be taken to determine the need for noise control strategies.

• The personal protective equipment will be provided for each mine workers. • Supervisor will be instructed for reporting any problems with hearing

protectors or noise control equipment. • At noisy working activity, exposure time will be minimized. • Machineries will be labeled with noise levels.

Respiratory • PPE like face mask etc. will be provided during mining activity. • Periodic medical examinations will be provided for all workers. • Awareness program will be organized for workers.

River Bed Area vis-à-vis Sedimentation

7.4 REPLENISHMENT STUDY Sedimentation- In the geological sciences is a process of deposition of a solid material from a state of suspension or solution in a fluid (usually air or water). Broadly defined it also includes deposits from glacial ice and those materials collected under the impetus of gravity alone as in talus deposits, or accumulations of rock debris at the base of cliffs. The term is commonly used as a synonym for sedimentary petrology and sediment logy.Sedimentation is generally




considered by geologists in terms of the textures, structures, and fossil content of the deposits lay down in different geographic and geomorphic environments.

The factors which affects the “Computation of Sediment”:

Geomorphology & Drainage Pattern: The following geomorphic units plays important role:

• Structural Plain • Structural Hill • Structural Ridge • Denudation Ridge & Valley • Plain & Plateau of Gangetic plain • Highly Dissected pediment • Un-dissected pediment • Distribution of Basin Area River wise (Area in Sq. Km or Sq. Miles) • Drainage System/Pattern of the area (Drainage Density = Km/Sq. Km of UjhRiver

Rainfall & Climate: Year wise Rainfall data for previous 10 years of Ravi Basin/River As per Dandy & Bolton study “Sediment Yield” can be related to i) Catchment Area and

ii) Mean Annual Run-off

River bed mineral is an essential minor mineral used extensively across the country as a useful construction constituent and variety of other uses in sports, agriculture, glass making (a form of sand with high silica content) etc. It is common acknowledge that minerals are non-renewable but this form of mineral naturally gets replenished from time to time in a given river system and is very much interrelated to the hydrological cycle in a river basin. Riverine environmental systems are unique in them and provide environmental services, natural resources to meet variety of needs of urban and rural communities. The Rivers originating from the Himalayas bring lots of aggregate materials whereas as they move downstream, only finer elements / minerals like sand are found in abundance. Ujh is tributary of Ravi River. The Ravi River originates in the Himalayas in the Multhan tehsil of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It follows a north-westerly course and is a perennial river. It is the smallest of the five Punjab rivers that rises from glacier fields at an elevation of 14,000 feet (4,300 m), on the southern side of the Mid Himalayas. It flows through Barabhangal, Bara Bansu and Chamba districts. It flows in rapids in its initial reaches with boulders seen scattered in the bed of the river. The Ravi River in this reach flows in a Gorge with a river bed slope of 183 feet per mile (34.7 m/km) and is mostly fed by snow melt, as this region lies in a rain shadow. Two of its major tributaries, the Budhil and Nai or Dhona join 64 kilometres (40 mi) downstream from its source Dandy & Bolton formula for calculation of Sediment Yield:

Dandy-Bolton formula is often used to check whether the sedimentation yield exceeds the replenishment rate but the whole question is whether there is adequate monitoring of the river basin, the answer is no as hydrological stations are sparsely spread. The formula uses catchment area and mean annual runoff as key determinants to give a yield value. It does not differentiate in basin wide smaller streams and their characteristics. CWC distinguishes river basins as classified and non-classified, as per the latest hydrological data for unclassified River basins;




there are 122 GDSW (Gauge, Discharge, Sediment & Water Quality) sites in 12 such basins, the number was 147 in 2005. This brings in context the whole issue of scientific mining, thereby indicating that the monitoring of sediment yield in rivers / streams within the river basins is essential to arrive at extraction rates and express and conduct environmental studies based on these basin wide characteristics which should become part of the ‘Terms of Reference’.

Sediment Yield versus Drainage Area

Dandy and Bolton studied sedimentation data from about 1500 reservoirs, ponds, and sediment detention basins. In developing their formulas, they used data from about 800 of these reservoirs with drainage areas greater than or equal to 1 mi2. The smaller watersheds-those of drainage area less than 1 mi2-were excluded because of their large variability of sediments yield, reflecting the diverse effects of soils, local terrain, vegetation, land use, and agricultural practices. For drainage areas between 1 and 32133 mi2, Dandy and Bolton found that the annual sediment yield per unit area was inversely related to the 0.16 power of the drainage area: In which S= sediment yield in tons per square mile per year; SR = Reference sediment yield Corresponding to a 1-mi2 drainage area, equal to 1645 tons per year; A = drainage area in square miles; and AR = reference drainage area (1 mi2) Sediments Yield versus Mean Annual Runoff

Dandy and Bolton studied sedimentation data from 505 reservoirs having mean annual runoff data. Annual sediment yield per unit area was shown to increase sharply as mean annual runoff Q increased from 0 to 2 in. Thereafter, for mean annual runoff from 2 to 50 in. annual sediment yield per unit area decreased exponentially. This led to the following equations. Dandy and Bolton combined into a set of equations to express sedimentyield in terms of drainage area and mean annual runoff. For SR = 1645 tons/mi2/y, QR = 2 in., and AR = 1 mi2, reduces to the followings:

For Q <2 in.: S = 1280 Q0.46 (1.43 – 0.26 log A) For Q >2 in.: S = 1965e-0.055Q (1.43 – 0.26 log A)

Based on average values of grouped data; therefore, they should be used with caution. In Certain cases, local factors such as soils, geology, topography, land use, and vegetation may have greater influence on sediment yield than either mean annual runoff or drainage area. Nevertheless, these equations provide a first approximation to be regional assessment of sediment yield for watershed planning purposes. Calculation of Sediment Yield for River Bed Mine

Mining lease area under riverbed: 46.37 ha

Drainage basin area of river Ravi in Jammu & Kashmir: 142.334 square miles

Normal Annual Rainfall of Kathua district: 65.82 inch


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Table 7.2: Calculation & Replenishment Capacity Calculation & Replenishment Capacity S. No Factors Probable

Replenishment 1 River Ravi 2 Catchment Area 142.334 mi2/ 368.644 km2 3 Gradient of the River Ujh River-1:3.52 4 Average Annual Runoff 65.82 inch *Sediment yield Formula

For Q < 2 in: S = 1280 Q0.46 [1.43-0.26 log (A)] For Q > 2 in: S = 1965 e -0.055Q [1.43-0.26 log (A)] Here: Q (in) = Mean Annual run off = 65.82 inch A (mi2) = Catchment Area= 142.334 mi2 With above formula the value of S = 583.71 Million Tons /squaremile/annum Therefore the Total Sediment Yield for drainage basin of 142.334 square mile will be = 142.334 x 583.71= 0.83082 Lac MT per annum. Dandy & Boltan formula also says that actual sediments yield from individual drainage basins may vary 10-fold or even 100 fold from computed yields. Since itinerary of river Ravi indicates that its basin comprises of sedimentary rocks with good average rainfall therefore there are fair chances of yield of sediments to be 50 fold of computed results, given the previous experiences of the river bed mining in the area, hence Actual Sediment Yield will be : 83081.7 x 50 = 4,15,40,89 M T / Annum.

4,15,40,89 M T / Annum.

7.5 TRAFFIC STUDY Traffic study measurements were performed at two locations at National Highway-1(A) and metalled road (Bamyal & Nagri Road) which connects NH- 1A to assess impact on local transport infrastructure due to this mining project. Traffic study measurements were performed at two locations of these stations is marked on the map below. The monitoring was performed in March to May 2015. The Typical Haul Road which is Connected to village linked road for Transportation of river bed material connected to the National Highway (NH-1A)




Figure 7.1: Roads and Highways in the Study Area

Traffic data collected continuously for 24 hours by visual observation and counting of vehicles under three categories, viz., heavy motor vehicles, light motor vehicles and two/three wheelers. As traffic densities on the roads are high, two skilled persons were deployed simultaneously at each station during each shift- one person on each of the two directions for counting the traffic. At the end of each hour, fresh counting and recording was undertaken. Total numbers of vehicles per hour under the three categories were determined.

Table 7.3: Traffic Load due to proposed project S.no. Vehicles

distribution

Number of vehicles distribution/day

Passenger car unit (PCU)

Total number of vehicle (PCU)/hour

NH-1[A]

Bamyal & Nagri Road

NH-1[A] Bamyal & Nagri Road

1. Cars 19400 16085 1.0 19400 16085 2. Buses 2550 1300 3.0 7650 3900 3. Two

wheelers 2300 1720 0.5 1150 860

4. Three wheelers

1565 950 1.50 2347 1425

5. Trucks 3000 1570 3.0 9000 4710




Total 28815

21625 39547/24=1648 PCU/hr

26980/24=1124 PCU/hr

Table 7.4 : Existing Traffic Scenario & LOS Road V (Volume in

PCU/hr) C (Capacity in PCU/hr)

Existing V/C Ratio

LOS

NH-1[A] 1648 4000 0.412 B Bamyal & Nagri Road

1124 3500 0.321 B

Note: The existing level may be “very good” for both NH-1[A] & Nagri Road.

V/C LOS Performance 0.0-0.2 A Excellent 0.2-0.4 B Very Good 0.4-0.6 C Good/ Average/ Fair 0.6-0.8 D Poor 0.8-1.0 E Very Poor Note: Capacity as per IRC: 64-1990

During Mine Operation Total Capacity of mine : 7, 67,987 TPA No. of working days : 275 Extraction & Transportation of mineral : 2789.4 T/day Working hours per day : 8 hour Truck Capacity : 25 Tonnes Frequency of trucks deployed/day : 112 Frequency of trucks deployed/hr : 14

Table 7.5: Projected Traffic Scenario & LOS ROAD INCREASED PCU’S-

STATE/NATIONAL HIGHWAY V C MODIFIED V/C

RATIO LOS

NH-1[A] 1648+63 1711 4000 0.427 B Bamyal & Nagri Road

1124+63 1187 3500 0.339 B

Table 7.6: ProjectedTraffic Scenario & LOS –Worst case

ROAD INCREASED PCU’S- STATE/NATIONAL HIGHWAY

V C MODIFIED V/C RATIO

LOS

NH-1[A] 1648+63(from proposed project) + 90 (from Maichak 49.68 Ha) + 66 (from Pandori36.00 Ha)

1867 4000 0.466 B

Bamyal & Nagri Road

1124+63 (from proposed project) + 90 (from Maichak 49.68 Ha) + 66 (from Pandori 36.00 Ha)

1343 3500 0.383 B


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Note - All mines (Mai Chak – 46.37 ha, Mai Chak-49.68 ha & Pandori – 36 ha) operated simultaneously. Conclusion 112(nos.) dumpers/daywill be required for transport of mineral from mine. 14 (nos.) of trucks will be transporting minerals on the connecting roads from the site to NH 1A as there is no other road for evacuation of minerals from site. The LOS value from proposed mine will be “Very Good”.So the additional load on the carrying capacity of the concern roads is not likely to have any significant adverse affect on the linked road and on the NH-1A.

7.6 SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT Introduction Socio-Economic Impact Assessment (SEIA) refers to systematic analysis of various social and economic characteristics of human being living in a given geographical area. The geographical area is often called Study Area or Impact Area. SEIA is carried out simultaneously with Environment Impact Assessment (EIA). The prime objective of SEIA is to identify and evaluate potential socio-economic and cultural impacts of a proposed development project on the lives and conditions of people, their families and their communities. If the potential impacts are significant and adverse, SEIA assist the developers and other stakeholders to reduce, remove or prevent these impacts from happening. The present study seeks to determine the severity of the socio-economic and cultural impacts due to upcoming river bed mining projects spread over in the village Mai Chak in Tehsil and district Kathua, J&K. The objectives of the proposed SEIA study are as follows:

SCOPE OF THE PROPOSED STUDY • To collect baseline data of the study area • To comprehend socio-economic status of people living in the study area • To assess likely impact of the project on social and economic life of the people in the study

area • To measure the impact of the project on Quality of life of the people living in the study

area • To ensure sustainability of positive impacts • To recommend mitigation measures on adverse impacts.

STUDY AREA

The study area, also known as Impact Area has been defined as sum total of core and buffer area with a radius of ten kilometres from the periphery of the project site. The study area includes all the land marks both natural and manmade, falling therein. The study area of the proposed river bed mining projects is spread over in two states namely Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab. A small part of the study area falls in Pakistan which is outside the scope of the study. The districts included in the study area are Kathua in Jammu & Kashmir and Gurdaspur in Punjab. There are 161 villages and one urban area in the study area. Of the total number of villages four are uninhabited villages. As many as seven villages lie within two kilometers of the mine lease area and the remaining 150 lie in the buffer area. The villages located in the core area are Bham Barwan, Chak Bhagta, Karandi Kalan,Karandi Khurd, Mahi Chak, Muthi Hardu and Sande Chak. The Sub-district wise distribution of habited and uninhabited villages is given in Table 7.7 and




Table 7.7: District and Sub-district wise distribution of Habitations in the Study area

Sr. No.

State District Sub-district Number of Habitations % to total number of Habitations in the study area

Villages Towns Total

1

Jammu & Kashmir

Kathua Bilawar 2 - 2 1.23

Hiranagar 87 - 87 53.70

Kathua 58 1 59 36.42

Total 147 1 148 91.35

2 Punjab Gurdaspur Batala 1 - 1 0.62

Gurdaspur 2 - 2 1.23

Pathankot 11 - 11 6.80

Total 14 - 14 8.65

Grand total 161 1 162 100

Source Census 2011

Figure 7.2: Sub-district wise distribution of Habitations (villages and towns) in the study area

0 20 40 60 80 100

Bilawar

Hiranagar

Kathua

Batala

Gurdaspur

Pathankot

2

87

59

1

2

11

No. of Habitations (Villages & Urban Areas)

Sub-

dist

ricts

District and Sub-district wise distribution of Habitations in the Study area




It may be seen from the above table and figure that of 162 habitations 87 are located in sub-district Hiranagar, followed by 59 in sub-district Kathua, and two in sub-district Bilawar in Jammu & Kashmir and 11 in sub-district Pathankot, two in sub-district Gurdaspur and one in sub-district Batala in Punjab. The only urban area named Parole lies in sub-district Kathua, which is administered by a Municipal Council. The figures referred above include both villages and urban areas, the details of which are provided in Table 7.7 and Figure 7.1.

The mine lease area is located at Ujh River Bed which is a tributary of Ravi River. The river Ujh flows from North to South. Further, the mine lease area does not fall under any protected or reserved forest. Furthermore, there is no settlement in the mine lease area. Broad land use pattern of the study area is presented in Table 7.7 and Figure 7.2 below.

Table 7.8: Broad Land-use Pattern of the Study Area Sr. No Description of Land Estimated Area (

Ha) Percentage to total area

1 Forest Land 2306 6.84 2 Agricultural Land 18800.30 55.74(100) 2(a) Irrigated Land 10823.70 32.09(57.57) 2(b) Un-Irrigated 7976.60 23.65(42.43) 3 Cultivable Waste 1636 4.85 4 Barren& Uncultivable land 59 0.17 5 Permanent Pastures and other

Grazing Land 2 0.01

6 Land Under Miscellaneous Tree crops etc.,

4 0.01

7 Area under Non-Agricultural Uses

10919.70 32.38

Total 33727.00 100 Source Census 2011

Note: The figures in bracket indicate percentage to total Agricultural land available in the study area.

There isnoReserveorProtectedForest in themine lease area. However, there are reserved forests in the Western, Northern, North Western, North Eastern part of the study area. These include Ujh, Behari, Amala , Jasrota and Jasogarh Budhi. The share of forest land in the total study area is 6.84 percent. About 55.74 percent of the study area consists of agricultural land. Further, 32.38 percent of the total study area is under non- agricultural uses and 0.17 percent is not fit for agriculture due to its bareness. About 57.57 percent of total agricultural land is irrigated land and the remaining 42.43 percent is un- irrigated land, which depends upon monsoon for agriculture uses. The major crops grown in the study area are Wheat, Paddy, Maize, Bajra Millets, oil seeds and pulses. Important vegetables grown in the study area are bringals, lady fingers, potato, lotus stem etc.The Table below presents various means of irrigation adopted in the study area and their share in total area irrigated.




Fig 7.3: Land Use Pattern in the Study Area

Table 7.9: Means of irrigation adopted in the study area and their share in total irrigated land

Sr. No.

Mode of Irrigation Estimated Area Irrigated (in Hectares)

Percentage to the total area irrigated

1 Canal 9593.70 88.64 2 Well / Tube Wells 1221.00 11.28 3 Other un-specified modes of

irrigation 9.00 0.08

Total 10823.70 100 Source: Census 2011

Figure 7.4: Sources of irrigation in Study Area

4%

36%

21%

15%

3%

21%

Land Use Pattern in the Study Area

Forest Land Agricultural Land

Irrigated Land Un-Irrigated

Cultivable Waste Barren& Uncultivable land

Permanent Pastures and other Grazing Land Land Under Miscellaneous Tree crops etc.,

Area under Non-Agricultural Uses

9593.7

1221

9Sources of irrigation in Study Area

Canal

Well / Tube Wells

Other un-specified modes of irrigation




It may be seen from the above Table and Figure that in the study area Canals (88.64 percent) are the main means of irrigation. This is followed by Wells/Tube Wells (11.28 percent). Other un-specified modes of irrigation are negligible. The culture of the study area is Pahari which resembles the culture of Himachal Pradesh. Dogri is the main language spoken in the study area. In some parts of the study area dogri has the influence of Punjabi tone. Women folk generally wear salwar suits and traditional dresses on special occasions. On the other hand men have no such specific attire. Makki ki Roti and Sarso ka saag is one of the famous foods that people relish especially during winter months and Kachole is a famous dish in district Kathua, which people like to eat with joy.

HYPOTHESIS

“River bed mining” has significant socio-economic impacts on livelihoods of local communities”.

APPROACH

Research approach plays an important role to decide suitable methodology. It helps to develop research design and increase the effectiveness of research study. In the present study inductive approach has been adopted, which is also known as ‘bottom top approach’ or ‘climbing the hill approach’. Under this approach data is first collected from primary and secondary sources. After scrutiny tables are generated in pre-designed formats. Subsequently, draft report is prepared after detail analysis of data. The final report is prepared after incorporating the comments and suggestions of the client.

METHODOLOGY

For impact assessment both primary and secondary data was collected. In the core area primary data was collected through a census cum sample survey, while in the buffer area a sample survey was conducted to collect the primary data. The secondary data was collected from the administrative records, published reports and various websites.

Census-cum sample survey in the core area

Considering that the impact of the project is greatest in the core area and the same diminishes progressively as one move away from the core area to the periphery of the study area, a Census - cum Sample survey was conducted in the core area for collection of socio-economic data. It is treated as a census survey as all the villages located in the core area were surveyed for collection of information. Further, in each village a house hold survey was conducted by drawing representative samples from a list of households prepared after complete mapping and listing. Since collection of information from all the households in a village is time consuming and expensive sample survey approach was adopted for collection of information from the selected households in the above villages.

Sample size

While deciding the sample size the following factors were taken into account

Confidence Level (95 %, Table value: 1.96)

Degree of precision (Δ): 0.5




Variation in population / Standard Deviation (σ)

At each level of sampling the following formula was adopted to arrive at the sample size

n =√ {(1.96 *σ) / Δ}

Where n denotes sample size, 1.96 is the table value of confidence limit, σ = standard deviation and Δ = degree of precision

Baseline data refers to basic information collected before a project/scheme is implemented. It is used later to provide a comparison for assessing impact of a project. Any attempt to collect base line data while undertaking actual impact assessment study is faced with recall error. The baseline data was collected from secondary sources. It consists of demographic particulars and amenities. The data presented in the table below pertains to study area as a whole. The Statement indicating village level population, sex ratio, literacy rate, workers participation rate and dependency rate in the study area.

Table 7.10: Demographic Particulars of the Study Area

S.N. Description Number Percentage to Respective totals

1

Gender wise Total Population of the Study Area 132047 100 Male 69400 52.56 Female 62647 47.44 Sex Ratio (No. of females per 1000 males) 903 Overall density of population (per sq. km) 390

2

Sector wise Total Population of the Study Area 132047 100 Rural 124366 94.18 Urban 7681 5.82 Density of population in rural areas (per sq. km) 369 Density of population in urban areas (per sq. km) 6738

3

Gender wise total population in Rural Areas 124366 100 Male 65363 52.56 Female 59003 47.44 Sex Ratio in rural area (No. of females per 1000 males) 903

4

Gender wise total population in Urban Areas 7681 100 Male 4037 52.56 Female 3644 47.44 Sex Ratio in urban area (No. of females per 1000 males) 903

5 Gender wise Total Population (0-6 age group) 16742 100 Male 9372 56.0 Female 7370 44.0





Sex Ratio of 0-6 age group population (No. of females per 1000 males) 786

6

Gender wise population (0-6 age group) in Rural Areas 15867 100

Male 8929 56.27 Female 6938 43.73 Sex Ratio of 0-6 age group population in rural area (No. of females per 1000 males) 777

7

Gender wise population (0-6 years) in Urban Area 875 100

Male 443 50.63 Female 432 49.37 Sex Ratio of 0-6 age group population in urban area (No. of females per 1000 males) 975

8

Sector wise number of Households (Total) 26656

Rural 25134 Urban 1522 Average Household size in the Study Area as a whole 6

Average Household size in Rural Area 6 Average Household size in Urban Area 5 Highest Household size in the Study Area 10 Lowest Household size in the Study Area 2

9

Total Population of General and OBC Community in the Study Area

81716 100

Male 42720 52.28

Female 38996 47.72

Sex Ratio (No. of females per 1000 males) 913

10

Total Population of General and OBC Community in the Rural Areas 77139 100

Male 40323 52.27

Female 36816 47.73


11 Total Population of General and OBC Community in the Urban Area 4577 100





Male 2397 52.27

Female 2180 47.63


12

Total Population of Schedule Caste Community in the Study Area

42655 100

Male 22703 53.22 Female 19952 46.78 Sex Ratio (No. of females per 1000 males) 879

13

Gender wise Schedule Caste Population in Rural Areas

39552 100

Male 21064 53.26 Female 18488 46.74 Sex Ratio of Schedule Caste population in Rural Areas (No. of females per 1000 males) 878

14

Gender wise Schedule Caste Population in Urban Areas

3103 100

Male 1639 52.82 Female 1464 47.18 Sex Ratio of Schedule Caste population in Urban Areas (No. of females per 1000 males) 893

15

Total Population of Schedule Tribe Community 7676 100

Male 3977 51.81

Female 3699 48.19

Sex Ratio of schedule Tribe population in Study Area (No. Of females per 1000 males) 930

16

Gender wise Schedule Tribe Population in Rural Areas 7675 100

Male 3976 51.80

Female 3699 48.20

Sex Ratio of Schedule Caste population in Rural Areas (No. Of females per 1000 males) 930

17 Gender wise Schedule Tribe Population in Urban Areas 1 100





Male 1 100

Female 0 0

Sex Ratio of Schedule Tribe population in Urban Areas (No. Of females per 1000 males) 0

18

Total Literates in the Study Area 89493 100 Male 50466 56.39 Female 39027 43.61 Overall Literacy Rate in the Study Area 77.61 Male 84.07 Female 70.60 Gender gap in literacy rate 13.47

19

Gender wise distribution of Literates in the Rural Areas

84152 100

Male 47464 56.40 Female 36688 43.60 Overall Literacy Rate in Rural Areas 77.56 Male 84.11 Female 70.47 Gender gap in literacy rate in rural areas 13.64

20

Gender wise distribution of Literates in the Urban Area

5341 100

Male 3002 56.21 Female 2339 43.79 Overall Literacy Rate in Urban Areas 78.47 Male 83.53 Female 72.82 Gender gap in literacy rate in Urban Areas 10.71

21 Total Workers in the Study Area 38133 100 Male 34055 89.31 Female 4078 10.69

22

Overall Work Participation rate 41.67 Work participation rate of males 71.91 Work participation rate of females 9.23 Gender Gap in work participation rate 62.68

23 Overall Dependency Rate of Non-workers 246.28 Dependency Rate of Male Non-workers 92.69





Dependency Rate of Female Non-workers 153.59

24

Gender wise distribution of Total Workers in the Rural Areas

35932 100

Male 32059 89.22 Female 3873 10.78

25

Work Participation rate in Rural Areas 41.91

Work Participation rate of males in rural areas 72.27

Work Participation rate of females in rural areas 9.36

Overall Gender Gap in work participation rate in the Rural Areas 62.91

26

Overall Dependency Rate of Non-workers over workers in the Rural Areas 246.11

Dependency Rate of Male Non-workers 92.68


27

Gender wise distribution of Workers in the Urban Area

2201 100

Male 1996 90.69 Female 205 9.31

28

Work Participation Rate in Urban Area 38.09

Work Participation Rate of males 66.60

Work Participation Rate of females 7.37

Overall Gender Gap in work participation rate in the urban Area 59.23

29

Overall Dependency Rate of Non-workers over workers in the urban Areas 248.98

Dependency Rate of Male Non-workers 92.73


30 Total Main Workers in the Study Area 29420 100 Male 27076 92.03 Female 2344 7.97





31

Overall Work Participation rate of Main Workers in the Study Area 32.15

Work Participation rate of males 57.17

Work Participation rate of females 5.31

Overall Gender Gap in work participation rate of main workers 51.86

32

Gender wise distribution of Main Workers in the Rural Areas

27518 100

Male 25333 92.06 Female 2185 7.94

33

Overall work participation rate in Rural Areas 32.09

Work participation rate of males 57.10

Work participation rate of females 5.28

Gender Gap in work participation rate of Main workers in Rural Areas 51.82

34

Gender wise distribution of Main Workers in the Urban Area 1902 100

Male 1743 91.64 Female 159 8.36

35

Overall work participation rate in Urban Area 32.91



Gender Gap in work participation rate of Main workers in Urban areas 52.44

36 Total Marginal Workers in the Study Area 8713 100 Male 6979 80.10 Female 1734 19.90

37

Overall work participation rate of marginal workers in the Study Area 9.52







Overall gender gap in work participation rate of Marginal workers 10.81

38

Gender wise distribution of Marginal Workers in the Rural Areas

8414 100

Male 6726 79.94 Female 1688 20.06

39

Overall work participation rate Marginal Workers in Rural Areas 9.81



Gender Gap in work participation rate of Marginal workers in Rural Areas 11.08

40

Gender wise distribution of Marginal Workers in Urban Area

299 100

Male 253 84.62 Female 46 15.38

41

Overall work participation rate Marginal Workers in Urban Area 5.17



Gender Gap in work participation rate of Marginal workers in Urban Area 6.79

42

Total Household Industrial Workers in the Study Area 858 100

Male 722 84.15 Female 136 15.85

43

Overall work participation rate of Industrial Workers in the Study Area 0.94

Work participation rate of males 1.52 Work participation rate of females 0.31 Gender Gap in work participation rate of Household Industrial Workers 1.21

44

Gender wise distribution of Household Industrial Workers in Rural Areas

840 100

Male 706 84.05 Female 134 15.95

45 Overall work participation rate of Industrial Workers in Rural Areas 0.98





Work participation rate of males 1.59 Work participation rate of females 0.32 Gender Gap in work participation rate of Household Industrial Workers in Rural Areas 1.27

46

Gender wise distribution of Household Industrial Workers in Urban Area

18 100

Male 16 88.89 Female 2 11.11

47

Overall work participation rate of Household Industrial Workers in Urban Area 0.31

Work participation rate of males 0.53 Work participation rate of females 0.07 Gender Gap in work participation rate of Household Industrial Workers in Urban Area 0.46

48 Total Agricultural Workers in the Study Area 16173 100

Male 14726 91.05 Female 1447 8.95

49

Overall work participation rate of Agricultural Workers in the Study Area 17.67

Work participation rate of males 31.09 Work participation rate of females 3.28 Gender Gap in work participation rate of Agricultural Workers in the Study Area 27.81

50

Gender wise distribution of Agricultural Workers in Rural Areas 15588 100

Male 14161 90.85 Female 1427 9.15

51

Overall work participation rate of Agricultural Workers in Rural Areas 18.18

Work participation rate of males 31.92 Work participation rate of females 3.45 Gender Gap in work participation rate of Agricultural Workers in Rural Areas 28.47

52

Gender wise distribution of Agricultural Workers in Urban Area 585 100

Male 565 96.58 Female 20 3.42

53 Overall work participation rate of Agricultural Workers in Urban Area 10.12






Work participation rate of females 0.72 Gender Gap in work participation rate of Agricultural Workers in Urban Area 18.13

54 Total Cultivators in the Study Area 9880 100 Male 8983 90.92 Female 897 9.08

55

Overall work participation rate of Cultivators in the Study Area 10.79

Work participation rate of males 18.97 Work participation rate of females 2.03 Gender Gap in work participation rate of Cultivators in the Study Area 16.94

Gender wise distribution of Cultivators in Rural Areas 9756 100

56 Male 8865 90.87 Female 891 9.13

57

Overall work participation rate of Cultivators in Rural Areas 11.38



Gender Gap in work participation rate of Cultivators in the Rural Areas 17.83

58

Gender wise distribution of Cultivators in Urban Area 124 100

Male 118 95.16 Female 6 4.84

59

Overall work participation rate of Cultivators in Urban Area 2.15

Work participation rate of males 3.94 Work participation rate of females 0.22 Gender Gap in work participation rate of Cultivators in the Urban Area 3.72

60 Total Agricultural Labour in the Study Area 6293 100

Male 5743 91.26 Female 550 8.74

61 Overall work participation rate of Agricultural Labour in the study Area 6.88






Work participation rate of females 1.25 Gender Gap in work participation rate of Agricultural Labour in the Study Area 10.88

62

Gender wise distribution of Agricultural Labour in Rural Areas 5832 100

Male 5296 90.81 Female 536 9.19

63

Overall work participation rate of Agricultural Labours in the Rural Areas 6.80

Work participation rate of males 11.94 Work participation rate of females 1.30 Gender Gap in work participation rate of Agricultural labours in the Rural Areas 10.64

64

Gender wise distribution of Agricultural Labour in Urban Area

461 100

Male 447 96.96 Female 14 3.04

65

Overall work participation rate of Agricultural Labours in the Urban Area 7.80

Work participation rate of males 14.91 Work participation rate of females 0.50 Gender gap in work participation ratio 14.41

66 Total ‘Other Workers’ in the Study Area 21102 100 Male 18607 88.18 Female 2495 11.82

67

Overall work participation rate of Other workers in the study area 23.06

Work participation rate of males 39.29 Work participation rate of females 5.65 Gender gap in work participation rate 33.64

68

Gender wise distribution of ‘Other Workers’ in Rural Areas

19504 100

Male 17192 88.15 Female 2312 11.85

69

Overall work participation rate of ‘Other workers’ in the Rural Areas 22.75

Work participation rate of males 36.30 Work participation rate of females 5.59 Gender gap in work participation rate 30.71


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70

Gender wise distribution of ‘Other Workers’ in Urban Area

1598 100

Male 1415 88.55 Female 183 11.45

71

Overall work participation rate of ‘Other workers’ in the Urban Area 27.65

Work participation rate of males 47.21 Work participation rate of females 6.58 Gender gap in work participation 40.63

Source: Census 2011 NB: All the rates and ratios provided in the above table have been compiled on the basis of Census 2011 demographic data.

7.6 CURRENT SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS Population Composition According to 2011 Population Census the study area has a total population of 132047. Of this 52.56 percent are male and the remaining 47.44 percent are female. About 94.18 percent of total population lives in rural areas and the remaining 5.82 percent in Urban area. Further 12.68 percent of the total population belongs to 0-6 age group. About 56 percent of them are male and the remaining 44 percent are female.

Sex Ratio The overall sex ratio in the study area has been worked out to 903 females per 1000 males, which is less than the national average of 940 females per 1000 males. The highest sex ratio recorded in the rural areas is 1500, which have been observed in village Chak rangi district Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir. Similarly, the lowest sex ratio in the rural areas is 500 females per 1000 males, which have been observed in village Chatha, in district Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir. There are only 2 males and 1 female in the above village.

The sex ratio of Children belonging to 0-6 age group has been worked out to786 females per 1000 males, which is much lower than the national average of 914 females per 1000 males.

Density of Population

The overall density of population in the study area has been worked out to 390 persons per sq. Kilometre. The sector wise density of population of the study area has been worked out to 369 persons per sq. Kilometre in the rural areas and 6738 persons per sq. Kilometre in the urban areas.

Households

There are 26656 households in the study area and the average household size is 6. The highest household size in the study area is 10, which has been recorded in village Chak Poorab and the lowest (2) in village Ramgarh, district Kathua in Jammu & Kashmir.




Social Structure In the study area, the total number of persons belonging to Scheduled Caste community is 42655, which is 32.30 percent of the total population. The gender wise distribution of schedule caste population is male 53.22 percent and female 46.78 percent, registering a sex ratio of 879 females per one thousand males. The sector wise distribution of Scheduled Caste population reveals that 92.73 percent of them are residing in the rural areas and the remaining 7.27 percent in urban areas.

Further analysis of data reveals that in the study area, the total number of people belonging to Scheduled Tribe community is 7676, which is 5.81 percent of the total population. This is far below the total number of persons belonging to Scheduled caste community residing in the study area. The gender wise distribution of schedule tribe population in the study area is male 51.81 percent and female 48.19 percent, recording a sex ratio of 930 females per one thousand males.

About 61.89 percent of the total population belongs to General category, which includes people belonging to ‘Other Backward Castes’. In absolute number the population belongs to this category are 81716 with 52.28 percent male and 48.36 percent female. The sex ratio of General category population has been worked out to 913 females per 1000 males.

Socio-economic development of poor and downtrodden scheduled caste and scheduled tribe people is a continuous process and the government, both at the centre and the states is constantly making efforts to improve the destiny of these people. Distribution of surplus land to the members of the above categories of people is an important step taken by the government for their economic empowerment. The State Government has drawn up its own list of socially and educationally backward classes and implementing various developmental schemes for them, mainly in the field of education and income generation. All the ongoing schemes are critically examined and modified periodically to cater to the needs of different groups amongst the above communities. The government has also started various schemes to improve the quality of life of the rural poor, especially for the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes by making special provisions for them. ‘Sampornma Grameen Rozgar Yojana’ (SGRY) is one such programme, which was launched to safeguard the interest of the weaker sections and women by providing them wage employment. The ‘Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana’ (SGSY), another rural development scheme also aimed at bringing poor families above the poverty line by providing them with income generating assets through a mixture of credit and subsidy. The SGSY has also made an explicit provision that 50 per cent of the Swarozgaris assisted should be from Scheduled caste and Scheduled Tribe communities.

Over the decades the Scheduled caste and scheduled tribe people are making rapid progress both in economic and social sphere. Today they are no more untouchables. The literate Schedule Caste and Scheduled tribe people are engaged in trade, commerce & industry, private & government services including police and armed forces.

Literacy Status All persons aged seven years and above, who can both read and write with understanding in any language including brail are considered as literate. The total number of literate persons in the study area is 89493, which is 67.77 percent of the total population. Of the total number of literate persons 56.39 percent are male and the remaining 43.61 percent are female. In the rural




areas the number of literate people is 84152, out of which 56.40 percent are male and 43.60 percent are female. The total number of literate persons in the urban area of study area is 5341, which comprises of 56.21 percent of male and 43.79 percent of female.

The overall literacy rate in the study area has been worked out to 77.61 percent. The gender wise distribution of literacy rate reveals that 84.07 percent of the literate persons are male and 70.60 percent are female. This creates a gender gap of 13.47 percent.

Workers and Work Participation Rate

A worker has been defined as a person who participates in a productive activity with or without compensation, wages or profit and such participation may be physical and/or mental in nature. A worker may be a main worker or a marginal worker. The main workers are those workers who had worked for the major part of the total working period. In case the total working period is 365 days the worker must have worked for more than 183 days. The marginal workers, on the other hand are those workers who had worked for less than six months during the last 365 days.

The Work Participation rate has been calculated by deducting the total population of age group 0-14 year from the total population of the study area.

The total number of workers in the study area has been worked out to 38133, which is 28.88 percent of the total population. Of the total number of workers 89.31 percent are male and the remaining 10.69 percent are female.

The overall work participation rate is 41.67 percent. While the work participation rate of male is 71.91 percent it is 9.23 percent in the case of females. This creates a gender gap of 62.68 percent, which is significantly high.

The main workers constitute 77.15 percent of the total work force, while marginal workers constitute only 22.85 percent of the same. Further analysis of data reveals male dominancy in both Main (92.03 percent) and Marginal (80.10 percent) work force. The total number of main and marginal workers in the rural areas of study area is 27518 and 8414 respectively. In the urban areas 1902 are main workers and 299 are marginal workers. In this connection it is stated that women members in a household are preoccupied with household work besides taking care of their children and other members of the household. Hence, they prefer to work as a marginal worker rather as a main work.

Further classification of the workers has revealed that in the study area 42.41 percent of the total workers are agricultural workers, 2.25 percent are household industrial workers and the remaining 55.34 percent are ‘Other Workers’. Furthermore, of the total agricultural workers about 61.09 percent are Cultivators and the remaining 38.91 percent are Agricultural Labour. About 90.92 percent of cultivators are male and the remaining 9.08 percent are female. On the other hand, 91.26 percent of Agricultural labours are male and the remaining 8.74 percent are female. It may be observed from the above figures that participation of women in agriculture both as cultivators and agricultural Labour is far below in comparison to their male counterpart. The wages of women agricultural labour is miserably low in comparison to their male counterpart, though they put same amount of hard work as the male does. The ‘Other Workers’ include white collar workers, blue collar workers, pink collar workers, informal workers, etc.




Dependency Ratio

Based on total number of workers gainfully employed and non-workers either in search of a job or very old & retired or physically handicapped or students continuing their studies or people who have no intention to work, the overall dependency rate has been worked out to 246.28 percent. While the dependency rate for male is 92.69 percent, it is 153.59 percent in the case of female. This indicates that unemployment situation in the study area is still a matter of concern. The dependency rate in urban area (248.98) is higher than its counterpart in rural areas (246.11).

AMENITIES

Based on information collected from secondary sources various amenities available in the study area are provided in the table below.

Table 7.11: Details of amenities available in the Study Area

Sr.No Description Number of habitations where the facility is available

Number of institutions/facilities available

Villages Towns Villages Towns A INSTITUTIONAL EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES 1(a) Only Govt pre-primary

schools 1 - 1 -

1(b) Only Private pre-primary schools

120 - 217 -

1(c) Both Govt and private pre-primary schools

1 - 5 -

1(d) No pre-primary schools 35 - -

-

Total Pre-primary schools 157 -- 223 - 2(a) Only Govt primary schools 94 - 113 - 2(b) Only Private primary

schools 6 - 6 -

2( c) Both Govt and Private primary schools

34 1 111 3

2(d) No Primary schools 23 - - - Total Primary schools 157 1 230 3 3(a) Only Govt Middle schools 13 - 13 - 3(b) Only Private Middle schools 10 - 10 - 3(c) Both Govt and Private

Middle schools 6 1 15 4

3(d) No Middle schools 128 - - - Total Middle schools 157 1 38 4 4(a) Only Govt Secondary 12 - 12 -




schools 4(b) Only Private Secondary

schools 10 - 10 -

4(c) Both Govt and Private Secondary schools

6 1 14 4

4(d) No Secondary schools 129 - - - Total Secondary schools 157 1 36 4 5(a) Only Govt Senior Secondary

schools 5 - 5 -

5(b) Only Private Senior Secondary schools

5 - 5 -

5(c) Both Govt and Private Senior Secondary schools

2 1 4 2

5(d) No Senior Secondary Schools

145 - - -

Total Senior Secondary schools 157 1 14 2 Total no. of Educational Institutions 541 13 (B) HEALTH FACILITIES 1 Community Health Centre 1 - 1 - 2 Primary Health Centre 11 - 11 - 3 Primary Health Sub Centre 14 - 14 - 4 Allopathic Hospital - 1 - 1(8) 5 Dispensary 12 - 12 - 6 Veterinary Hospital 11 1 11 1 7 Non Government Medical

facilities for Out Patients 123 - 267 -

8 Non Government Medical facilities for In and Out Patients

1 - 1 -

Total for Institutional Health Facilities

317 2 (8)

(C) Medical Personnel 1 Community Health Centre 1(a) Total Strength of doctors 1 - 4 - 1(b) Total Strength of

Paramedical staff 1 - 7 -

2 Primary Health Centre 2(a) Total strength of doctors 11 - 16 - 2(b) Total strength of

paramedical staff 11 - 36 -

3 Primary Health Sub Centre

3(a) Total Strength of doctors 14 - 23 -




3(b) Total strength of paramedical staff

14 - 43 -

4 Allopathic Hospital 4(a) Total Strength of doctors 1 1 2 2 4(b) Total strength of

Paramedical staff 1 1 6 6

5 Dispensary 5(a) Total Strength of doctors 6 - 6 - 5(b) Total strength of

Paramedical staff 12 - 22 -

6 Veterinary Hospital 6(a) Total Strength of doctors 11 1 14 1 6(b) Total strength of

Paramedical staff 10 1 17 4

Total strength of medical personnel 196 13 7 Qualified and non qualified medical practitioners 1 Non Government Medical

Practitioner with MBBS Degree

1 - 2 -

2 Non Government Medical Practitioner with other Degree

97 - 201 -

3 Non Government Traditional Practitioner and faith healer

6 - 8 -

Total no. of qualified and non qualified Medical Practitioners

104 211

8 Other medical facilities 1 Non Government Medical

facilities - Medicine Shop 17 - 42 -

2 Non Government Medical facilities Others

2 - 4 -

(D) DRINKING WATER FACILITIES

1 Tap Water

a Treated Tap water 127 - - -

b Untreated Tap water 26 - - -

c Non availability of tap water 4 - - -

Total 157

2 Wells

a Covered wells 17 - - -




b Uncovered wells 126 - - -

b Non availability of wells 14 - - -

Total 157 - -

3 Hand Pump 122 - - -

4 Tube Wells/Borehole 108 - - -

5 Spring 23 - - -

6 River/Canal 88 - - -

7 Tank/Pond/Lake 48 - - -

8 Others 48 - - -

ELECTRICITY

1 Power supply for domestic and agricultural uses

9 - - -

2 Power supply for domestic ,agricultural and commercial uses

146 - - -

3 No Power Supply 2 - - -

4 No. of domestic connections in urban area

- 1 - 1504

Total 157 - - 1504

COMMUNICATION

1 Landline Telephones 103 - - -

2 Public Call Offices 66 - - -

3 Private Courier facility 2 - - -

4 Public Bus Services 34 - - -

ROADS

RURAL AREAS

1 Only Foot Roads 1 - - -

2 Mud and Foot Roads 78 - - -

3 Paved and Foot Roads 4 - - -

4 Paved, Mud and Foot Roads 74 - - -

Urban Areas

1 Paved Roads in Urban areas (Kms)

- 1 - 6




(H) Banking and Credit facilities

1 Commercial Banks/ Nationalized Banks

12 1 - -

2 Cooperative Banks 6 1 - -

3 Agricultural Credit Societies 8 - - -

(I) OTHERS

1 ASHA 146 - - -

Source: Census 2011

# Includes Nationalized and Private Commercial Banks

Source: RGI

The data given in the above table reveals that the study area is still lacking in basic amenities like affordable health facilities, educational institutions, sanitation and safe drinking water. The household wise status of various facilities available in the study area is provided in the Table below.

Assessment of likely socio-economic impact

Impact on population composition

In general, no impact is envisaged on the population composition of the study area as there will be no in-migration or out-migration of villagers due to operation of two mines at village Mai Chak. Since all the workers will be recruited locally in-migration of people in search of job in the proposed mining project is not expected. Similarly, chances of out-migration of people due to environmental degradation resulting from mining activities are remote as river bed materials are not so lethal even if it is handled loosely. Hence, there will be no negative impact on the population composition of the study area. If on the other hand, the project proponent is compelled to recruit few skilled workers from distant places outside the study area the impact on population composition will be insignificant or marginal.

Impact on employment

For removal of river bed material from the river bed of Ujh the project proponent has decided to recruit the local people. The total number of persons to be recruited will depend upon quantity of minerals to be extracted over a period of time. In the initial period the number of such people will be less but gradually it will go up when the extraction of minerals will pick up. It is definitely a positive impact of the proposed mining project. On an average 24 workers have been estimated to be engaged in one pit for extraction of river bed mineral. Thus48 workers will be deployed in two pits to achieve the targeted production of 1593287 Tons per annum. These workers fall in the category of formal workers, which constitutes 58.33 percent of the total workers. The remaining 41.67 percent of the total workers are informal workers, who are yet to get recognition in the total workforce. Of the total number of formal workers proposed to be engaged in two pits12 will be skilled and16 will be unskilled. In terms of percentage 25 percent will be skilled workers and 33.33 percent are unskilled




workers. All the unskilled workers are expected to be engaged on piece rate basis. They will be paid their wages on the basis of task performed during a given period of time. Each mining project will be operated under the supervision of a Mining Foreman having adequate experiences. Besides providing direct employment to the local people there will be indirect employment for about 20 persons in the informal sector, who are either Semi-Skilled and or Un-skilled. The above job opportunities will however be for a limited period of 275days. During the monsoon period when there will be no mining activity the above workers will be without job. Hence, this can be termed as casual employment for a maximum period of 275 days. It is expected that total number of workers in the study area will increase when both the mines will be in full operation. The table and figure below provides category wise manpower proposed to be deployed by the project proponent during the operation of the mine.

Table 7.12: Category wise distribution of manpower Sr. No. Manpower

Description Quality of workers

Number of workers to be engaged per project

Number of workers to be engaged in two projects (Mai Chak 1 & 2)

% to total number of persons proposed to be recruited

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (4) A Formal Workers 1 Mining Foreman Skilled 1 2 4.17 2 Office

Assistant/Dispatch Supervisor

Skilled 1 2 4.17

3 Environment Supervisor

Skilled 1 2 4.17

4 Mechanic Skilled 2 4 8.32 5 Office Boy Skilled 1 2 4.17 Total Skilled workers 6 12 25.00 9 Piece rated workers Unskilled 8 16 33.33 Total (A) 14 28 58.33 B Informal Workers Semiskill

ed/Unskilled

10 20 41.67

Grand Total (A+B) 24 48 100.0




Figure 7. 4: Category wise distribution of manpower

Increased supply of river bed minerals for end users

River bed minerals namely Boulder, Gravel and Sand have about 200 uses. It serves as an excellent material for mortar or concrete work. It is also used in the manufacture of sheet glass, water filtration, Bricks etc. Due to poor supply of river bed material many buildings and infrastructure projects are facing unwarranted delay resulting to cost escalation and job loss for labour. With the commencement of the proposed Boulder, Gravel and Sand projects at Mai Chak in district Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir there will be increased supply of boulder, gravel and sand in the market considering that the mining pits will function for 275 days in a year. The states that will be benefitted by increased supply of mineral will be Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The increased supply of minerals will give boost to the construction activities and various mineral based industries in the region. Uninterrupted supply of this important raw material is essential for infrastructure development and for greater employment opportunities for local jobless. This is a positive impact of the project.

Scope for promotion of boulder, gravel and sand based industries in the study area.

With increased supply of river bed minerals in the region the prospective entrepreneurs shall have the opportunity to set up sand, gravel and boulder based industrial units for manufacturing ResinCoated Sand for use in foundries, Sheet/Flat glass, sand bags, bricks, paints etc. This will generate additional employment opportunities for jobless in the region. This is a positive impact of the project.

Scope for development and maintenance of roads in the area Movement of trucks, dumpers and other vehicles to and fro the quarry sites is expected to increase substantially, when both the mines will start operating. The existing approach roads connecting the quarry with the national and state highways are narrow and uneven. There will be mud slides and traffic bottle necks if the road is not widened and their surface conditions are not

4.17 4.17 4.178.32

4.17

33.33

58.33

41.67

Category and percentage wise distribution of manpower to be deployed during the

operation of the mines

Mining Foreman

Office Assistant/Dispatch SupervisorEnvironment Supervisor

Mechanic

Office Boy

Piece rated workers

Formal Workers

Informal Workers




improved to support heavy truck dumper traffic. Hence, there is a good scope for development and maintenance of roads in the area. This is a positive impact of the project.

Flood control & protection to life and property The study area lies on Ujhriver bed. Due to mining activity the depth of the river will increase resulting to increase in water holding capacity of the river. Hence, during rainy season there will be fewer chances of floods causing loss of life and property.

Improvement in quality of life of the local people The quality of life of people in a region depends on per capita income, purchasing power, employment opportunities, infrastructure development, industry, trade & commerce, housing conditions, education, health facilities etc. The upcoming mining project will throw employment opportunities for about 50 people. After the implementation of the project the employment situation in the area is expected to improve marginally. This will have multiple effects on household income of all those families who will get employment in the above mining project. Further, the enhanced income will increase the purchasing power of the above households and at the same time their consumption pattern and living style. Thus the proposed mining Project is an attempt to uplift the Quality of life of the local people.

Impact on state income The upcoming mining project will make positive impact on state’s economy as state’s revenue will increase due to higher collection of royalty, dead rent, taxes and fees. It is a positive and direct impact of the project on State’s Income. Impact on law & order As local people will be deployed to run the quarry, no law & order problem is envisaged. It is expected that the workers will attend to their duties from their residences and return to their homes after the day’s work is over. There would have ethnic issues and subsequent law & order problem if the workers were migrants and lived in shanties close to the mining area. However, to meet any untoward incident a police post may be set up close to the project area. Check on illegal mining Illegal river bed material extraction in the riverbed has far reaching impacts on the society as it creates disturbances in the social well being of the people. There are instances of indiscriminate violation of ‘Illegal Mining Rules’ framed by the state governments. This has resulted to increase in the instances of conflicts in the area. Majority of the people who are engaged in illegal river bed mining are outsiders with criminal backgrounds. They force the local people in different ways to sell their lands for extraction of river bed material and those who oppose them are physically attacked. Conflict between the criminal groups for the monopoly of river bed mining is a usual scene in many areas across the country and in many cases it is fatal. In such cases the common people are helpless as they are often threatened by the mafias. Further, illegal mining brings windfall gain to the sand mafias resulting to conspicuous expenditures especially on drinking, which again causes law and order problem in the mining area as also in the neighbourhoods. Thus illegal mining not only bring loss to the Government revenue but also




create law and order problems in the mining area. The proposed mining blocks located at Mai Chak, in district Kathua, Jammu & Kahsmir has legal backing since the lease has been granted by the Government and the miner will start operating the mine after the receipt of environment clearances and other permissions from the Government. Such projects with legal backing are expected to put a check on illegal mining and siphoning of government revenue. Impact on health Mining is always a health hazard and extraction of Boulder, Gravel and Sand is no exception to that. The major health problem originates from mining of river bed material is the generation of dust and other pollutants. It exposes communities to airborne particulate matter that damages lungs of infants, children, elderly persons and those who have chronic health problems. Hence, emission of dust and other pollutants must be checked when the mines start operating, otherwise it will lead to permanent respiratory diseases.

The table below presents social & economic impacts that people in the study area are expected to endure when mining activities will commence at village Mai Chak in district Kathua in Jammu & Kashmir.

Table 7.13: Social & Economic impacts of River Bed Mining Project in district Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir

Sr. No. Description Impact Type Positive Impact Negative Impact No Impact Direct In-

direct Direct In-direct

1 Population Composition

- - - - Yes

2 Formal Employment Generation

Yes - - - -

3 Informal Employment Generation

Yes - - - -

4 Increased Supply of river bed material for end users

Yes - - - -

5 Scope for promotion of river bed material based industries in the study area.

- Yes - - -

6 Scope for development and maintenance of roads in the area

- Yes - - -

7 Impact on Agriculture

- - - - Yes

8 Flood Control & Yes - - - -




protection to life and property

9 Improvement in Quality of life of the local people

- Yes - - -

10 Increase in State Income

Yes - - - -

11 Impact on Law & Order

- - - - Yes

12 Check on illegal mining

Yes - - - -

13 Impact on Health

- - Yes - -

It is clear from the above table that the up-coming mining project in Kathua district of Jammu & Kashmir will yield positive impact on nine variables, negative impact on one variable and no impact on three variables.

Suggestions The Public opinion is in favour of community health programme under which the mine operators should be encouraged to invest in building of healthcare infrastructure like hospitals, clinics, health education resources, emergency response personnel and equipment, doctors, nurses and hygienists. Furnished below are few steps need to be taken by the mine operator to meet any health hazard during the course of mining practices. Safe work environment

The project proponent must ensure health and safety of all the employees at work. He must maintain safe work environment and ensure that the machinery and equipment in use are safe for his employees. Further, he must make sure that work arrangements are non-hazardous to employees.

Provision of first aid The project proponent must make provision for First Aid and the persons providing first aid are well trained in handling patients working in mines.

Regular health examination For all the mine workers periodical medical examination as per Mines Rule 1955 must be made compulsory. The regular health examination must cover treatment of serious back injury; existing asthma or respiratory diseases, existing skin diseases, lung function test (pre and post ventolin), Audiograms, Chest X- ray etc.

No work for temporal disabilities The workers having temporary disability will stop doing the job till he/she recovers from disabilities.

Health education Adequate health education and information related to the job must be provided to the workers. Baseline health information will be recorded for future references.




Tie up with the nearest hospital for medical help To meet the medical needs of the mine workers the project proponent shall tie-up with nearest hospitals. Efforts must be made to reserve few beds in the above hospitals for the workers of the upcoming mining project. This will ensure timely medical aid to the affected persons.

Supply of mask, gloves etc The workers in the river bed mines are subject to respiratory diseases. For protection from dust it must be made compulsory for all workers to wear masks and gloves, while working in a mine.

Administration of anti-venom injections Provision of Anti-venom therapy must be made available for administration to the workers in case of snake, spider and insect bites, while working in the mine.

Special telephone number A special telephone number shall be made available to the workers in case of emergency so that they can dial the same for medical assistances. Further, efforts may be made to provide vehicles to the patients in short duration for shifting to the health institutions.

Special group insurance scheme All the mine workers must be covered under a Group Insurance Scheme of LIC or any other Insurance company to achieve economic objectives and social obligations.

Perception of local people During the course of site visit people living in the nearby villages were requested to express their views about the two up-coming mining projects in district Kathua in Jammu & Kashmir. Irrespective of the distance of the villages from the mining site they all supported it. They stated that it should be given top priority as the entire construction industry is depended on adequate supply of Sand, Gravel and Boulder in time. However, people living in the study area stated that extraction of minerals will be allowed with the following conditions: All the persons to be deployed for extraction of river bed material should be recruited locally from villages near mine lease areas and in no case outsiders be engaged for the purpose.

Mining should be allowed strictly during day time and there should be no mining activity after the sun set.

There should not be any pilling of river bed material and other minerals outside the lease area for deferred sale. The piling of river material and other minerals create environment pollution.

The mud road connecting the quarry with the Tar road should be well maintained and there should not be any pothole or uneven surface. This will ensure speedy transportation of river bed material and other minor minerals from the quarry to the end users.

The local communities must be involved while implementing the CSR activities.

The CSR activities should be carried on under the supervision of a team drawing members from the affected villages.

The mining should be practiced every year since river bed material never gets exhausted due to regular replenishment during the rainy season.


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7.7 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to responsibility of a company/ organization to ensure positive impact on environment, consumers, employees, communities, stakeholders and all other members of public sphere. It is a new concept in the mining sector and the companies are still going through the learning curve. The CSR activities are increasingly being taken up by the project proponent not only as fulfilling of mandatory provisions but also for the formation or enhancement of brand image. Besides the above, CSR is seen more as a responsibility towards society rather than a business promotion activity. It is the need of the day for expansion of occupational welfare. The project proponent of the upcoming river bed mineral mining projects at Mai Chak, district Kathua, have already identified the activities, which are proposed to be undertaken by them for the benefits of the local community. This will not only improve the socio-economic status of the people living in the nearby areas but also enhance the reputation of the project proponent among the local people. The project proponents propose to spend Rs. 3 lakhs in five years for which the lease has been granted. On an average they propose to spend Rs 1.5 lakhs per mining lease. The list of activities proposed to be taken up by the project proponents is indicated below :

• Health camps for local communities • Financial assistance to schools for construction and maintenance of toilets separately for

males and females. • Distribution of blankets and woollen clothes to BPL households during winter months • Vocational Training for self employment • Supply of books and stationary to needy and poor students. • Year wise tentative allocation of funds for the above activities proposed to be taken up by

the project proponent is provided in the table below: Table 7.14: Year wise allocation of funds for various activities proposed to be taken up by the mine owner in the neighbourhood of the mine lease area Mai Chak 1 & Mai Chak 2

S. No

Activities Allocation of fund (Rs. Lakhs) Year1 Year 2 Year 3 Year4 Year 5 Total

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) 1 Health camps for local

community 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.50

2 Financial assistance to schools for construction and maintenance of toilets separately for males and females.

0.50 - 0.50 - - 1.00

3 Vocational Training for self employment

- 0.25 - 0.25 - 0.50

4 Distribution of blankets and woollen clothes to BPL households

- 0.20 - - 0.20 0.40

5 Supply of books and stationary to needy and poor students

0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.75

Total 0.75 0.70 0.75 0.50 0.45 3.15


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Year wise allocation of funds for the various activities proposed to be taken up by the mine owner. All the activities listed above are for community development and the same will be implemented in close collaboration with the village pradhans. The Project proponent may avail the services of a NGO in this regard. 7.8 PUBLIC HEARING EIA Notification 2006 of MoEF & CC vide S.O.1533 dated 14th Sept. 2006, the project falls at serial no. 1(a) Category B requires Environmental Clearance from MoEF & CC. The Public Hearing is the part of Environmental Clearance process. Public consultation is considered and incorporated into the EIA final report under standard guideline as discussed in MoEF & CC notification 2006 and amendments. Regional Officer of State Pollution Control Board will be coordinator for the public hearing Committee.

The news for the public hearing will be published in local and national news paper (English) with probable date of public Hearing. District Magistrate of the Kathua will be the Chairman of the committee. The proceeding of the public hearing will be discussed in EIA report and enclosed separately in the Final EIA report.




CHAPTER 8 PROJECT BENEFITS

8.1 GENERAL The demand of river bed material has been rising in the state as a result of rising infrastructure.The proposed project aims to fulfill the supply of river bed material. Hence, the fine quality of mineral will be used further for development. The sediment in the form of river bed material (RBM) deposited is of critical importance in civil and other infrastructural activities. The proposed project lies on the river bed of Ujh. The river bed material is used mainly in the construction activities like buildings, bridges etc. The requirement for the mineral is always high in the nearby cities and towns. Therefore, there is always a good demand of the mineral in the domestic market. The demand in domestic market is increasing with infrastructure growth; hence new areas for river bed material reserves are approached and made operational. The apparent domestic demand for river bed material is estimated at 125 million tones by 2013-14 which will be 165 million tons in 2015-16. The capacity of proposed project is 7,67,987 TPA. Hence, the proposed project aims to fill the demand – supply gap through optimum allocation and excavation of natural resources required to meet the demand effectively in the local region. This will also generate much needed employment to the local people. Economy of the area will get a boost and there will be overall growth of the region in terms of education, health, training, transport, automobile, industry. The standard of living accordingly will also get an upliftment on the positive side. 8.2 IMPROVEMENTS IN SOCIO-ECONOMICENVIRONMENT The proposed project will enhance the socio-economic environment in the adjoining areas.

This will result in following benefits:

• Increase in employment potential. • Improvements in physical and social infrastructure • Benefit under CSR policy of the organization • Contribution to the State/ Centre exchequer • Prevention of illegal mining which will help in sustaining the river and its aesthetic value • Post-mining enhancement of green cover under EMP of the project • Scientific method of mining will protect river mining bed and controls foods in river.

These parameters are discussed below:

Employment

Direct employment During the operational phase, about 14 people will be employed in the proposed project. Considering that some of the skilled personnel to be employed for the project will be from outside the area and unskilled/ semiskilled personnel will be from within the study area, the project will add to the well being of the area. In addition to the workforce the indirect employment will also be generated for local persons. It will help in bringing prosperity to the area. Other benefit in the proposed project is business opportunity for the hundreds of people.


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Indirect Employment The project will also provide some indirect employment to the people of nearby area of mine site. Some people will get engaged in some pet shops like tea shop, vehicle repair centre etc. It will also provide some need based opportunity to serve the demand of local public. The project will provide following indirect employment to the local people:

• The river bed material available will provide agency employment in the value chain analysis, for place utility and retail.

• Transportation and warehousing in the region required to transfer the mineral will eventually be needed and therefore trucks and jobs in logistical activities will come up.

• There will be development of externalities for the mine workers petty shops (tea, repair stations for trucks etc.) as supporting services.

• As there would be vocational training camps and Technical Training of mining to the regional people, hence there will be potential manpower available for the proposed and surrounding mines of the Tehsil.

• This would create Indigenous Technologies for sustainable development.

8.3 Improvements in Social Infrastructure There will be some obvious changes in various environmental parameters due to mining activity. Increase socio-economic activities, creation of new employment opportunities, infra-structural development, better educational and health facilities.

Following are the benefits in specific area of social domain:-

Socio-Economic:- There will be positive impact in socio-economic area due to increased economic activities, creation of new employment opportunities, infrastructural development and better educational and health facilities.

Health Care Facilities Company will undertake awareness program and community activities like health, camps, family welfare camps, AIDS awareness program etc. Company will spent total INR 1.75 lakh on education, INR0.50 lakh on health care and allied facilities, Rs 0.50 lacs for Traing for self employment, INR 0.2 lakh for drinking water and 0.40lakh for others of the workers.

Employment Potential There is a possibility of creation of direct and indirect employment opportunities due to working of this mine.The mine will contribute to the Exchequer of State and Central Government as per norms. Benefit under CSR policy Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to responsibility of a company to ensure positive impact on environment, consumers, employees, communities, stakeholders and all other members of public sphere to contribute fund (2% of project cost) from project benefit for the causes of poverty and social development. It is a new concept in the mining sector and the companies are still going through the learning curve. The CSR activities are increasingly being taken up by the project proponents not only as fulfilling of mandatory provisions but also for the formation and or enhancement of brand image. The project proponent of the upcoming river bed mining project in village Maichak, District Kathua, has already identified the activities, which


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are proposed to be undertaken for the benefits of the local community. The project proponents propose to spend Rs. 3.15 lakhs in five years for which the lease has been granted. On an average they propose to spend Rs 1.5 lakhs per mining lease under CSR for education (1.75lakh), health (0.50 lakh), training (0.50 lakh), & others (0.40 lakh).

State & Centre Exchequer Site was allotted by the Department of Mines & Geology, Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir to Shri Dhyan Singh based on the highest royalty to the State Govt. for the mining lease among the other bidders. Royalty for the mine lease was paid State Govt. for the allotted period. Mine will be closed as per mine closure plan. Land will be reclaimed and remain the property of State Govt. Further for sale of river bed material, tax and duties paid will be under the prejudice of State Govt.

Environment Managementplan The lease area is in the river bed and devoid of any vegetation. Mining activities will not cause any harm to riparian vegetation cover as the working will not extend beyond the offset left against the banks. Plantation will be carried out as social forestry program in villages, school and the areas allocated by the Panchayat / State authorities. Plantation has been proposed on both sides of the roads as greenbelt to provide cover against dust dissemination. A massive plantation will be done nearby the mine area to mitigate the ill-effects of mining and to improve environment of its surrounding area. It is proposed to develop greenbelt as social forestry program in the approach villages at public places like school, PHC’s, Panchayat Bhawan with due permission from Panchayat and in consultation with Forest Department. Priority will be given to school and PHC’s. A suitable combination of trees that can grow fast and also have good leaf cover shall be adopted to develop the greenbelt. It is proposed to plant native species along with some fruit bearing and herbal trees during the plan period for 3 ha land per year at the rate of 500 trees/ha.

Table 8.1: Plantation in Study area

Year Saplings to be planted

Survival (@ 80%)

Species Place of Plantation

I 1500 1200 Khair, babul, Deodar,Shisham, Buri, Simbal, Gulmohar , apples, almonds, melons, and Laukats etc

Along the roads, in schools and public building and other social forestry programme.

II 1500 1200 III 1500 1200 IV 1500 1200 V 1500 1200 Total 7500 6000 Native plants like Khair, babul, Deodar, Shisham, Buri, Simbal, Gulmohar, apples, almonds, melons, Laukats and other local species will be planted. The management will give emphasis on plantation and will also motivate local persons for plantation during rainy season. This will also increase the consciousness in workers and near-by villagers for greenery. Fruit trees can contribute towards their financial gains.


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8.3 HEALTH Periodic medical checkups as per Mines Act / Rules and other social development and promotional activities will be undertaken. All this will assist to lift the general health status of the residents of the area around mines. 8.4 OTHER TANGIBLE BENEFITS The other tangible benefits includes metrics and improvements demonstrating process and system cost savings, compliant inspections and customer audits, faster product approvals and manufacturing throughput, less rejected material, reduced nonconformance issues, and more efficient continuous improvement and project implementation. Intangible benefits include improved staff morale, quick, more accurate and transparent decision making, increased staff accountability and an enhanced culture of quality throughout the organization.




CHAPTER 9 ENVIRONMENTAL COST & BENEFIT ANALYSIS

9.0 INTRODUCTION Development has negative impact on environment. Environmental parameters are under the stress and crossing the limit prescribed by the statutory bodies like SPCB/CPCB/MoEF. Development is essential for the growth of a country. Environment Management is essential for sustainable development. Development and Environment Management are to go ahead in parallel and both are essential and complementary to each other. River bed material is core component of construction materials in infrastructure development. In the proposed river bed mining project, river bed material is mining of minerals mined out from the river bed. Rivers are the most important life supporting system of nature. For centuries, humans have been enjoying the natural benefits provided by rivers without understanding much on how the river ecosystem functions and maintains its vitality. Man has changed the nature of many of the world's rivers by controlling their flows, constructing large impoundments, over exploitation of living and non living resources and disposal of wastes. Among these, unscientific and indiscriminate extraction of sand and gravel from riverbed are the rampant activities which are threatening the very existence of the river ecosystem. In order to mitigate the impact of river bed mining on the environment, a scientific assessment is a pre-requisite for framing sustainable development strategies. It is therefore important to tackle the problem for control of pollution and mining of minerals in a cost- effective method causing least damage to the ecosystem. In order to commence/enhance production/ renewal of any mines, it is necessary to obtain Environmental Clearances from the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change (MoEF & CC), Govt. of India as per EIA Notification 2006.

9.1 PROJECT BENEFITS Mining on the river bed has following benefits:

• Revenue in form of Royalty will be deposited in favor of state Govt. for the mining lease area of 46.37ha.

• The supply of river bed material as a raw material for infrastructure development has a paramount importance. Therefore, the implementation of scientific mining principles through EIA & EMP plays a vital role in sustainable economic growth of our country.

• Scientific mining will protect the river bed and stops floods in the river. • The river bed mining project will create infrastructure in the project area in form of

strengthening of existing roads/ new roads from the proposed site to leading National Highway/state high way.

• The proposed project will generate employment for the weaker section of people in the society. It creates business opportunity for thousands in the local areas.

• Separate fund will be allocated from CSR i.e. 1.5 lakh per annum for the development of poor in that area.

• Since development has adverse impact on environment, separate fund of 4.0 lakh per annum and additional 1.1 lakh per annum as recurring cost is allocated for Environment Management Plan. There will be no impact on environment.

• Proposed project will improve economy of the area which will improve life quality. • In total, proposed river bed mining of minerals on the river bed of Ujh has positive impact.




CHAPTER 10 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

10.0 INTRODUCTION A project specific Environmental Management Plan has been formulated subsequent to an EIA study as per the requisite Terms of Reference to ensure that the appropriate environmental management practices are followed in compliance with the environmental legislation.

It has been evaluated that the study area has not been affected adversely with the proposed activity and likely to get new economical fillip, not only for the study area but also for the region as a whole.

Environmental Management for the mining activity is discussed for environmental impact pertains to the operational phase and after. Even though is reversible in nature all the impacts will be visible only during operational phase. The EMP will therefore be initiated during operational phase.

10.1 CRITICAL ACTIVITIES FOR EMP IMPLEMENTATION • Training and Environmental Awareness; • Documentation and record keeping; • Reporting Procedures; • Stakeholder/ Project Proponent engagement; • Auditing; • Responding to compliance and reporting.

Table 10.1: Environmental Management Plan

S. No. Particular Management Plan 1 Land Environment • Safety zone of about 45m on each side of the rail/ road

bridges and 45m radius around the wells located in the river bed have been earmarked. River Bed material excavation will not be carried out in this zone.

• 20m offset will be left against the banks to protect from side collapse.

• Soil quality will be monitored from strategic locations and analysis will be done once in every two years.

• To prevent erosion, moving the road or footpath will be kept away from the river’s edge.

• Care will be taken to ensure that pounding is not formed in the river bed.

2 Water Environment • Based on baseline data, corrective measures will be taken. • Measurement of water level fluctuations to assess impact of

mining activity on the water table depletion in close proximity of dug wells and bore wells.

• Rainwater harvesting (percolation tank) has been proposed for augmenting ground water resources and for arresting/ reversing the declining trends of ground water levels.


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• Regular monitoring and analysis of water samples at strategic locations will be carried out to monitor the water quality of the area.

3 Air Environment Unpaved Roads • Water sprinkling will be done for dust suppression. • Leveling of roads will be done to maintain the uniform

speed of the trucks/tippers. Paved Roads • The roads will be maintained. • Regular cleaning will be done to reduce the chances of road

dust to become airborne. • Water sprinkling will be done on a fixed stretch of paved

road passing through the villages. • Adequate transportation routes will be decided to

transport the mineral and will be maintained properly. • Speed breakers will be constructed to restrict the speed of

transporting vehicles. However, limiting of vehicular speed will be adopted.

Transportation • The vehicles will be maintained to control the air

emissions. • The speed of the vehicles will be maintained uniform. • PUC certified vehicles will be used. • The loaded vehicles will be covered with tarpaulin. • Over loading will be avoided.

4 Noise Environment • Regular inspection and maintenance of vehicles and equipment will be performed to ensure efficiency and worn parts will be replaced.

• Limited numbers of equipments will be used on-site. • The vehicles will be maintained in good condition and

overloading will be avoided. • Speed limits will be enforced in relation to road conditions

and on-route communities. • Road surfaces will be maintained in good condition to

reduce tyre noise and to assure continuous traffic flow to avoid prolonged idling.

• Noise monitoring will be conducted on a regular basis to determine compliance with noise criteria.

• Personal protective devices i.e., earmuffs and earplugs will be provided to workers, working in high noise areas.

• Periodical medical checkup will be organized for all workers to check any noise related health problems.

5 Occupational Health andSafety

Heat & Light • The mine site will have adequate drinking water supply so

that workers do not get dehydrated. • Lightweight and loose fitting clothes having light colors will




be preferred to wear. • Rigorous exercise and more physical activities will be

avoided in hot weather. Noise

• Noise exposure measurements will be taken to determine the need for noise control strategies.

• The personal protective equipment will be provided for mine workers.

• Supervisor will be instructed for reporting any problems with hearing protectors or noise control equipment.

• At noisy working activity, exposure time will be minimized. • Machineries will be labeled with noise levels.

Dust Control • Dust generating sources will be identified and proper

control measure will be adopted. • Face mask will be provided during mining activity. • Periodic medical examinations will be provided for all

workers. • Awareness program will be organized for workers.

6 Biological Environment

• Mining activities will not cause any harm to riparian vegetation cover as the working will not extend beyond the offset left against the banks.

• The lease area is devoid of any vegetation. Hence, It is proposed to develop social forestry in the approach villages at public places like School, PHC’s, Panchayat Bhawan with due permission from Panchayat and in consultation with Forest Department/ local authorities.

• The green belt development will be carried out by Project Proponent and maintenance will be done by the villagers/ NGO’s with their active participations.

7 Socio-Economic Aspect

• Direct employment to the local people which help to sustain their livelihood.

• During the operational phase by the implementation of certain CSR activities indirect employment will also generate.

• Improved livelihood. • Training will be provided to the local persons • Awareness program will be organized.

10.2 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PROGRAMME The Project Proponent is quite conscious of its responsibility for maintaining clean and a healthy environment. The management is also keen to modify and make more efficient measures towards suppression of pollution sources. Adequate fund for Pollution Control Measures are provided as a part of overall project financing to ensure the availability ofproper treatment facilities. This cost will be spending phase wise along with the growth of project. The breakup of the proposed cost for Environment Management Program is given as under:


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Table 10.2: Budgetary for EMP

Sr. No.

Particulars Amount (Lakh)

Recurring cost(Lakh)

1 Pollution monitoring – Air, Water, Noise 1.50 0.50

2 Pollution monitoring – Water sprinkling 0.20 0.10

3 Wire fencing at plantation sites 0.30 -

4 Plantation including maintenance 0.50 0.20

5 Haul road and other roads repair and maintenance 0.50 -

6 Pre-monsoon and post monsoon survey for sedimentation in the river bed

1.00 0.30

Total 4.00 1.1

Separate fund of 4.0 lakh one time cost and 1.10 recurring cost is proposed for EMP which will be for the causes of environment quality improvement which is discussed in the EIA report.

10.3 CONCLUSION Various aspects of mining activities are considered and related impacts are evaluated. Considering all the possible ways to mitigate the environmental concerns Environmental Management Plan is prepared and fund is allocated for the same. The EMP is dynamic, flexible and subjected to periodic review. For project where the major environmental impacts are associated, EMP will be under regular review.

Senior Management responsible for the project will conduct a review of EMP and its implementation to ensure that the EMP remains effective and appropriate and environmental quality will improve under EMP program. Thus, the proper steps will be taken to accomplish all the goals mentioned in the EMP and the project will bring the positive impact in the study area.


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CHAPTER 11 SUMMARY & CONCLUSION

11.0 INTRODUCTION With increase in industrialization coupled with population growth, the demand for different mineralshas increased and is likely to grow further in years to come. This has resulted in irreversible impacts on diminishing reserve, with simultaneous generation of solid wastes and effluents causing environmental degradation. In order to mitigate the impact of river bed mining on the environment, a scientific assessment is a pre-requisite for framing sustainable development strategies. It is therefore important to tackle the problem for control of pollution and mining of minerals in a cost- effective method causing least damage to the ecosystem. Project has to go through screeningunder Category“B” project and is being considered in the Ministry as the tenure of SEIAA, Jammu and Kashmir has expired to obtain Environmental Clearances from the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change (MoEF & CC), Govt. of India.Shri Dhyan Singh was awarded the lease area of 46.37 Ha for mining and Mining Plan approved by the Directorate of Geology and Mining, , Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir, vide letter no. DGM/F-435/AOMP/762-765dt 15-05-2015 for the mining of minor mineral on the Ujh river bed as per EIA Notification 2006 of MoEF & CC and subsequent amendment.

11.1 SILENT FEATURES OF PROJECT The silent features of the river bed mining project in brief are given as follows:

Geological and Mineable reserves (as per approved mine plan)

Table 11.1: Geological and Mineable reserves

Parameter Details Mining lease area 46.37 ha Mineable reserves 41,14,218.5MT Production capacity 7,67,987TPA Revenue village names for this Mine Lease

Mai Chak Village in Tehsil Sumwan, District Kathua , State Jammu & Kashmir

Connected/ Nearby Highways for Transportation of river bed material

NH – 1A (0.69 km towards North Direction) NH-15 (23.8 Km towards North East Direction).

11.2 PROJECT - ACTIVITIES IN OPERATIONAL PHASE This project is proposed for the excavation of river bed material from the bed of river Ujh. It is an opencast semi mechanized mining project to excavate river bed material in its existing form for direct usage as a construction material. Excavation will be carried out up to a depth of 3.0 m or 1.0 m above the ground water table or whichever is less by using light weight excavators. Mining will be carried out in 3 Blocksas per approved Mining Plan and Year wise proposed production details as per approved Mining Plan are given below:-




Village Name Area (Ha.) Maichak 46.37 Ha. Total Area 46.37 Ha.

Table 11.2: Production in Five Years

Year Total Mineable Reserves Total Production (TPA)

I 7,67,987 7,67,987 II 7,67,987 7,67,987 III 7,67,987 7,67,987 IV 7,67,987 7,67,987 V 7,67,987 7,67,987

Five Years Proposed Production Details (T/A) (Source: Mine Plan) 11.3 MINING METHODOLOGY As per Jammu & Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1962and amendments extraction of river bed material in bench mode will be limited to 3.0 m depth, width will be approx. 20 m and bench will advance parallel to the bank of the river. Extraction activities will start in the block from the upstream to downstream side. This will not obstruct the movement of water, if any, during monsoon period in the river course. Roads in the lease area for the movement of loaded tippers/ trucks will not have slopes more than 1 in 20. Roads will be properly maintained and water sprinkling will be used for dust suppression. Lease area will have its own approach road, which already exist and is well connected to main highways. Light weight excavators will be used for loading of mineral in tippers/trucks.

11.4 BASE LINE DATA& IMPCT DUE TO PROPOSED PROJECT Ambient Air: Base line data were monitored twice in a week in pre-monsoon season in March, April and May for ten (10 in nos.) Locations as per wind rose pattern of the area. The methodology in selection of monitoring locations is discussed in Chapter 3 of EIA report. Predicted values of GLC obtained from ISCST3 dispersion model is superimposed on the baseline to obtain total GLC. The total GLC value obtained is compared with Standards applicable for the environmental parameter and given in the Table below.

Table 11.3: Total Ground Level GLC of PM10 in µg/m3 Location Ground Level Concentrations of PM10 in µg/m3

Background (Max.)

Predicted Total Expected CPCB Standard

AQ1 58.23 14.69 72.92 100 AQ2 60.41 12.22 72.63 100 AQ3 58.50 6.76 65.26 100 AQ4 60.29 2.47 62.76 100 AQ5 59.37 1.43 60.80 100 AQ6 60.00 1.17 61.17 100 AQ7 60.00 0.65 60.65 100 AQ8 60.63 9.88 70.51 100 AQ9 58.58 6.75 65.33 100 AQ10 58.65 6.82 65.47 100


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Total GLC at each location is within the stipulated limit of MoEF Notification, 2009.

Noise Level The values of noise observed in some of the areas are primarily owing to vehicular traffic and other anthropogenic activities. Noise monitoring reveals that the maximum & minimum noise levels at day time were recorded as 61.3 dB(A) & 52.6 dB(A) respectively. The maximum & minimum noise levels at night time were found to be 41.1 dB(A) & 34.5 dB(A) respectively Water Quality Results The results of Ground water samples are collected at six locations in the pre-monsoon season as discussed above for organoleptic & physical parameters, general parameters, toxic and biological parameters. The analysis results at the six ground water locations and two surface water locations are given below: The analysis results indicate that pH of the groundwater to be in range of 7.43 – 7.64. The TDS were found to be in the range of 285 – 369 mg/l. Total Hardness was in range of 160.33 – 181.65 mg/l. The analysis results indicate that pH of the surface water to be in range of 7.52 – 7.83. The TDS were found to be in the range of 278 – 298 mg/l. Total Hardness was in range of 145.22 – 166.00 mg/l. Other parameters like chlorides and sulphate were observed to be well within the prescribed limits. The physico – chemical analysis for some of the parameters is exceeding the standards as per IS: 10500. The necessary treatment required to minimize the impact has been mentioned in EMP and cost to be borne by the Project Proponent. Soil Quality Results Results and Soil Monitoring

Monitoring was carried in pre-monsoon season at the frequency of once in a season at six locations in May for physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil at these locations. High electrical conductivity (401 to 452 mS/cm) was observed in the analysis report. Sands are dominating in the soil texture at all locations. The presence of Nitrogen content varies from 0.07 to 0.12 %. Analysis results of the soil are given below:

The analysis results show that soil is basic in nature as pH value ranges from 7.62 to 8.20 showing the saline property of soil with low nitrogen value (0.12 or less) in soil composition. The concentration of Nitrogen, Phosphorus & Potassium has been found to be low in the soil samples. pH and EC measurements can vary greatly and are affected by several environmental factors including, climate, local biota (plants and animals), bedrock and surficial geology, as well as human impacts on the land.

11.5 ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN &CSR Separate fund of six lakhs (4 lakhs for one time and one lakh and ten thousand for recurring cost) was allocated for EMP. 0.5 lakh was allocated for plantation work along the road and other places as advised by Gram Panchyat. Separate fund of 1.5 lakh was allocated under CSR activities which are discussed in detail in the EIA report.


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Conclusion Results of baseline environmental parameters and impact of proposed project on them, it was found that impact of proposed project on environment is not significant. Proposed project will improve infrastructure development as river bed material is core constituent in construction of structures, bridges, highways etc. It will provide direct employment to the people in the area and business development opportunities to others. Scientific river bed mining will protect river bed and stops floods. Proposed project will improve economy of the surrounding area as discussed below:

• Project will protect river bed and stops flood in river. • River bed material will be used in infrastructure development in construction of

roads/highways, bridges, buildings and complexes. • Sale of river bed material will provide exchequer to State Govt. in form of taxes, duties,

royalty etc. • Project will provide employment to the unskilled and semi skilled sections of society and

business opportunity for others. • Environment will be improved under Environment Management Program of the project.

In total project has positive and significant impact in development of socio-economic environment.




CHAPTER 12

DISCLOSURE OF CONSULTANT ABOUT US

ENVIRTA Sustainable Solutions India Pvt. Ltd. is an environment consulting and research organization, its underlying philosophy is to provide professional services to promote sustainable economic growth with environmental up gradation leading to irreversible human development. With each project, our clients add sustainable values that result in environmental, social and economical upliftment.

The company has been established by professionals having experience and expertise in the fields of Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental-Biosafety, Climate change & CDM Consultancy, Sustainability reporting, Environmental sanitation, Waste management, Biodiversity, alternate energy source, , eco-tourism, policy research, international trade and development, socio economic analysis, river pollution abatement and techno-economics, etc.

Our Mission, Vision & Values Our Mission To grow sustainable values for our stakeholders &communities by integrating expertise and innovative approaches to solve complex, emerging problems for the environment & infrastructure worldwide. Our Vision & Values

Our vision and core values help to define the culture of our business, motivating our staff to give their best and instilling in our clients confidence that we will deliver solutions of the highest quality"

Our vision is to be the trusted advisor of choice for our clients and the best employer in our industry. We will achieve this by continuing to grow in our existing core service areas and responding proactively to emerging issues that we recognize will have an impact on our clients. Our business will provide excellent career development for our staff. We will remain commercially focused and technically excellent in our local regions. And as a globally integrated business, we will draw on some of the world's leading consultants in our international business to provide unparalleled solutions and programs for our clients.

We will fulfill our vision by basing all our activities on our core values: • To build Trust with our clients and with the staff who deliver our services. • To Support each other and share knowledge to constantly increase our ability to provide

the customer with the optimum solution. • To encourage Pride in our company, our work and our clients and demonstrate our passion

for constant improvement. • To ensure that Sustainability is built into everything we do and through our long-term

commitment reduce the impact of our business on the environment. • To remain at the forefront of technical Innovation to deliver solutions which give our

clients a commercial advantage


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Our Services

• Environmental Impact Assessment • Post Environmental Compliances & Sustainable Reporting • Consent to Establish & Consent to Operate • Green Building & Alternate Energy Sources • Enviro legal services • Baseline Data Collection • Socio-Economic Research & Studies for CSR • Environmental Sanitation and Waste Management

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