mining and industrialisation update april-may and...1 mining and industrialisation update, orissa...

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MINING AND INDUSTRIALISATION UPDATE, ORISSA

ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION ON INDUSTRIES AND MINING IN ORISSA

April-May-2008 LIST OF CONTENTS Editorial 1 Cartoon Space 2 News Items 3-33 Public Hearings Notices 34-35 Environmental Clearance 36-106 Letters

E D I T O R I A L Human-elephant conflict has become a serious issue in Orissa and the people are turning hostile to elephants and the forest staff. It has been found out that nearly 700 elephants died in Orissa between 1990 and 2008. if we analyse the causative factor of this rapid decline in number of this jumbo animal, poaching contributes to 34 per cent followed by 24 per cent due to accidents followed by others like disease, natural death . There are a number of causes for man-wild elephant conflict like encroachment of elephant lands by human, conflict due to migration of elephants, delicacy of crops and intoxication of elephants due to brewed rice and mahua flower and

shortage of water inside the forested area. How ever, the major factor of this conflict is the destruction of existing elephant corridor due to rampant mining activity. The very survival of these wild pachyderms is under threat owing to large-scale deforestation and diversion of forest lands mainly for mining and other developmental projects. Prominent mining areas in Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Sundargarh, Angul, and Sambalpur districts are severely affected by man-elephant conflict. In Keonjhar district, the dense forest in Joda area has been converted in to open cast mines thus affecting the normal movement of these animals. Changing of wild behaviour of elephant is being observed in mining infested area . The State Government has never been serious about checking the death of wild pachyderms. The proposed Baitarani elephant reservoir has put in cold store due to intense pressure from mining lobby. The fate of all the proposed elephant reservoir located in mineral belt is facing uncertainty due to intense lobby from industrial house. Time is not far away, when these animals will be only found behind iron cage of zoo.

Editor

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CARTOON SPACE

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N e w s-April

SPCB orders closure of 9 sponge iron units

Statesman News Service

ROURKELA, April 3: The Sundergarh district administration has taken action against nine sponge iron units who allegedly violated pollution control norms. Taking the much awaited steps, the administration yesterday ordered closure of operations of four units in Kuanrmunda and five in Bonai, following directions from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB). There were persistent complaints against these units. Finally on the advice SPCB the district administration took the much pending drastic step against the faltering units. Speaking to the reporters Dr Krishna Kumar, collector Sundergarh said: "this was always in the offing for these units who were violating all the pollution norms with impunity" Most of these units were dillydallying in operating their Electro Static Precipitator (ESP) the most effective machinery against controlling pollution in the industrial units. The most common complaint against these units is that they use the ESP during the day time where as they stop using those in the night causing widespread pollution in the nearby areas. A visit to some of the areas nearer to Kuanrmuda revealed the facts. The situation is really bad in some of the villages. A black sticky coat of is found almost everywhere due to the emissions from these units. Even the drinking and other water sources are badly affected. Besides, skin diseases, which were not known earlier, is becoming rampant these days. Sundergarh witnessed massive industrialisation from the beginning of this century and today there are more than 40 functional sponge iron units besides a few big captive plants, like Adhunik group's plant at Biramitrapur near to Kuanrmunda and the Scan Steel unit near Rajgangpur. Dr Kumar, further said: " we are going to be very tough with them and will not spare much time for them. And those units functioning without ESP will only be allowed to operate once they install the ESP instead of the back filter in the next six months".

Merger of NINL and SAIL delayed by the government, alleges Cong MP


BHUBANESWAR, April 3: The state government is deliberately dilly dallying over the proposal to merge Neelachal Ispat Nigam Ltd (NINL) with Steel Authority of India Ltd ( SAIL) despite the fact that SAIL had drawn up elaborate plans to invest heavily in the unit alleged INTUC chief and Congress MP Mr Ramachandra Khuntia here today. Addressing a Press conference Mr Khuntia flanked by leaders of Kalinga Nagar Shramika Sangha, a union affiliated to INTUC said: “the merger would transfer NINL from a pig iron unit to an integrated steel plant. But for some strange reasons the state government is vacillating, perhaps keeping private steel makers interests in mind”. SAIL has plans to invest 12,300 crore to make NINL a 3.5 mt steel plant, he claimed while noting that NINL was a joint venture of MMTC and state government with the state holding 26.29 per cent share and MMTC 49.76 percent. “The plant was commissioned in 2002 and MMTC held its marketing right taking a commission of three per cent for supply of raw material and another three percent for selling of finished products. It has already earned over Rs 200 crore as commission”, said Mr Khuntia. Advocating the cause of takeover by SAIL, Mr Khuntia said: “the proposal had been mooted since long and the IBDI appointed to undertake the valuation”. “The MMTC and state government were to agree but the state government kept changing its stand”, charged the Congress MP. At one point of time – September 2007, the state government said it would like to continue holding the shares of NINL, he informed. “Chief minister Mr Naveen Patnaik claims to have attracted mega projects and investment in the steel sector but in this case too the government has delayed matters effecting investment in NINL” he alleged. Mr Pratap Kumar Jena, general secretary of the Shramik Sangha said: “the state was reportedly bargaining on a 1: 2 ratio , i.e. at least two SAIL shares against each NINL share”. He alleged that the state apathy to NINL is well established, we do not get adequate and regular supply of ore and till date we have not got land for township whereas private units coming up in the same Kalinga Nagar area have been favored with vast area for township etc. Jena informed that on 9 April the concerned parties are to meet to discuss the merger proposal again. Hopefully the state will agree to the merger and terms that are set. “If it fails we will resort to agitation” he said. When it was pointed out that the state government had often stated

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in the past that the merger was delayed due to MMTC more than any other party and also due to the under valuation , Mr Khuntia said “let an official statement be made by the government”. “If the delay is due to MMTC, let the government say this officially we will take it up at the central level”, he added. With regards to the share price etc, he said it needs to be negotiated but a realistic price should be quoted by the state government. Suspecting the state government of favoring private sector, Mr Khuntia cited the instance of the Ferro chrome plant at Jajpur which the state wanted to divest. They floated a tender and the price was a meger Rs 24 crore. We had protested and stalled it today the same unit is registered a profit of Rs 75 crore .

Nalco-BEML enter an agreement


BHUBANESWAR, April 3: National Aluminium Company Limited (Nalco) and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) have entered into an agreement to collaborate for the production of aluminium rail wagons and subsequently, aluminium rail coaches and metro coaches. As per the agreement, the products would be jointly developed by these two leading PSUs and Nalco would supply the aluminium extrusions after conversion from its billets and ingots through a third party. The aluminium wagons and coaches have several advantages like light weight, higher carrying capacity, environment friendliness, lower life cycle cost etc. The Memorandum of Agreement was signed by chairman-cum-managing director, Nalco Mr C.R. Pradhan and director (HR), BEML Mr RK Rustagi recently

Orissa asks industries to recruit locals Orissa diary, 03 April 2008 Bhubaneswar: Expressing displeasure over large scale recruitment of "outsiders" in Kalinga Nagar Industrial Complex, Orissa government on Wednesday asked industries to stress on recuiting locals. The government issued this direction at a meeting here presided over by Industries Minister B B Harichandan where representatives from major industries like Jindal Stainless Limited, Tata Steel, Visa Steel and others were present. "We have told them that they can recruit outsiders only if local people are not avilable," he said, adding that of the total 12,160 people employed so far at Kalinga Nagar, only 2,441 were regular employees from the state. A total of 9,704 people from the state

were, however, engaged in different industries at Kalinga Nagar, described as the steel hub of the country. Besides Tata Steel, at least nine other steel units were coming up in Kalinga Nagar area. They include Nilachal Ispat Nigam Limited, Mid-east Integrated Steel, Jindal Stainless Limited, Visa Steel Limited, KJ Ispat Limited, Tata Steel, Apeejay Logistic Park, Brahmani River Pellets Limited, Dinabandhu Steel and Power Limited, Rohit Ferro Tech, Maithan Ispat Limited. The minister said as the industries go for recruitment from oustide, the local people take up agitation thus distrubing peaceful industrial climate in the state.

Rise in NALCO metal sales

The Hindu, 03 April, 2008

BHUBANESWAR: The National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) on Wednesday reported 104.12 per cent capacity utilisation of its aluminium smelter at Angul, with a production of 3,59,213 tonnes of aluminium cast metal, in 2007-08, compared to 3,58,734 tonnes in the previous year. Similarly, the alumina refinery at Damanjodi reported 100.04 per cent capacity utilisation with a production of 15,75,500 tonnes of Alumina Hydrate, as against 14,75,200 tonnes in the previous year, NALCO said in a release here. The company also achieved the highest-ever metal sales of 3,58,878 tonnes during 2007-08, earning the highest-ever export turnover on primary aluminium at 270.46 million dollar, against the previous high of 247.05 million dollar in 2006-07, it said. The company said this represented an increase of 3.12 per cent against target of 3,48,000 tonnes set by the Ministry of Mines.Foraying into a newer sector, NALCO and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) recently entered into an agreement to collaborate for the production of aluminium rail wagons and subsequently, aluminium rail coaches and metro coaches. As per the agreement, the products would be jointly developed by these two leading PSUs, another release said here on Wednesday.Nalco would supply the aluminium extrusions after conversion from its billets and ingots through a third party, it said. The aluminium wagons and coaches have several advantages like light weight, higher carrying capacity, environment friendliness and lower life cycle cost.

Five training centres in textile sector to come up in State Pioneer News Service,4 April,2008

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In order to meet the textile industry's growing requirement for a steady supply of trained workforce and professional training expertise to train human resources in various aspects of garmenting technology, the State Government and Apparel Export Promotion Council on Thursday signed an MoU to set up apparel training and design centres. As per the MoU, five satellite centres would be set up at Berhampur, Rourkela, Baripada, Sambalpur and Cuttack. Three centres at Berhampur, Baripada and Rourkela would start on 31st May, 2008. The two other centres at Cuttak and Sambalpur will be taken up in the next phase. As per the scheme, the initial capital expenditure of Rs 30 lakh for setting up the institution will be provided by State Government. The assistance will come from the State Employment Mission which works with the objective of skill generation for creating employability among rural and urban youths. The Government will also make available for the Centre floor area of 5,500- 7,500 sq feet suitable for undertaking training and housing equipments. The AEPC will be responsible for other recurring expense for running the institutions including recruitment of personnel and other staffs as well as the day-to-day. The APEC will be responsible for other recurring expenses for running institution including recruitment of personnel and other staffs as well as the day a to day management. In selection of trainees, local candidates will be given priority and selection will be made from the candidates of Orissa only. These five centres will able to generate about 5,000- 6,000 employment in the garment sector only and 20,00 -26,000 over the 11th plan period. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Textile and Handloom Minister Golak Behari Nayak, Chief Secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy, Development Commissioner RN Bohidar, Textile and Handloom Secretary Anita Agnihotri, Secretary General of AEPC Anil Kumar Bamba were present on the occasion.

MCL turns 17, takes up new challenges


SAMBALPUR, April 4: "Coal India Ltd has to take up the challenge of attaining a production of 152 million tons over the next five years", observed Mr PS Bhattacharya, chairman of CIL here yesterday. Addressing employees of Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) at Burla which organised a three day function to celebrate its 17th Foundation, Mr Bhattacharya said: "after completing 16 successful years, MCL cannot get complacent with 88 million tons of coal production. We now shoulder a bigger responsibility and we have to meet to dream production of 152 tons". The chairman expressed satisfaction over the management-worker relationship. "Starting from just 23 million tons productions in 1991, the production crossed 88 million

tons in the year 2007-08. We further expect to cross 100 million tons during the current year", he observed while lauding the workers and the management. Casting light on the unending problems of the land oustees, the chairman further assured that they (land oustees) would be given fair deal from MCL. “To protect the interest of the land oustees, coal bearing areas and the Orissa state as a whole; is the prime duty of the coal company and there would no compromise in it,” he said.

Widespread protests in Gajapati over Mahendratanaya project Pioneer News Service, 05 April,2008 There were widespread protests in Gajapati on Friday even as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy laid the foundation stone of the Mahendratanaya offshore project ignoring the requests of his Orissa counterpart Naveen Patnaik. Even as the inaugural ceremony was on amid tight security arrangements and much fanfare at Regulapadu in Palsa tehsil in Andhra Pradesh about 25 km from here, there was strong protests against the project at Parlakhemundi.Reddy, who arrived at the venue by a chopper, asserted at the foundation-stone-laying meeting that whatever job his Government took up would be definitely completed despite all obstructions.The project would supply water for drinking purposes and provide irrigation facilities for agriculture round the year to the people of Andhra Pradesh. There is no force which could stop the project, said Reddy. The estimated cost may be increased and the project would be completed before time and water would be provided, he said. The statement sent a wave of joy among the people present at the meeting. However, there was deep resentment among the people of Orissa, particularly in Gajapati district. After the project is completed the residents of Parlakhemundi Municipality and Gosani block would not get water to drink as Mahendratanaya is the only river in the district. Drought would be a permanent occurrence in the green and fertile district. Hundreds of people irrespective of caste, creed and party affiliations took out a huge procession from Jagannath Mandir, went around the town and held a public meeting at High School Square and burnt the effigy of the AP Chief Minister. Parlakhemundi MLA Trinath Sahu, Ramgiri MLA Bharat Paik and Mahendratanaya Surakhsha Manch convener Purna Chandra Manapatra led the agitators. Lawmakers turn lawbreakers at anti-Posco meet

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Pioneer News Service,5 April,2008 The Tuesday's incident in Balitutha in which the anti -industrialisation activists and leaders had defied the prohibitory orders imposed by the district administration, broke police barricades to take part in a protest meeting concerned by Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samiti (PPSS) has drawn flak from all corners for not upholding the law of the land. Surprisingly, two MLAs Narayan Reddy (CPI) and Sambhu Nath Nayak (SUCI), who were leading the agitators, overlooked their constitutional obligations and broke the law forgetting that they are the lawmakers. However, the district administration and the police became scapegoats and too faced a criticism defeat for not upholding the law. But the incident has evoked sharp reaction and resentment among conscious citizens as how the police failed to uphold the law and take action against the violators in spite of 15 platoons of police were deployed in the area while the district Collector and Superintendent of Police camped at the site on the fateful day. In the name of protest against the Posco project agitators and their leaders without any qualms took law in their hands.However, irate residents held both the district administration and the agitators responsible for creating chaotic scenes. A senior legal practitioner said it was the duty of the State Government to uphold the law and it could not escape its responsibilities. The Supreme Court has directly intervened in number of cases and protected the law of the land.An anonymous senior official, defending the action of the administration, said they were acting on the instructions of the Government and did not retaliate to prevent bloodshed. A police official said the violators would be prosecuted under Section 188 of IPC and action would be taken soon.

Nine polluting plants in Sundargarh get closure order

Pioneer News Service,7 April,2008 The State Pollution Control Board cracked the whip and ordered closure of nine polluting plants. After the public stepped up pressure, the board has ordered for the closure of nine polluting sponge iron units spread over Bonai and Panposh sub-divisions of Sundargarh district following a crackdown in the last two days. The action is expected to bring a sense of fear among the errant industries in the district. A three-member Orissa State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) team recently made surprise visits at 22 sponge iron plants and found nine of these causing environmental damage. Breathers came for Puja Sponge Iron Ltd,

Kalunga and Maa Tarini Industries Pvt Ltd, Balanda with the lifting of the ban order. Orissa State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) regional officer, Simanchal Dash confirmed about the closure and then lifting of the ban orders, adding, the OSPCB is committed to control pollution. There are 47 sponge iron plants in the district. Dash claimed pollution rate has been substantially curbed and put the deliberate non-compliance figure as low as 20 percent. However, what has come to surprise, is that the most polluting plant, Jay Balaji Jyoti Steel Ltd (JBJSL) at Tainsor of Lathikata block, escaped the notice of the pollution authorities. Apart from triggering massive air pollution, JBJSL is accused for illegally dumping solid factory waste rendering a vast stretch of fertile land barren. District Collector Krishan Kumar asked JBJSL to clear the site, but to little effect. On JBJSL, Dash said a report has been submitted to the administration.

42 new sub-power stations


BHUBANESWAR, April 7: The state is going to have 42 new power sub-stations. While construction work of 17 is already over, the remaining 25 will be constructed by December this year, informed chief minister, Mr Naveen Patnaik in a high-level review meeting here today. The chief minister said that he is satisfaction with the power tariff being the lowest in the country. n sns

New mineral deposits found in State Pioneer News Service,8 April,2008 Evidence of deposits of diamond, coal, iron ore, bauxite and heavy minerals has been found in various districts of the State. The Directorate of Geology has located 66 million tonnes of coal deposits in Padma block of the Talcher coalfields and 18 million tonnes of bauxite in the Tadapani plateau of Ramgarh area under Koraput district, according to sources. The exploration for heavy minerals such as ilmenite, monazite and rutile in the Udayagri sector of Puri has established a reserve of one million tonnes of heavy minerals. A viable iron ore deposit of 1.9 million tonnes has been located in the Dholtapahar area of Sundargarh district through geological mapping and drilling.

Talcher gives record coal royalty to State

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Express News Service,8 April,2008

TALCHER: The Steel and Mines Department has collected Rs 382 crore coal royalty from Talcher in the last fiscal, meeting cent percent of the annual target which was revised upward in March. This is Rs 58 crore more than the collection made by the mining office here in 2006-07, according to Deputy Director, Mines, Umesh Chandra Jena. Besides the record coal royalty, the officials also collected Rs 73.79 lakh in the form of compound money from seized trucks and illegal minerals last year. For the first time, illegal procurement of dolomite from outside state was detected by the mining squad at Bhusan Steel and other sponge iron units in the district. Fines were imposed on them, according to a mining official source. The penalty collection was more than Rs 23 lakh in February and March. Royalty is collected on sale of coal. For each tonne of ‘F’ grade of coal, royalty is levied at the rate of Rs 75. The levy is Rs 83 on ‘E’ grade of coal. In MCL, ‘F’ and ‘E’ grades coal, which are power grades, constitute about 99 percent of the total output.

NALCO figures in Forbes magazine

The Hindu, 8 April,2008

National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) is one of the 48 Indian companies that have figured in the Forbes magazine’s Global 2000 List.

Locals lock up power company officials in Cuttack Pioneer News Service,9 April,2008 The locals including the members of Village Education Committee (VEC) on Tuesday locked the headmaster and two Tata company officials in the latter's office for about five hours at Naraj Middle English School. Sources said the villagers came to know that two company officials had reached the school with an intention to distribute books freely to the students. Being irate over the news the locals rushed to the school and locked them inside the headmaster's office. The villagers said while they were opposing Tata Company's power project at Naraj, the company officials with a premeditated mindset had come to distribute books freely to their children and motivated the people in favour of their proposed power plant. They further alleged that the headmaster is acting hand in glove with the company officials. However, the

assistant Human Resource manager of Tata Daitari Swain refuted the charges and said they had come to initiate a dialogue with the villagers on their upcoming power project at Naraj. The other employee was Public Relation Officer Barada Prasanna. However, the police came to their rescue and freed them after negotiating and convincing the irate villagers. Moreover, the company officials promised not to go this place again before the Public Hearing Meeting on the possible decision of setting up of the power plant is decided on April 15.

Mahasangha demands relocation of power plants


BHUBANESWAR, April 8: The Orissa Krushak Mahasangha and several ruling BJD-BJP legislators as well as a MP belonging to the Angul-Talcher-Dhenkanal belt have urged upon chief minister Mr Naveen Patnaik to relocate thermal power plants proposed to come up in and around the Talcher- Angul area. The Angul-Talcher belt has already turned a blast furnace with summer temperatures reaching 50 degree celsius. At least one lakh tone of coal is used every day by NTPC Kaniha, Talcher thermal, Captive thermal plant of Nalco and at least 20 people had died in Talcher in 1998 due to heat wave conditions, they said. Referring to the MoUs signed with power majors for establishment of at least eight new thermal plants in the same region, the petitioners said lives of five lakh people will be jeoparadised. A study on the environmental carrying capacity of the area has not yet been completed, hence going ahead with such projects will be detrimental to public interest, they said. "Besides, agriculture will be adversely hit and lakhs of farmers will be rendered jobless," said Mr BP Das of the Mahasangh. They suggested that the proposed power plants can be located at Parajang tahasil near the village Kumushi, or in Kamakhyanagar tahasil near Sagara village and certain other places. The Mahasangh noted that it had submitted memoranda in this regard to the government in the past but no action has been taken till date. Thirteen new thermal power plants are being planned and MoUs have been signed, eight of these are once again located in the hotbed of Talcher-Angul area, noted the Mahasangh. It questioned as to how the state pollution board autho-rities were not suggesting the government to desist from setting up thermal power plants in the area. Sources, however, said the government was aware of the problem. n SNS

Smuggled iron ore seized


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ROURKELA, April 8: The Bisra police seized four trucks laden with iron ore and heading towards Jharkhand recently throwing light to the rampant smuggling and black marketing of iron ore in Sundergarh district. The rapid industrialisation and growth of mini and major sponge iron plants in and around Sundergarh and in the neighbouring states like Jharkhand, and Chattisgarh has catapulted the demand for iron ore. The monthly requirement, according to a conservative estimate, is pegged around 30 lakhs metric ton as against a production of 16 lakh metric ton said reliable sources. This certainly is a boost for theft and black marketing of iron ore. Barely a few months back the official price of one ton of iron ore was between Rs 3500 to Rs 4000 today it has crossed Rs 5000 per ton.“The interior parts of the district, where there is very less accessibility, one can mine and sell it to the middleman without attracting the attention of concerned authorities. A single man can even hand dig 200 kg per day, accumulate the ore and earn handsome amounts" confided a mining official here. Such types of illegal mining activity continue to flourish without much disturbances or calling from the law keepers. "Besides, there is always connivance between everybody involved in it and such activity continues to grow with involvement of all and sundry", added the mining officer. Several people who own and operate sponge iron units in the district do not have assured iron ore linkages and they buy from open market. Besides there is a huge demand for ore across the border in Jharkhand. All this results in a flourishing illegal trade or ore, Presently the Biramitrapur-Hatibari-Bisra route is the most favoured by illegal transporters and traders of ore. Much of the activity takes place at the dead of the night.

Panel gives go ahead for two barrages

Express News Service, 09 April,2008

BHUBANESWAR: The technical advisory committee of the Water Resources Department has given the go ahead for construction of two barrages at Champapur and Dampur on the upstream of the river Mahendratanaya in Gajapati district. The committee headed by Engineer-in-Chief of Water Resources Department Harish Behera met here today and examined all aspects of the proposed barrages, including the hydrological position and its likely impact on environment before arriving at the conclusion. The decision of the technical committee would be sent for administrative approval before starting the project work. The idea of diversion weirs has been dropped. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has already announced construction of the two barrages as a tit-for-tat measure to the proposed offshore irrigation project on the downstream of the same river at

Regalupadu in Srikakulum district by the Andhra Pradesh Government. The State Government has already sought financial assistance from Nabard for construction of the two barrages. The cost of the project has been estimated at Rs 38 crore. Official sources said the project work will be started with the State Government’s own fund till financial assistance from Nabard is received. Ignoring opposition from the Orissa Government, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy laid the foundation stone for a reservoir on April 4.

Demonstration against iron plant


KEONJHAR, April 9: Hundreds of people including women yesterday staged a demonstration against a polluting sponge iron plant near Telkoi here. They had blocked the main entrance of the plant. At least 22,000 people of 15 villages are affected alleged the agitated people. They charged that none of the sponge iron units have installed or operated pollution control devices. Production of vegetables and other crops in the region has been adversely affected and farmers who had taken loan are now in distress due to poor yield, they said. The summer months result in the added problem of scarcity of water. A black layer of dust is seen everywhere and the water in ponds and wells have been polluted by the iron dust and other material, they said. The agitators vacated the plant area only after obtaining an assurance from concerned authorities that necessary steps to check pollution will be taken up immediately.

Strike against BSL ends


DHENKANAL, April 9: The indefinite strike against Bhusan Steel Limited (BSL) by the displaced women of Sarpa-Raghunathpur village ended after five days, yesterday, following assurances by BSL authorities that the demands will be examined sympathetically. Hundreds of women had staged demonstrations against BSL raising an eleven point charter of demands which included drinking water facilities, better employment opportunities, and a wage hike as per the recommendations of the Rehabilitation and Peripheral Development Advisory Committee (RPDAC). The district collector Mr ZA Khan held a meeting with the BSL officials and agitators in which it was decided that BSL will provide drinking water through tankers till the completion of the drinking water facilities project, all recruitment will be made with the knowledge of the district administration as per the RPDAC guidelines.

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BSL will also continue the ongoing road and school construction work. It also agreed to give prior notice before carrying out any blasting activity. The agitators have threatened to resume their agitation if their demands are not met soon. The BSL phase two work was disrupted for five days because of the agitation. Following the negotiations a public hearing meeting was held at the Odapada Panchayati samiti office to have a discussion on the expansion of BSL and the public response to the increase in production capacity. During the public hearing it was decided that BSL will increase its production capacity from 1.5 mt to 3.5 mt. It will also provide job opportunities to those losing their land in the expansion. BSL said that jobs will be provided to the local residents on a priority basis and that the wages will be increased gradually from the existing sum of Rs 1,800 to Rs 3,000. The district collector Mr Khan, BSL officials, officials of the state pollution control board, Angul and villagers were present at the public hearing.

Jindal stresses on welfare activities in 18 project-hit villages Pioneer News Service,9 April,2008 Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) is determined to improve the socio-economic conditions of the people, said ED, JSPL Rajesh Jha. Addressing the project-affected people at village Sanakerajang, he said his company would give compensation and benefit to the people as per the decision of the Government. The company would not encourage any sort of confrontation with the project-affected people and wants to carry on the construction work in a peaceful manner, he added. The meeting was presided over by the village president Susanta Kumar Tripathy. Jha interacted with the people directly as the affected people had obstructed and gheraoed Jindal officials twice during last one month alleging their unauthorised trespass to their land. Meanwhile, a delegation of the Jindal Kshyatigrasta Praja Sangram Samiti met RDC, Sambalpur, MS Padhi in the presence of Angul Collector under the leadership of RP Pattanaik, convener of JKPSS and discussed various problems of the land oustees. The RDC assured the delegation to take up the matter of the oustees at the next Rehabilitation and Periphery Development Advisory Committee (RPDAC) meeting. After the assurance of the RDC, the movement of the JKPSS has been postponed for 15 days. Pattanaik has also sought an appointment with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and the Chief Secretary to discuss the most sensitive issue of the land oustees. He said that while the local people oppose almost all the proposed steel plants, including Posco, Mittal and Tata, the oustees are supporting establishment of JSPL at Angul. The only conflict

between JSPL and oustees is on the issues of compensation, employment and periphery development. JSPL, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), has stressed upon socio-economic development of the people of 18 project-affected villages. It has taken up repairing and renovation of Benagadia School, construction of compound wall, construction of Sanakerjang high school building, construction of compound wall of Badakerjang health centre and construction of village road at Badamahitala, Dodhiabeda, Budhibeda and Subarnapur. Besides, JSPL is organising 23 health checkup camps every month in the periphery villages and distributing medicines and stressing upon safe drinking water, basic medical facilities, healthy food habits and awareness among the people.

Hindalco contract labourers on strike Pioneer News Service,10 April,2008 When the Government is determined for safeguarding interests of the labourers, particularly those working on contract or non-regular basis, it hardly comes to the benefit of many. The recent incident of the strike call by the contract labourers at Hindalco at Hirakud belonging to a particular union led by BJP leaders can be treated as an example. Nearly 500 contract labourers led by BM Guru and Panhi Bhusan Mishra are sitting in dharna in front of the office of the Hindalco, demanding increase in their daily wages, sources from Hirakud police station said. However, the dharna is totally peaceful and no unpleasant situation took place during the strike. The workers allege that they do almost the same nature of work as that of the permanent employees but get a miserable salary. No officer from Hindalco could be available to know their comments. Police forces were deployed at Hindalco premises.

No more power plants in Talcher please, urge MLAs Pioneer News Service,10 April,2008 In an effort to put brakes on environmental pollution due to power plants, several members of the State Legislative Assembly from Angul and Dhenkanal districts urged Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik not to establish more power plants in Talcher. Forwarding a memorandum to Patnaik with its copies to Industries Minister and Chief Secretary, the MLAs pointed out that as per the Assembly question-answer, the Government is going to give permission to establish another eight new thermal plants in Talcher and Angul, which would prove hazardous for lives of 5 lakh people of the region and more than 30 per cent of paddy crop production would be reduced. Complaining

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about the environmental degradation, they said that the people are already facing 50 degree celsius heat during summer season, and in 1998 more than 20 people died due to the unbearable heat generated from the NTPC's Kaniha plant, the Talcher Thermal Plant and Nalco's captive thermal plant. They further pointed out that the environmental carrying capacity study work of Talcher and Angul has not been completed to give permission for the new power plants. The MLAs have requested the Government to shift the proposed plants to Parjang and Kamakhyanagar tehsils of Dhenkanal district, Pallahars tehsil of Angul district and Deogarh tehsil of Deogarh district, where farmers would not be affected and the proposed rail line would be available.

Villagers turn back on Posco, demands withdrawal of police force Orissa Diary, April 10, 2008 Jagatsinghpur: In a direct bearing on the government, a large section of Posco project supporters of Gobindpur village today vowed to oppose the project and demanded immediate withdrawal of police force from the area. The symbolic oath taking function was held in front of the Goraknath peeth today where scores of villagers including women of Gobindpur, hitherto considered as a pro-Posco area where the socio-economic survey had been conducted smoothly without any resistance last month, and vowed to oppose the project. The disturbing change over is attributed to the utter failure of the government to safeguard their interests and its inability to thwart the anti-Posco rally on 1 April said locals. In the absence of clear cut directions from the top, the local administration failed to avert the Vikalp Vikash Samabesh organised on 1 April by the anti-Posco groups. They violated Section 144, broke police barricades and displayed their strength as a result of which villagers who were in favour of the project have now joined the anti-Posco movement, observed locals who were still sympathetic towards the project. The villagers of Gobindpur today took oath to drive away the police and to demolish all signs including hoarding of the company. There were at least 200 people who took the pledge today, said reliable sources. The prasad of the temple, etc were distributed to the villagers after they had taken the vow. It may be noted here that the district administration had successfully conducted socio-economic survey of all 480 households and the 2100 betel vines in Gobindpur last month. Today however the same set of villagers turned around to allege that the survey work was done in the presence of goons and armed police. We were intimidated , they alleged. Mr Dula Mandal , Mr Harikrushna Pasyat and others complained that they were threatened and hence they had not protested the survey work. Now that all of

us have united we will ensure that the police vacates the village, one platoon is there and it has to go soon, they said. Others present at the temple said by 20 April they will demolish all signs of the company in their village. Mr Santosh Das, Mr Sumant Bhoi, Mr Padmnav Dalai and others said they have had enough of the administration. After the 1 April incident we are convinced that it is better to join hands with the anti-Posco groups than cooperate with a helpless and weak administration, they said. Panchyat samiti member of Nuagaon panchyat Mr Saumendra Nayak confessed that more than 75 families of Nuagaon and Gadkujang panchyat had already joined with Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samiti after the 1 April incidence. A district officer however tried to underplay the entire situation saying there were a few anti-Posco activists even in Gobindpur village. The officer was confident that once the detailed rehabilitation package is announced people will veer around to support the project.

State Pollution Control Board seals 16 units


ROURKELA, April 10: Under fire from several quarters over increasing pollution due to the mushrooming of sponge iron units and crushers, the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) seems to have been jolted to action particularly in the Sundergarh, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur belt. Showing the first signs of its intent, with the help of the district administration it sealed 9 units in Sundergarh and followed it in Jharsuguda, where 7 units faced the same fate. Following to this Mr. S P Nanda, Chairman SPCB Orissa held a meeting with owners of 64 sponge irons making units of Sundergarh, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur districts here and told them in no uncertain terms that henceforth the department would not hesitate to take drastic action against erring units. The government is very serious over the issue of pollution of the soil, water and air in the state and especially those happening in these districts where the promoters are flouting all laws at will without scant regard for environment, officials told the entrepreneurs at the meeting. Mr Nanda, in the presence of Dr. Krishna Kumar, Collector Sundergarh said stringent action will be taken against units. He pointed out that the general practice to shut down the Electro Static Precipitator (ESP) during the night and operate it in day time to avoid inspections will no longer be tolerated. Mr Nanda cracked the whip issuing directions for safe disposal of industrial wastes. “You have to dispose the industrial wastes at earmarked places in the respective areas, he told the unit owners. The SPCB chairman asked district collector Sundergarh to identify places near

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Bonai, Kuanrmunda and Rajgangpur for waste disposal. At the beginning of the meeting Dr. DK Behera, Senior Environmental Scientist of SPCB and Dr. PK Prusty, a Senior Official of the Forest and Environment Department gave a vivid presentation about the pollution caused by these units in the three districts. On the backdrop of the sealing of 16 units, these officials spoke about the objective of the meeting and also warned that the promoters should take the pollution more seriously. A memorandum by the promoters of the 16 units was given to the Chairman to allow them to reopen their units. Various office bearers of Orissa Sponge Iron Manufacturers Association were present in the meeting.

MoU with TII


SAMBALPUR, April 10: Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Transparency International India (TII) to make internationally accepted “Integrity Pact” a part of its future contracts with bidders, contractors and suppliers . Integrity Pact is a tool developed by Transparency International, which ensures that all activities and transactions between a company or government departments and their suppliers are handled in a fair, transparent and corruption -free manner. The pact was signed by CMD of MCL Mr S R Upadhyay and Chairman of TII Mr R H Tahiliani in a ceremony at New Delhi this week. Mr B Mohapatra Director (Finance), Mr N K Pradhan CVO, Mr A K Sinha G.M. (TC) of MCL and Dr S. K. Anand vice-chairman and Ms. Anupama Jha executive director of TII graced the occassion with their valuable presence. With the signing of the MoU, MCL became the 24th PSU in the country to adopt the pact which essentially envisages an agreement between the prospective vendors,bidders and the buyers committing the persons, officials of both the parties, not to exercise any corrupt influence on any aspect of the contract. Its implementation is observed by the ‘Independent External Monitors’ (IEMs) of impeccable integrity, approved by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), a press release from MCL states.

Notices served on 7 polluting sponge iron units Pioneer News Service,11 April,2008 The Orissa State Pollution Control Board has served closure notices on seven sponge iron plants operating in Sambalpur and Jharsuguda districts, officials said on Wednesday. According to closure notices served by

Member Secretary of the OSPCB, the remaining five sponge units in Sambalpur and Jharusguda districts have failed to manage their electro static precipitators (ESP) resulting in high emission from the units. As many as 16 sponge iron units have been issued closure notices within a fortnight. Earlier, nine sponge iron plants operating in Sundargarh district faced action. Now, the seven companies which have been served notices are Viraj Steel and Energy, Samaleswari Ferro Metals, Maa Samaleswri Sponge Iron, Pawansut Sponge, Jai Hanuman Udyog, LN Metallics and Seven Star Steels. Found guilty under Water (PCP) Act 1974 and the AIR (PCP) Act 1981 Act, these companies had been asked to close down their operations and inform the SPCB without delay. The OSPCB has directed five out of seven companies to stop entire operations while rests two were asked to close down their DRI (Direct Reduced Iron) units. Jai Hanuman Udyog was found dumping solid waster outside factory premise at Raghunathpali in Jharusguda haphazardly and even after it was given 'reasonable' opportunity, the non-compliance of norms persisted. Same was the case with LN Metallics in Jharusguda. ‘Posco plant will not be shifted’ Express News Service,11 April,2008

BHUBANESWAR: DESPITE facing problems over land acquisition, the South Korean major Posco has made it clear that it would not shift its project from Paradip. Paradip is the best location for the proposed steel plant and there is no question of shifting, GWoong Sung, director of Orissa project, asserted here. Sung was here on Thursday to discuss progress of the project with senior State Government officials. Expressing confidence over completion of the project which has been delayed over land acquisition and other problems, Sung said the stumbling blocks would be removed soon. He said disturbances over land acquisition is world wide and not particular to Orissa. Besides land acquisition, Posco is yet to get mining linkages for the project. The State Government had promised to grant mining lease for 600 million tonne iron ore required for 30-year operation. However, in the first phase, four million tonne plant will be set up. Posco had applied for prospective licence for three areas and mining leases for two areas after consultation with the State Government. The ground breaking ceremony for the steel plant which was scheduled on April 1 has been postponed. It has, however, asserted that the date for starting construction work will be announced soon. Posco had signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the State Government for establishment of the steel plant with an investment of USD 12 million.

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Coal fraud: Senior MCL official held ENS,13 April,2008

ROURKELA: A sundargarh-based senior official of the Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL), Koshalendra Kumar Mishra was remanded in judicial custody on Saturday and two more MCL officers are wanted by Hemgir police for their involvement in a major coal scandal. Mishra is the Project Officer to the Basundhara West Open Cast Project (BWOCP) under the Basundhara Coalfields area of MCL, while eluding the arrest are Mines Manager Padmalochan Behera and shift in-charge Yudhisthir Dehuri. The arrest culminated in the investigation launched on April 7. Mishra was taken into police custody last night and produced in court on Saturday. Hemgir police station in-charge Ashwini Sahu on Saturday said they were tipped off about the fraud involving senior MCL officers. Investigtion revealed that at the stockyard-10, huge quantity of overburden (waste generated before coal excavation) was illegally dumped instead of coal, he said, adding the disclosure was self-explanatory about the fraud. It is learnt that police sought help of the office of the Deputy Director of Mines (DDM), Rourkela, and based on the adverse obervation of the mining office, the arrest was effected. Investigation revealed that on April 7 more than 2,100 tonnes of coal and 5,600 tonnes of overburden were generated. On that count, the misappropriation appeared to be over Rs 30 lakh.

Naveen demands copy of mine laws ENS,14 April,2008

BHUBANESWAR: Taking strong exception to the sidelining of mineral-bearing States by the Centre in the finalisation of the mineral policy, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik demanded on Sunday that the Ministry of Mines should send a copy of the proposed amendments to the States. In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Chief Minister referred to several rounds of discussion between the officials of the Ministry of Mines and officials of the mineral- based states to finalise amendments to the Mines and Minerals Development Regulation Act, 1957. Naveen, however, maintained that the exact wording of the proposed amendments have not been shared with the officials. In the absence of details of the proposed amendments, it will not be possible for State governments to comment on the subject, he said and added that this will reduce the process of consultation to a mere formality. The Chief Minister requested the

Prime Minister to issue necessary direction to the Ministry of Mines to send a copy of the proposed amendment bill to the respective state governments so that they can be deliberated upon at the highest level. Since the mineral issues have a large impact on the development of the concerned states, they should be fully apprised of the proposed changes. The State governments have issued instructions to official representatives to take formal orders before communicating the views to the Centre, he said.

Mining on Deomali mountains opposed

The Hindu,15 April,2008

KORAPUT: “Save Deomali” campaign was launched at Upper Kanti, a village on the top of the mountains in Deomali range of Koraput district by “Sibukodi Dharitri Surakhya Parisahd” of Semiliguda block. Prempatra Jani, president of the Parishad, said the State Government should not allow companies to take the mountains on lease for mining purposes. At a meeting held in the village, he said Deomali mountain region with its rich water reserve was the lifeline for thousands of tribal families from more than 40 villages and any initiative for mining would prove detrimental to the livelihood opportunities in the region with drying out of water sources . While criticising the State Government for going ahead with leasing out more and more areas of Koraput region for mining purposes when the NALCO was already engaged in mining bauxite from the region for the next 80 years, Prafulla Samantara, president, Lokshakti Abhiyan(Orissa), asked the State Government to implement the recommendations of the Huda committee on Mining policy withdrawing the existing system of leasing out mines at throwaway price and replacing it with a process where the companies would be asked to purchase the mineral at market price. Later, talking to media, he wondered over the justifications of the State Government allowing the companies to take possession of rich mines on lease at Rs.64 per ton of bauxite when the market price of the mineral was more than Rs2000 per ton.

Industries urged to use clean development mechanism Pioneer News Service,18 April,2008 In a bid to create awareness among the industries to make use of clean development mechanism (CDM), participants at a workshop organised by IPICOL here on Wednesday said that rapid industrialisation in

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Orissa has prompted the State Government to act on this emerging issue to mitigate the impact of the climate change that hits at the very heart of development. Even experts see the frequent occurrences of flood and drought supposedly caused by the ever-increasing Green House Gases. Inaugurating the workshop, Industries Secretary Chinmoy Basu said the climate change is no longer only a global concern, even in Orissa experts claim that about 30 lakh people may be affected by rising of the sea level. Heat waves and droughts are largely induced by the climate change. He urged the industries to invest in climate-friendly technologies and processes and use the incentive provided through clean development mechanism. Basu explained the impact of the climate change on the local environment and assured support of his department for all such projects that take initiatives for clean technologies. Supriya Pattnaik of the DFID explained that the climate change threatens to seriously undermine efforts to eliminate poverty and reach the millennium development goals, particularly in a country like India. IPICOL MD AK Meena, who was instrumental in setting up the CDM cell in IPICOL, urged the industries to understand the complicated nature of the CDM market and transactions and take the help of the cell in successfully implementing the CDM projects. Explaining the CDM process, Managing Director of CTRAN Consulting, a leading climate change and CDM advisory firm, Ashok Singh exhorted the industries to take early steps to reap the benefit. He explained the processes and cases of companies getting CMD benefit, which is substantial as it comes in form of an annuity. But the awareness level is very low among industries in Orissa, he observed. India has 321 registered CDM projects. Experts from the Chicago Climate Exchange Murali Kanaksabai and Uma Maheswaran of CPU, GTZ, explained how to improve the market for CDM in Orissa, while Ajay Gupta of SGS deliberated on the various complexities in CDM registration and explained various processes required to register a project under CDM to claim benefit. The workshop was attended by representatives from the Government, industries, banks and academic institutions. CTRAN Consulting was released on the occasion. The workshop was supported by the DFID under the IPR programme. Mittal teams visit proposed plant site in Keonjhar Pioneer News Service,19 April,2008 Two high-level delegations of steel major Arcelor-Mittal have visited the proposed mega-steel complex site at Patna in Keonjhar district and held meetings with the officials. Both delegations held presentations and discussions towards formulation of a draft policy

for rehabilitation and resettlement (R and R), disclosed an official who attended the meet. He further disclosed that one high-level delegation made a presentation along with officials of Dastur and Company and SPARC at Keonjhar led by GM (Technical) Ashok Kumar in the last week. Another group led by Chief Executive Officer Sanak Mishra also visited the proposed site at Patna along with two top executives from the Arcelor-Mittal group. Both teams apparently proposed Group's initiative initially to undertake some projects in health, communication and sports related activities district for project affected people (PAP) as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the locality. Mittal Steel India Limited, an Indian subsidiary of Arcelor-Mittal group in the meanwhile had applied for 1,200 acre of land from IDCO out of totally proposed 7,020 acre private land in three revenue villages except Government land. Meanwhile, the high-powered group management board has met several times for finalisation of the DPR to be submitted by June 2008.

Project-displaced villagers demand return of land


BERHAMPUR: Inhabitants of 12 villages in Ganjam district who had been displaced for the now-shelved Gopalpur steel project by the Tata Steel, demanded that the company return their land. At a press meet organised in the city on Friday representatives of these villages said they would oppose any move by the company to establish a SEZ on the land it had taken over for establishing a steel plant. They are also not satisfied with the recent declaration of the Tata Steel that it would establish a steel galvanisation plant on a portion of land it had acquired for the steel plant. “Unless the company comes up with the project of mega steel plant for which we had been displaced, our irrigated agricultural land should be returned to us,” they said. They also criticised the State Government for handing over around 300 acres of extra land in Ganjam district to the company in 2007. “The MOU signed between the Orissa Government and Tata Steel in 1995 for the establishment of a mega steel plant near Gopalpur had no existence in 2007. Yet the State Industrial Development Corporation (IDCO) handed over 300 acres of extra land to the company last year although the company was not going to establish its promised project in the district,” said Rajendra Sahu of Luhajhari village. Around 1500 families had been displaced for the dream project of the Tata Steel that never came up in Ganjam district. Highly fertile irrigated land had been acquired by the company for its shelved project. But since more than a decade this fertile land is left barren. The Tatas were provided 3,088 acres of land near Gopalpur in Ganjam district in

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the mid 1990s. The land acquired by the company included 2,295.95 acres of private land and 792.65 acres of government land. The company has only set up a technical training centre over 10.2 acres of land. The rest land it had acquired for setting up of the steel plant is lying vacant since 1997. Ramesh Mahakuda of Badapur alleged that till now the company has employed only 29 youths from displaced families. Umashankar Sahu of Sindhigaon said the proposed galvanisation plant to be established at a cost 250 crore rupees would not bring in any change in their lives as it would have little employment scope.

Assocham seeks new industrial policy


BHUBANESWAR: The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) president Venugopal N. Dhoot on Sunday said the Orissa Government should have a new industrial policy to facilitate industrialisation in the State. At a press conference here, Mr. Dhoot also said the State also should have a transparent and flexible land acquisition policy to facilitate land acquisition for the proposed mineral-based industries. Stating that land acquisition was the major problem facing implementation of different big steel projects, Mr. Dhoot said the State Government should take the people into confidence by providing them proper rehabilitation and resettlement packages. He suggested that apart from giving jobs to one member from each family facing displacement, the government should consider giving equity stakes to displaced families to make them shareholders in such developmental projects. Secretary general of Assocham D.K. Rawat, who also addressed the presspersons, said that the administration at all levels should adopt a proactive approach to facilitate implementation of the proposed industries. On the occasion, they also released a report brought out by ASSOCHAM titled ‘Orissa Towards Industrialisation’ highlighting the various issues. In the report, Assocham said that land acquisition couldn’t be left to industry alone. “While the industry is willing to provide lucrative compensation and employment to the people displaced in land acquisition procedure, the Government should aim at forming a clear cut land acquisition policy,” the report said. With regard to mining and mineral policies, the report said the issue between the State and the Central governments needed to be resolved at a faster pace to facilitate faster implementation of the projects. The State Government needs to lay down clear rules on the requirements which industries need to meet in getting environment clearances, ASSOCHAM said in the report. Mr. Dhoot and Mr. Rawat informed that Assocham had decided to

open a special cell to attract more and more investments to Orissa in the coming years.

MCL to set up medical college at Talcher


BHUBANESWAR, April 24: Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) will set up a medical college at Talcher. It was decided in a meeting between Chief minister Mr Naveen Patnaik and Coal India Limited (CIL) chairman Mr Partha Sarathi Bhattacharya here today. The CM had suggested to up grade the existing 100-bed MCL hospital to a 400-bed hospital to which Mr Bhattacharya reportedly agreed and assured that steps would soon be taken in this regard. Mr Bhattacharya informed the CM about the proposed model rehabilitation centre for tribal oustees of mines areas and added that it would be an ideal centre blending tribal culture and modern education. He also informed that daily mobile dispensary units would be engaged for providing health care service to the tribal mass in the mines areas. The CM Mr Patnaik urged upon the CIL chairman to take up massive plantation programmes in Talcher area, while expressing concern over temperature rise. He suggested to plant traditional trees and assured that the state government would extend all support to MCL authorities in this respect. It was decided that the plantation programme would be monitored jointly by agriculture production commissioner (APC) and managing director of MCL. Among others, principal secretary to the chief minister Mr Bijoy Kumar Patnaik, MCL chairman/MD Mr SR Upaddhyay and energy secretary Mr Suresh Chandra Mohapatra were present.

Illegally stored manganese seized


KEONJHAR, April 24: The mines department has seized 105 ton illegally-stored manganese ores in the Sidhamatha forest area. Sources said the deputy director of mines, Joda got a tip-off that manganese ores worth Rs15lakh were kept buried in Sidhamatha forest area and the manganese mafias were looking for proper time and situation to dispose them off. A team of mining officers conducted a raid and seized the ores. The illegal mining and transporting of manganese ores and iron ores is rampant here. It is said that sometimes the mining department officials fail to conduct raids despite having concrete information, as the mafias are armed with sophisticated weapons. Despite shortcomings, the mines department had seized as

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many as 231 vehicles engaged in illegal mineral transportation and minerals worth about Rs four crores after conducting raids at various places. The state government had recently announced to form mobile squads in these mining areas. n sns

S Orissa body demands river dam projects to preempt AP moves Pioneer News Service, 25 April,2008 The Southern Orissa Development Council (SODC), also known as the Dakhin Odisa Vikash Parishad, has been spearheading a mass campaign for construction of various dam and diversion weir projects in the RVN (Rushikulya-Vansadhara-Nagabali) by the State Government so as to utilise the water resources of the rivers like Rushikulya, Vansadhara, Nagabali, Jhanjavati, Mahendratanaya, Nandini, Badjhar, Bahuda, Chouldhua, Falfalia, Joro, Andhuni, Bangi and Harabhangi to usher in an agrarian revolution in the area. The waters of these rivers are now flowing out into the sea, though portions of them are being exploited by the Andhra Pradesh Government for use in Srikakulum,Vizianagaram, Pravatipuram districts. According to the SODC president Dayanidhi Sahu, the dispute arising out of the waters of Mahendratanaya, Vansadhara, Nagabali and Janjavati between Orissa and Andhra Pradesh is due to the failure of successive regimes in Orissa to utilise the waters flowing in all the rivers and their tributaries in the RVN basin by constructing dams and weirs over them. The Andhra Pradesh Government has been cynically exploiting the downstream water resources of Mahendratanaya,Vansadhara, Nagabali and Jhanjavati to its advantage because of non-utilisation of the same in the upper stream levels in the undivided Ganjam and Koraput districts by the Orissa Government. Several project proposals have been formulated for the RVN basin. Even the long-conceived upper Vansadhara and Mahendratanaya dam projects have been technically okayed by the Central Water Commission (CWC) since May 2002. But the Orissa Government machinery did not implement the projects. There was a proposal for a reservoir near Panidanagar-Gurutha over Vansadhara, and the site was inspected and appreciated by late Dr KL Rao, the then Union Irrigation Minister. But the proposal was not taken up for construction. As a result, the Andhra Pradesh (AP) Government took advantage of the situation to construct the Gota barrage and Neredi-Katragada weir to harness the downstream water of Vansadhara, Sahu has pointed out. The 1962 agreement between Orissa and AP Governments has entitled AP to use half of the water flowing in Vansadhara, that is, 115 TMC according to an

estimate. Yet, AP has been violating the agreement. It did not care to consult and get approval of the Orissa Government about the inter-State water resources development projects over rivers like Mahendratanaya, Vansadhara, Nagabali, Jhanjavati, Indira Sagar and Sileru. The recent Mahendratanaya offshore project near Meliaput-Chapra of Andhra Pradesh is also the latest violation of the 1962 agreement and the guidelines of inter-State river water use in the light of the decisions of the Inter-State Council. Sahu has stated that the Orissa Government should start project works over the Mahendratanaya in Rayagada and Gosani blocks of Gajapati district. Construction of barrages at Champapur and Dambabur over the Mahendratanaya and the Jalanga and small dams over the Mahendratanaya and its tributaries on war footing to safeguard the lifeline of Gajapati people as a response to the offshore irrigation project of the Andhra Pradesh Government. A rubber dam over the Mahendratanaya near Patisiripur in Gosani block would benefit the people of Gosani and Parlakhemumdi blocks. Similarly, construction of lower and upper Vansadhara projects would benefit the people of Gajapati and Rayagada districts. A division weir at Kansarigand over the Rusikulya would benefit the people of Purusottampur, Ganjam and Chatrapur blocks in Ganjam district as well as the residents of the Berhampur Municipality and Purusottampur, Ganjam and Chatrapur NACs. The proposed diversion weir over river Bahuda before the river enters into Andhra Pradesh would benefit the people of Patrapur, Chikiti and Rangeilunda blocks in Ganjam district and those of the Berhampur Municipality and would prevent the AP Government from stashing away the river water. Similarly, a dam over the Nagabali near Sikarpai and Jhanjavati near Rayagada would benefit the people of Rayagada district and prevent AP from further utilising the waters of these two rivers. A diversion weir over the Vansadhara near village Palsingh to store water in the Poligumi area for irrigation and drinking purposes would benefit the people of Kasinagar block and Gunupur block of Gajapati and Rayagada districts, respectively, Sahu has pointed out.

PCB gives clean chit to Sukinda Valley


BHUBANESWAR: The Orissa State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) dismissed report of USA-based Blacksmith Institute, which identified Sukinda Valley in the State as one of the 10 most polluted spots in the world. The pollution control board also gave a clean chit to several companies, who were accused of releasing dangerous substance, hexa-valent chromium through their chromite mining in Sukinda areas in

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Jajpur district. “Presently, though there are still many areas, which require further improvement, the overall management is reasonably satisfactory and the situation is not as bleak as is generally made out,” OSPCB said in its latest report. The board was asked to investigate into pollution allegations. It, however, pointed out that “because of operation of several mines, over a somewhat limited area, certain environmental problems are inevitable in the Sukinda valley, like any other mining area.”At present there are 13 chromite mines operating in Sukinda valley which accounted above 90 per cent country chromite reserve spread over an area covering approximately 200 sq km in the Jajpur district. As many as 12 of these 13 practise opencast mining, while one is underground. Opencast chromite mining generates huge volumes of seepage water. Even though chromium in chromite is in the trivalent state, some hexa-valent Cr(VI) is always formed due to certain complex reactions. If Cr (VI) containing mine drainage water is released untreated, can severely contaminate the nearby water bodies. Though OSPCB found that out of the 12 opencast mines operating in Sukinda, Cr(VI) containing mine drainage water was a problem in 9 mines, it said there was occasional deviation from the prescribed standard of 0.10 mg/liter. “Such occasional violations are not uncommon in industrial and mining activities and it is not unique in case of the chromite mines in Sukinda,” OSPCB said. The board recognised large over burdens besides mines as one of the major problem areas. “Cr(VI) concentration in ground water sources fluctuates. Hence feasibility of a total prohibition of extraction of ground waterand use of inland surface water will be tested ,” OSPCB suggested.

9 Kalinga Nagar victims' kin receive Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia The Orissa diary, 27 April, 2008 Jajpur: In a significant development, nine more Kalinga Nagar death victims' kin on Saturday received the ex-gratia amount from the district administration at Gobarghati High School. This has been viewed as a major breakthrough for the district administration to bring a positive solution to the Kalinga Nagar problem and thereby creating a pro- industrial environment. This incident virtually ended the stalemate that was continuing here for the last two years. The dialogue process initiated by the district administration to bring the revolting K Nagar tribals into the mainstream and make them help industrialisation process in this corridor move two steps ahead. Thanks to the district administration for its consistent efforts in this regard. Out of total 14 death victims who died in police firing on January 2, 2006, three persons had earlier received ex-gratia from the administration and including these nine fresh recipients it has been increased to 12. One

could not receive the ex-gratia amount due to some technical reasons, sources said. Similarly, 14 others injured in the incident also received their compensation from the administration. By this the total number of the injured recipients has been increased to 16 out of total number of 18 claimants. Those deceased's family received the ex-gratia include the kin of Ati Jamuda, Mukuta Bankira of Chandia viallge, Rangalal Munduia, Shyam Gagarai of Baligotha village, Jangha Jarika, Landu Jarika, Ramchandra Jamuda of Bamiagotha village, Diugi Tiria of Champakoila village and Bhagaban Say of Gobarghati village. However, another victim Gobinda Laguri's keen could not receive the ex-gratia. The District Welfare Officer Sivaji Bhuyan said, "The victim's family would receive the amount soon." Sources said out of total 14 dead in the police firing deceased Ram Gagrai's wife Sukumari and other two victims Bana Badra and Sudam Barla's kin had earlier received the ex-gratia. Another deceased Kisan Buduili who died after few month of his treatment is yet to receive the payment as his documents are to be prepared by the administration. The entire victim's family received Rs 10, 00,000 of which the Central assistance was Rs 5, 00,000 and the rest amount was given by the State Government. Similarly, those injured in the police firing also received Rs 50,000 each towards the compensation. Those 14 persons who received the ex-gratia include Tulasi Gagarai, Chema Hembram, Vir singh Gop, Tuan Jarika, Mukunda Jarika, Jamuan Hembram, Chakradhar jarika, Chakradhar badra, Jaichandra Say, Ganesh Banara, Raju Haibru, Surendra Banara, Babuli Dogra and Jaichandra Say.

Displaced villagers put UAIL on notice


BHUBANESWAR: A group of villagers, who were displaced by controversial Utkal Alumina International Limited (UAIL) in Kashipur block of Rayagada district, staged a demonstration seeking better compensation here on Saturday. They threatened to launch indefinite fast in front of the residence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik if the company did not respond to their 38-point charter of demands in 24 hours. Since February 27, nearly 147 families of Kendukhunti, Tala Karol and Ramibeda villages who were displaced by the proposed project have been sitting on a dharna in front of the main gate of the plant site. The villagers, who were displaced in January 2006, did not have any other livelihood option and if the company would not revise its compensation package, people would reoccupy their lost land, warned Chitrasen Naik, secretary of association of displaced and affected residents. “We want Rs. 10 lakh per acre of agricultural land and Rs. 5 lakh per acre of

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wasteland. Moreover, company should give Rs. 25 lakh per acre of homestead land and permanent job to us in the upcoming alumina project,” Mr. Naik said. The other demands included proper rehabilitation colony for displaced families, reservation in future employment and preferences in contract for taking up different developmental works. “We had earlier submitted our demands to Chief Minister, district magistrate, superintendent of police and other government officials. But after nearly two months we were yet to be intimated about company’s response,” he said. UAIL, which is a wholly owned by subsidiary of Indalco, had been one of the most controversial industrial projects in Orissa. The project was first conceived in early nineties when Indalco was not even in the picture. Several international and national companies participated in the venture, but the project never took off due to protest by local people. The Prakrutik Sampad Surakshya Parishad (PSSP), which had taken a lead in opposing the project, too extended its support to the demands of the alumina project-displaced families in the district.

Nalco move gives sleepless nights to villagers


KORAPUT: “We are prepared to return the compensation amount that was given by NALCO as rehabilitation package if we are not offered the benefits of Land Displaced Persons (LDP)” , Khemundu Dami, a youth from Ambogaon, in Mathalput panchayat of Koraput block said today. The villagers have been forced to spend sleepless nights for the fear of action by the local police for the last few months, especially after NALCO authorities had asked them to vacate the

village so as to facilitate construction of a long boundary wall, he added. Ambogaon, a revenue village was affected by displacement actions by the company for establishing the factory way back in 1982. While more than 500 acres of agricultural land of the villagers was acquired by the company, the village was kept away from receiving the benefits of the entire exercise. The village with a population of 465 people had to remain silent without getting a proper compensation package as repeated appeals to grant the status of LDP to its habitants had failed to impress anyone, Damodar Jani, convener of Koraput Tribal Forum, said. The villagers who primarily depended upon cultivation in the mountainous land near the village were since then forced to work as daily labourers in the factory area for the meagre compensation that they had received against the lost land, he added. While the villagers had lost the land on record, NALCO, on the other hand had not made use of the acquired land giving scope for the villagers to continue cultivating in about 100 acres of land adjacent to their village boundaries while continuing their fight for their rights to get the status of LDP similar to that of the displaced persons near NALCO plant at Anugul enjoyed, Niranjan Bhoi, an educated unemployed youth from the village informed. Even though Anugul and Damanjodi are from the same state and NALCO being the same company at both the places, he was surprised over the discrimination made in giving the compensation. While on the one hand the people who had lost their land near Anugul received the benefits of being the LDPs enjoying employment in the company apart from the handsome compensation package, no one on the other hand had received any employment in the plant from Ambagaon, he added. While the company had asked the villagers to stop cultivation of the land, they also had received serious warnings from the policemen of mass arrest, he alleged.

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N e w s-May

Orissa coast ‘heavy’ with minerals ENS, 1 May 2008

BHUBANESWAR: THAT the entire coastline of Orissa is a treasure trove of mineral resources has been bolstered by discovery of abundant concentrations of heavy minerals along the stretch. Explorations have confirmed deposits of heavy minerals like ilmenite, rutile, garnet, zircon and monazite within the sand bodies of palaeo-strandlines along the shoreline at locations under Brahmagiri, Sutana-Konark, Baulapura-Bhitar Andhari (northeast of Ersama) and Ramnagar regions. Palaeo-strand lines are the limits of the shorelines represented by sand bodies measuring several kilometers in length and 200-300 metres in width. Also called ‘ancient beach ridge complexes’, the sands are sediments of hinterland rock types brought by rivers into the sea. The waves and winds further sort and screen the deposits to form into heavy concentrations. Analysis of the deposits have revealed ilmenite concentration to the tune of 1.0-41 percent of the sand by weight, rutile 0.57-7.77 percent, garnet 0.1- 20.8 percent, zircon 0.56-5.73 and monazite 0.14 percent- 2.57 percent. The Brahmagiri, Sutana-Konark and Ramnagar sectors have shown more of ilmenite- rutile-zircon-garnet mineral crops. The exploration was conducted by a team of scientists of Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), Hyderabad, comprising K Jagannadha Rao, AV Subramanyam, Abhinab Kumar, TC Sushil and AK Chaturvedi and published in the latest issue of ‘Current Science’ journal. The discovery assumes immense significance as all the minerals have valuable industrial uses. Ilmenite and rutile are ores of titanium and have important utility as base in paint, paper, plastic applications. Rutile is widely used as welding electrode covering too. Zircon is used for abrasive and insulatory purposes while larger specimens are considered gemstones. Garnet is also a gemstone but also a good abrasive used to cut steel and sand blasting purposes. Monazite is the primary ore of valuable metals as thorium, cerium and lanthanum, which have high-value industrial applications including nuclear power generation. Using remote sensing studies through Landsat and followed by ground checking, the AMD team has found out that the ‘heavy mineral rich dunes are located 6-12 km inland from the coast and

sampled up to 1.5 m in depth’. The discovery has further opened up new areas between 15-20 km inland from the coast for exploration of heavy minerals along the Orissa-Bengal stretch.

Bottlenecks for Posco to be removed soon

The Hindu, 04 May,2008

BHUBANESWAR: Concerned over the inordinate delay in the implementation of their 12 million tonne capacity steel project in the State, Posco-India’s Chairman-cum-Managing Director Soung Sik Cho on Saturday met Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and discussed about the measures required to be taken by the State government in this regard. According to official sources, Mr. Cho requested the Chief Minister to facilitate diversion of forest land to ensure acquisition of land for the project in Jagatsinghpur district of the State. The matter with regard to diversion of a major chunk of the government land earmarked for the steel plant project in Jagatsinghpur is pending before the Supreme Court. While non-diversion of forest land was delaying acquisition of government for the project, the company had so far not been able to acquire private land due to people’s opposition to displacement. The company CMD also impressed upon the Chief Minister about the State government’s recommendation to the Centre about grant of prospecting licence with regard to the Khandadhar iron ore mines in Keonjhar district. There has been delay in the State’s government sending the recommendation for the second time in view of the pendency of a few petitions in the High Court. The petitions were filed challenging the government’s earlier decision recommending the Centre for grant of prospecting licence for Khandadhar mines to Posco-India. Talking to presspersons after the meeting, Mr. Cho expressed hope that the bottlenecks will be removed soon paving the way for the smooth implementation of the project. The company had signed the memorandum of understanding with the State government for the Rs. 51,000 crore steel project in June 2005.

POSCO chief’s visit

The Hindu,04 May,2008

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Posco-India’s CMD Soung Sik Cho met the Chief Minister regarding the inordinate delay in the implementation of their steel project in the State. –

Tata steel told to provide jobs to trained youth


BERHAMPUR: The officials of the Tata Steel were ordered by the administration to make arrangement for employment of technically trained youths from families displaced for its now shelved steel project in Ganjam district by the end of May. The Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), southern division, Satyabrata Sahu made this order at a meeting held to discuss the employment of youths from displaced families. These youths had taken up the path of agitation as the company authorities were allegedly side tracking the promises they had made during the land acquisition for the project which was shelved. This meeting was also attended by Ganjam district Collector, V.K. Pandian and officials of Tata Steel. The officials of the company informed that till date the company had provided employment to 49 youths from displaced families. They accepted that there were many more technically trained youths who were yet to get any scope of appointment from the company. Manoj Kumar Panigrahy, one among the group of youths from displaced families who have started agitation since November last year demanding the company to provide them employment said around 200 youths were provided ITI training by the company from 1996 to 1999. During displacement the company had promised to train and provide employment to one youth from each of the displaced families. Along with the shelved project, the company also forgot its promise, alleged Manoj. In November they were also promised to be provided employment by the end of January, which did not occur.

Union industry minister plans to develop backward districts


BHUBANESWAR, May 5: The UPA government is evolving a policy to encourage need-based industries in the industrially backward districts of the country. "Inclusive growth cannot be achieved unless we deal with micro-level issues and for this we have decided to identify certain industrially backward districts and address their problems in coordination with the state government," said Union minister of state for industries Dr Aswini Kumar here today.The Central minister said his visit to Orissa today was the first of a series where he will go to states, discuss with chief

ministers and concerned officers to evolve district-wise and district-specific industrial development. "By end of next month I shall be covering eastern states and the necessary policy will be presented to the cabinet soon," he said, adding the required push need not wait till the policy is framed. Referring to his meeting with chief minister Mr Naveen Patnaik, he said matters can be taken up when they come up. He said earlier efforts like providing fiscal incentive to units which are set up in no-industry districts had not given the desired result. Fiscal incentive alone cannot and will not work, there may be other problems like connectivity, electricity, law and order or naxals he said.The idea is to identify the district, the problem and then evolve a district industry plan with focus on employment generation, he explained. The CM assured the Central minister that a district-wise report will be given soon. Mr Patnaik focused on food and agro-processing units. The CM stressed on the improvement of the NH-215 passing through Keonjhar district and the proposed Ranchi-Bijayawada national highway. The proposed national highway would help in economic development of the Naxal-infested and mineral-rich districts, the chief minister said. Mr Patnaik drew the attention of Dr Kumar to certain requirements of the KBK (erstwhile undivided Koraput-Bolangir-Kalahandi) districts.

JSL personnel clash with villagers, 4 injured


JAJPUR, May 5: Four people were injured in a clash between displaced villagers of Bainsipur and security personnel of Jindal Stainless Ltd (JSL) at Kalinga Nagar. The villagers who had been displaced by the JSL unit have been residing at Trizanga rehabilitation colony. Today they accompanied some employees of JSL and tried to disrupt production of the plant. They were prevented by the security personnel and this led to a clash, said police sources. While three displaced villagers sustained injuries and were admitted to local Danagadi hospital, one of the guards was also injured. The displaced villagers claimed that they have been residing in the rehabilitation colony for the last five years without any basic amenities hence the steel company should fulfil their demands without any delay. Some of the workers who accompanied with the displaced villagers demanded that they should be regularised and their salary increased. Company source said, the agitators prevented the workers of the company from entering into the plant without any permission. Kalinga Nagar police station Inspector-in-Charge, Mr KC Mund said that the agitators trespassed the JSL area and three of them were injured in the clash with security guards. “I have not received any written complaint from either of the

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sides" he said. Mr Mund informed that police rushed to the spot after getting information and persuaded the agitators to talk to the company management for the fulfillment of their demands. It may be noted here that till yesterday Kalinga Nagar was on the boil with road blockade and tribals on the war path following the death of a tribal on 1 May. The victim was shot dead following a clash between tribals and a contractor engaged by another steel company. The security guard of the contractor had fired three rounds killing one person and this had triggered widespread resentment and protests. It was only yesterday that the issue was resolved.

Steel major to spend Rs. 1,200 cr. for rehabilitation


BHUBANESWAR: Steel major ArcelorMittal will spend about Rs. 1,200 crore for the purpose of rehabilitation and resettlement in its proposed 12 million tonne capacity steel project in Keonjhar district of the State. Top company officials informed about it to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during a meeting at the State Secretariat here on Friday. The company officials who informed the Chief Minister about the details of the rehabilitation and resettlement measures said that the amount would be spent over a period of five years. Talking to presspersons after the meeting, Chief Executive officer of ArcelorMittal India Sanak Mishra said that the company had decided to build self-sufficient rehabilitation colonies for the families that would be displaced to make space for the mega steel mill. Mr. Mishra said each displaced family would be provided a dwelling unit in the rehabilitation colony which would have all common facilities. The company had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the State Government in December 2006 for setting up the steel plant at an investment of about Rs. 40,000 crore. The company, however, has not submitted the detailed project report to the State government so far. The DPR is likely to be submitted by June this year.

‘Centre to facilitate industrial development’


BHUBANESWAR: Union Minister of State for Industry Ashwini Kumar on Monday said that the Centre had decided to collaborate with the State Government to ensure industrialisation in about 15 of the economically backward districts. Addressing a press conference here, Mr. Kumar said the initiative was being taken under a proposed policy of the Centre

to facilitate industrial development in about 600 districts across the country. The new policy, which would be formulated after he met the Chief Ministers of different States to discuss about the measures, required for the backward district, would be ready by July end this year, Mr. Kumar said. The Centre would provide all possible assistance to solve the problems that were creating hurdles for development in the industrially backward districts. Region-specific measures would be taken to solve the problems of road connectivity, availability of power and such other hurdles, he said. As regards the delay in implementation of several big steel plant projects in the State, the Union Minister said that the State Government should adopt a pro-people approach and facilitate industrialisation by taking the people into confidence. “If the State government claims it has got the best rehabilitation and resettlement policy, it should analyse the issue to know why so many projects were facing opposition from the people and sort out the problem,” Mr. Kumar observed. Replying to a query regarding the State government’s repeated allegation that the Centre was neglecting Orissa on various fronts, Mr. Kumar shot back saying that the Centre was treating all the States at equally. He also spoke at length about the Central Government’s welfare programmes such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, National Rural Health Mission, Rajiv Gandhi Gramya Vidyutikaran Yojana and the Pradhan Manti Gram Sadak Yojana. All these schemes were aimed to benefit the people at large, he added. Later, Mr. Kumar met Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the State Secretariat and discussed about the proposed policy and problems facing industrialisation in the State. The Chief Minister sought the Centre’s help in immediate repair and strengthening of the National Highway No. 215 that passes through mineral-rich Keonjhar district. Mr. Patnaik also stressed the need for speedy implementation of the proposed Ranchi-Vijaywada national highway project stating. The new high would be of great help in facilitating development in several interior districts of the State, he said.

Land acquisition, law and order to blame, says Govt Express News Service, 06 May,2008

BHUBANESWAR : The State Government today admitted that two major steel projects - Tata Steel and Posco-India - have been delayed due to disturbances over land acquisition and law and order problem. ‘‘Progress is slow in Tata Steel’s project at Kalinga Nagar in Jajpur district and Posco-India project near Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district due to law and order problem,’’ Chief Secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy told mediapersons here. Tripathy reviewed the progress of

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six different mega steel projects which propose to manufacture a total of 36 MTPA steel with an investment of about Rs 1,08,586 crore. Though all the companies had signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) with the State Government for setting up mega steel units in 2004 and 2005, none of them had gone to production stage. While TISCO had proposed to set up a six million tonne per annum plant at Kalinga Nagar in two phases with an investment of Rs 10,400 crore, Posco-India had planned to invest Rs 51,000 crore in its proposed 12 MTPA greenfield steel mill. Though two years had already passed since they signed an MoU with the Government, their progress was much below satisfaction, an official said. ‘‘All the mega projects are facing problems in acquiring land, getting water required for their projects and on top of it forest diversion proposal clearance,’’ the Chief Secretary said adding they are also facing problems relating to mining lease.

Special plan for bringing industries to 15 backward districts in State: Union Minister Pioneer News Service | 06 May,2008 Union Minister of State for Industry Aswini Kumar on Monday claimed that the UPA Government at the Centre had never adopted a partisan approach while taking industrialisation and development process into account. He said this after meeting Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the State Secretariat. Addressing a Press conference here at the State Secretariat, Kumar said discussions were held on the overall development of industrialisation process in the State. Steps would be taken to improve the road conditions of National Highway-215, the road connection from Vijyawada to Ranchi. "The Centre is committed for the overall development of Orissa's industrialisation," he said, adding that emphasis would be given on the overall industrial development of KBK areas. "The Centre would provide help to the State Government to bring industries to the 15 backward districts of Orissa," he said, adding that Orissa was the map of investment. "The Centre has identified 600 backward districts where industries are needed for the overall development. A special plan would be chalked out. Out of this, 15 districts of Orissa have been included," he said. He further said that a well-coordinated effort would be made to make all the entire districts industrialised ones. "Diversification of industries is needed," he said, adding that only expending on the mineral-based industries would not solve the purpose. Emphasis would be given on the overall development of agro industries, food industries and small and medium scale industries, he said. Kumar further said that district-wise sectoral approach would be made to make all the districts industrialised ones. The

Government of India would soon bring out a policy to make all the districts industrialised ones, he added. Pointing fingers at the State Government, he said the State Government should take steps to maintain law and order. "Only through an equitable industrialisation process, unemployment and Maoists menace can be curtailed to a great extent," he said. Earlier addressing a Press conference at the Congress Bhawan, Kumar lent his support for the Posco project. "Projects like Posco should be established," he said, adding that the Centre was committed to provide help to the industrialisation process of Orissa. On the issue of supporting the Vedanta project, he said the Congress had already made its point clear. But it should not be said that the Congress was opposing the industrialisation process in the State. "Emphasis should be given on rehabilitation and resettlement", he said. All the Congress activists have been asked to go the masses. The Congress would come to power both in the State and at the Centre in the coming general election, he added. Posco to set up downstream units close to project area Pioneer News Service , | 07 May,2008 While the South Korean steel major is shell-shocked over the recent developments, the new Director of Posco-India, Yong Keun Kim, is optimistic about his plans for downstream industries. After taking over as Director, Strategic Planning Team and Financial Management Team on May 1, he is busy chalking out plans for the company. His recent meeting with Managing Director of IPICOL, Ashok K Meena, has unfolded the road map of Posco on downstream and ancillary industries. A confident Kim said that Posco's greenfield project near Paradip would create enormous opportunities for developing ancillary and downstream units close to the steel plant. Some of the units, which are likely to come up, include automobiles, shipbuilding, fishing vessel, heavy fabrication and downstream heat and coil processing, reveals the document. There is a vast scope of indirect employment opportunity once the ancillary industries are set up in the area, the document says.Posco has requested the State Government for a piece of land near Paradip to set up the facilities. A detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared by the company, in which investors from South Korea would join for setting up downstream and ancillary projects. Soon, it would be presented to IPICOL, said Kim during the discussion. "Once the DPR is available with IPICOL, we will move for the land," said an official of the industrial promotion agency.

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Govt asks industrial houses to adopt six-pronged approach to win people's trust Pioneer News Service , | 07 May,2008 The State Government has asked the industrial houses to follow a six-pronged multi-approach to win the confidence of local people. "Without winning the confidence of local people, they could not be able to set up their industries," the Government said to industrialists. Government made it clear when representatives of the 11 industrial houses on Tuesday called on Chief Secretary Ajit Tripathy and put froth their grievances. For the last three days, Government patiently heard the grievances of the industries. Most of the industries pointed out that the law and order problem was a major threat in the industrial belt. To this effect, Chief Secretary Ajit Tripathy has unfurled a six- pronged multi approach for the industrial houses. The industrial houses have been asked to ensure entry point activities. The entry point activities include construction of temples, bridges and roads. Only with the entry point of activities, the industries can able to make inroads to the areas where it wants to set up the industries. The industrial houses have been asked to take care of local employment. It has been found that as most of the industrial houses do not put stress on the local employment and engaging people from other sides, it generates strong protest. The industrial houses have also been asked to put stress on protection of environment and go for a massive plantation. Worthwhile to mention that people in Angul raised this issue and alleged that the rise of temperature is due to degradation of environment. "Without paying respect to local people, no industries can able to survive. Steps should be taken in this regard," the Government said to industrial houses.Government also urged them to take steps to enhance the educational standard of the local people and upgrade their skill. Government further said that without infusing a sense of belongingness, the industry can not make a go head. "The people in their own land feeling alienated," Government officials claimed. Nalco plans Rs 14k-cr unit in Orissa Orissa Diary, 07 May, 2008 Bhubaneswar: National Aluminium Company (Nalco) is exploring the possibility of setting up a greenfield aluminium smelter and captive power plant near Jharsuguda, western Orissa at an investment of more than Rs 14,000 crore. The capacity of the proposed smelter is pegged at 5 lakh tonnes per annum with a captive generation facility of 1,250 mw. The alumina

required for the project is likely to be sourced from Nalco's existing refinery at Damanjodi.Engineer's India (EIL), which has been appointed the consultant, has found the project technically feasible. Jharsuguda is being chosen as the possible site for the plant as it is in the vicinity of the IB valley coal reserves. While the company has the required technology, land acquisition is expected to be trouble-free as most part of the identified patch is government land and barren. Though the company has been refused a coal block for the project, the coal ministry has assured the company of a long-term coal linkage from the Mahanadi Coalfields (MCL) mines. However, the availability of water poses a serious problem to successful completion of the project. Though the consultants in their pre-feasibility report have suggested that the water can be sourced from the IB river, it may not be an easy option, particularly in light of recent farmer unrest in the area. Meanwhile, the state-owned Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Orissa (Ipicol) has forwarded the company's application for water from IB river to the water resources department. Providing water to the proposed plant from the river will depend on the priority of the state government, official sources said. Besides, the company is weighing various options for setting up smelter plants in countries like South Africa and Iran depending upon the availability of cheap power. A high-level company delegation recently visited South Africa to explore the possibility of setting up a plant there but nothing has been finalised yet. The company intends to set up a 5 lakh tonne per annum smelter and 1,260 mw captive power plant in two phases in the African nation. Similarly, it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Kerman Development Organisation for setting up a smelter and subsequently a gas-based power plant in Iran in a joint venture. The capacity of the proposed smelter will be 3.1 lakh tonnes which will come up in two phases. 5 polluting sponge iron units closed in Keonjhar Pioneer News Service , | 07 May,2008 The Orissa State Pollution Control Board has slapped notices for closure of five sponge iron units in the mineral rich Barbil tehsil of Keonjhar district for allegedly violating pollution norms. These units are Grewal Associates Private Limited, Beekay Steel and Power Private Limited of Ulliburu, Deepak Steel and Power Limited of Topadihi, Rungta Mines Limited, Sree Metalicks Private Limited and KJS Ahluwalia Steel and Power Limited (earlier Hima Ispat and Power Limited) for failing to fulfil the pollution norms in spite of repeated notices issued to them. Regional Officer of Pollution Control Board, Keonjhar Region Niranjan Mallick said, "All the five plants including two MoUs signed by customers, namely Deeepak Steel

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and Power and Sree Metalicks had been spreading air and water pollution in spite of people's resentment. They were violating Section 23(A) of the Water [PCP] Act, 1974 and 31(A) of the Air Act [PCP], 1981." He further said that "in spite earlier notices served in different periods of 2007, they paid no heed to them. We have served them notices for closure of production in the last week of April on the direction of district administration." District Collector Bipin Behari Mohapatra told The Pioneer, "We have issued clear cut instructions to lock up these units as per U/S 19 Environmental Protection [EP] Act, 1986 like the earlier closure of six mines in October, 2007. The report also found that pollution control measures like Electro-static precipitator, bag filters and other ancillary equipment were not properly working to meet the standard set by OSPCB. Noteworthy to mention that Sree Metalicks Private Limited and Hima Ispat and Power Limited were closed along with Kusum Sponge and Powermet Private Limited during the tenure of previous Collector SK Lohani. Local Villagers of Ulliburu, Bolani Balaguda basti, Topadihi, Loidapada, Nalda and Barbil Municipality coming under Barbil Tahasil regularly complained of dust, black smoke accompanied by iron and coal dust and bad conditions of panchayat roads coming under the periphery of the plants. ‘Take precaution during blasting’

ENS, 07 May,2008

PADMAPUR: Orissa Revenue Commissioner Benugopal Sharma has directed the district administration to initiate precautionary measures during blasting at the Hatipathar waterfall at Rayagada. Panicked, locals had sought intervention of the local administration. The Commissioner had visited the area on Saturday last and reviewed the project work under which Hatipathar waterfall would be revived and soil erosion near the Nagavalli river would be prevented. The river changed its course after the 2006 floods and as a result, the Hatipathar waterfall dried up. The administration then took up the task of reviving the waterfall and check soil erosion due to flood water in the river before monsoon. As per Rayagada Collector Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, a project at the cost of Rs 25 crore has been prepared for revival of the waterfall, which will also prevent soil erosion of the Nagavali during rains. The project would be executed in two phases and the first phase work at the cost of Rs 7 crore has already started. The river flow would increase near the town and to prevent the erosion, a spur of 100 meter length and 30 feet width would be built at the spot, the sources said. A dam would be constructed in the second phase to restore the Nagavalli’s original path and once the river takes it original path, the waterfall would resume. The construction work was entrusted to the Orissa

Construction Corporation, which engaged a local contractor. However, the contractor allegedly did not use any precaution during the blasting. Locals who stayed near the waterfall alleged that during blasting, cracks had developed in their houses. The Commissioner, during his visit, directed the contractor to opt for other processes of blasting, by digging a 20-foot hole and to cover the spot with iron plate packing before blasting.

Govt’s 6-point advisory to companies

ENS, 07 May,2008

BHUBANESWAR: The State Government has formulated a six-point advisory for companies which have signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with it for establishment of steel plants in the State. Chief Secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy reviewed the progress of the projects in phases for four days. The progress of 12 companies was reviewed on the last day, on Tuesday. Companies coming to the State for setting up steel plants should invest to bridge critical infrastructure gaps in the villages. This would not require huge amounts as the entry point activity will include construction of a shed for a temple or a kitchenshed for mid-day meal. This would create a positive environment for investment. Besides, the State Government underscored the need for giving employment to people affected and displaced by the projects. If the skills of the local people do not match up with the requirement of the companies, they should create infrastructure for upgrading the skill. This includes opening of ITIs and training centres. Protection of environment is also a major concern of the Government. The companies were advised to take up plantations in new areas for maintaining the greenery. The Chief Secretary underscored the need for construction of water harvesting structures to maintain water level in the areas going for industrialisation. He advised the companies to protect the ecosystem in the industrial areas by taking up social and economic activities. The Chief Secretary said the companies should aim for inclusive development in the areas where they will invest for setting up steel plants. Besides, they should empathise with people and treat them as equal shareholders. They should be given shares in the project, he said. There should be empowerment of people through education in the project areas. As projects are set up in backward and inaccessible tribal areas, people should be provided education so that they would get jobs in the projects on their merit.

Villagers ‘beg’ as mark of protest

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JAJPUR, May 7: Displaced villagers of Hudisahi and Bainsipur who had given up their land for establishment of the Jindal Stainless Limited (JSL) today resorted to begging in front of the JSL gate at Kalinga Nagar as a mark of protest against the apathetic attitude of the company towards them. The displaced villagers, who have been residing at Trizanga rehabilitation colony after the displacement have been on a dharna since 5 May and today they started ‘begging’. They sought alms from employees and officers of various steel plants including the common people who were passing on the street in the industrial complex area. They even detained the officials of Jindal Stainless Limited (JSL) and presented their begging bowls. “We lost our farm land for the JSL plant. As we have no jobs in the plant and the JSL didn't pay heed towards our demands, we decided to earn something through begging on road,” said Mr Ganesh Purty, leader of the displaced villagers. “More then 60 displaced people including women and children of Hudisahi and Bainsipur who are mostly unemployed begged on the street the whole day. We begged from thousand of people, including various steel companies’ employees and officials, policemen and common men,” he added. The displaced families were demanding employment for all and basic amenities like community centre, electrification, ponds, good roads, pollution free environment, safe drinking water, training centre in their habitations. “We want employment as per the new R&R policy and basic amenities in the rehabilitation colony,” said Mr Raghu Purty, one of the agitating people. Being contacted Kalinga Nagar additional district magistrate, Mr Ranjit Kes-hari Mohanty said: “most of the agitating displaced villagers are existing employees of JSL including some skilled labourers. Their hidden plank is to raise their salary in pretext of infrastructure development in the area. They want a special package of benefits to them.” It may be noted that, four people were injured in a clash between displaced villagers of Hudisahi and Bainsipur and security personnel of JSL on 5 May. The displaced villagers accompanied some employees of the JSL tried to disrupt production of the plant. They were prevented by the security personnel and it led to a clash, said police source. While three displaced villagers sustained injuries and were admitted to local Dangadi hospital, one of the security guard was also injured.

Tribals oppose mining proposal in Niyamgiri hills


BHUBANESWAR: A large group of tribal men and women from Lanjigarh in Kalahandi district on

Wednesday staged a dharna at Mahatma Gandhi Marg here opposing proposed mining in Niyamgiri hills. Holding placards and banners, the tribals, belonging to the Dongaria and Jharnia tribes, came to the dharna site in a procession. They raised slogans vehemently opposing mining of the Niyamgiri hills, known for its rich biodiversity. The procession was led by Bhakta Charan Das, former union minister and convenor of Green Kalahandi, an organisation that has been strongly opposing handing over of the Niyamgiri hills to the Vedanta Group to source bauxite for its alumina refinery. The tribals also demanded proper compensation for the families who had been affected by the alumina refinery of Vedanta Aluminium Limited in their locality. Many project-affected families were running from pillar to post to avail the compensation that was due to them, they alleged. Mr. Das clarified that Green Kalahandi was not opposed to industrialisation in the State, but it would continue to oppose mining of Niyamgiri hills, which was being worshipped by the tribals living there since time immemorial. The Congress leader said the State Government should refrain from handing over Niyamgiri hills and the nearby Karlapat sanctuary to any private company for extraction of bauxite. He warned that a massive agitation would be launched in Kalahandi if permission was granted to any company to mine Niyamgiri hills in the future

Bauxite mining at Niyamgiri opposed

Express News Service, 08 May,2008

BHUBANESWAR: Green Kalahandi, an organisation working to protect the ecology of the district, on Wednesday reiterated its opposition to mining of bauxite from Niyamgiri hills for Vedanta’s alumina plant at Lanjigarh. A protest rally and dharna were organised by the organisation today to drive home the point that mining in Niyamgiri hills would lead to ecological disaster in the area. Addressing mediapersons, Chairman of Green Kalahandi and former minister Bhakta Charan Das said bauxite mines other than in Niyamgiri hills should be leased out to the company for its alumina plant. Das alleged that besides destroying the flora and fauna of the area and leading to environmental disaster, mining in Niyamgiri will hurt the religious sentiments of the tribal people who worship the hills. Green Kalahandi will oppose steps to deface the hills, which have been worshipped by the tribals for ages, he said. Alleging that the intake of water from the Tel river would create drinking water scarcity in the district, the former Union minister demanded construction of a barrage on the river by the company and use the surplus water. Das demanded construction of a 20-foot high wall from Dahikhal to Trilochanpur near the hill for protection of wildlife which have become endangered because of the plant.

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He said the company should also increase the compensation amount for the displaced families to Rs 10 lakh and provide a job to a member from each of the 1,340 displaced families. Besides, a portion of the profit should be invested by the company for the development of Kalahandi district and the displaced families should be made shareholders in the project, he said.

RPDAC must follow rehab policy: RDC Express News Service, 09 May,2008

ANGUL: "THE Rehabilitation and Peripheral Development Advisory Committee (RPDAC) cannot go beyond the State rehabilitation policy ambit unless the industry concerned agrees for it," said Revenue Divisional Commissioner (northern division) Madhu Sudan Padhi. Talking to this website's newspaper, the RDC ruled out any excess land rate to the land oustees in his division beyond the land acquisition rules. The RDC, who is the head of the RPDAC, quipped that if any industry agrees to give more than the land rate, then it can be offered as ex gratia and the RPDAC would raise no objection. He clarified that being a participative body, RPDAC cannot force an industry to offer more than the rules permit under the Land Acquisition Act. Padhi noted that rehabilitation issues of the oustees of Hirakud dam and Rourkela steel plant are two oldest and complicated tasks before him, adding, efforts are on to solve these cases. He expressed concern over improper rehabilitation measures of Bhusan Steel plant at Dhenkanal for which there have been periodical public agitations.

Gods rendered homeless by Hirakud dam Express News Service, 11 May,2008

SAMBALPUR: In a role reversal, deities here look to humans for succour. Hundreds of deities were displaced when one of the biggest man-made reservoirs in the country - Hirakud dam - was constructed in the early 50s. Fifty years after, the deities are still waiting for resettlement. Even thousands of people in undivided Sambalpur district, who were herded out of their villages to make way for the dam, are yet to be resettled. According to reports, 81 deities, including 32 in Sambalpur district, are yet to be resettled. About Rs 8 lakh compensation money is also lying with the Endowment Department here. Even the Submerged Area Temple Committee formed to look after the settlement of the deities is not functioning properly. Contacted, Assistant Endowment Commissioner Subhadarshi Pattanaik said steps are

being taken to resettle the deities. The compensation received for the deities, whose temple and lands were submerged, will be spent for construction of temples. When Hirakud dam was built, Government issued notice to 22,141 families of 369 villages to evacuate. Initially they refused to budge despite compensation offered for their land and property. But when the dam began, their settlements were submerged and they were forced to evacuate. People from 47 villages left their villages in April 1955. Most of them were forced to accept whatever money they were offered and the others were evacuated in two phases. Since then they have been running from pillar to post to get their dues. Many of them have since died without getting any compensation,while a large number of families has migrated to neighboring states.

Anti-Posco outfit forms eight suicide squads


PARADIP: Members of Posco Pratirodha Sangram Samiti (PPSS) on Sunday formed eight suicide squads at Sarala temple in Kanakpur under Nuagaon panchayat, to protest the Posco project. The squads, mostly comprising Nuagaon villagers, were formed under the leadership of PPSS leader Chitta Swain. Nuagaon panchayat was earlier considered pro-Posco as villagers had extended their support for land demarcation and socio-economic survey of the company. The panchayat has as many as 1,500 households. Nuagaon villagers, however, alleged that though they had supported Posco’s socio-economic survey and their houses and lands were covered under the survey, they did not receive proper rehabilitation package. As a result, they joined various anti-Posco groups on April 1. PPSS leader Swain said that the squads had decided to prevent entry of government and Posco officials into Posco demarcated sites. "The officials would have to face dire consequences if they try to enter Posco sites from today. A suicidal squad consisting of women would be constituted and steps would be taken to motivate villagers of other panchayats to protest Posco project," he added. It is learnt that these squads would be trained in handling arrows, sword fighting and preparing bombs.

Posco:Displaced families threaten self-immolation ENS, 13 May,2008

PARADIP: THE 52 families of Patana village under Dhinkia panchayat, who were rehabilitated by Posco after being ostracised by anti-Posco activists, have threatened self-immolation in front of Chief Minister’s

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house in Bhubaneswar if their demands are not met. Speaking to mediapersons on Monday, they have also refused to accept any kind of allowance from the company. These families had been rehabilitated in a transit colony at Badgabpur village under Balitutha panchayat in February this year and the company provided Rs 4,000 as maintenance allowance against their demand for Rs 6,000. The villagers today alleged that after rehabilitation, they have been neglected by both the company and the district administration. Last week, five houses in the colony were badly damaged following a thunder squall. They alleged that the houses collapsed as the construction materials used were substandard. The two teachers engaged by Posco for education of 40 children in the colony have not been coming to the schools. Village chief Chandan Mohanty said that they have not received maintenance allowance for one week now. They have sent a memorandum to the Chief Minister demanding basic facilities in the colony and increasing the allowance to Rs 6,000.

Mineral policy: Naveen shoots missive to PM ENS, 13 May,2008 BHUBANESWAR: CHIEF Minister Naveen Patnaik today reiterated his demand that the Centre should inform the mineral-bearing states about the changes made in mineral policy before its finalisation. In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Naveen said repeated requests from the chief ministers of the mineral-rich states have been ignored by the Centre. Naveen had written to the Prime Minister in this regard on April 13. The Chief Minister said the mineral-bearing states want value addition in their states for economic development. Mineral-based industries would ensure investment as well as create lakhs of jobs for local youths, he said and added that the states can also get funds for implementation of different poverty eradication programmes from this. Stating that value addition should be incorporated in the amended mineral policy, the Chief Minister said Section II of the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1957 should be amended for this. He said export of minerals without any conditions would affect the mineral-based industries in the states. Industries flourish, people feel the heat

ENS, 13 May,2008

DHEKANAL: THE depleting forest cover in Dhenkanal might lead to ecological disorder in the coming years. And the major causes for it are increasing population, urbanisation and industrialisation. The loss of forest cover has not been

replenished by industries or by the government. As per official records, 61.48 hectares of village forest was provided to Bhusan Steels Ltd and it paid Rs 5 crore for the same, 47.096 hectares forest land was occupied by railway authorities for extension of Meramandali-Duburi railway work and for this, the authorities paid Rs 2.73 crore. Similarly, for Rengali irrigation project, 2,107 hectares of land was allotted, Gridco took over 39.37 hectares and Irrigation Department took over 8.29 hectares of forest land in Kamakshyanagar. ‘‘The Divisional Forest Office (DFO) collected over Rs 76.42 crore against these lands and provided the amount to Compensatory Afforestation Management Programme Authority (CAMPA), which is set up under the Ministry of Forest and Environment,’’ DFO M.M. Panigrahi said. CAMPA functions under the Forest Ministry and implements forest development works (basically plantations) on plans submitted by forest authorities in consultation with the State counterparts. Its purpose is to protect forest and maintain ecological balance. The DFO and district administration have sent these funds to CAMPA but neither forest development works have started nor the industries, which are a major reason behind depleting forest cover, have initiated plantation work. Under these circumstances, it is the people residing near the industries who bear the brunt. Last year, the State Pollution Control Board had warned Bhusan Steel Ltd and BRG Steel Ltd besides many other industries for increasing pollution in the area. Despite all this, people here often have to hit the streets to protest against these polluting industries. Recently, villagers took out a rally against SCAW industries protesting pollution. District Collector Jamil Ahmed Khan informed that CAMPA would soon implement plantation programmes in the area.

Power project: public hearing cancelled


CUTTACK: Public hearing to assess the environment impact of the proposed 1000 MW thermal power project of Tata Company near Naraj, on the outskirts of the city here, was cancelled for the second time on Wednesday in view of the apprehensions of breach of peace. Officials from State pollution control board, Tata Company and senior officials of the district, who gathered at the spot for the deferred public hearing, had to make a retreat at the last moment when the local police warned that the situation was not conducive to hold the same in view of the prevailing situation at the site. City additional DCP Deba Prasad Mazumdar, who was camping at the site for past two days, informed the district administration that the situation at Naraj was not conducive to hold the public hearing on Wednesday as hundreds of pro and anti project activists were prepared to create serious law and order

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situation. “In view of the police report that there is serious apprehension of breach of peace in the area, we had to cancel the public hearing”, said district land acquisition officer Aditya Mohapatra. The public hearing, however, would be held at a later date, Mr. Mohapatra said adding that there were no proposals yet with regard to change the venue of the public hearing. It may be mentioned here that the company officials had been insisting on change of venue for public hearing as some locals are opposed to the project and are creating disturbances. In March this year, the public hearing was abruptly cancelled when the anti-project activists created a ruckus at the meeting spot ransacking the venue and taking the district official under captive for more than five hours. A PIL filed in the Orissa High Court challenging the proposal to change the venue of public hearing on environment assessment was, however, dismissed on Wednesday. The bench of Chief Justice A.K. Ganguly and Justice B.N. Mohapatra taking up the PIL that was filed on Tuesday said: “It was too late to interfere into the matter at this stage as the public hearing was scheduled for the day itself,” the HC said. The locals had been opposing the project ever since the State government issued notification about the project in November last year. They say the thermal power project would severely disturb the local environment and the Millennium city would be the hottest place in the State thereby putting the eight lakh populace in misery. The locals also allege that the project would deprive at least 20,000 villagers in the vicinity of their livelihood.

Tension at POSCO ‘site’ after clash


BHUBANESWAR: Palpable tension prevailed in the area earmarked for the mega steel project of POSCO-India in Jagatsinghpur district on Thursday following a clash between those supporting and opposing the project late on Wednesday night. According to official sources, the clash took place around 10.30 pm in Gobindpur village after two bombs were allegedly hurled at a group of anti-POSCO activists who were holding a meeting on the roof of a pucca house to discuss their future course of action. Although the bombs did not hit the target and one of them fell on a haystack, the activists came down in minutes and clashed with the supporters of the project who had come to attack them. Two persons, belonging to the project-supporting, sustained injuries in the clash. One of them, identified as Natabar Khatua, had been admitted to the Shriram Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. Khatua’s son had reportedly lodged a complaint with the Kujang police. However, no one had been arrested till Thursday evening. The police, however, did not go to Gobindpur village during the day. They went up to Balitutha,

entry point to the proposed project sire where hundreds of supporters of the steel project had attacked the POSCO Pratirodh Sangram Samiti activists in November last year. Following the November incident, a large number of policemen had been deployed in the area barring Dhinkia village, the nerve centre of the anti-POSCO agitation. Police deployment was withdrawn from the locality after thousands of the anti-project activists stormed Balitutha locality on April 1 defying prohibitory orders. POSCO-India had earlier announced to perform the ground breaking ceremony for the project in the locality on April 1, coinciding with the foundation day of the State as well as the foundation day of the South Korean company. The company, however, had dropped its plans saying it would perform the ceremony at a later date after it was able to obtain certain sanctions required for the implementation of the project. The company has not been able to take possession of any land in the proposed project site so far primarily due to strong opposition from a large section of the locals who were against displacement.

Anti-Posco group’s boy kidnapped


PARADIP: While anti-Posco activists chopped the palm of a pro-Posco activist Natabar Khatua at Gobindpur village during a clash on Wednesday, the latter hit back today by kidnapping a boy of anti-Posco group from Balitutha area. As tension runs high in Gobindpur, police have yet to reach the area to recover the chopped palms. The 25 families, who had left the village following the violence, are yet to return in the absence of police security cover. Reports said pro-Posco activists kidnapped the boy Sanjib Swain of anti-Posco group at Balitutha while he was on his way to Kujang. However, Kujang police station IIC Anil Mishra said the boy was released a few hours after abduction. Meanwhile, Kujang police have registered cases against Ashok Burdhan, Gulia Kandi, Prakash Jena, Ranjan Swain and others on charges of chopping the palm of Khatua. While pro-Posco groups have been demanding the severed palm, the anti-Posco groups said the palm has been eaten by dogs. This has further aggravated the situation. District administration has formed a 15- member peace committee consisting of local lawyers, intellectuals and journalists to restore normalcy in Gobindpur. Eight members of the committee went to Dhinkia and Gobindpur to convince both groups for restoration of peace.

Construction industry: Women face hazards

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KENDRAPARA: While it provides livelihood to hundreds of people, the booming construction industry has not been without its hazards. An alarming case is of women workers who experience many biological and health problems, as per a survey carried out by SEBA, a social organisation, among women construction workers in the coastal districts of Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur. Almost all complained of muscular pain in their limbs. Handling bricks and gravel was the cause of wounds on their lower legs and hands, the study observed. In fact, many women had been hurt by a fall at the worksites. "The survey found that most of the construction firms and builders violate prescribed safety measures for their workers. The workers lack awareness on the value of safety equipment and said that such gear would only hamper their movements," said SEBA secretary Saroj Das. However, women construction workers felt that "if they were issued such safety equipment, instructed on how to use it in their own language and allowed time to get used to it, they would then use it and many injuries could be avoided." The survey also reflected that growing mechanisation adds to the danger. Rough terrain, poor site layout, limited visibility and high levels of noise increase risks in the use of motorised equipment. Operation errors in the use of lifting of appliances of greater size and variety are another cause of accidents. Widespread risks lie in employing seasonal and migrant labour, not accustomed to an industrial environment and often given arduous and dangerous works. The month-long survey has also reflected that the district labour officials pay only lip service towards the sorry plight of women construction workers. About 15,000 women work in the construction sector in both the districts. But the labour officials have not enlisted their names as workers. Differences also crop up in payment of wages as women are paid less than their male counterparts. But the authorities concerned seldom take action.

Villagers demand closure of stone crusher units

ENS, 18 May, 2008

JAJPUR: RESIDENTS of Rathia village under Dharmasala police limits have filed a petition with the District Collector demanding closure of stone crusher units in the area. They alleged that smoke and dust spewed by these units are causing health hazards. Dust from these units pollute streams, which are used by villagers for drinking water purposes, besides destroying agricultural fields and plants. Another serious impact of the dust is formation of fog on NH-5, connecting Kolkata and Chennai, thus making it accident-prone. About two dozen stone crusher units

are operational in and around Rathia village round-the-clock, allegedly violating government norms. ‘‘We have been complaining of pollution by these units for many years now. But neither the administration nor police has taken any action,’’ alleged Avimanyu Mallick, a villager. Villagers urged the District Collector to direct the crusher owners to shift their units to distant places. Last week, villagers staged a four-day road blockade over the issue.

Koira: Rich in minerals, but poor in education

ENS, 19 May, 2008

ROURKELA: Educational system in the tribal block of Koira in Bonai sub-division of Sundargarh is on the verge of collapse. Thanks to mindless mining in the block, the educational institutions in distant areas virtually have no teachers and students due to pathetic road conditions. Reasons are not far to seek as over the years, road infrastructure in the entire block has turned from bad to worse and now has increasingly become inaccessible. The block has nearly 162 government and private schools having classes up to seven, while there are 11 high schools. In contrast, sources said the scenario is as grim as bright it appears to be. Consider this: There are 10,721 students up to Class-VII but the number comes down to as low as 1,000 in high school level. On conservative estimate, nearly 6,000 tribal children are still out of school. Adding to the woes, half of the existing teachers deliberately stay away from work on different pleas, a fact admitted by education officials. Koira block chairperson Emlan Topno, lamenting the grim scenario, said semi-literacy would not be of much help to the tribals. She attributed the bleak scenario to inaccessible roads and low literacy among the tribal parents. Due to lack of communication, teachers deliberately avoid classes and as students too have to take the same route they too end up staying away from schools. Teachers from outside the block are neither willing to stay nor is it possible for them to commute daily, she revealed. A case in the point is the only college at Koira. The college is on the verge of closure for lack of students as it virtually remains cut off from Tensa, Kalta and other areas. District CPM secretary Banamali Dhupal, who is closely linked to the block, observed that schools nearer to villages have students, opposite is the situation in far-flung areas. There are other problems. The primary school at Bhutura village is starved of teachers. Yet 84 students are huddled into the classroom for 12. The only hope against such a grim scenario here is the Sundargarh district administration’s sanctioning of Rs 25 lakh to set up a tribal residential school for girls at Swambha panchayat and already upgraded two to high school status.

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PRI members seek pollution control

ENS, 19 May, 2008

SAMBALPUR: The Panchayati Raj Members (PRI) of Dhankauda block led by its chairperson Maithali Bagarti met District Collector P K Pattnaik here on Saturday and apprised him of rise in pollution level in adjoining villages due to Rathi Udyog, a sponge iron unit at Sirkidi on the banks of Mahanadi. They alleged that paddy cultivation and vegetable crops have been badly affected due to black smoke and dust particles originating from the factory.

Power generation hit

Express News Service, 22 May, 2008

TALCHER: The strike by contractual workers of NTPC-Kaniha has hit power generation at the 3000 MW plant and the coal stock reduced. As per NTPC sources, plant generation at daytime is down by 15 percent due to the strike by casual workers since May 14 demanding wage revision, among other things. The plant normally generates 3000 MW per day. Similarly, the plant coal stock which was at 4 lakh tonne on the day strike began, was reduced to 2.23 lakh today. The plant authorities draw 30,000 tonne less coal daily than the normal quantity from coal mines at Talcher and Ib valley coal field. If the stock situation does not improve in a few days then the plant like last year, may slip into a critical state. As the coal shortage is worsening, the plant management has decided to shut down the sixth unit of the plant for annual maintenance within two days. This is an unusual decision of the NTPC authorities to shut down a unit in May. Even during last year crisis, no unit was closed in summer. Meanwhile, tension prevails at Kaniha area over the arrest of six agitators on the charges of beating NTPC worker yesterday. Against the backdrop, president of the striking union, Durjati Das, vowed to continue the strike until their demand for wage hike is accepted. NTPC officials blamed workers for the strike when they had ‘‘already agreed for the wage hike at the May 7 meeting’’.

16 deaths in Bhusan so far

Express News Service, 24 May, 2008

ANGUL: ACCIDENTS in Bhusan Steel limited are on the rise in the absence of safety precautions and slackness in enforcing the safety rules by factory officials. The company which is setting up its three million ton capacity steel plant at Meramandali near

here reported 16 accidental deaths in the last three years. Two others died of lightning while on duty at the construction site. According to official figures two died in 2005 when the company started first phase work. In 2006 two other contractual workers met with accidental death. Accidents shot up in 2007 to five, thanks to the callous role of the state factory and boilers authorities. With six deaths reported till date, 2008 is considered a sad year for the workers. Factory official sources here informed that the factory and boiler Assistant Director here registered cases in connection with the deaths of Jasawat Pradhan, Surendra Sharma, Navin Baske and Bijay Kar only. Top company authorities like Satish Tyagi and executive vice-president Rahul Sengupta are charged in these cases for violation of labour and safety rules.

Now, less land to be used for power plants Pioneer News Service, 27 May 2008 Taking the stiff opposition to the thermal power plant in the State into account, the Union Ministry of Power is planning to reduce the land requirement for setting up of ultra mega power projects (UMPPs). The opposition has already begun near Naraj where Tata is planning to set up its thermal power plant. Expressing concern over the deterioration of environment, the people have come forward and lodged their protest. Similarly, the process of land acquisition for UMPPs has been slow due to the opposition from the local population and huge area required for the projects. Meanwhile, the Union Ministry of Power along with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has done an exercise in order to optimise the land requirement for the projects. The CEA has done a rethink on the land requirement and has suggested reduction by 15 to 40 per cent. However, coastal UMPPs do not require large area of land for handling coal because ash content of imported coal is less. There is a possibility of reducing land requirement. "We need to keep in mind that the land requirement for UMPPs is huge and the States are densely populated one," said a senior official. The Centre has already decided to set up three mega power project of 4,000 MW ultra power project (UMPP) in the State. The State Government has also given its nod to this effect. But, the Union Ministry of Power is also looking into the proposal from the State Government for three new sites for setting up the UMPPs. The Power Finance Corporation will soon call for proposals for the 4,000-MW Ultra Mega Power Project (UMPP) in the State. The project work will commence before the end of the calendar year. "If all the planned power plants go on line, then by end of 11th Plan (2012) the country would require 40 million tonnes (mt) of imported coal," the officials feel.

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Pro POSCO supporter called off agitation after police assurance Orissa Diary, 26 May, 2008 Paradip: About 45 pro POSCO villagers from Govindapur village who resorted Dharana inside Kujanga police station and later shifted venue near by market complex on Monday called off their agitation today after the police assured them taking action against the anti project men who chopped up the left palm of one Natabar Khatua now under going treatment . reports said villagers under leadership of Baina Mohanty and Manendra Patra converged in Kujanga police station on Sunday morning and resorted Dharana inside the police station demanding stern action against the project opponents who involved in Natabar Khatua case on 14 May and those creating trouble in Govindapur village and proposed POSCO site villages. Police cited its compulsions arresting the accused persons and assured action would be taken promptly but that did not pacify the agitators those continued their Dharana. Later on Sunday night police dragged the agitators from the police station premise who performed their agitation shifting to nearby market complex on Monday morning. After day long agitation police and administrative officials discussed with agitators and assured action will be taken soon against the persons involved in Natabar Khatua case , then the agitators called off Dharana on Monday evening, said leaders of the agitating villagers. Tribals protest Arcelor Mittal project in Keonjhar Orissa Diary ,Monday, 26 May 2008 Bhubaneswar: Hundreds of tribals Monday staged a demonstration to protest the proposed Rs.400-billion steel plant by global major ArcelorMittal in Keonjhar district of Orissa. The protestors shouted slogans like “Go back Mittal”, “We will not give an inch of land for the plant”, in front of a hall at district headquarter of Keonjhar, some 150 km from here, where a meeting organized by the company officials was on, a senior district police official told. The company held a meeting inviting villagers, NGOs and government officials to seek their suggestions on the rehabilitation package for the tribals. Although the company officials also invited the leaders of the protestors to join the meeting, they refused, the police official said. ArcelorMittal signed a deal with the Orissa government, two years ago, to set up a 12 million tonne capacity steel plant at a proposed investment of Rs.400 billion on nearly 8,000 acres of land in the tribal populated Keonjhar district. “We will make efforts to convince people that the project will ensure a

better life for them,” Sanak Mishra, CEO for ArcelorMittal’s greenfield steel projects in Jharkhand and Orissa, said.

‘Orissa, second in industries’

The Statesman News Service

ANGUL, May26: “The state government intends to provide housing to the people at industrially- infested area like Angul,” said the minister for works and housing Mr AU Sigh Deo here today. Speaking at the Bhumipuja ceremony of Radaha Mohan Garnaik housing scheme here this afternoon, the minister described the state as the second most industrialised state in the country. Expressing concern over the rise of traffic on national highway 42, he said the state government had submitted to the centre a proposal to convert the NH from Manguli Chack to Angul into a four-lane one. He also announced development of some roads in the locality like Gopal Prasad to kaniha and Badkera Mahidharpur. Said to be first of its kind at Angul, the housing scheme will cost about Rs 65 crore. It would be built over an area of 6.5 acres. Similar housing scheme will be also implemented at Jharsuguda, and Paradeep. n sns

Arcelor workshop, locals protest

The Statesman News Service

KEONJHAR, May 26: Expressing confidence over commissioning of its 12mtpa steel plant at Patna area of this district, the top executives of Arcelor Mittal today said they would build the plant taking local people into confidence. We will go to the people, talk and explain the benefits to them, they said at a workshop here today. In sharp contrast, the people were however staging a demonstration outside the venue of the workshop and raising slogans against the project. Highlighting the track record of the company, Mr Vijay Bhatnagar, CEO, India said the company has always kept its social responsibility in mind and this is true of all its projects across the globe. The same commitment towards social responsibility and social development will be followed in Keonjhar district, assured Mr Bhatnagar. He was speaking at the workshop on Social Responsibility Activities here. Several people drawn from different walks of life, villagers and NGOs participated in the workshop. In Keonjhar as well as in Jharkhand the best technology in the world will be used. At present, in fact, a team is selecting the best suitable technologies from across the world for this project, he noted. Our goodwill is our best quality steel which is produced in 60 countries, he said adding that both the steel plant projects in Orissa and Jharkhand are likely to come up simultaneously.

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The progress on both projects is almost the same except for the fact that in Orissa the water availability has been studied whereas the same is yet to be done as far as the Jharkhand project is concerned, informed Mr Bhatnagar. Dr Sanak Mishra, CEO, Greenfield Projects, stated that the ratio of employment in the categories of skilled, unskilled and semi-skilled is 1: 3: 6. It is because of this that the company has decided to establish a high class ITI in the district and enable local students to enhance their employability. District collector B.B Mahaptra, Superintendent of Police Saumendra Priyadarshi and other officials were present. Later talking to reporters Mr Bhatnagar informed that the company’s rehabilitation and resettlement policy is in tune with the state governments policy. Dr Mishra, on his part, briefed that the company would consume water from Baitarani river and the consumpton would be very low. He asserted that there would be no water or air pollution.The legislator of the area Mr Gourahari Nayak however maintained proper and adequate compensation to displaced people will solve the problem. n sns

Posco supporters lift dharna


JAGATSINGHPUR, May 26: The supporters of Posco project from Govindpur, who had been staging dharna in front of Kujanga police station since yesterday, called off their protest today following certain assurances by the district administration. The district administration urged upon the villagers to call off the stir and assured that they would be provided adequate protection within a week. The administration also promised to arrest the accused persons in the sensational palm chopping of Mr. Natbar Khatua incident. It may be noted that the villagers had been demonstrating protesting police inaction and demanding justice and protection. They had warned that the stir would be intensified further in case the administration does not pay any heed to their demands. Sources said about 40 families were part of the demonstration and had been demanding security for them as they live in panic condition. Many villagers have left the native land fearing trouble by anti-Posco group, some agitators informed. The agitators allege that police have played a very inactive role in the project area and cited the example of Khatua palm chopping case, the accused of which incident are still moving scot-free. They said tension still prevails at Govindpur village for some days. It may be noted that last week, one pro-Posco activist Mr. Natbar Khatua had lost his palm during scuffle. Khatua’s family members tried their best to collect the chopped limb, so that at least medically it could have tried to join it with the body. The limb has not been traced so far. The anti-Posco group’s statement that the palm has been

fed to stray dogs further aggravated the situation. However, the Khatua family members allege that the palm was burnt at Dhinkia village. The project supporters now allege that the morale of anti-Posco activists have got a fillip after they could pressurize the administration for the withdrawal of police force from the village by detaining senior police officers for hours. The project supporters have also highlighted the plight on one of their brethren Mr. Manidra Rout, who has been struggling for his life in SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack. Rout was allegedly attacked by the opponent group. The pro-Posco group also criticised the demand of Rs 97,000 towards fine from them. One woman Mrs. Sumati Dei narrated her plight and expressed that while police themselves do not dare to enter the village fearing wrath of the anti-Posco group, how they can provide security to the villagers, who live under threat. Meanwhile, it is learnt that the efforts of the peace committee have gone in vain, as neither the pro-Posco nor the anti-Posco group are ready to pay any heed to the committee proposals.

Project-displaced seek higher compensation


BHUBANESWAR: Close on the heels of Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla assuring Orissa government that he was not abandoning the 15-year-old alumina project at Kashipur in Rayagada district, tribals from the project area here on Sunday demanded an enhanced compensation package. “The company will be allowed to go ahead with its project only when it will address to our 38-point charter of demands,” said Chitrasen Naik, secretary of a committee of displaced people. The proposed one-million tonne per annum capacity alumina refinery has been hanging in the balance for a decade and half due to people’s resistance. Many domestic and multinational companies participated and left the venture during the period. Finally, the project was taken over by Aditya Biral Group. During his recent visit to the State, Mr. Birla did not commit on any new package for the displaced families. Mr. Naik said in 1996 people were given Rs. 21,300 per acre that was later revised to Rs. 80,000 per acre. “Since people affected by other projects in the State are getting handsome compensation, we need at least Rs. 10 lakh per acre of land,” he said. Tribals, who addressed a press conference here at Congress Bhawan, alleged they were subjected to torture by administration. Since 2004, about 25 people from the project affected areas had been languishing in jail without no fault, they said. False cases had been lodged against people spearheading anti-displacement people since 1993, they charged. The tribal people said elderly people should be covered under social security scheme with

32

provision of one-time compensation of Rs. 5 lakh as well as Rs. 2000 stipend per month.

Orissa’s steel hub to get airstrip, connecting road


Bhubaneswar: In a bid to provide air connectivity to Orissa’s steel hub, Kalinga Nagar industrial complex, the State Government today decided to set up an airstrip and develop road connecting to the area. According to Finance Minister Prafulla Ghadei, who presided over a meeting on development of the steel hub, the airstrip would be developed on the public-private-partnership (PPP) model. “The Secretary of Steel and Mines Department is asked to identify land required for the airstrip and coordinate with other departments and agencies for setting of the facility,” Ghadei told reporters. Earlier, the industrialists of Kalinga Nagar which housed steel units including Tata Steel, NINL (Nilachal Ispat Nigam Limited), Jindal Stainless Limited, Mesco and others, had pointed out several problems like bad connectivity to the area. Besides, Ghadei said that an overbridge would be constructed at Manpur railway station at an estimated cost of Rs 40 crore. The cost would be equally shared by the Centre and the state government. Ghadei said the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) had been asked to shift its water pipeline from Jajpur-Duburi road to facilitate four-laning of the road. This apart, the Finance Minister said the work for the Rs 320 crore Duburi-Keonjhar road has already started which would help transportation of iron ore from Keonjhar to Kalinga Nagar. - PTI

Accident in plant premises, one killed

The Statesman

JAJPUR, May 27: Tension prevailed in the Kalinga Nagar area in Jajpur district following an accident in the Rohit Ferrotech plant premises in which one person was killed. The deceased have been identified as Madan Mohan Tripathy (60), the raw material in-charge of the plant. Hundreds of workers including contract labourers of the company gheraoed the plant demanding compensation and a permanent job on compassionate grounds for the next of the kin of the deceased. According to police station sources, the mishap occurred last evening when Tripathy was run over by a chromites laden truck after being hit by it from behind at the raw material yard of the plant while he was supervising the work. He was rushed to the local government hospital where doctor declared him brought dead. When the death news of the accident and

death spread, tension prevailed in the industrial complex where hundreds of workers of the plant leaving their duties gheraoed the plant. Police rushed to the plant immediately after the mishap, seized the truck and arrested its driver. A case has been registered to this regard. The gherao was withdrawn after Rohit Ferrotech plant management declared a compensation of Rs 3.64 lakh and a permanent job to the kin of the deceased. It may be noted that deceased was an employee of the public sector Ferrochrome plant at Jajpur Road. After retirement he had joined in the Rohit Ferrotech Limited just a month ago. n sns

CS to visit Kashipur to study Utkal Alumina project Pioneer News Service, 27 May 2008 Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has directed Chief Secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy to visit Kashipur to know the ground problem that has come as a bottleneck for the smooth running of the Utkal Alumina project. The people who were displaced by the project are not prepared to accept the rehabilitation package offered by the Utkal Alumina plant. Tripathy will lead a team to Kashipur to assess the situation to find a solution to the ongoing displaced problem. The committee will visit the area on May 30. In order to expedite the industrial growth in the State, Chief Secretary Tripathy also took a review meeting of the officials of the cements and alumina companies. He took review the progress of three alumina and three cement companies. The works of the OCL (India Ltd), Grassim Cement Ltd and ASL Cement were reviewed. Grassim has not yet decided the location where it would set up the plant. Government placed a proposal before the ASL cement to change the location of its proposed plant from Rourkela to Malkangiri. One fourth of the total deposits of lime stone are available in Malkangiri district. Among the alumina industries whose progress were reviewed are Utkal Alumina International Ltd, Hindalco Industries Ltd and Vedanta Alumina. Utkal Alumina has so far acquired 3146 acres of land and invested Rs 543 crore and Hindalco acquired 1357 acres of land and invested Rs 601 crore in the project. Vedanta Alumina has started its work both in Lanjigarha and Jharsuguda and invested Rs 8,231 crore. Chief Secretary Tripathy asked the officials to put stress on massive plantation programme and infrastructure development. He also urged the officials to put priority on giving employment opportunities to the local people in their plant site. Secretary, Industries Chinmoy Basu, Secretary, Steel and Mines Ashok Dalwai and officials of the IPICOL and IDCO were present on the occasion.

33

Villagers lock steel plant, 42 arrested


JAJPUR, May 28: Kalinga Nagar police arrested 42 residents of Jakhapura village on charges of locking both entrance and exit gates of Visa Steel here.Earlier in the day, villagers of Jakhapura, located close to the Visa Steel plant demonstrated demanding that the contract of loading and unloading materials at the railway siding of the plant be awarded to them. While police managed to arrest 42 villagers the remaining agitators escaped. Work inside the plant was paralysed and production hampered following the agitation. As palpable tension prevails in the area two platoon of police force have been deployed at the site to avoid any untoward incident. Police sources said that one Haladhar Nayak of Jakhapura village was awarded the job of loading and unloading of material form the railway siding of Visa Steel a couple of days ago. The agitating villagers were demanding the same work to be awarded to them in stead of Haladhar. Earlier, the issue was brought to the notice of the Visa authorities by the agitating villagers, but in vain, the sources added. “The tension erupted who would do the contract and get financial benefits out of the loading and unloading work of Visa steels at the railway siding. While the job is wholly dominated by the a particular people of Jakhapura village, it is being objected by a group of villagers,” said Mr Kartik Chandra Swain, additional superintendent of police, Kalinga Nagar who is camping with police force at the site. “Some local Jakhapura villagers locked all gates of our plant and preventing men and materials into the plant premises since early morning demanding award of a particular job. They squatted at the company’s gates and chased away our plant workers and officers. First shift workers and officials could not join in the plant due to the squatting and prevention from the agitators. Our plant seriously affected following the agitation for the five hours, which has resulted in huge loss to the organisation,” said Mr Sanjeev Behera, general manager (liaison) of Visa Steels. Jajpur superintendent of police, Mr DS Kutey said that police deployment has been made and the situation is being monitored by the ASP who is camping there.

Workers fear MCL privatization Express News Service, 29 May 2008

TALCHER: "Decision of Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) to award contract to a private party for removal of overburden (OB) works in Lingaraj coal mine is against the avowed policy of the UPA Government," opined MCL workers. OB works consist of removal of top soil for exposure of coal seam. Lingaraj will be the first functional coal mine of MCL that would go for OB privatisation while a similar move to handover OB works to a private party at Laxmanpur open cast mine in Ib valley earlier was aborted due to protests. Coal workers spreading across Talcher and Ib valley are a worried lot as they fear the move is a backdoor step to privatise the profitmaking coal company. They argued that there is no point in privatising the work when workers excel in OB removal, leading the company to achieve its record production each year. The workers are particularly peeved over the contract being awarded to a party which has already been doing coal production work in Lingaraj mines for last several years and is also accused of violating labour and safety rules. As many as 600 employees, mostly land oustees, would be rendered jobless if the company goes ahead with OB works outsourcing plan.Trade union leaders like Surendra Pandey of BMS, Sriballav Panigrahi of INTUC and Anit Chakravarty of AITUC have also opposed the move. MCL official sources, however, maintained that the outsourcing would be for a temporary period.

34

PPUUBBLLIICC HHEEAARRIINNGG NNOOTTIICCEESS

Month-April

NAME OF COMPANY &

PLACE OF OPERATION

CAPACITY OF THE PROJECT

DATE OF NOTI

CE

DATE OF PUBLIC

HEARING

VENUE OF PUBLIC

HEARING

NOTIFICATION NUMBER OF

MOEF

1

M/S OMC Ltd.,Daitari Iron

Ore Mines,Keonjhar

Expansion of Iron Ore Production from 1-3 MTPA over an area of 190.20 Ha.

O5.04.2008

09.05.2008(11.00A.M.

Daitari Sports

Ground.

8319/IND-11-PH-223

2 M/S Tata Power Co Ltd.,Naraj

Establishment of a Coal based Thermal Power Plant

of 1000MW capacity.

O8.04.2008

14..05.2008(8.30A.M.)

Near Munduli

High School.

8610/IND-11-PH-240

3 M/S Jindal

India Thermal Power Ltd.

Establishment of 2×660MW Coal based Power Plant.

O8.04.2008

14.05.2008(8.00A.M)

Derang SC/ST High

School.

8630/IND-11-PH-266

4

M/S Shyam DRI Power

LTD.,Pandloi,Rengali,Sambalp

ur.

Establishment of integrated Steel Plant for production of Sponge Iron of 0.6 MTPA & Pig Iron of 0.7 MTPA,Coal washery of 1.5 MTPA,Ferro alloys Plant of 0.25 MTPA &

captive Power Plant of 200MW.

08.04.2008

21.05.2008(8.00A.M)

Pandloi U.G M.E School premises.

9405/IND-11-PH-262

5

M/S MGM Steels

Ltd.,Nimidha,Dhenkanal.

Production of Sponge iron of 2,10,000 TPY,Hot metal of 1,31,000TPY,Power of 32

MW & Steel Billet of 2,50,000 TPY.

26.04.2008

29.05.2008(10.30A.M)

Meeting Hall of

Odapada Block

Office,Odapada(10.30A.

M)

9917/IND-11-PH-265

6 M/S Nalco

Ltd.,Chhendipada,Angul

Utkal –E-Coal mine project for production of 2 MTPA of

Coal .

29.04.2008

30.05.2008(8.00A.M)

Nandichhod village.(8.00

A.M)

10130/ IND-11-PH-263

7

M/S Saraf Agencies

Pvt.Ltd.,Chhatrapur,Ganjam.

Proposed SEZ with integrated Titanium(Chemical

& Metallurgical Complex) for production of

108000TPA,Titanium slag,69000TPA

high purity pig iron,40000TPA

Titanium dioxide pigment. & 10,000

TPA Titanium Sponge.

29.04.2008

30.05.2008(9.00A.M)

Local R.I Office at

Chamaukhandi.

10120/ IND-11-PH-252

35

PPUUBBLLIICC HHEEAARRIINNGG NNOOTTIICCEESS

Month-May

NAME OF COMPANY &

PLACE OF OPERATION

CAPACITY OF THE PROJECT

DATE OF NOTICE

DATE OF PUBLIC

HEARING

VENUE OF PUBLIC

HEARING

NOTIFICATION NUMBER OF MOEF

1

M/S Orissa Manganese & Minerals Pvt.

Ltd,Sundergarh

Production of 17376 TPA Manganese in an area of 31,549 Ha at its Kusumdihi Manganese

Mineproject.

15.05.08 18.06.08(3.00P.M)

Kusumdihi Project U.P

School 12250/IND-11-PH-256

2 M/S Manganese & Minerals Pvt. Ltd,Sundergarh

Production of 0.0014MTPA

Manganese in an area of 23.29 Ha at its

Sanapothali Manganese Mine project.

15.05.08 18.06.08(9.00A.M)

Patholi U.G.U.P School

12258/IND-11-PH-257

3 M/S

K.C.Pradhan ,Sundergarh

Production of 50,000 TPA Manganese in an area of 12.56 Ha at its

Ganua Iron & Manganese Mine

project.

15.05.08 17.06.08(10.00A.M)

Ganua Sevashram 12242/IND-11-246

4

M/S Orissa Power

Generation Corporation

Ltd.,Jharsuguda

2×660 MW expansion project units 3&4 at IB

Thermal Power Station,Jharsuguda

15.05.08 24.06.2008(11.00A.M)

Gram Panchayat

Head Quarters,Tel

enpali

12224/IND-II-PH-264

5 M/S Manganese

& Minerals Pvt.,Sundergarh

Production of 25000 MTPA Manganese in an area of 35.613 Ha at its Tentulidihi Manganese

Mine project.

21.05.08 24.06.2008(3.00P.M)

Tentulidihi U.P School 12853/IND-II-PH-255

6 M/S Rungta

Mines Ltd,Sundergarh

Setting up a DRI Plant of 0.315 MTPA,small blast

furnace of 0.382 MTPA,Induction

furnace,Ladel furnace & a steel melting plant of

billet cast of 0.2 MTPA,& a W.H.R based extended power plant of 42 MW & a coal based extended power plant of

25 MW

21.05.08 25.06.2008(10.00A.M)

Kusumdihi Project U.P

School 12862 /IND-II-PH-232

36

CCLLEEAARREEDD PPRROOJJEECCTTSS IINN AAPPRRIILL,, 22000088

MINING PROJECTS

Ispat Sukinda Chromite Mining Project of M/s Balasore Alloys Limited located in Village Kaliapani, Tehsil Sukinda, District Jajpur, Orissa ? environmental clearance reg.

Expansion of Teherai Iron & Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Bonai Industrial Company Limited located in Village Teherai, Tehsil Bonai, District Sundargarh, Orissa ? environmental clearance reg.

Expansion of Dungri Limestone Mining Project of M/s ACC Ltd., Bargarh Cement Works located in Village(s) Dungri, Snutamal & Badmal, Tehsil Bhatli, District Bargarh, Orissa ? Environmental Clearance Regarding.

Expansion of Nadidih Iron and Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Bonai Industrial Company Limited, located in Village(s) Nadikasira & Rengalbera, Tehsil Bonai, District Sundargarh, Orissa ? Environmental Clearance Regarding.

37

Ispat Sukinda Chromite Mining Project of M/s Balasore Alloys Limited located in Village Kaliapani, Tehsil Sukinda, District Jajpur, Orissa ? environmental clearance reg.

No.J-11015/328/2007-IA.II (M) Government of India

Ministry of Environment and Forests Paryavaran Bhawan,

C.G.O. Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi ? 110 003

Dated the 17th April, 2008 To

M/s Balasore Alloys Limited At/PO : Kaliapani-755 047, District- Jajpur, Orissa

Subject: Ispat Sukinda Chromite Mining Project of M/s Balasore Alloys Limited located in Village Kaliapani, Tehsil Sukinda, District Jajpur, Orissa ? environmental clearance reg.

Sir, This has reference to your letter No. BAL/Mines/80 dated 30.3.2007 and subsequent letters

dated 26.09.2007, 26.11.2007, 05.12.2007 and 20.12.2007 on the subject mentioned above. The proposal is for opening of a new mine for production of 30,000tonnes per annum (TPA) of chromite ore for company?s captive use in it?s Ferro Alloys Plant. The total mine lease area of the project is 35.6ha, which is a forest land. Area proposed for mining is 10.5ha, an area of 8.7ha is kept for over burden dump, 3.2ha is for mineral storage, 0.5ha is for roads, 4ha for green belt and 8.7ha is others (undisturbed). The Damsal Nallah is located at a distance of 3km from the mine lease boundary. No ecologically sensitive area such as National park/ wildlife sanctuary/biosphere reserve etc. is reported to be located in the core and buffer zone of the mine and that the area does not report to form corridor for Schedule-I fauna. The mine working will be opencast by semi-mechanized method involving blasting. The targetted production capacity of the mine is 30,000TPA (0.03million TPA) of chromite ore and life of mine is 49years. Approximately 100TPD of mineral will be transported through road. The topography of the area is undulated and hilly at an elevation ranging from 155m to 320m RL. The general ground level is at 155m RL. The ultimate working depth of mine will reach upto 212mRL starting from 236mRL during the sixth year of operation. The ground water table in the core zone varies from 42m to 48m bgl (107m-113m RL) during pre-monsoon and post- monsoon. The mine working will not intersect ground water table. There is no population in the core zone, therefore, no displacement of population and R&R is involved. The peak water requirement of the project is estimated as 29.3m3 per day, out of which 2m3 per day will be obtained from ground water and remaining 27.3m3 per day will be sourced from the lessee?s adjoining mine. It is estimated that 15,30,400m3 of over burden will be generated upto the sixth year of operation, which will be accommodated in an area of 8.7ha earmarked for this purpose. No backfilling has been proposed.

?2/-

38

There will be one external over burden dump. The maximum height of the dump will be 60m, having four terraces of 15m height at each sage. Plantation will be raised in an area of 12.7ha upto the sixth year of operation. The State Pollution Control Board, Orissa had issued Consent to Establish to the project on 28.01.2006 for production of 2500TPM of chromite ore involving lease area of 35.6ha. The Public hearing of the project was held on 22.09.2005. The Indian Bureau of Mines had approved mining plan of the project on 31.10.2000 for lease area of 35.6ha. The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Regional Office, Bhunbneswar has accorded in principle forestry clearance for diversion of 35.285ha forestland on 10.10.2006. The capital cost of the project is Rs.450Lakhs.

2. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has examined the application in accordance with Section 12 of the EIA Notification 2006 read with para 2.2.1(i)(a) of Circular No.J-11013/41/2006-IA.II(I) dated 13.10.2006 and hereby accords environmental clearance for a period of six year only, under the provisions thereof to the above mentioned Ispat Sukinda Chromite Mining Project of M/s Balasore Alloys Limited for an annual production capacity of 30,000tonnes (0.03million tonnes) of chromite ore by opencast semi-mechanized method involving mining lease area of 35.6ha, subject to implementation of the following conditions and environmental safeguards.

A. Specific conditions (i) Environmental Clearance is granted for a period of six years only. The project proponent shall modify the mining plan accordingly and get it approved by the Indian Bureau of Mines, before commencement of mining operation at site. (ii) All the conditions stipulated by the State Pollution Control Board in their consent to establish shall be effectively implemented. (iii) Necessary forestry clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for an area of 35.6ha forestland shall be obtained before starting mining operation in that area. Environmental clearance is subject to grant of forestry clearance. (iv) The top soil should temporarily be stored at earmarked site(s) only and it should not be kept unutilized for a period more than 3years. The topsoil should be used for land reclamation and plantation. (v) The mining operations shall be restricted to above ground water table and it should not intersect groundwater table. In case of working below ground water table, prior approval of the Ministry of Environment & Forests and Central Ground Water Authority shall be obtained for which a detailed hydro-geological study shall be carried out.

?3/- (vi) The project proponent shall ensure that no natural watercourse /water body shall be obstructed due to any mining operations. (vii) The over burden generated shall be stacked at earmarked dump site only and it should not be kept active for a long period of time. The total height of the dump should not exceed 60m, in four terraces of 15m each, keeping overall slope of the dump below 280. The proponent shall carry out slope stability study and submit report to the Ministry. The OB dumps should be scientifically vegetated with suitable native species to prevent erosion and surface run off. In critical areas, use of geo textiles shall be undertaken for stabilization of the dump. Monitoring and management of

39

rehabilitated areas should continue until the vegetation becomes self-sustaining. Compliance status should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Forests on six monthly basis. (viii) Catch drains and siltation ponds of appropriate size shall be constructed for the working pit, soil, OB and mineral dumps to arrest flow of silt and sediment. The water so collected should be utilized for watering the mine area, roads, plantation etc. The drains should be regularly desilted and maintained properly. Garland drain of appropriate size, gradient and length shall be constructed for both mine pit and the waste dump and sump capacity should be designed keeping 50% safety margin over and above peak sudden rainfall (based on 50 years data) and maximum discharge in the area adjoining the mine site. Sump capacity should also provide adequate retention period to allow proper settling of silt material.

Storm water return system should be provided. Storm water should not be allowed to go to the effluent treatment plant during high rainfall / super cyclone period. A separate storm water sump for this purpose should be created.

(ix) Dimension of retaining wall at the toe of over burden dump and OB benches within the mine to check run-off and siltation should be based on the rainfall data. (x) Effluents containing Cr+6 shall be treated to meet the prescribed standards before reuse/discharge. Effluent Treatment Plant should be provided for treatment of mine water discharge and wastewater generated from the workshop and mineral separation plant.

Run off from OB dumps and other surface run off should be analysed for Cr+6 and in case its concentration is found higher than the permissible limit the water should be treated before reuse/discharge.

?4/- (xi) Separate impervious concrete pits for disposal of sludge shall be provided for the safe disposal of sludge generated from the mining operations.

(xii) The project proponent shall ensure that the quality of decanted effluents from the tailing pond, if any, conform to the prescribed standards before discharge.

(xiii) The project proponent shall explore the possibility to reduce concentration of Cr+6 in the tailing pond, if any, in consultation with an expert scientific institution like NEERI.

(xiv) Plantation shall be raised in an area of 12.7ha including a 7.5m wide green belt in the safety zone around the mining lease by planting the native species around ML area, over burden dump, roads etc. in consultation with the local DFO/Agriculture Department. The tree density should be thousand trees per hectare. At least 1500 trees per year shall be planted.

(xv) Regular water sprinkling should be carried out in critical areas prone to air pollution and having high levels of SPM and RPM such as haul road, loading and unloading point and transfer points. It should be ensured that the Ambient Air Quality parameters conform to the norms prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board in this regard.

(xvi) The project authority should implement suitable conservation measures to augment ground water resources in the area in consultation with the Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board.

(xvii) Regular monitoring of ground water level and quality should be carried out by establishing a network of existing wells and constructing new piezometers in and around the mine lease. The monitoring should be carried out four times in a year ? pre-monsoon (April-May), monsoon (August), post-monsoon (November) and winter (January) and the data thus collected may be sent

40

regularly to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, its Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar, Central Ground Water Authority and Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board.

(xviii) Permission from the competent authority should be obtained for drawal of ground water if any, required for the project.

(xix) Suitable rainwater harvesting measures on long term basis shall be planned and implemented in consultation with Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board. (xx) Vehicular emissions should be kept under control and regularly monitored. Measures shall be taken for maintenance of vehicles used in mining operations and in transportation of mineral. The vehicles should be covered with a tarpaulin and shall not be overloaded.

5/-

(xxi) Blasting operation should be carried out only during the daytime. Controlled blasting should be practiced. The mitigative measures for control of ground vibrations and arrest fly rocks and boulders should be implemented. (xxii) Drills shall either be operated with dust extractors or equipped with water injection system. (xxiii) Consent to operate should be obtained from SPCB before starting production from the mine. (xxiv) Sewage treatment plant should be installed for the colony. ETP should also be provided for workshop and wastewater generated from mining operations. (xxv) A Final Mine Closure Plan along with details of Corpus Fund should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Forests 5 years in advance of final mine closure for approval. B. General conditions

(i) No change in mining technology and scope of working should be made without prior approval of the Ministry of Environment & Forests. (ii) No change in the calendar plan including excavation, quantum of mineral chromite ore and waste should be made. (iii) Conservation measures for protection of flora and fauna in the core & buffer zone should be drawn up in consultation with the local forest and wildlife department. (iv) Periodic monitoring of ambient air quality should be carried out for RPM, SPM, SO2

and NOx. Location of the monitoring stations should be decided based on the meteorological data, topographical features and environmentally and ecologically sensitive targets and frequency of monitoring should be undertaken in consultation with the State Pollution Control Board. The data so collected should be regularly submitted to the Ministry including its Regional office located at Bhubaneshwar and the State Pollution Control Board / Central Pollution Control Board once in six months. (v) Measures should be taken for control of noise levels below 85 dBA in the work environment. Workers engaged in operations of HEMM, etc should be provided with ear plugs / muffs.

?6/-

41

(vi) Industrial waste water (workshop and waste water from the mine) should be properly collected, treated so as to conform to the standards prescribed under GSR 422 (E) dated 19th May, 1993 and 31st December, 1993 or as amended from time to time. Oil and grease trap should be installed before discharge of workshop effluents. (vii) Personnel working in dusty areas should wear protective respiratory devices and they should also be provided with adequate training and information on safety and health aspects. Occupational health surveillance program of the workers should be undertaken periodically to observe any contractions due to exposure to dust and take corrective measures, if needed.

(viii) A separate environmental management cell with suitable qualified personnel should be set-up under the control of a Senior Executive, who will report directly to the Head of the Organization. (ix) The project authorities should inform to the Regional Office located at Bhubaneshwar regarding date of financial closures and final approval of the project by the concerned authorities and the date of start of land development work. (x) The funds earmarked for environmental protection measures should be kept in separate account and should not be diverted for other purpose. Year wise expenditure should be reported to the Ministry and its Regional Office located at Bhubaneshwar. (xi) The Regional Office of this Ministry located at Bhubaneshwar shall monitor compliance of the stipulated conditions. The project authorities should extend full cooperation to the officer (s) of the Regional Office by furnishing the requisite data / information / monitoring reports. (xii) The project proponent shall submit six monthly report on the status of the implementation of the stipulated environmental safeguards to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, its Regional Office, Bhubaneshwar, Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board. (xiii) A copy of clearance letter will be marked to concerned Panchayat / local NGO, if any, from whom suggestion / representation, if any, was received while processing the proposal. (xiv) State Pollution Control Board should display a copy of the clearance letter at the Regional office, District Industry Centre and Collector`s office/ Tehsildar`s Office for 30 days.

?7/- (xv) The project authorities should advertise at least in two local newspapers widely circulated, one of which shall be in the vernacular language of the locality concerned, within 7 days of the issue of the clearance letter informing that the project has been accorded environmental clearance and a copy of the clearance letter is available with the State Pollution Control Board and also at web site of the Ministry of Environment and Forests at http://envfor.nic.in and a copy of the same should be forwarded to the Regional Office of this Ministry located Bhubaneshwar.

3. The Ministry or any other competent authority may alter/modify the above conditions or stipulate any further condition in the interest of environment protection. 4. Failure to comply with any of the conditions mentioned above may result in withdrawal of this clearance and attract action under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 5. Any appeal against this environmental clearance shall lie with the National Environment

42

Appellate Authority, if preferred within a period of 30 days as prescribed under Section 11 of the National Environment Appellate Act, 1997. 6. The above conditions will be enforced inter-alia, under the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 along with their amendments and rules made thereunder and also any other orders passed by the Hon?ble Supreme Court of India/ High Court of Rajasthan and any other Court of Law relating to the subject matter.

(SATISH C. GARKOTI) Additional Director (S)

Copy to:

(i) The Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. (ii) The Secretary, Department of Environment, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar. (iii) The Secretary, Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar. (iv) The Secretary, Department of Forests, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar. (v) The Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Orissa, Bhubaneswar.

(vi) The Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board, Parivesh Bhawan, CBD-cum-Office Complex, East Arjun Nagar, Delhi-110032. (vii) The Chief Conservator of Forests, Regional Office (EZ), Ministry of Environment and Forests, A-3 Chandrashekharpur, Bhubaneshwar-751023. (viii) The Chairman, Orissa State Pollution Control Board, Parivesh Bhawan, A/118 Nilkantha Nagar, Unit-VIII, Bhubaneshwar-751012. (ix) The Member Secretary, Central Ground Water Authority, A2, W3 Curzon Road Barracks, K.G. Marg, New Delhi-110001.

(x) The District Collector, Jajpur District, Orissa. (xi) EI Division, Ministry of Environment & Forests, EI Division, New Delhi. (xii) Monitoring File. (xiii) Guard File. (xiv) Record File.

(SATISH C. GARKOTI)

Additional Director (S)

43

Expansion of Teherai Iron & Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Bonai Industrial Company Limited located in Village eherai, Tehsil Bonai, District Sundargarh, Orissa ? environmental clearance reg.


Ministry of Environment and Forests

Paryavaran Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex, Lodi Road,

New Delhi ? 110 003

Dated the 16th April, 2008 To

M/s Bonai industrial Company Limited ?Rungta Office? Main Road, Barbil -758 035, District ? Keonjhar, Orissa E-mail Id: [email protected]

Subject: Expansion of Teherai Iron & Manganese Ore Mining Project

of M/s Bonai Industrial Company Limited located in Village Teherai, Tehsil Bonai, District Sundargarh, Orissa ? environmental clearance reg.

Sir, This has reference to your letter No. BICO/CGM/06-07/ENV-1 dated 01.07.2006 on the

subject mentioned above. The proposal is for enhancement of production of iron ore from 0.12million tonnes(million TPA) to 1.5 million TPA and manganese ore to 0.018million TPA. The total mine lease area of the project is 137.46ha, out of which 57.412ha is forest land and 80.048ha is wasteland. Area proposed for mining is 84.105ha, an area of 13.5ha is kept for over burden dumps, 11.745ha for green belt and 28.11ha is others (virgin land). The Karo River and Suna nadi are located at a distance of 4.45km and 4.05km respectively from the lease boundary. The Teherai Nallah is located at a distance of 0.7km from the mine lease boundary. No ecologically sensitive area such as National Park/ Wildlife Sanctuary/Biosphere Reserve/Tiger Reserve /Elephant Reserve etc. is reported to be located in the core and buffer zone of the mine and that the area does not report to form corridor for Schedule-I fauna. A map duly authenticated by the Divisional Forest Officer and Wildlife Warden, Bonai Division shows that the migratory corridor of elephant is located at a distance of 12km from the mine lease boundary. The mine working will be opencast by mechanized method involving blasting. The targetted production capacity of the mine is 15,00,000TPA (1.5million TPA) of iron ore and 18,000TPA (0.018million TPA) of manganese ore. The life of mine is 5 years for iron ore and 11years for manganese ore. Approximately 5060TPD of mineral will be transported through road. The topography of the area is undulated and hilly at an elevation ranging from of 612m-693m RL. The present working depth of mine is 655m

44

AMSL(38m below from 693m AMSL) and the ultimate working depth of mine will be 603m AMSL (90m below from 693m AMSL) (9m bgl). The

?2/- groundwater table in the core zone varies from 40m-45m bgl(567m-572m AMSL). The mine working will not intersect groundwater table. The peak water requirement of the project is estimated as 37m3 per day, which will be met from the Karo River. There are two villages in the core zone, in the revenue land, having no population, therefore, displacement of population and R&R is not envisaged. There is no topsoil available because of rock exposures and lateritic capping. Approximately 22832m3 per month of over burden will be generated. It is estimated that 22,27,855m3 of waste will be generated during life of the mine, out of which 13,93,297m3 will be backfilled in an area of 51ha and remaining will be disposed off in the form of four external over burden dumps. Backfilling is in the progress since 2007. The maximum height of the dump will be 44m. Plantation will be raised in an area of 109.35ha at the end of the mine life and there will be no water body left at the post mining stage. The Consent to Establish from the State Pollution Control Board, Orissa has not been obtained yet. The public hearing of the project was held on 20.11.2006 for production enhancement of iron ore upto 1.5million TPA and manganese ore upto 0.018million TPA over an area of 137.46ha. The Indian Bureau of Mines, had approved scheme of mining including progressive mine closure plan of the project on 16.11.2007 for production of 15,00,000TPA of iron ore and 18,000TPA of manganese ore involving lease area of 137.46ha. Forestry clearance for diversion of forestland has not been obtained as yet. The capital cost of the project is Rs.550Lakhs.

2. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has examined the application in accordance with Section 12 of the EIA Notification 2006 read with para 1.1 of Circular No.J-11013/41/2006-IA.II(I) dated 13.10.2006 and hereby accords environmental clearance under the provisions thereof to the above mentioned Teherai Iron & Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Bonai Industrial Company Limited for an annual production capacity of 15,00,000tonnes (1.5million tonnes) of iron ore and 18,000tonnes (0.018million tonnes) of manganese ore by opencast mechanized method involving total lease area of 137.46ha, subject to implementation of the following conditions and environmental safeguards.

A. Specific conditions (i) The project proponent shall obtain consent to establish from the State Pollution Control Board, Orissa and effectively implement all the conditions stipulated therein. (ii) Necessary forestry clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for an area of 57.412ha forestland shall be obtained before starting mining operation in that area. Environmental clearance is subject to grant of forestry clearance.

?3/- (iii) The mining operations shall be restricted to above ground water table and it should not intersect groundwater table. In case of working below ground water table, prior approval of the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Central Ground Water Authority shall be obtained, for which a detailed hydro-geological study shall be carried out. (iv) The project proponent shall ensure that no natural watercourse and/or water resources shall be obstructed due to any mining operations.

45

(v) The top soil, if any, shall temporarily be stored at earmarked site(s) only and it should not be kept unutilized for a period more than 3years. The topsoil shall be used for land reclamation and plantation.

(vi) The over burden (OB) generated shall be stacked at earmarked dump site(s) only and it should not be kept active for long period of time. The maximum height of the dumps shall not exceed 44m, having five terraces of 9m each and the overall slope of dumps shall not exceed 28 degree. The over burden dumps shall be scientifically vegetated with suitable native species to prevent erosion and surface run off. In critical areas, use of geo textiles shall be undertaken for stabilization of the dumps. Concurrent backfilling shall be undertaken and an area of 51ha should be backfilled and reclaimed by plantation. Monitoring and management of rehabilitated areas should continue until the vegetation becomes self-sustaining. Compliance status should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forests and its Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar on six monthly basis. (vii) Catch drains and siltation ponds of appropriate size shall be constructed around the working pit, mineral and OB dumps to prevent run off of water and flow of sediments directly into the rivers. The water so collected should be utilized for watering the mine area, roads, green belt development etc. The drains should be regularly desilted particularly after monsoon and maintained properly. Garland drains, settling tanks and check dams of appropriate size, gradient and length shall be constructed both around the mine pit and over burden dumps to prevent run off of water and flow of sediments directly into the rivers and sump capacity should be designed keeping 50% safety margin over and above peak sudden rainfall (based on 50 years data) and maximum discharge in the area adjoining the mine site. Sump capacity should also provide adequate retention period to allow proper settling of silt material. Sedimentation pits should be constructed at the corners of the garland drains and desilted at regular intervals. (viii) Dimension of the retaining wall at the toe of dumps and over burden benches within the mine to check run-off and siltation should be based on the rainfall data.

?4/- (ix) Plantation shall be raised in an area of 109.35ha including a 7.5m wide green belt in the safety zone around the mining lease, over burden dumps, backfilled and reclaimed area, roads etc. by planting the native species in consultation with the local DFO/Agriculture Department. The density of the trees should be around 2500 plants per ha.

(x) Regular water sprinkling should be carried out in critical areas prone to air pollution and having high levels of SPM and RPM such as haul road, around crushing and screening plant, loading and unloading point and transfer points. It should be ensured that the Ambient Air Quality parameters conform to the norms prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board in this regard.

(xi) Regular monitoring of water quality upstream and downstream of Teherai Nalla should be carried out and record of monitoring data should be maintained and submitted to Ministry of Environment and Forests, its Regional Office, Bhubneswar, Central Groundwater Authority, Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board, State Pollution Control Board and Central Pollution Control Board. (xii) The project authority should implement suitable conservation measures to augment ground water resources in the area in consultation with the Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board.

46

(xiii) Regular monitoring of ground water level and quality should be carried out in and around the mine lease by establishing a network of existing wells and constructing new piezometers during the mining operation. The monitoring should be carried out four times in a year ? pre-monsoon (April-May), monsoon (August), post-monsoon (November) and winter (January) and the data thus collected may be sent regularly to Ministry of Environment and Forests and its Regional Office Bhubaneswar, Central Ground Water Authority and Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board.

(xiv) The project proponent shall obtain prior approval of the competent authorities for drawal of requisite quantity of surface water (Karo River) and ground water, if any, required for the project before commencing enhanced production from the mine.

(xv) Suitable rainwater harvesting measures on long term basis shall be planned and implemented in consultation with Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board. (xvi) Appropriate mitigative measures should be taken to prevent pollution of Karo River and Suna Nadi in consultation with the State Pollution Control Board.

?5/- (xvii) Minerals handling plant should be provided with adequate number of high efficiency dust extraction system. Loading and unloading areas including all the transfer points should also have efficient dust control arrangements. These should be properly maintained and operated. (xviii) Vehicular emissions should be kept under control and regularly monitored. Measures shall be taken for maintenance of vehicles used in mining operations and in transportation of mineral. The vehicles should be covered with a tarpaulin and shall not be overloaded. (xix) Blasting operation should be carried out only during the daytime. Controlled blasting should be practiced. The mitigative measures for control of ground vibrations and to arrest fly rocks and boulders should be implemented.

(xx) Drills shall either be operated with dust extractors or equipped with water injection system. (xxi) Consent to operate should be obtained from the State Pollution Control Board prior to start of enhanced production from the mine. (xxii) Sewage treatment plant should be installed for the colony. ETP should also be provided for workshop and wastewater generated during mining operation. (xxiii) A Final Mine Closure Plan along with details of Corpus Fund should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Forests 5 years in advance of final mine closure for approval.

B. General conditions

(i) No change in mining technology and scope of working should be made without prior approval of the Ministry of Environment & Forests. (ii) No change in the calendar plan including excavation, quantum of mineral iron ore and manganese ore and waste should be made.

47

(iii) Conservation measures for protection of flora and fauna in the core & buffer zone should be drawn up in consultation with the local forest and wildlife department. (iv) Four ambient air quality-monitoring stations should be established in the core zone as well as in the buffer zone for RPM, SPM, SO2

& NOx monitoring. Location of the stations should be decided based on the meteorological data, topographical features and environmentally and ecologically sensitive targets and frequency of monitoring should be undertaken in consultation with the State Pollution Control Board.

?6/- (v) Data on ambient air quality (RPM, SPM, SO2 & NOx) should be regularly submitted to the Ministry including its Regional office located at Bhubaneswar and the State Pollution Control Board / Central Pollution Control Board once in six months.

(vi) Fugitive dust emissions from all the sources should be controlled regularly. Water spraying arrangement on haul roads, loading and unloading and at transfer points should be provided and properly maintained.

(vii) Measures should be taken for control of noise levels below 85 dBA in the work environment. Workers engaged in operations of HEMM, etc. should be provided with ear plugs / muffs. (viii) Industrial waste water (workshop and waste water from the mine) should be properly collected, treated so as to conform to the standards prescribed under GSR 422 (E) dated 19th May, 1993 and 31st December, 1993 or as amended from time to time. Oil and grease trap should be installed before discharge of workshop effluents. (ix) Personnel working in dusty areas should wear protective respiratory devices and they should also be provided with adequate training and information on safety and health aspects. Occupational health surveillance program of the workers should be undertaken periodically to observe any contractions due to exposure to dust and take corrective measures, if needed.

(x) A separate environmental management cell with suitable qualified personnel should be set-up under the control of a Senior Executive, who will report directly to the Head of the Organization.

(xi) The funds earmarked for environmental protection measures should be kept in separate account and should not be diverted for other purpose. Year wise expenditure should be reported to the Ministry and its Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar. (xii) The project authorities should inform to the Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar regarding date of financial closures and final approval of the project by the concerned authorities and the date of start of land development work. (xiii) The Regional Office of this Ministry located at Bhubaneswar shall monitor compliance of the stipulated conditions. The project authorities should extend full cooperation to the officer (s) of the Regional Office by furnishing the requisite data / information / monitoring reports.

?7/- (xiv) The project proponent shall submit six monthly report on the status of the implementation of the stipulated environmental safeguards to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, its Regional Office, Bhubaneswar, Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board.

(xv) A copy of clearance letter will be marked to concerned Panchayat / local NGO, if any, from whom suggestion / representation has been received while processing the proposal.

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(xvi) State Pollution Control Board should display a copy of the clearance letter at the Regional office, District Industry Centre and Collector?s office/ Tehsildar?s Office for 30 days. (xvii) The project authorities should advertise at least in two local newspapers widely circulated, one of which shall be in the vernacular language of the locality concerned, within 7 days of the issue of the clearance letter informing that the project has been accorded environmental clearance and a copy of the clearance letter is available with the State Pollution Control Board and also at web site of the Ministry of Environment and Forests at http://envfor.nic.in and a copy of the same should be forwarded to the Regional Office of this Ministry located Bhubaneswar.

3. The Ministry or any other competent authority may alter/modify the above conditions or stipulate any further condition in the interest of environment protection.

4. Failure to comply with any of the conditions mentioned above may result in withdrawal of this clearance and attract action under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 5. The above conditions will be enforced inter-alia, under the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 along with their amendments and rules made thereunder and also any other orders passed by any Court of Law relating to the subject matter. 6. Any appeal against this environmental clearance shall lie with the National Environment Appellate Authority, if preferred within a period of 30 days as prescribed under Section 11 of the National Environment Appellate Act, 1997.


?8/-

Copy to:

(i) The Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. (ii) The Secretary, Department of Environment, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar.

(iii) The Secretary, Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar. (iv) The Secretary, Department of Forests, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar. (v) The Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Orissa, Bhubaneswar.

(vi) The Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board, Parivesh Bhawan, CBD-cum-Office Complex, East Arjun Nagar, Delhi-110032.

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(vii) The Chief Conservator of Forests, Regional Office (EZ), Ministry of Environment and Forests, A-3 Chandrashekharpur, Bhubaneshwar-751023. (viii) The Chairman, Orissa State Pollution Control Board, Parivesh Bhawan, A/118 Nilkantha Nagar, Unit-VIII, Bhubaneshwar-751012. (ix) The Member Secretary, Central Ground Water Authority, A2, W3 Curzon Road Barracks, K.G. Marg, New Delhi-110001.

(x) The District Collector, Sundargarh District, Orissa. (xi) EI Division, Ministry of Environment & Forests, EI Division, New Delhi. (xii) Monitoring File. (xiii) Guard File. (xiv) Record File.

(SATISH C. GARKOTI)


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Expansion of Dungri Limestone Mining Project of M/s ACC Ltd.,Bargarh Cement Works located in Village(s) Dungri, Snutamal Badmal, Tehsil Bhatli, District Bargarh, Orissa ? Environmental Clearance Regarding.

No. J-11015/90/2007-IA.II(M) Government of India


Paryavaran Bhavan, C.G.O. Complex, Lodi Road,

New Delhi-110 003. Tel. 2436 0171

E-mail: [email protected]

Dated the 3rd April, 2008

To M/s ACC Ltd., Bargarh Cement Works, Cement Nagar Bardol, P.O. Bardol-768 038, District Bargarh, Orissa E-mail: [email protected]

Subject: Expansion of Dungri Limestone Mining Project of M/s

ACC Ltd., Bargarh Cement Works located in Village(s) Dungri, Snutamal & Badmal, Tehsil Bhatli, District Bargarh, Orissa ? Environmental Clearance Regarding.

Sir, This has reference to your letter No. BCW/DLQ/Env/Clearance/2007/07 dated

10.01.2007 and subsequent letters dated 08.08.2007, 25.10.2007, 07.11.2007, 06.12.2007, 26.02.2008 and 20.03.2008 on the subject mentioned above. The proposal is for enhancement of production of limestone from 1.263million tonnes per annum (million TPA) to 2.858million TPA. The total mine lease area of the project is 448.392ha, out of which 376.71ha is an agricultural land, 19.462ha is forestland and 52.22ha land is of Hirakud Authority. Area proposed for mining is 194.75ha (out of which 104.61ha area has already been excavated), an area of 55.7 ha is kept for OB dumps, 6.04ha for mineral storage,0.45ha for infrastructure, 4.1ha for roads,1.88ha for railways, 28.91ha for green belt in virgin area, 0.04ha for ETP, 0.17ha for mineral separation plant and 156.352ha is untouched area. The Mahanadi River bank is at a distance of 1km from the mine lease

51

boundary and the proponent has informed that the mine lease area does not fall in the back water of the Hirakud Reservoir. The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is reported to be located at a distance of 10km from the mine lease. It has been reported that the area also does not form corridor for Schedule-I fauna. Two Reserve Forests namely Dechua and Holsari Dungri are in the study area and also a part of Holsari Dungri RF falls in the core zone of mine (19.462ha). There is no population in the core zone, therefore, displacement of population and R&R is not involved. Working will be opencast by mechanized method involving blasting. The targetted production capacity of the mine is 2.858million TPA and

..2/- life of the mine will be 10years. A primary crusher is a part of the project. Approximately 8930TPD of mineral will be transported through the rail to a distance of 43km. The topography of the area is flat at an elevation of 191m AMSL. The present working depth of mine is 49m bgl and ultimate working depth of mine will be 59m bgl. The water table in core and buffer zone varies from 3m bgl to 15m bgl during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. The mine working has already intersected groundwater table. The peak water requirement of the project is estimated as 105m3 per day, which will be met from rain water collected in the mine pit. It has been envisaged that during the mine life 69.98million tonnes of solid waste will be generated. A part of the mined out area will be backfilled and planted and balanced area will be converted into water reservoir. Plantation will be raised in an area of 223.61ha at the end of the mine life and an area of 55.75ha will be developed as water body during the post mining stage. The Consent to Establish obtained from the State Pollution Control Board, Orissa on 25.04.2007 for production enhancement of limestone from 1.263MTPA to 2.858MTPA involving lease area of 448.392ha. The public hearing of the project was held on 20.12.2006 for enhancement of production of limestone from 1.263MTPY to 2.858MTPY. The Indian Bureau of Mines had approved mining plan including PMCP of the project on 29.12.2005 for lease area of 448.342ha. The capital cost of the project is Rs.6200Lakhs. 2. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has examined the application in accordance with Section 12 of the EIA Notification, 2006 read with para 1.2 of the Circular No.J-11013/41/2006-IA.II(I) dated 13.10.2006 and hereby accords environmental clearance under the provisions thereof to the above mentioned Dungri Limestone Mining Project of M/s Bargarh Cement Works, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ACC Limited for an annual production capacity of 2.858million tonnes of limestone by opencast mechanized method involving mining lease area of 448.392ha, subject to implementation of the following conditions and environmental safeguards.

A. Specific Conditions (i) Necessary forestry clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 shall be obtained from the competent authority for the forestland involved in the project. The environment clearance is subject to grant of forestry clearance to the project. (ii) Prior necessary permission shall be obtained from the Chief Wildlife Warden for operating the mine within 10km of the sanctuary.

52

(iii) All the conditions stipulated by the State Pollution Control Board, Orissa while granting Consent to Establish to the project shall be effectively implemented.

..3/- (iv) The project proponent shall obtain prior NOC from the Hirakud Reservoir Authority as may be applicable to this project, prior to start of mining operation. (v) The project proponent shall construct suitable embankment of proper dimensions to avoid any anticipated flooding of mine from surface water during rainy season. Appropriate mitigative measures shall be taken to prevent siltation of Hirakud Reservoir due to proposed mining activities. (vi) The project proponent shall ensure that no natural watercourse and/or water resources shall be obstructed due to any mining operations. (vii) The top soil shall temporarily be stored at earmarked site(s) only and it should not be kept unutilized for a period more than 3years. The topsoil shall be used for land reclamation and plantation. (viii) The project proponent shall concurrently backfill the over burden and there shall be no external over burden dumps at the end of the mine life. The entire backfilled area shall be reclaimed by plantation. The back filling should be carried out in such a manner that it is restored to the normal ground level. Monitoring and management of rehabilitated areas should continue until the vegetation becomes self-sustaining. Compliance status should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Forests and its Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar on six monthly basis. (ix) The void left unfilled in an area of 55.75ha shall be converted into water body. The higher benches of excavated void/mining pit shall be terraced and plantation done to stabilize the slopes. The slope of higher benches shall be made gentler for easy accessibility by local people to use the water body. Peripheral fencing shall be carried out along the excavated area. (x) Catch drains and siltation ponds of appropriate size should be constructed for the working pit and mineral dumps to arrest flow of silt and sediments into the reservoir. The water so collected should be utilized for watering the mine area, roads, green belt development etc. The drains should be regularly desilted, particularly after monsoon, and maintained properly. Garland drains, settling tanks and check dams of appropriate size, gradient and length shall be constructed around the mine pit to prevent run off of water and flow of sediments directly into the reservoir and sump capacity should be designed keeping 50% safety margin over and above peak sudden rainfall (based on 50 years data) and maximum discharge in the area adjoining the mine site. Sump capacity should also

..4/- provide adequate retention period to allow proper settling of silt material. Sedimentation pits should be constructed at the corners of the garland drains and desilted at regular intervals.

53

(xi) Dimension of the retaining wall at the over burden benches within the mine to check run-off and siltation should be based on the rain fall data.

(xii) Plantation shall be raised in an area of 223.61ha including a 7.5m wide green belt in the safety zone around the mining lease, backfilled and reclaimed area, higher benches of excavated pit to be converted into water body, roads etc. by planting the native species in consultation with the local DFO/Agriculture Department. The density of the trees should be around 2500 plants per hectare. (xiii) Regular water sprinkling should be carried out in critical areas prone to air pollution and having high levels of SPM and RPM such as haul road, around crushing and screening plant, loading and unloading point and transfer points. It should be ensured that the Ambient Air Quality parameters conform to the norms prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board in this regard. (xiv) The project authority should implement suitable conservation measures to augment ground water resources in the area in consultation with the Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board. (xv) Regular monitoring of ground water level and quality should be carried out in and around the mine lease by establishing a network of existing wells and constructing new piezometers during the mining operation. The monitoring should be carried out four times in a year ? pre-monsoon (April-May), monsoon (August), post-monsoon (November) and winter (January) and the data thus collected may be sent regularly to Ministry of Environment and Forests and its Regional Office, Bhubaneswar, Central Ground Water Authority and Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board.

(xvi) The project proponent shall obtain prior approval of the competent authorities for drawl of requisite quantity of water (surface and/or ground), if any, required for the project before starting enhanced production from the mine. (xvii) Suitable rainwater harvesting measures on long term basis shall be planned and implemented in consultation with Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board.

..5/- (xviii) Minerals handling plant should be provided with adequate number of high efficiency dust extraction system. Loading and unloading areas including all the transfer points should also have efficient dust control arrangements. These should be properly maintained and operated. (xix) Vehicular emissions should be kept under control and regularly monitored. Measures shall be taken for maintenance of vehicles used in mining operations and in transportation of mineral. The vehicles should be covered with a tarpaulin and shall not be overloaded.

54

(xx) Blasting operation should be carried out only during the daytime. Controlled blasting should be practiced. The mitigative measures for control of ground vibrations and to arrest fly rocks and boulders should be implemented.

(xxi) Drills shall either be operated with dust extractors or equipped with water injection system. (xxii) Consent to operate should be obtained from the State Pollution Control Board prior to start of enhanced production from the mine. (xxiii) Sewage treatment plant should be installed for the colony. ETP should also be provided for workshop and wastewater generated during mining operation. (xxiv) Digital processing of the entire lease area using remote sensing technique should be done regularly once in three years for monitoring land use pattern and report submitted to MOEF and its Regional Office Bhubneswar. (xxv) The project proponent shall take all precautionary measures during mining operation for conservation and protection of endangered flora and fauna of the study area. An action plan for conservation of flora and fauna shall be prepared and implemented in consultation with the State Forest and Wildlife Department. Necessary allocation of funds for implementation of the conservation plan shall be made and the funds so allocated shall be included in the project cost. Copy of action plan may be submitted to the Ministry and its Regional Office within 3 months. (xxvi) All the measures proposed by the Chief Wildlife Warden, Orissa vide their letter No. 6760/1WL(C) FC-377/2007 dated 27.10.2007 shall be strictly implemented. (xxvii) A Final Mine Closure Plan along with details of Corpus Fund should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Forests 5 years in advance of final mine closure for approval.

..6/-

B. General conditions (i) No change in mining technology and scope of working should be made without prior approval of the Ministry of Environment & Forests. (ii) No change in the calendar plan including excavation, quantum of mineral limestone and waste should be made. (iii) Four ambient air quality-monitoring stations should be established in the core zone as well as in the buffer zone for RPM, SPM, SO2


55

(iv) Data on ambient air quality (RPM, SPM, SO2 & NOx) should be regularly submitted to the Ministry including its Regional office located at Bhubaneswar and the State Pollution Control Board / Central Pollution Control Board once in six months.

(v) Fugitive dust emissions from all the sources should be controlled regularly. Water spraying arrangement on haul roads, loading and unloading and at transfer points should be provided and properly maintained.

(vi) Measures should be taken for control of noise levels below 85 dBA in the work environment. Workers engaged in operations of HEMM, etc. should be provided with ear plugs / muffs. (vii) Industrial waste water (workshop and waste water from the mine) should be properly collected, treated so as to conform to the standards prescribed under GSR 422 (E) dated 19th May, 1993 and 31st December, 1993 or as amended from time to time. Oil and grease trap should be installed before discharge of workshop effluents. (viii) Personnel working in dusty areas should wear protective respiratory devices and they should also be provided with adequate training and information on safety and health aspects. Occupational health surveillance program of the workers should be undertaken periodically to observe any contractions due to exposure to dust and take corrective measures, if needed.

(ix) A separate environmental management cell with suitable qualified personnel should be set-up under the control of a Senior Executive, who will report directly to the Head of the Organization.

..7/- (x) The funds earmarked for environmental protection measures should be kept in separate account and should not be diverted for other purpose. Year wise expenditure should be reported to the Ministry and its Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar.

(xi) The project authorities should inform to the Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar regarding date of financial closures and final approval of the project by the concerned authorities and the date of start of land development work. (xii)The Regional Office of this Ministry located at Bhubaneswar shall monitor compliance of the stipulated conditions. The project authorities should extend full cooperation to the officer (s) of the Regional Office by furnishing the requisite data / information / monitoring reports.

(xiii) The project proponent shall submit six monthly report on the status of the implementation of the stipulated environmental safeguards to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, its Regional Office, Bhubaneswar, Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board.

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(xiv) A copy of clearance letter will be marked to concerned Panchayat / local NGO, if any, from whom suggestion / representation has been received while processing the proposal. (xv) State Pollution Control Board should display a copy of the clearance letter at the Regional office, District Industry Centre and Collector?s office/ Tehsildar?s Office for 30 days. (xvi) The project authorities should advertise at least in two local newspapers widely circulated, one of which shall be in the vernacular language of the locality concerned, within 7 days of the issue of the clearance letter informing that the project has been accorded environmental clearance and a copy of the clearance letter is available with the State Pollution Control Board and also at web site of the Ministry of Environment and Forests at http://envfor.nic.in and a copy of the same should be forwarded to the Regional Office of this Ministry located Bhubaneswar. 3. The Ministry or any other competent authority may alter/modify the above conditions or stipulate any further condition in the interest of environment protection.

4. Failure to comply with any of the conditions mentioned above may result in withdrawal of this clearance and attract action under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

..8/- 5. The above conditions will be enforced inter-alia, under the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 along with their amendments and rules made thereunder and also any other orders passed by any Court of Law relating to the subject matter. 6. Any appeal against this environmental clearance shall lie with the National Environment Appellate Authority, if preferred within a period of 30 days as prescribed under Section 11 of the National Environment Appellate Act, 1997.


Copy to: (i) The Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi.

(ii) The Secretary, Department of Environment, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar. (iii) The Secretary, Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar.

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(iv) The Secretary, Department of Forests, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar. (v) The Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Orissa, Bhubaneswar. (vi) The Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board, Parivesh Bhawan, CBD-cum-Office Complex, East Arjun Nagar, Delhi-110032.


(x) The District Collector, Bargarh District, Orissa. (xi) EI Division, Ministry of Environment & Forests, EI Division, New Delhi.

..9/- (xii) Monitoring File.

(xiii) Guard File. (xiv) Record File.

(SATISH C. GARKOTI)


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Expansion of Nadidih Iron and Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Bonai Industrial Company Limited, located in Village(s) Nadikasira & Rengalbera, Tehsil Bonai, District Sundargarh, Orissa ? Environmental Clearance Regarding. No.J-11015/138/2007-IA.II (M)

Government of India Ministry of Environment and Forests

Paryavaran Bhavan,

C.G.O. Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi-110 003.

Tel. 2436 0171 E-mail: [email protected]

Dated the 2nd April, 2008

To M/s Bonai Industrial Company Limited Rungta House, Main Road, Barbil, District Keonjhar, Orissa E-mail Id: [email protected]

Subject: Expansion of Nadidih Iron and Manganese Ore

Mining Project of M/s Bonai Industrial Company Limited, located in Village(s) Nadikasira & Rengalbera, Tehsil Bonai, District Sundargarh, Orissa ? Environmental Clearance Regarding.

Sir, This has reference to your letter No. BICo/CGM/06-07/Env-4 dated 20.02.2007

on the subject mentioned above. The proposal is for enhancement of production of iron ore from 0.018million tonnes per annum (million TPA) to 1.2million TPA. The total mine lease area of the project is 73.855ha, out of which 38.026ha is forestland and 35.829ha is wasteland. Area proposed for mining is 48.985ha, an area 8.98ha is kept for over burden dumps, 2.33ha for mineral storage, 1.572ha for infrastructure, 1.717ha for roads, 4.95ha for green belt, 1.8ha for mineral separation plant, 1.08ha for township area (mine camp) and 2.441ha is virgin area. The Suna Nadi, Karo River and Teherai nalla are located at a distance of 5.98km ESE, 0.30km WNW and 7.5km SSE respectively from the mine lease boundary. No ecologically sensitive area such as National Park/Wildlife Sanctuary/Biosphere Reserve/Tiger Reserve/Elephant Reserve etc. is reported to be located in the core and buffer zone of the mine and that the area does not form corridor

59

for Schedule-I fauna. The elephant corridor is reported to be located at a distance of 11km from the mine lease. Six reserve forests namely Kathmala RF, Mendhrumani RF, Karo RF, Sidhmath RF, Uliburu RF and Torah RF are located within the buffer zone of the mine. There is no population in the core zone, therefore, displacement of population and R&R is not involved. The mine working will be opencast by mechanized method involving drilling and blasting. The targetted production capacity of the mine is 1.2million TPA production of iron ore and the life of the mine will be 13years. A mobile crushing and screening unit is part of the project. The topography of the area is undulated and hilly at an elevation ranging from 542m RL to 615m RL. The present working depth of mine is 564m RL from

..2/- 606m RL and the ultimate working depth of mine will be 540m RL from 606m RL. The groundwater table in the core zone varies from 502m-507m AMSL. The mine working will not intersect ground water table. The peak water requirement of the project is estimated as 47m3 per day, out of this 40m3 per day will be obtained from Karo River and remaining 7m3 per day from groundwater. Approximately 60544m3 per month of over burden (BHQ, laterite, shale etc.) will be generated, which will be dumped in the earmarked area. It is estimated that 52,32,490m3 of waste will be generated during life of the mine, out of which 60% will be backfilled and remaining quantity will be disposed in to two external OB dumps. The height of the dump will be 25m in two terraces. Plantation will be raised in an area of 69.486ha at the end of the mine life. The public hearing of the project was held on 21.12.2006 as per EIA Notification, 2006. The Indian Bureau of Mines had approved mining scheme including PMCP of the project on 30.05.2006 for lease area of 73.855ha. Forestry clearance for diversion of 38.026ha forestland granted by the Ministry on 17.04.2003. The capital cost of the project is Rs.550Lakhs.

2. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has examined the application in accordance with Section 12 of the EIA Notification, 2006 read with para 1.2 of the Circular No.J-11013/41/2006-IA.II(I) dated 13.10.2006 and hereby accords environmental clearance under the provisions thereof to the above mentioned Nadidih Iron and Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Bonai Industrial Company Limited for an annual production capacity of 1.2million tonnes production of iron ore by opencast mechanized method involving mining lease area of 73.855ha, subject to implementation of the following conditions and environmental safeguards.

A. Specific Conditions (i) The project proponent shall obtain consent to establish from the State Pollution Control Board, Orissa and effectively implement all the conditions stipulated therein. (ii) The mining operations shall be restricted to above ground water table and it should not intersect groundwater table. In case of working below ground water table, prior approval of the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Central Ground Water Authority shall be obtained, for which a detailed hydro-geological study shall be carried out.

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(iii) The project proponent shall ensure that no natural watercourse and/or water resources shall be obstructed due to any mining operations. (iv) The top soil, if any, shall temporarily be stored at earmarked site(s) only and it should not be kept unutilized for a period more than 3years. The topsoil shall be used for land reclamation and plantation.

?3/- (v) The over burden (OB) generated shall be stacked at earmarked dump site(s) only and it should not be kept active for long period. The maximum height of the dump shall not exceed 25m, having two terraces of 12.5m each and the overall slope of dumps shall not exceed 28 degree. The over burden dumps shall be scientifically vegetated with suitable native species to prevent erosion and surface run off. In critical areas, use of geo textiles shall be undertaken for stabilization of the dumps. Backfilling shall start from the year 2008 onwards and an area of 44.6ha should be backfilled and reclaimed by plantation. Monitoring and management of rehabilitated areas should continue until the vegetation becomes self-sustaining. Compliance status should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forests and its Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar on six monthly basis. (vi) Catch drains and siltation ponds of appropriate size shall be constructed to arrest silt and sediment flows from mine working, soil, over burden and mineral dumps. The water so collected shall be utilized for watering the mine area, roads, green belt development etc. The drains should be regularly desilted particularly after monsoon and maintained properly. Garland drain of appropriate size, gradient and length shall be constructed for both mine pit and over burden dumps and sump capacity should be designed keeping 50% safety margin over and above peak sudden rainfall (based on 50 years data) and maximum discharge in the area adjoining the mine site. Sump capacity should also provide adequate retention period to allow proper settling of silt material. Sedimentation pits should be constructed at the corners of the garland drains and desilted at regular intervals.

(vii) Dimension of the retaining wall at the toe of dumps and over burden benches within the mine to check run-off and siltation should be based on the rainfall data. (viii) Plantation shall be raised in an area of 69.486ha including a 7.5m wide green belt in the safety zone around the mining lease, over burden dumps, backfilled and reclaimed area, roads etc. by planting the native species in consultation with the local DFO/Agriculture Department. The density of the trees should be around 2500 plants per ha.

(ix) Regular water sprinkling should be carried out in critical areas prone to air pollution and having high levels of SPM and RPM such as haul road, around crushing and screening plant, loading and unloading point and transfer points. It should be ensured that

61

the Ambient Air Quality parameters conform to the norms prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board in this regard.

..4/-

(x) Regular monitoring of the flow rate of the springs and perennial nallahs shall be carried out and records maintained.

(xi) Regular monitoring of water quality upstream and downstream of Teherai Nalla should be carried out and record of monitoring data should be maintained and submitted to Ministry of Environment and Forests, its Regional Office, Bhubneswar, Central Groundwater Authority, Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board, State Pollution Control Board and Central Pollution Control Board. (xii) The project authority should implement suitable conservation measures to augment ground water resources in the area in consultation with the Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board. (xiii) Regular monitoring of ground water level and quality should be carried out in and around the mine lease by establishing a network of existing wells and constructing new piezometers during the mining operation. The monitoring should be carried out four times in a year ? pre-monsoon (April-May), monsoon (August), post-monsoon (November) and winter (January) and the data thus collected may be sent regularly to Ministry of Environment and Forests and its Regional Office, Bhubaneswar, Central Ground Water Authority and Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board.

(xiv) The project proponent shall obtain prior approval of the competent authorities for drawl of requisite quantity of surface water (Karo River) and ground water for the project before commencing enhanced production from the mine.

(xv) Suitable rainwater harvesting measures on long term basis shall be planned and implemented in consultation with Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board. (xvi) Appropriate mitigative measures should be taken to prevent pollution of Karo River and Suna Nadi in consultation with the State Pollution Control Board. (xvii) Minerals handling plant should be provided with adequate number of high efficiency dust extraction system. Loading and unloading areas including all the transfer points should also have efficient dust control arrangements. These should be properly maintained and operated. (xviii) Vehicular emissions should be kept under control and regularly monitored. Measures shall be taken for maintenance of vehicles used in mining operations and in transportation of mineral. The vehicles should be covered with a tarpaulin and shall not be overloaded.

..5/-

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(xix) Blasting operation should be carried out only during the daytime. Controlled blasting should be practiced. The mitigative measures for control of ground vibrations and to arrest fly rocks and boulders should be implemented.

(xx) Drills shall either be operated with dust extractors or equipped with water injection system. (xxi) Consent to operate should be obtained from the State Pollution Control Board prior to start of enhanced production from the mine. (xxii) Sewage treatment plant should be installed for the colony. ETP should also be provided for workshop and wastewater generated during mining operation. (xxiii) The project proponent shall take all precautionary measures during mining operation for conservation and protection of endangered fauna namely sloth bear etc. spotted in the study area and contribute towards the cost of implementation of the plan and/or Regional Wildlife Management Plan for conservation of flora and fauna so prepared by the State Government. The amount so contributed shall be included in the project cost. A copy of action plan may be submitted to the Ministry and its Regional Office, Bhubaneswar within 3 months. (xxiv) A Final Mine Closure Plan along with details of Corpus Fund should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Forests 5 years in advance of final mine closure for approval.

B. General conditions (i) No change in mining technology and scope of working should be made without prior approval of the Ministry of Environment & Forests. (ii) No change in the calendar plan including excavation, quantum of mineral iron ore and waste should be made. (iii) Four ambient air quality-monitoring stations should be established in the core zone as well as in the buffer zone for RPM, SPM, SO2

& NOx monitoring. Location of the stations should be decided based on the meteorological data, topographical features and environmentally and ecologically sensitive targets and frequency of monitoring should be undertaken in consultation with the State Pollution Control Board. (iv) Data on ambient air quality (RPM, SPM, SO2 & NOx) should be regularly submitted to the Ministry including its Regional office located at Bhubaneswar and the State Pollution Control Board / Central Pollution Control Board once in six months.

..6/- (v) Fugitive dust emissions from all the sources should be controlled regularly. Water spraying arrangement on haul roads, loading and unloading and at transfer points should be provided and properly maintained.

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(vi) Measures should be taken for control of noise levels below 85 dBA in the work environment. Workers engaged in operations of HEMM, etc. should be provided with ear plugs / muffs. (vii) Industrial waste water (workshop and waste water from the mine) should be properly collected, treated so as to conform to the standards prescribed under GSR 422 (E) dated 19th May, 1993 and 31st December, 1993 or as amended from time to time. Oil and grease trap should be installed before discharge of workshop effluents. (viii) Personnel working in dusty areas should wear protective respiratory devices and they should also be provided with adequate training and information on safety and health aspects. Occupational health surveillance program of the workers should be undertaken periodically to observe any contractions due to exposure to dust and take corrective measures, if needed.

(ix) A separate environmental management cell with suitable qualified personnel should be set-up under the control of a Senior Executive, who will report directly to the Head of the Organization.

(x) The funds earmarked for environmental protection measures should be kept in separate account and should not be diverted for other purpose. Year wise expenditure should be reported to the Ministry and its Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar. (xi) The project authorities should inform to the Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar regarding date of financial closures and final approval of the project by the concerned authorities and the date of start of land development work. (xii) The Regional Office of this Ministry located at Bhubaneswar shall monitor compliance of the stipulated conditions. The project authorities should extend full cooperation to the officer (s) of the Regional Office by furnishing the requisite data / information / monitoring reports.


..7/- (xiv) A copy of clearance letter will be marked to concerned Panchayat / local NGO, if any, from whom suggestion / representation has been received while processing the proposal.

(xv) State Pollution Control Board should display a copy of the clearance letter at the Regional office, District Industry Centre and Collector?s office/ Tehsildar?s Office for 30 days.

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(xvi) The project authorities should advertise at least in two local newspapers widely circulated, one of which shall be in the vernacular language of the locality concerned, within 7 days of the issue of the clearance letter informing that the project has been accorded environmental clearance and a copy of the clearance letter is available with the State Pollution Control Board and also at web site of the Ministry of Environment and Forests at http://envfor.nic.in and a copy of the same should be forwarded to the Regional Office of this Ministry located Bhubaneswar.


4. Failure to comply with any of the conditions mentioned above may result in withdrawal of this clearance and attract action under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 5. Any appeal against this environmental clearance shall lie with the National Environment Appellate Authority, if preferred within a period of 30 days as prescribed under Section 11 of the National Environment Appellate Act, 1997. 6. The above conditions will be enforced inter-alia, under the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 along with their amendments and rules made thereunder and also any other orders passed by any Court of Law relating to the subject matter.

(SATISH C. GARKOTI)


Copy to:


..8/- (iii) The Secretary, Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar. (iv) The Secretary, Department of Forests, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar. (v) The Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Orissa, Bhubaneswar.

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(vi) The Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board, Parivesh Bhawan, CBD-cum-Office Complex, East Arjun Nagar, Delhi-110032. (vii) The Chief Conservator of Forests, Regional Office (EZ), Ministry of Environment and Forests, A-3 Chandrashekharpur, Bhubaneshwar-751023. (viii) The Chairman, Orissa State Pollution Control Board, Parivesh Bhawan, A/118 Nilkantha Nagar, Unit-VIII, Bhubaneshwar-751012. (ix) The Member Secretary, Central Ground Water Authority, A2, W3 Curzon Road Barracks, K.G. Marg, New Delhi-110001.


(SATISH C. GARKOTI)


66

CCLLEEAARREEDD PPRROOJJEECCTTSS IINN MMAAYY,, 22000088

MINING PROJECTS

• Expansion of Kamarda Chromite Mining Project of M/s B. C. Mohanty & Sons Private Ltd. located in Village(s) Kamarda, Balipada & Tailangi, Tehsil Sukinda, District Jajpur,Orissa ? environmental clearance reg.

• Expansion of Jalahuri Iron & Manganese Ore

Mining Project of M/s Mala Roy & Others located in Village Jalahuri, Tehsil Barbil, District Keonjhar, Orissa ? environmental clearance reg.

• Expansion of Banspani Iron Ore Mining Project of

M/s Orissa Mining Corporation Limited located in Village(s) Khuntapani, Banspani and Jalhari, Tehsil Barbil, District Keonjhar, Orissa -environmental clearance reg.

• Expansion of Kusumdihi-Kamando Bauxite &

Manganese Mining Project of M/s Rungta Sons Private Limited, located in Village(s) Kusumdih & Kamando, Tehsil Bonai, District Sundergarh, Orissa- environmental clearance reg.

• Bandhal Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s

Kanakdhara Mining & Minerals Private Limited located in Village Bandhal, Tehsil Bonai, District Sundergarh, Orissa ? Environmental Clearance Regarding

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Expansion of Kamarda Chromite Mining Project of M/s B. C. Mohanty & Sons Private Ltd. located in Village(s) Kamarda, Balipada & Tailangi, Tehsil Sukinda, District Jajpur,Orissa ? environmental clearance reg.


Ministry of Environment & Forests


New Delhi ? 110 003

Dated the 8th May, 2008 To

M/s B.C. Mohanty & Sons Private Ltd. Mine Owners & Exporters, Rajabagicha, Cuttack-753 009 (opposite to SBI, Jhanjirimangala),

ORISSA

Subject: Expansion of Kamarda Chromite Mining Project of M/s B. C. Mohanty & Sons Private Ltd. located in Village(s) Kamarda, Balipada & Tailangi, Tehsil Sukinda, District Jajpur,Orissa ? environmental clearance reg.

Sir, This has reference to your letter No.184/2006-2007 dated 04.11.2006 and

subsequent letters dated 09.06.2007, 21.08.2007, 25.08.2007, 29.08.2007, 31.08.2007, 12.10.2007 and 28.01.2008 on the subject mentioned above. The proposal is for enhancement of production of chromite ore from 9,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) to 88,000TPA. The total mine lease area of the project is 107.24ha, out of which 101.85ha is forest land and 5.39ha is waste land. Area proposed for mining is 29.42ha, an area 41.307ha is kept for over burden dumps, 7.977ha for mineral storage, 4.129ha for infrastructure, 9.997ha for roads and 14.41ha is for green belt. The Damsal Nallah is passing through the north-western boundary of mining lease however, modification/diversion in the existing natural drainage pattern has not been envisaged. No ecologically sensitive area such as national park/ wildlife sanctuary/biosphere reserve/tiger reserve /elephant reserve etc. is reported to be located in the core and buffer zone of the mine and that the area does report to form corridor for Schedule-I fauna. The Mahagiri and the Daitari Protected Forests are in the buffer zone of the mine. The mine working is opencast by semi-mechanized method involving blasting. The targetted production capacity of the mine is 88,000TPA of chromite ore and life of mine is 12years. Approximately 300TPD of mineral will be transported through road. The

68

topography of the area is undulated marked by linearly disposed mounds of low relief at an elevation ranging from of 160m RL to 180m RL. The present working depth of mine is 130m AMSL and the ultimate working depth of the mine will be 120m AMSL. The groundwater table is at 155m AMSL. The mine working has already intersected groundwater table. There is no population in

..2/- the core zone, therefore, no displacement of population and R&R is involved. Peak water requirement of the project is estimated as 348m3 per day, out of which 0.5m3 per day will be obtained from ground water and 342.5m3 per day from the mine sump. Approximately 29341m3 per month of solid waste comprising 5m3 per month of top soil(soil, laterite) and 29336m3 per month of over burden (OB) will be generated, which will be disposed off in the form of external dumps. It is estimated that 2.1million m3 of OB has already been accumulated and another 4.22million m3 of OB will be generated during the mine life. Backfilling has not been proposed. There will be five external OB dumps. The maximum height of dumps will be 30m, having three terraces of 10m height each. Plantation will be raised in an area of 73.823ha at the end of the mine life and an area of 23.42ha will be developed as water body during the post mining stage. Consent to Establish from the State Pollution Control Board, Orissa was obtained on 28.09.2006 for production of 88,000TPA of chromite ore involving lease area of 107.24ha. The Public hearing of the project was held on 05.07.2006. In principle forestry clearance for diversion of 87.44ha of forestland obtained from the Ministry of Environment and Forests on 07.07.2003. The Indian Bureau of Mines had approved scheme of mining including PMCP of the project on 07.05.2007 for lease area of 107.24 ha. The capital cost of the project is Rs.700Lakhs. 2. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has examined the application in accordance with Section 12 of the EIA Notification 2006 read with para 2.1.1(i) of Circular No.J-11013/41/2006-IA.II(I) dated 13.10.2006 and hereby accords environmental clearance under the provisions thereof to the above mentioned Kamarda Chromite Mining Project of M/s B.C. Mohanty & Sons Private Ltd. for an annual production capacity of 88,000tonnes (0.088million tonnes) of chromite ore by opencast semi-mechanized method involving mining lease area of 107.24 ha, subject to implementation of the following conditions and environmental safeguards.

A. Specific conditions (i) All the conditions stipulated by the State Pollution Control Board in their consent to establish shall be effectively implemented. (ii) Necessary forestry clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for an area of 101.85ha forestland shall be obtained before starting mining operation in that area. Environmental clearance is subject to grant of forestry clearance. (iii) The top soil should temporarily be stored at earmarked site(s) only and it should not be kept unutilized for a period more than 3years. The topsoil should be used for land reclamation and plantation.

..3/-

69

(iv) The project proponent shall ensure that no natural watercourse /water body shall be obstructed due to any mining operations.

(v) The over burden generated shall be stacked at earmarked dump site(s) only and it should not be kept active for a long period of time. The total height of the dumps shall not exceed 30m, in three terraces of 10m each, keeping overall slope of the dumps below 280. The proponent shall carry out slope stability study and submit report to the Ministry. The OB dumps should be scientifically vegetated with suitable native species to prevent erosion and surface run off. In critical areas, use of geo textiles shall be undertaken for stabilization of the dump. Monitoring and management of rehabilitated areas should continue until the vegetation becomes self-sustaining. Compliance status should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Forests on six monthly basis. (vi) Catch drains and siltation ponds of appropriate size shall be constructed for the working pit, soil, OB and mineral dumps to arrest flow of silt and sediment directly into Damshal Nallah and other water bodies. The water so collected should be utilized for watering the mine area, roads, green belt development etc. The drains should be regularly desilted particularly after monsoon and maintained properly. Garland drains, settling tanks and check dams of appropriate size, gradient and length shall be constructed both around the mine pit and over burden dumps to prevent run off of water and flow of sediments directly into Damshal nallah and other water bodies and sump capacity should be designed keeping 50% safety margin over and above peak sudden rainfall (based on 50 years data) and maximum discharge in the area adjoining the mine site. Sump capacity should also provide adequate retention period to allow proper settling of silt material.

Storm water return system should be provided. Storm water should not be allowed to go to the effluent treatment plant during high rainfall / super cyclone period. A separate storm water sump for this purpose should be created.

(vii) Dimension of retaining wall at the toe of over burden dump and OB benches within the mine to check run-off and siltation should be based on the rainfall data. (viii) Effluents containing Cr+6 shall be treated to meet the prescribed standards before reuse/discharge. Effluent Treatment Plant should be provided for treatment of mine water discharge and wastewater generated from the workshop and mineral separation plant.

..4/- Run off from OB dumps and other surface run off should be analysed for Cr+6 and in case its concentration is found higher than the permissible limit the water should be treated before reuse/discharge.

(ix) Separate impervious concrete pits for disposal of sludge shall be provided for the safe disposal of sludge generated from the mining operations. (x) The project proponent shall ensure that the quality of decanted effluents from the tailing pond, if any, conform to the prescribed standards before discharge.

70

(xi) The project proponent shall explore the possibility to reduce concentration of Cr+6 in the tailing pond, if any, in consultation with an expert scientific institution like NEERI. (xii) Plantation shall be raised in an area of 73.823ha including a 7.5m wide green belt in the safety zone around the mining lease by planting the native species around ML area, over burden dumps, roads etc. in consultation with the local DFO/Agriculture Department. The tree density should be thousand trees per hectare. At least 1500 trees per year shall be planted. (xiii) Regular water sprinkling should be carried out in critical areas prone to air pollution and having high levels of SPM and RPM such as haul road, loading and unloading point and transfer points. It should be ensured that the Ambient Air Quality parameters conform to the norms prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board in this regard. (xiv) The project authority should implement suitable conservation measures to augment ground water resources in the area in consultation with the Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board. (xv) Regular monitoring of ground water level and quality should be carried out by establishing a network of existing wells and constructing new piezometers in and around the mine lease. The monitoring should be carried out four times in a year ? pre-monsoon (April-May), monsoon (August), post-monsoon (November) and winter (January) and the data thus collected may be sent regularly to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, its Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar, Central Ground Water Authority and Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board. (xvi) Permission from the competent authority should be obtained for drawal of ground water if any, required for the project.

..5/- (xvii) Suitable rainwater harvesting measures on long term basis shall be planned and implemented in consultation with Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board. (xviii) Vehicular emissions should be kept under control and regularly monitored. Measures shall be taken for maintenance of vehicles used in mining operations and in transportation of mineral. The vehicles should be covered with a tarpaulin and shall not be overloaded. (xix) Blasting operation should be carried out only during the daytime. Controlled blasting should be practiced. The mitigative measures for control of ground vibrations and arrest fly rocks and boulders should be implemented. (xx) Drills shall either be operated with dust extractors or equipped with water injection system. (xxi) Consent to operate should be obtained from SPCB before starting enhanced

71

production from the mine. (xxii) Sewage treatment plant should be installed for the colony. ETP should also be provided for workshop and wastewater generated from mining operations. (xxiii) A Final Mine Closure Plan along with details of Corpus Fund should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Forests 5 years in advance of final mine closure for approval. B. General conditions

(i) No change in mining technology and scope of working should be made without prior approval of the Ministry of Environment & Forests.

(ii) No change in the calendar plan including excavation, quantum of mineral chromite ore and waste should be made.

(iii) Conservation measures for protection of flora and fauna in the core & buffer zone should be drawn up in consultation with the local forest and wildlife department.

(iv) Periodic monitoring of ambient air quality should be carried out for RPM, SPM, SO2

and NOx. Location of the monitoring stations should be decided based on the meteorological data, topographical features and environmentally and ecologically sensitive targets and frequency of monitoring should be undertaken in consultation with the State Pollution Control Board. The data so collected should be regularly submitted to the Ministry including its Regional office located at Bhubaneshwar and the State Pollution Control Board / Central Pollution Control Board once in six months.

. ..6/-

(v) Measures should be taken for control of noise levels below 85 dBA in the work environment. Workers engaged in operations of HEMM, etc should be provided with ear plugs / muffs.

(vi) Industrial waste water (workshop and waste water from the mine) should be properly collected, treated so as to conform to the standards prescribed under GSR 422 (E) dated 19th May, 1993 and 31st December, 1993 or as amended from time to time. Oil and grease trap should be installed before discharge of workshop effluents.

(vii) Personnel working in dusty areas should wear protective respiratory devices and they should also be provided with adequate training and information on safety and health aspects. Occupational health surveillance program of the workers should be undertaken periodically to observe any contractions due to exposure to dust and take corrective measures, if needed.

(viii) A separate environmental management cell with suitable qualified personnel should be set-up under the control of a Senior Executive, who will report directly to the Head of the Organization.

72

(ix) The project authorities should inform to the Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar regarding date of financial closures and final approval of the project by the concerned authorities and the date of start of land development work.

(x) The funds earmarked for environmental protection measures should be kept in separate account and should not be diverted for other purpose. Year wise expenditure should be reported to the Ministry and its Regional Office located at Bhubaneshwar.

(xi) The Regional Office of this Ministry located at Bhubaneshwar shall monitor compliance of the stipulated conditions. The project authorities should extend full cooperation to the officer (s) of the Regional Office by furnishing the requisite data / information / monitoring reports.

(xii) The project proponent shall submit six monthly report on the status of the implementation of the stipulated environmental safeguards to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, its Regional Office, Bhubaneshwar, Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board.

..7/-

(xiii) A copy of clearance letter will be marked to concerned Panchayat / local NGO, if any, from whom suggestion / representation, if any, was received while processing the proposal.

(xiv) State Pollution Control Board should display a copy of the clearance letter at the Regional office, District Industry Centre and Collector`s office/ Tehsildar`s Office for 30 days.

(xv) The project authorities should advertise at least in two local newspapers widely circulated, one of which shall be in the vernacular language of the locality concerned, within 7 days of the issue of the clearance letter informing that the project has been accorded environmental clearance and a copy of the clearance letter is available with the State Pollution Control Board and also at web site of the Ministry of Environment and Forests at http://envfor.nic.in and a copy of the same should be forwarded to the Regional Office of this Ministry located Bhubaneswar.

3. The Ministry or any other competent authority may alter/modify the above conditions or stipulate any further condition in the interest of environment protection. 4. Failure to comply with any of the conditions mentioned above may result in withdrawal of this clearance and attract action under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 5. The above conditions will be enforced inter-alia, under the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Public Liability

73

Insurance Act, 1991 along with their amendments and rules made thereunder and also any other orders passed by the Hon?ble Supreme Court of India/ High Court of Rajasthan and any other Court of Law relating to the subject matter. 6. Any appeal against this environmental clearance shall lie with the National Environment Appellate Authority, if preferred within a period of 30 days as prescribed under Section 11 of the National Environment Appellate Act, 1997.


Copy to: 1. The Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi.

..8/- 2. The Secretary, Department of Environment, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar. 3. The Secretary, Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar. 4. The Secretary, Department of Forests, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar. 5. The Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board, Parivesh Bhawan, CBD-cum-Office Complex, East Arjun Nagar, Delhi-110032. 6. The Chief Conservator of Forests, Regional Office (EZ), Ministry of Environment and Forests, A-3 Chandrashekharpur, Bhubaneshwar-751023. 7. The Chairman, Orissa State Pollution Control Board, Parivesh Bhawan, A/118 Nilkantha Nagar, Unit-VIII, Bhubaneshwar-751012. 8. The Member Secretary, Central Ground Water Authority, A2, W3 Curzon Road Barracks, K.G. Marg, New Delhi-110001.

9. The District Collector, Jajpur District, Orissa. 10. EI Division, Ministry of Environment & Forests, EI Division, New Delhi. 11. Monitoring File. 12. Guard File. 13. Record File.

(SATISH C. GARKOTI)


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Expansion of Jalahuri Iron & Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Mala Roy & Others located in Village Jalahuri, Tehsil Barbil, District Keonjhar, Orissa ? environmental clearance reg.

No. J-11015/335/2006-IA.II(M) Government of India


Paryavaran Bhavan, C.G.O. Complex, Lodi Road,

New Delhi-110 003.

Dated the 8th May, 2008

To M/s Mala Roy & Others P.O.-Banspani, Via-Joda, District Keonjhar, Orissa -758 036 E-mail: [email protected]

Subject: Expansion of Jalahuri Iron & Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Mala Roy & Others located in Village Jalahuri, Tehsil Barbil, District Keonjhar, Orissa ? environmental clearance reg.

Sir, This has reference to your letter No.MR/MoEF/2006/01 dated 26.09.2006 and

subsequent letters dated 8.11.2006, 05.05.2007, 31.07.2007, 13.09.2007, 14.01.2008 and 05.02.2008 on the subject mentioned above. The proposal is for enhancement of iron ore production from 60,000tonnes per annum (TPA) to 600,000 TPA(0.6millionTPA). The total mine lease area of the project is 182.109ha, out of which 4.698ha is an agricultural land and 117.938ha is forestland. Area proposed for mining is 110.56ha, an area 0.5ha is kept for storage of topsoil, 13.48ha for OB dumps, 2.14ha for mineral storage, 0.92ha for infrastructure, 2.566ha for roads, 10.09ha for green belt, 2ha for ETP (for garland drain & sedimentation tank), 1ha for mineral separation plant, 2.142ha for township, 0.092ha for magazine and 36.259ha is others (agricultural land and undistributed area). The Baitarani River and Suna Nadi are located at a distance of 3.2km and 5.9 km respectively form the mine lease boundary. In addition, Jalahuri Village spring and a nalla is located at a distance of 1.7km and 5.8km respectively from the lease boundary. No ecologically sensitive area such as national park/ wildlife sanctuary/biosphere reserve etc. is reported to be located in the core and buffer zone of the mine and that the area does not report to form corridor for Schedule-I fauna. In support of this, the project proponent submitted a

75

map duly authenticated by the DFO and Wildlife Warden, Keonjhar Division. The Karo-Karampada elephant corridor is reported beyond 10km of the mine lease. The mine working is opencast by semi-mechanized method involving blasting. The targetted production capacity of the mine is 0.6 million TPA of iron ore and life of mine is 25years. Approximately 1083.3TPD of mineral will be transported through road and another 583.3TPD of mineral will be transported through

..2/- Rail. The topography of the area is hilly at an elevation ranging from of 540m AMSL to 710m AMSL. The present working depth of mine is 670m AMSL(40m below mine top level i.e.710m AMSL) and the ultimate working depth of the mine will be 630m AMSL(80m below mine top level i.e.710m AMSL). The water table in the core zone varies from 400m AMSL to 402m AMSL during pre-monsoon and post monsoon. The mine working will not intersect groundwater table. There is no population in the core zone, therefore, no displacement of population and R&R is envisaged. The peak water requirement of the project is estimated as 45m3 per day, out of which 40m3 per day will be obtained from Dalco nallah located at at a distance of 2.5 km and remaining 5m3 per day from the Joda Integrated Water Supply Authority. Approximately 40,000m3 per month of over burden (OB) will be generated, which will partly be dumped and partly backfilled in the worked out pits. It is estimated that 0.6 million m3 of OB has already been accumulated and another 11.6 million m3 of OB will be generated during the mine life. Backfilling has already been in progress. Out of the 11.6 million m3 of waste to be generated, about 6.5 million m3 will be backfilled and remaining quantity will be disposed off in the form of external dumps. Out of the seven existing dumps, four dumps have been stabilised and will remain as such and three remaining dumps will be rehandled. The maximum height of OB dumps will be 30m, having 2 terraces of 15m each. Plantation will be raised in an area of 137.49ha at the end of the mine life. The State Pollution Control Board, Orissa had issued consent to establish (NOC) to the project on 30.04.2002 for production of 50,000TPM of iron ore. Public hearing of the project was held on 21.02.2004. The Indian Bureau of Mines had approved scheme of mining including PMCP of the project on 03.08.2006 for lease area of 182.109ha. Forestry clearance for diversion of 111.58ha forest land obtained on 26.07.2006. The capital cost of the project is Rs.80lakh.

2. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has examined the application in accordance with Section 12 of the EIA Notification 2006 read with para 1.2 of Circular No.J-11013/41/2006-IA.II(I) dated 13.10.2006 and hereby accords environmental clearance under the provisions thereof to the above mentioned Jalahuri Iron & Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Mala Roy & Others for an annual production capacity of 6,00,000tonnes(0.6million tonnes) of iron ore by opencast semi-mechanized method involving total lease area of 182.109ha, subject to implementation of the following conditions and environmental safeguards.

A. Specific conditions

(i) All the conditions stipulated by the State Pollution Control Board in their Consent to Establish(NOC) shall be effectively implemented.

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(ii) Environmental clearance is subject to grant of forestry clearance for diversion of 117.938ha forestland. Necessary forestry clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 shall be obtained for the entire forestland before starting mining operation.

..3/- (iii) The mining operations shall be restricted to above ground water table and it should not intersect groundwater table. In case of working below ground water table, prior approval of the Ministry of Environment & Forests and Central Ground Water Authority shall be obtained for which a detailed hydro-geological study shall be carried out. (iv) The project proponent shall ensure that no natural watercourse and/ or water resources shall be obstructed due to any mining operations. (v) The top soil, if any, shall temporarily be stacked at earmarked site(s) only and it should not be kept unutilized for a period more than 3years. The topsoil should be used for land reclamation and plantation. (vi) The over burden(OB) generated during the mining operation shall be stacked at earmarked dump site(s) only and it should not be kept active for long period of time. The existing OB dumps shall be rehandled and backfilled. Concurrent backfilling shall be carried out. There shall be only four external dumps. The maximum height of OB dumps shall not exceed 30m having two terraces of 15m height each and the overall slope of dump shall be maintained to 280. The OB dumps should be scientifically vegetated with suitable native species to prevent erosion and surface run off. In critical areas, use of geo textiles shall be undertaken for stabilization of the dump. Monitoring and management of rehabilitated areas should continue until the vegetation becomes self-sustaining. The total backfilled area of 110.56ha shall be reclaimed and rehabilitated by plantation. Compliance status should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Forests and its Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar on six monthly basis. (vii) Catch drains and siltation ponds of appropriate size shall be constructed around the mine working, soil, mineral and OB dumps to prevent run off of water and flow of sediments directly into Baitarni River and other water bodies. The water so collected should be utilized for watering the mine area, roads, green belt development etc. The drains should be regularly desilted particularly after monsoon and maintained properly. Garland drains, settling tanks and check dams of appropriate size, gradient and length shall be constructed both around the mine pit and over burden dumps to prevent run off of water and flow of sediments directly into Baitarni River and other water bodies and sump capacity should be designed keeping 50% safety margin over and above peak sudden rainfall (based on 50 years data) and maximum discharge in the area adjoining the mine site. Sump capacity should also provide adequate retention period to allow proper settling of silt material. Sedimentation pits should be constructed at the corners of the garland drains and desilted at regular intervals.

..4/-

(viii) Dimension of the retaining wall at the toe of dumps and OB benches within the

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mine to check run-off and siltation should be based on the rain fall data. (ix) Plantation shall be raised in an area of 137.49ha including a 7.5m wide green belt in the safety zone around the mining lease in an area of 10.09ha, backfilled area, around over burden dumps, roads etc. by planting the native species in consultation with the local DFO/Agriculture Department. The density of the trees should be around 2500 plants per ha. (x) Effective safeguard measures such as regular water sprinkling shall be carried out in critical areas prone to air pollution and having high levels of SPM and RPM such as haul road, loading and unloading point and transfer points. It should be ensured that the Ambient Air Quality parameters conform to the norms prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board in this regard. (xi) Regular monitoring of the flow rate of the springs and perennial nallahs shall be carried out and records maintained. (xii) Regular monitoring of water quality upstream and downstream of Dalco nallah and village spring should be carried out and record of monitoring data should be maintained and submitted to Ministry of Environment and Forests, its Regional Office, Bhubneswar, Central Groundwater Authority, Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board, State Pollution Control Board and Central Pollution Control Board. (xiii) The project authority should implement suitable conservation measures to augment ground water resources in the area in consultation with the Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board. (xiv) Regular monitoring of ground water level and quality should be carried out in and around the mine lease by establishing a network of existing wells and constructing new piezometers during the mining operation. The monitoring should be carried out four times in a year ? pre-monsoon (April-May), monsoon (August), post-monsoon (November) and winter (January) and the data thus collected may be sent regularly to Ministry of Environment and Forests and its Regional Office, Bhubaneswar, Central Ground Water Authority and Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board. (xv) Appropriate mitigative measures should be taken to prevent pollution of Baitarni River and Suna Nadi in consultation with the State Pollution Control Board.

..5/- (xvi) The project proponent shall obtain necessary prior permission of the competent authorities for drawl of requisite quantity of water (surface water and ground water) for the project. (xvii) Suitable rainwater harvesting measures on long term basis shall be planned and implemented in consultation with Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board.

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(xviii) Vehicular emissions shall be kept under control and regularly monitored. Measures shall be taken for maintenance of vehicles used in mining operations and in transportation of mineral. The vehicles should be covered with a tarpaulin and shall not be overloaded. (xix) Blasting operation should be carried out only during the daytime. Controlled blasting should be practiced. The mitigative measures for control of ground vibrations and to arrest fly rocks and boulders should be implemented. (xx) Drills shall either be operated with dust extractors or equipped with water injection system. (xxi) Mineral handling plant shall be provided with adequate number of high efficiency dust extraction system. Loading and unloading areas including all the transfer points should also have efficient dust control arrangements. These should be properly maintained and operated. (xxii) Consent to operate should be obtained from State Pollution Control Board prior to start of enhanced production from the mine. (xxiii) Sewage treatment plant should be installed for the colony. ETP should also be provided for workshop and wastewater generated during mining operation. (xxiv) The project proponent should take all precautionary measures during mining operation for conservation and protection of endangered fauna namely python etc. spotted in the study area. Action plan for conservation of flora and fauna shall be prepared and implemented in consultation with the State Forest and Wildlife Department. Requisite contribution towards implementation of the Regional Wildlife Management Plan to be made to the competent authority in the State Government and the funds so allocated shall be included in the project cost. All the safeguard measures brought out in the Wildlife Conservation Pan so prepared specific to the project site shall be effectively implemented in consultation with the State Forest and Wildlife Department. Copy of action plan may be submitted to the Ministry and its Regional Office within 3 months.

..6/-

(xxv) A Final Mine Closure Plan along with details of Corpus Fund should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Forests 5 years in advance of final mine closure for approval.


(i) No change in mining technology and scope of working should be made without prior approval of the Ministry of Environment & Forests.

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(ii) No change in the calendar plan including excavation, quantum of mineral iron ore and waste should be made. (iii) Four ambient air quality-monitoring stations should be established in the core zone as well as in the buffer zone for RPM, SPM, SO2

& NOx monitoring. Location of the stations should be decided based on the meteorological data, topographical features and environmentally and ecologically sensitive targets and frequency of monitoring should be undertaken in consultation with the State Pollution Control Board. (iv) Data on ambient air quality (RPM, SPM, SO2 & NOx) should be regularly submitted to the Ministry including its Regional office located at Bhubaneswar and the State Pollution Control Board / Central Pollution Control Board once in six months. (v) Measures should be taken for control of noise levels below 85 dBA in the work environment. Workers engaged in operations of HEMM, etc. should be provided with ear plugs / muffs.

(vi) Industrial waste water (workshop and waste water from the mine) should be properly collected, treated so as to conform to the standards prescribed under GSR 422 (E) dated 19th May, 1993 and 31st December, 1993 or as amended from time to time. Oil and grease trap should be installed before discharge of workshop effluents. (vii) Personnel working in dusty areas should wear protective respiratory devices and they should also be provided with adequate training and information on safety and health aspects. Occupational health surveillance program of the workers should be undertaken periodically to observe any contractions due to exposure to dust and take corrective measures, if needed.

(viii) A separate environmental management cell with suitable qualified personnel should be set-up under the control of a Senior Executive, who will report directly to the Head of the Organization.

..7/- (ix) The funds earmarked for environmental protection measures should be kept in separate account and should not be diverted for other purpose. Year wise expenditure should be reported to the Ministry and its Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar. (x) The project authorities should inform to the Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar regarding date of financial closures and final approval of the project by the concerned authorities and the date of start of land development work. (xi) The Regional Office of this Ministry located at Bhubaneswar shall monitor compliance of the stipulated conditions. The project authorities should extend full cooperation to the officer (s) of the Regional Office by furnishing the requisite data / information / monitoring reports.

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(xii) The project proponent shall submit six monthly report on the status of the implementation of the stipulated environmental safeguards to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, its Regional Office, Bhubaneswar, Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board. (xiii) A copy of clearance letter will be marked to concerned Panchayat / local NGO, if any, from whom suggestion / representation has been received while processing the proposal. (xiv) State Pollution Control Board should display a copy of the clearance letter at the Regional office, District Industry Centre and Collector`s office/ Tehsildar`s Office for 30 days. (xv) The project authorities should advertise at least in two local newspapers widely circulated, one of which shall be in the vernacular language of the locality concerned, within 7 days of the issue of the clearance letter informing that the project has been accorded environmental clearance and a copy of the clearance letter is available with the State Pollution Control Board and also at web site of the Ministry of Environment and Forests at http://envfor.nic.in and a copy of the same should be forwarded to the Regional Office of this Ministry located Bhubaneswar.

3. The Ministry or any other competent authority may alter/modify the above conditions or stipulate any further condition in the interest of environment protection. 4. Failure to comply with any of the conditions mentioned above may result in withdrawal of this clearance and attract action under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

..8/- 5. The above conditions will be enforced inter-alia, under the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 along with their amendments and rules made thereunder and also any other orders passed by the Hon?ble Supreme Court of India/ High Court of Orissa and by any other Court of Law relating to the subject matter. 6. Any appeal against this environmental clearance shall lie with the National Environment Appellate Authority, if preferred within a period of 30 days as prescribed under Section 11 of the National Environment Appellate Act, 1997.

(SATISH C. GARKOTI)

Additional Director (S) Copy to: (i) The Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi.

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(ii) The Secretary, Department of Environment, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar. (iii) The Secretary, Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar. (iv) The Secretary, Department of Forests, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar. (v) The Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Orissa, Bhubaneswar.


(vii) The Chief Conservator of Forests, Regional Office (EZ), Ministry of Environment and Forests, A-3 Chandrashekharpur, Bhubaneshwar-751023. (viii) The Chairman, Orissa State Pollution Control Board, Parivesh Bhawan, A/118 Nilakantha Nagar, Unit-VIII, Bhubaneshwar-751012. (ix) The Member Secretary, Central Ground Water Authority, A2, W3 Curzon Road Barracks, K.G. Marg, New Delhi-110001. (x) The District Collector, Keonjhar District, Government of Orissa.

..9/-

(xi) EI Division, Ministry of Environment & Forests, EI Division, New Delhi. (xii) Monitoring File. (xiii) Guard File. (xiv) Record File.


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Expansion of Banspani Iron Ore Mining Project of M/s Orissa Mining Corporation Limited located in Village(s) Khuntapani, Banspani and Jalhari, Tehsil Barbil, District Keonjhar, Orissa –environmental clearance reg.




New Delhi ? 110 003


The Orissa Mining Corporation Limited OMC House, P.O. Box-34, Bhubaneswar-751 001, Orissa E-mail: [email protected]

Subject: Expansion of Banspani Iron Ore Mining Project of M/s

Orissa Mining Corporation Limited located in Village(s) Khuntapani, Banspani and Jalhari, Tehsil Barbil, District Keonjhar, Orissa -environmental clearance reg.

Sir, This has reference to your letter No. 20929/OMC/F&E/07 dated 04.10.2007 on

the subject mentioned above. The proposal is for enhancement of production of iron ore from 0.078million tonnes per annum (million TPA) to 1million TPA. The total mine lease area of the project is 380.4ha, out of which 130.739ha is an agricultural land, 188.717ha is forestland, 42.4998ha is wasteland and 18.4442ha is others (11.141ha settlements+7.3032ha roads). Unhabitated area of Jalhari Village is within the lease boundary. About one third of the lease hold is under Baitarni Reserve Forests. Area proposed for mining is 92.959ha, an area 13.25ha is occupied by the existing OB dumps, 2.56ha area is kept for infrastructure, 2.545ha for roads, 17.873ha for green belt and 251.213ha is others (248.377ha untouched area +2.836ha is magazine and safety zone). The Baitarani River and the Kundra nalla are located at a distance of 2km and 3km respectively from the mine lease boundary. No ecologically sensitive area such as national park/wildlife sanctuary/biosphere reserve/tiger reserve/elephant reserve etc. is reported to be located in the core and buffer zone of the mine. Six Reserve Forests namely Baitarni RF, Khajurdihi RF, Chamakpur RF, Sidhamath RF, Thakurani RF and

83

Lakraghat RF are located in the study area. The Baitarni RF and Unclassed Forest forms part of the mining lease. A duly authenticated map from DFO cum Wildlife Warden, Keonjhar Division has been provided reporting that no elephant corridor falls within 10km of the mine lease. Three hundred households comprising a population of 1800 people (1500 tribal and 300 others) from two villages namely Banspani and Khuntapani are in the core zone. Displacement of population and R&R has not been envisaged. The mine working will be opencast by semi-mechanized method involving blasting. The targetted production capacity of the mine is 1,000,000TPA(1million TPA) of

..2/- iron ore and the life of mine is 13years. A crushing and screening plant will also be installed, however, there will be no beneficiation plant. Approximately 3350TPD of iron ore will be transported through road. The topography of the area is hilly at an elevation ranging from 505m-638m AMSL. The ultimate working depth of mine will be 522m RL. It has been reported that no groundwater will be encountered up to 50m below the pit bottom. The peak water requirement of the project is estimated as 203m3 per day, which will be met from groundwater and surface water. It is proposed that 69750m3 per month of over burden (laterite, shale, banded iron formations etc.) will be generated, which will be used for backfilling. A total of 0.216 million m3 of OB has already been accumulated and another 10.894 million m3 of OB is proposed to be generated during the entire life of the mine. Backfilling will start in 2008 and the existing five dumps will be liquidated by 2012. Out of 92.959ha of quarry void, 41.28ha will be backfilled. There will be no external over burden dump. Plantation will be raised in an area of 124.083 ha at the end of the mine life. Public hearing of the project was held on 08.03.2007. The Indian Bureau of Mines had approved scheme of mining including progressive mine closure plan of the project on 06.10.2006 for lease area of 380.4ha. Forestry clearance for diversion of forestland involved in the project has not been obtained as yet. The capital cost of the project is Rs.9.5crores.

2. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has examined the application in accordance with the EIA Notification, 2006 and hereby accords environmental clearance under the provisions thereof to the above mentioned Banspani Iron Ore Mining Project of M/s Orissa Mining Corporation Limited for an annual production capacity of 1,000,000tonnes (1million tonnes) by opencast semi-mechanized method involving mining lease area of 380.4ha, subject to implementation of the following conditions and environmental safeguards.

A. Specific Conditions (i) The project proponent shall obtain consent to establish from the State Pollution Control Board, Orissa and effectively implement all the conditions stipulated therein. (ii) Necessary forestry clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for an area of 57.412ha forestland shall be obtained before starting mining operation in that area. Environmental clearance is subject to grant of forestry clearance.

84

(iii) The mining operations shall be restricted to above ground water table and it should not intersect groundwater table. In case of working below ground water table, prior approval of the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Central Ground Water Authority shall be obtained, for which a detailed hydro-geological study shall be carried out.

..3/- (iv) The project proponent shall ensure that no natural watercourse and/or water resources shall be obstructed due to any mining operations. (v) The top soil, if any, shall temporarily be stored at earmarked site(s) only and it should not be kept unutilized for a period more than 3years. The topsoil shall be used for land reclamation and plantation. (vi) The existing over burden (OB) lying in an area of 13.25ha shall be rehandled and backfilled. Backfilling shall start from the year 2008 and the existing five dumps shall be liquidated by the year 2012. Out of 92.959ha of quarry void, 41.28ha shall be backfilled. There shall be no external over burden dump. Monitoring and management of rehabilitated areas should continue until the vegetation becomes self-sustaining. Compliance status should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Forests and its Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar on six monthly basis. (vii) Catch drains and siltation ponds of appropriate size shall be constructed around the mine working, soil, mineral and temporary OB dumps to prevent run off of water and flow of sediments directly into Baitarni River. The water so collected should be utilized for watering the mine area, roads, green belt development etc. The drains should be regularly desilted particularly after monsoon and maintained properly. Garland drains, settling tanks and check dams of appropriate size, gradient and length shall be constructed both around the mine pit and temporary over burden dumps to prevent run off of water and flow of sediments directly into Baitarni River and sump capacity should be designed keeping 50% safety margin over and above peak sudden rainfall (based on 50 years data) and maximum discharge in the area adjoining the mine site. Sump capacity should also provide adequate retention period to allow proper settling of silt material. Sedimentation pits should be constructed at the corners of the garland drains and desilted at regular intervals. (viii) Dimension of the retaining wall at the toe of temporary dumps and over burden benches within the mine to check run-off and siltation should be based on the rain fall data. (ix) Plantation shall be raised in an area of 124.083 ha including a 7.5m wide green belt in the safety zone around the mining lease, backfilled area, quarry benches, roads etc. by planting the native species in consultation with the local DFO/Agriculture Department. The density of the trees should be around 2500 plants per ha.

..4/-

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(x) Effective safeguard measures such as regular water sprinkling shall be carried out in critical areas prone to air pollution and having high levels of SPM and RPM such as haul road, loading and unloading point and transfer points. It should be ensured that the Ambient Air Quality parameters conform to the norms prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board in this regard. (xi) Regular monitoring of the flow rate of the springs and perennial nallahs shall be carried out and records maintained. (xii) Regular monitoring of water quality upstream and downstream of Kundra nallah should be carried out and record of monitoring data should be maintained and submitted to Ministry of Environment and Forests, its Regional Office, Bhubneswar, Central Groundwater Authority, Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board, State Pollution Control Board and Central Pollution Control Board. (xiii) The project authority should implement suitable conservation measures to augment ground water resources in the area in consultation with the Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board. (xiv) Regular monitoring of ground water level and quality should be carried out in and around the mine lease by establishing a network of existing wells and constructing new piezometers during the mining operation. The monitoring should be carried out four times in a year ? pre-monsoon (April-May), monsoon (August), post-monsoon (November) and winter (January) and the data thus collected may be sent regularly to Ministry of Environment and Forests and its Regional Office, Bhubaneswar, Central Ground Water Authority and Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board.

(xv) Appropriate mitigative measures should be taken to prevent pollution of Baitarni River in consultation with the State Pollution Control Board. (xvi) The project proponent shall obtain necessary prior permission of the competent authorities for drawl of requisite quantity of water (surface water and ground water) for the project. (xvii) Suitable rainwater harvesting measures on long term basis shall be planned and implemented in consultation with Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board. (xviii) Vehicular emissions shall be kept under control and regularly monitored. Measures shall be taken for maintenance of vehicles used in mining operations and in transportation of mineral. The vehicles should be covered with a tarpaulin and shall not be overloaded.

..5/- (xix) Blasting operation should be carried out only during the daytime. Controlled blasting should be practiced. The mitigative measures for control of ground vibrations and to arrest fly rocks and boulders should be implemented.

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(xx) Drills shall either be operated with dust extractors or equipped with water injection system. (xxi) Mineral handling plant shall be provided with adequate number of high efficiency dust extraction system. Loading and unloading areas including all the transfer points should also have efficient dust control arrangements. These should be properly maintained and operated. (xxii) Consent to operate should be obtained from State Pollution Control Board prior to start of enhanced production from the mine.

(xxiii) Sewage treatment plant should be installed for the colony. ETP should also be provided for workshop and wastewater generated during mining operation. (xxiv) The project proponent shall made requisite contribution towards implementation of the Regional Wildlife Management Plan to the competent authority in the State Government. All the safeguard measures brought out in the Wildlife Conservation Pan so prepared specific to the project site shall be effectively implemented in consultation with the State Forest and Wildlife Department. (xxv) Final Mine Closure Plan along with details of Corpus Fund should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Forests 5 years in advance of final mine closure for approval.


(i) No change in mining technology and scope of working should be made without prior approval of the Ministry of Environment & Forests. (ii) No change in the calendar plan including excavation, quantum of mineral iron ore and waste should be made. (iii) Conservation measures for protection of flora and fauna in the core & buffer zone should be drawn up in consultation with the local forest and wildlife department. (iv) Four ambient air quality-monitoring stations should be established in the core zone as well as in the buffer zone for RPM, SPM, SO2

& NOx ..6/-

monitoring. Location of the stations should be decided based on the meteorological data, topographical features and environmentally and ecologically sensitive targets and frequency of monitoring should be undertaken in consultation with the State Pollution Control Board.

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(v) Data on ambient air quality (RPM, SPM, SO2 & NOx) should be regularly submitted to the Ministry including its Regional office located at Bhubaneswar and the State Pollution Control Board / Central Pollution Control Board once in six months. (vi) Fugitive dust emissions from all the sources should be controlled regularly. Water spraying arrangement on haul roads, loading and unloading and at transfer points should be provided and properly maintained.

(vii) Measures should be taken for control of noise levels below 85 dBA in the work environment. Workers engaged in operations of HEMM, etc. should be provided with ear plugs / muffs.

(viii) Industrial waste water (workshop and waste water from the mine) should be properly collected, treated so as to conform to the standards prescribed under GSR 422 (E) dated 19th May, 1993 and 31st December, 1993 or as amended from time to time. Oil and grease trap should be installed before discharge of workshop effluents. (ix) Personnel working in dusty areas should wear protective respiratory devices and they should also be provided with adequate training and information on safety and health aspects. Occupational health surveillance program of the workers should be undertaken periodically to observe any contractions due to exposure to dust and take corrective measures, if needed.

(x) A separate environmental management cell with suitable qualified personnel should be set-up under the control of a Senior Executive, who will report directly to the Head of the Organization. (xi) The funds earmarked for environmental protection measures should be kept in separate account and should not be diverted for other purpose. Year wise expenditure should be reported to the Ministry and its Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar. (xii) The project authorities should inform to the Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar regarding date of financial closures and final approval of the project by the concerned authorities and the date of start of land development work.

..7/- (xiii) The Regional Office of this Ministry located at Bhubaneswar shall monitor compliance of the stipulated conditions. The project authorities should extend full cooperation to the officer (s) of the Regional Office by furnishing the requisite data / information / monitoring reports. (xiv) The project proponent shall submit six monthly report on the status of the implementation of the stipulated environmental safeguards to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, its Regional Office, Bhubaneswar, Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board.

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(xvi) State Pollution Control Board should display a copy of the clearance letter at the Regional office, District Industry Centre and Collector`s office/ Tehsildar`s Office for 30 days.

(xvii) The project authorities should advertise at least in two local newspapers widely circulated, one of which shall be in the vernacular language of the locality concerned, within 7 days of the issue of the clearance letter informing that the project has been accorded environmental clearance and a copy of the clearance letter is available with the State Pollution Control Board and also at web site of the Ministry of Environment and Forests at http://envfor.nic.in and a copy of the same should be forwarded to the Regional Office of this Ministry located Bhubaneswar.



5. The above conditions will be enforced inter-alia, under the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 along with their amendments and rules made thereunder.

6. Any appeal against this environmental clearance shall lie with the National Environment Appellate Authority, if preferred within a period of 30 days as prescribed under Section 11 of the National Environment Appellate Act, 1997.

(SATISH C. GARKOTI)

Additional Director (S) ..8/-

Copy to:

(i) The Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. (ii) The Secretary, Department of Environment, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar. (iii) The Secretary, Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar. (iv) The Secretary, Department of Forests, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar.

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(v) The Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Orissa, Bhubaneswar.


(vii) The Chief Conservator of Forests, Regional Office (EZ), Ministry of Environment and Forests, A-3 Chandrashekharpur, Bhubaneshwar-751023. (viii) The Chairman, Orissa State Pollution Control Board, Parivesh Bhawan, A/118 Nilakantha Nagar, Unit-VIII, Bhubaneshwar-751012. (ix) The Member Secretary, Central Ground Water Authority, A2, W3 Curzon Road Barracks, K.G. Marg, New Delhi-110001. (x) The District Collector, Keonjhar District, Government of Orissa.

(xi) EI Division, Ministry of Environment & Forests, EI Division, New Delhi. (xii) Monitoring File. (xiii) Guard File. (xiv) Record File.


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Expansion of Kusumdihi-Kamando Bauxite & Manganese Mining Project of M/s Rungta Sons Private Limited, located in Village(s) Kusumdih & Kamando, Tehsil Bonai, District Sundergarh, Orissa- environmental clearance reg.

No.J-11015/594/2007-IA.II (M)

Government of India Ministry of Environment and Forests

Paryavaran Bhawan,

C.G.O. Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi- 110 003


M/s Rungta Sons (P). Ltd Rungta House, Chaibasa District West Singbhum-833 201, Jharkhand E-mail Id: [email protected]

Subject: Expansion of Kusumdihi-Kamando Bauxite &

Manganese Mining Project of M/s Rungta Sons Private Limited, located in Village(s) Kusumdih & Kamando, Tehsil Bonai, District Sundergarh, Orissa- environmental clearance reg.

Sir, This has reference to your letter No. RSPL/CGM/06-07/ENV-5 dated 23.06.2007 on the subject mentioned above. The proposal is for renewal of mining lease and enhancement of production of bauxite from 14tonnes per day (TPD) to 140 TPD. The total mine lease area of the project is 43.067ha, out of which 18.05ha is forestland and 25.017ha is waste land. Area proposed for mining is 18.529ha, an area 2.72ha is kept for over burden dump, 2.19ha for Mineral storage, 1.673ha for roads, 2.985ha for green belt and 14.97ha is others (virgin land). The Karo River flows at a distance of 4.05km from the mine lease boundary. In addition, the Samij nallah & Kusumdih nallah are located at a distance of 2.11km NW and 0.31km NE respectively from the mine lease boundary. No ecologically sensitive area such as national park/ wildlife sanctuary/biosphere reserve/tiger reserve /elephant reserve etc. is reported to be located in the core and buffer zone of the mine and that the area does not report to form corridor for Schedule-I fauna. A map duly authenticated by DFO and Wildlife Warden, Bonai Division provided, showing that the Karo Karampada Elephant Corridor is at a distance of 14.07km from the mine lease. There are five reserve forests namely Kathmala, Mendhamaruni, Karo,

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Uliburu and Torha in the buffer zone of the mine. Working is opencast by manual method involving drilling and blasting. The targetted production capacity of the mine is 41680tonnes per annum (TPA) and the life of mine is 34years. The mineral will be transported through road. The topography of the area is hilly at an elevation ranging from of 566mRL- 628mRL. The general ground level is at 566m RL. The ultimate working depth of mine will vary from 584mRL to 571 mRL. The groundwater table varies from 550mRL to 542mRL. The mine working will not intersect groundwater table. The peak water requirement of the project is estimated as 24m3 per

..2/- day, out of which 22m3 per day will be obtained from Karo River and 2m3 per day for drinking purpose from groundwater. There is no population in the core zone, therefore, no displacement of population and R&R is envisaged. Approximately 3251m3 per month of over burden (OB) will be generated, which will be dumped in the earmarked area. It is estimated that 13.5lakhs m3 of waste will be generated during the mine life, out of which 7.4lakh m3 will be backfilled and remaining quantity will be disposed off in the form of an external dump. Backfilling will start from the 13th year of operation. The maximum height of the dump will be 23m having three terraces of 8m height at each stage. Plantation will be raised in an area of 26.424ha at the end of the mine life. The public hearing of the project was held on 16.06.2007 for enhancement of production upto 41,680 TPA of Bauxite over an area of 43.067ha. The Indian Bureau of Mines had approved mining plan of the project on 05.05.2005 for lease area of 43.067ha. The capital cost of the project is Rs.200Lakhs. 2. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has examined the application in accordance with Section 12 of the EIA Notification 2006 read with para 1.2 of Circular No.J-11013/41/2006-IA.II(I) dated 13.10.2006 and hereby accords environmental clearance under the provisions thereof to the above mentioned Kusumdihi-Kamando Bauxite & Manganese Mining Project of M/s Rungta Sons Private Limited for an annual production capacity of 41,680tonnes of Bauxite by opencast manual method, involving total lease area of 43.067ha, subject to implementation of the following conditions and environmental safeguards.

A. Specific conditions (i) The project proponent shall obtain consent to establish from the State Pollution Control Board, Orissa and effectively implement all the conditions stipulated therein. (ii) Necessary forestry clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for an area of 18.05ha forestland shall be obtained before starting mining operation in that area. Environmental clearance is subject to grant of forestry clearance. (iii) The mining operations shall be restricted to above ground water table and it should not intersect groundwater table. In case of working below ground water table, prior approval of the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Central Ground Water Authority shall be obtained, for which a detailed hydro-geological study shall be carried out.

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(iv) The project proponent shall ensure that no natural watercourse and/or water resources shall be obstructed due to any mining operations.

..3/- (v) The top soil, if any, shall temporarily be stored at earmarked site(s) only and it should not be kept unutilized for a period more than 3years. The topsoil shall be used for land reclamation and plantation.

(vi) The over burden (OB) generated shall be stacked at earmarked dump site(s) only and it should not be kept active for long period of time. The maximum height of the dump shall not exceed 23m, having three terraces of 8m each and the overall slope of dump shall not exceed 28 degree. The over burden dump shall be scientifically vegetated with suitable native species to prevent erosion and surface run off. In critical areas, use of geo textiles shall be undertaken for stabilization of the dump. Backfilling shall start from the 13th year of operation and an area of 16.129ha should be backfilled and reclaimed by plantation. Monitoring and management of rehabilitated areas should continue until the vegetation becomes self-sustaining. Compliance status should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forests and its Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar on six monthly basis. (vii) Catch drains and siltation ponds of appropriate size shall be constructed around the working pit, mineral and OB dumps to prevent run off of water and flow of sediments directly into the river and the water bodies. The water so collected should be utilized for watering the mine area, roads, green belt development etc. The drains should be regularly desilted particularly after monsoon and maintained properly.

Garland drains, settling tanks and check dams of appropriate size, gradient and length shall be constructed both around the mine pit and over burden dumps to prevent run off of water and flow of sediments directly into the river and the water bodies and sump capacity should be designed keeping 50% safety margin over and above peak sudden rainfall (based on 50 years data) and maximum discharge in the area adjoining the mine site. Sump capacity should also provide adequate retention period to allow proper settling of silt material. Sedimentation pits should be constructed at the corners of the garland drains and desilted at regular intervals. (viii) Dimension of the retaining wall at the toe of dumps and over burden benches within the mine to check run-off and siltation should be based on the rainfall data.

(ix) Plantation shall be raised in an area of 26.424ha including a 7.5m wide green belt around the mining lease, over burden dumps, backfilled and reclaimed area, roads etc. by planting the native species in consultation with the local DFO/Agriculture Department. The density of the trees should be around 2500 plants per ha.

..4/-

(x) Regular water sprinkling should be carried out in critical areas prone to air pollution and having high levels of SPM and RPM such as haul road, around crushing and

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screening plant, loading and unloading point and transfer points. It should be ensured that the Ambient Air Quality parameters conform to the norms prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board in this regard.

(xi) Regular monitoring of water quality upstream and downstream of Samij and Kusumdih nallahs should be carried out and record of monitoring data should be maintained and submitted to Ministry of Environment and Forests, its Regional Office, Bhubneswar, Central Groundwater Authority, Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board, State Pollution Control Board and Central Pollution Control Board. (xii) The project authority should implement suitable conservation measures to augment ground water resources in the area in consultation with the Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board. (xiii) Regular monitoring of ground water level and quality should be carried out in and around the mine lease by establishing a network of existing wells and constructing new piezometers during the mining operation. The monitoring should be carried out four times in a year - pre-monsoon (April-May), monsoon (August), post-monsoon (November) and winter (January) and the data thus collected may be sent regularly to Ministry of Environment and Forests and its Regional Office Bhubaneswar, Central Ground Water Authority and Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board.

(xiv) The project proponent shall obtain prior approval of the competent authorities for drawal of requisite quantity of surface water (Karo River) and ground water, if any, required for the project before commencing enhanced production from the mine.

(xv) Suitable rainwater harvesting measures on long term basis shall be planned and implemented in consultation with Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board. (xvi) Appropriate mitigative measures should be taken to prevent pollution of Karo River in consultation with the State Pollution Control Board. (xvii) Minerals handling plant should be provided with adequate number of high efficiency dust extraction system. Loading and unloading areas including all the transfer points should also have efficient dust control arrangements. These should be properly maintained and operated.

..5/- (xviii) Vehicular emissions should be kept under control and regularly monitored. Measures shall be taken for maintenance of vehicles used in mining operations and in transportation of mineral. The vehicles should be covered with a tarpaulin and shall not be overloaded. (xix) Blasting operation should be carried out only during the daytime. Controlled blasting should be practiced. The mitigative measures for control of ground vibrations and to arrest fly rocks and boulders should be implemented.

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(xx) Drills shall either be operated with dust extractors or equipped with water injection system. (xxi) Consent to operate should be obtained from the State Pollution Control Board prior to start of enhanced production from the mine. (xxii) Sewage treatment plant should be installed for the colony. ETP should also be provided for workshop and wastewater generated during mining operation. (xxiii) The project proponent should take all precautionary measures during mining operation for conservation and protection of endangered fauna namely sloth bear, peacock etc. spotted in the study area. Action plan for conservation of flora and fauna shall be prepared and implemented in consultation with the State Forest and Wildlife Department. Necessary allocation of funds for implementation of the conservation plan shall be made and the funds so allocated shall be included in the project cost. Copy of action plan may be submitted to the Ministry and its Regional Office within 3 months. (xxiv) A Final Mine Closure Plan along with details of Corpus Fund should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Forests 5 years in advance of final mine closure for approval.


(i) No change in mining technology and scope of working should be made without prior approval of the Ministry of Environment & Forests. (ii) No change in the calendar plan including excavation, quantum of mineral bauxite and waste should be made. (iii) Four ambient air quality-monitoring stations should be established in the core zone as well as in the buffer zone for RPM, SPM, SO2

& NOx monitoring. Location of the stations should be decided based on the

..6/- meteorological data, topographical features and environmentally and ecologically sensitive targets and frequency of monitoring should be undertaken in consultation with the State Pollution Control Board. (iv) Data on ambient air quality (RPM, SPM, SO2 & NOx) should be regularly submitted to the Ministry including its Regional office located at Bhubaneswar and the State Pollution Control Board / Central Pollution Control Board once in six months.

(v) Fugitive dust emissions from all the sources should be controlled regularly. Water spraying arrangement on haul roads, loading and unloading and at transfer points should be provided and properly maintained.

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(vi) Measures should be taken for control of noise levels below 85 dBA in the work environment. Workers engaged in operations of HEMM, etc. should be provided with ear plugs / muffs. (vii) Industrial waste water (workshop and waste water from the mine) should be properly collected, treated so as to conform to the standards prescribed under GSR 422 (E) dated 19th May, 1993 and 31st December, 1993 or as amended from time to time. Oil and grease trap should be installed before discharge of workshop effluents. (viii) Personnel working in dusty areas should wear protective respiratory devices and they should also be provided with adequate training and information on safety and health aspects. Occupational health surveillance program of the workers should be undertaken periodically to observe any contractions due to exposure to dust and take corrective measures, if needed. (ix) A separate environmental management cell with suitable qualified personnel should be set-up under the control of a Senior Executive, who will report directly to the Head of the Organization.

(x) The funds earmarked for environmental protection measures should be kept in separate account and should not be diverted for other purpose. Year wise expenditure should be reported to the Ministry and its Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar. (xi) The project authorities should inform to the Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar regarding date of financial closures and final approval of the project by the concerned authorities and the date of start of land development work.

..7/- (xii) The Regional Office of this Ministry located at Bhubaneswar shall monitor compliance of the stipulated conditions. The project authorities should extend full cooperation to the officer (s) of the Regional Office by furnishing the requisite data / information / monitoring reports.


(xiv) A copy of clearance letter will be marked to concerned Panchayat / local NGO, if any, from whom suggestion / representation has been received while processing the proposal.

(xv) State Pollution Control Board should display a copy of the clearance letter at the Regional office, District Industry Centre and Collector?s office/ Tehsildar?s Office for 30 days.

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(xvi) The project authorities should advertise at least in two local newspapers widely circulated, one of which shall be in the vernacular language of the locality concerned, within 7 days of the issue of the clearance letter informing that the project has been accorded environmental clearance and a copy of the clearance letter is available with the State Pollution Control Board and also at web site of the Ministry of Environment and Forests at http://envfor.nic.in and a copy of the same should be forwarded to the Regional Office of this Ministry located Bhubaneswar.


4. Failure to comply with any of the conditions mentioned above may result in withdrawal of this clearance and attract action under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 5. The above conditions will be enforced inter-alia, under the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 along with their amendments and rules made thereunder and also any other orders passed by any Court of Law relating to the subject matter. 6. Any appeal against this environmental clearance shall lie with the National Environment Appellate Authority, if preferred within a period of 30 days as prescribed under Section 11 of the National Environment Appellate Act, 1997.

(SATISH C. GARKOTI)

Additional Director (S) ..8/-

Copy to: (i) The Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. (ii) The Secretary, Department of Environment, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar.

(iii) The Secretary, Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar. (iv) The Secretary, Department of Forests, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar. (v) The Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Orissa, Bhubaneswar.


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98

Bandhal Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Kanakdhara Mining & Minerals Private Limited located in Village Bandhal, Tehsil Bonai, District Sundergarh, Orissa ? Environmental Clearance Regarding

F.No.J-11015/104/2006-IA.II (M) Government of India



New Delhi - 110 003

Dated the 16th May, 2008

To M/s Kanakdhara Mining & Minerals Private Limited Mine Owner & Industrial Minerals Manufacturer and Traders, Post Office Barbil, District Keonjhar, ORISSA-758 035

Subject: Bandhal Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s

Kanakdhara Mining & Minerals Private Limited located in Village Bandhal, Tehsil Bonai, District Sundergarh, Orissa ? Environmental Clearance Regarding

Sir, This has reference to your letter No. KMMPL/MoEF/2006/01 dated 15.04.2006

and subsequent letters dated 09.09.2006, 25.09.2006, 8.11.2006, 04.04.2007, 22.06.2007, 24.08.2007, 03.09.2007, 01.08.2007, 23.11.2007 and 04.02.2008 on the subject mentioned above. The proposal is for production of 8000tonnes per annum (TPA) of manganese ore. The total mine lease area of the project is 28.0207ha, out of which 10.8346ha is an agricultural land, 4.3765ha is wasteland, 11.5627ha is grazing land, 0.5182ha is surface water bodies and 0.7287ha is others (Rasta). No forestland is involved. Area proposed for mining is 16.5ha, an area of 0.101ha is kept for storage of top soil, 4.5ha for over burden dumps, 0.855ha for mineral storage, 0.01ha for infrastructure, 0.5ha for roads, 1.5797ha for green belt and 3.975ha is others (0.05ha for magazine, 0.145ha for sub grade ore stacking and 3.78ha open area). The Karo Nallah and Teherei Nallah are located at distance of 9km and 8km respectively from the mine lease boundary. No ecologically sensitive area such as national park/wildlife sanctuary/biosphere reserve/tiger reserve/elephant reserve etc. is reported to be located in the core and buffer zone of the mine and that the area does not report to form corridor for

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Schedule-I fauna. In support of this, the project proponent has submitted a map duly authenticated by DFO and Wildlife Warden, Bonai Division showing that the national park, wildlife sanctuary and migratory route of elephants are beyond 10 km of the mine lease area. The mine working is opencast by manual method involving blasting. The targetted production capacity of the mine is 8000TPA of manganese ore and the life of mine is 32years. The mineral will be transported through road. The topography of the area is flat at an elevation

?2/- of 600m AMSL. The ultimate working depth of mine will be restricted to 591m AMSL and the groundwater table during post monsoon is reported to be at 592m AMSL. The mining work will not intersect ground water table. There is no population in the core zone, therefore, no displacement of population and R&R is involved. The peak water requirement of the project is estimated as 20KLD, out of which 18KLD will be obtained from surface water (perennial nallah) and 2KLD from groundwater. Approximately 2306.25m3 per month of solid waste will be generated, which will partly be dumped in the earmarked area and partly backfilled. It is estimated that 2,76,600m3 of waste will be generated during the mine life, out of which 10780m3 has already been accumulated and another 265820m3 is likely to be generated during the mine life. There will be two external dumps and the maximum projected height of the dumps will be 20m in three terraces. Plantation will be raised in an area of 23.0307ha at the end of the mine life and there will be no water body left during the post mining stage. The State Pollution Control Board, Orissa had issued Consent to Establish to the project on 01.09.2006 for production of 8000TPA of manganese ore involving lease area of 29.961ha. The Public hearing of the project was held on 14.06.2006 for lease area of 29.961ha. The Indian Bureau of Mines had approved mining plan of the project on 27.08.2001 for an area of 29.961ha and subsequently the Progressive Mine Closure Plan of the project on 28.07.2006 for lease area of 28.0207ha. The capital cost of the project is Rs.25Lakhs. 2. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has examined the application in accordance with Section 12 of the EIA Notification 2006 read with para 1.1 of Circular No.J-11013/41/2006-IA.II(I) dated 13.10.2006 and hereby accords environmental clearance under the provisions thereof to the above mentioned Bandhal Manganese Ore Mining Project of M/s Kanakdhara Mining & Minerals Private Limited for an annual production capacity of 8000tonnes of manganese ore by opencast manual method involving total lease area of 28.0207ha, subject to implementation of the following conditions and environmental safeguards.

A. Specific conditions

(i) All the conditions stipulated by the State Pollution Control Board, Orissa in their Consent to Establish shall be effectively implemented.

(ii) The environmental clearance is subject to approval of the State Landuse Department, Government of Orissa for diversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural use.

(iii) The mine working shall be restricted to 591m AMSL i.e., above ground water table and it should not intersect groundwater table. In case of working below ground water table, prior approval of the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Central Ground

100

Water Authority shall be obtained, for which a detailed hydro-geological study shall be carried out.

?3/- (iv) The project proponent shall ensure that no natural watercourse and/or water resources shall be obstructed due to any mining operations. The project proponent shall take adequate environmental safeguard measures to protect the reported surface water body in an area of 0.5182ha within the mine lease. (v) The project proponent shall develop fodder plots in the non-mineralised area in lieu of use of grazing land. (vi) The top soil, if any, shall temporarily be stored at earmarked site(s) only and it should not be kept unutilized for a period more than 3years. The topsoil shall be used for land reclamation and plantation. (vii) The over burden (OB) generated shall be stacked at earmarked dump site(s) only and it should not be kept active for long period of time. The maximum height of the dumps shall not exceed 20m, having three terraces and the overall slope of dumps shall not exceed 28 degree. The over burden dumps shall be scientifically vegetated with suitable native species to prevent erosion and surface run off. In critical areas, use of geo textiles shall be undertaken for stabilization of the dumps. Monitoring and management of rehabilitated areas should continue until the vegetation becomes self-sustaining. Compliance status should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forests and its Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar on six monthly basis. (viii) Catch drains and siltation ponds of appropriate size shall be constructed around the working pit, mineral and OB dumps to prevent run off of water and flow of sediments directly into the water bodies. The water so collected should be utilized for watering the mine area, roads, green belt development etc. The drains should be regularly desilted particularly after monsoon and maintained properly. Garland drains, settling tanks and check dams of appropriate size, gradient and length shall be constructed both around the mine pit and over burden dumps to prevent run off of water and flow of sediments directly into the water bodies and sump capacity should be designed keeping 50% safety margin over and above peak sudden rainfall (based on 50 years data) and maximum discharge in the area adjoining the mine site. Sump capacity should also provide adequate retention period to allow proper settling of silt material. Sedimentation pits should be constructed at the corners of the garland drains and desilted at regular intervals. (ix) Dimension of the retaining wall at the toe of dumps and over burden benches within the mine to check run-off and siltation should be based on the rainfall data.

?4/- (x) Plantation shall be raised in an area of 23.0307ha including a 7.5m wide green belt in the safety zone around the mining lease, over burden dumps, backfilled and reclaimed area, roads etc. by planting the native species in consultation with the local

101

DFO/Agriculture Department. The density of the trees should be around 2500 plants per ha. (xi) Regular water sprinkling should be carried out in critical areas prone to air pollution and having high levels of SPM and RPM such as haul road, around crushing and screening plant, loading and unloading point and transfer points. It should be ensured that the Ambient Air Quality parameters conform to the norms prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board in this regard.

(xii) The project authority should implement suitable conservation measures to augment ground water resources in the area in consultation with the Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board. (xiii) Regular monitoring of ground water level and quality should be carried out in and around the mine lease by establishing a network of existing wells and constructing new piezometers during the mining operation. The monitoring should be carried out four times in a year - pre-monsoon (April-May), monsoon (August), post-monsoon (November) and winter (January) and the data thus collected may be sent regularly to Ministry of Environment and Forests and its Regional Office Bhubaneswar, Central Ground Water Authority and Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board.

(xiv) The project proponent shall obtain prior approval of the competent authorities for drawal of requisite quantity of surface water and ground water, if any, required for the project before commencing production from the mine.

(xv) Suitable rainwater harvesting measures on long term basis shall be planned and implemented in consultation with Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board. (xvi) Minerals handling plant should be provided with adequate number of high efficiency dust extraction system. Loading and unloading areas including all the transfer points should also have efficient dust control arrangements. These should be properly maintained and operated. (xvii) Vehicular emissions should be kept under control and regularly monitored. Measures shall be taken for maintenance of vehicles used in mining operations and in transportation of mineral. The vehicles should be covered with a tarpaulin and shall not be overloaded.

?5/- (xviii) Blasting operation should be carried out only during the daytime. Controlled blasting should be practiced. The mitigative measures for control of ground vibrations and to arrest fly rocks and boulders should be implemented.

(xix) Drills shall either be operated with dust extractors or equipped with water injection system. (xx) Consent to operate should be obtained from the State Pollution Control Board prior to start of production from the mine.

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(xxi) Sewage treatment plant should be installed for the colony. ETP should also be provided for workshop and wastewater generated during mining operation. (xxii) A Final Mine Closure Plan along with details of Corpus Fund should be submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Forests 5 years in advance of final mine closure for approval. B. General conditions

(i) No change in mining technology and scope of working should be made without prior approval of the Ministry of Environment & Forests. (ii) No change in the calendar plan including excavation, quantum of mineral manganese ore and waste should be made. (iii) Conservation measures for protection of flora and fauna in the core & buffer zone should be drawn up in consultation with the local forest and wildlife department. (iv) Four ambient air quality-monitoring stations should be established in the core zone as well as in the buffer zone for RPM, SPM, SO2


(v) Data on ambient air quality (RPM, SPM, SO2 & NOx) should be regularly submitted to the Ministry including its Regional office located at Bhubaneswar and the State Pollution Control Board / Central Pollution Control Board once in six months.

(vi) Fugitive dust emissions from all the sources should be controlled regularly. Water spraying arrangement on haul roads, loading and unloading and at transfer points should be provided and properly maintained.

?6/- (vii) Measures should be taken for control of noise levels below 85 dBA in the work environment. Workers engaged in operations of HEMM, etc. should be provided with ear plugs / muffs. (viii) Industrial waste water (workshop and waste water from the mine) should be properly collected, treated so as to conform to the standards prescribed under GSR 422 (E) dated 19th May, 1993 and 31st December, 1993 or as amended from time to time. Oil and grease trap should be installed before discharge of workshop effluents. (ix) Personnel working in dusty areas should wear protective respiratory devices and they should also be provided with adequate training and information on safety and health aspects. Occupational health surveillance program of the workers should be undertaken periodically to observe any contractions due to exposure to dust and take corrective measures, if needed.

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(x) A separate environmental management cell with suitable qualified personnel should be set-up under the control of a Senior Executive, who will report directly to the Head of the Organization.

(xi) The funds earmarked for environmental protection measures should be kept in separate account and should not be diverted for other purpose. Year wise expenditure should be reported to the Ministry and its Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar. (xii) The project authorities should inform to the Regional Office located at Bhubaneswar regarding date of financial closures and final approval of the project by the concerned authorities and the date of start of land development work. (xiii) The Regional Office of this Ministry located at Bhubaneswar shall monitor compliance of the stipulated conditions. The project authorities should extend full cooperation to the officer (s) of the Regional Office by furnishing the requisite data / information / monitoring reports.

(xiv) The project proponent shall submit six monthly report on the status of the implementation of the stipulated environmental safeguards to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, its Regional Office, Bhubaneswar, Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board.


?7/- (xvi) State Pollution Control Board should display a copy of the clearance letter at the Regional office, District Industry Centre and Collector?s office/ Tehsildar?s Office for 30 days. (xvii) The project authorities should advertise at least in two local newspapers widely circulated, one of which shall be in the vernacular language of the locality concerned, within 7 days of the issue of the clearance letter informing that the project has been accorded environmental clearance and a copy of the clearance letter is available with the State Pollution Control Board and also at web site of the Ministry of Environment and Forests at http://envfor.nic.in and a copy of the same should be forwarded to the Regional Office of this Ministry located at Bhubaneswar.



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5. The above conditions will be enforced inter-alia, under the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 along with their amendments and rules made thereunder and also any other orders passed by any Court of Law relating to the subject matter. 6. Any appeal against this environmental clearance shall lie with the National Environment Appellate Authority, if preferred within a period of 30 days as prescribed under Section 11 of the National Environment Appellate Act, 1997.

(SATISH C. GARKOTI)

Additional Director (S) Copy to:


(iii) The Secretary, Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Orissa, Secretariat, Bhubaneswar.

?8/- (iv) The Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board, Parivesh Bhawan, CBD-cum-Office Complex, East Arjun Nagar, Delhi-110032. (v) The Chief Conservator of Forests, Regional Office (EZ), Ministry of Environment and Forests, A-3 Chandrashekharpur, Bhubaneshwar-751023. (vi) The Chairman, Orissa State Pollution Control Board, Parivesh Bhawan, A/118 Nilkantha Nagar, Unit-VIII, Bhubaneshwar-751012. (vii) The Member Secretary, Central Ground Water Authority, A2, W3 Curzon Road Barracks, K.G. Marg, New Delhi-110001.

(viii) The District Collector, Sundargarh District, Orissa. (ix) EI Division, Ministry of Environment & Forests, EI Division, New Delhi. (x) Monitoring File. (xi) Guard File. (xii) Record File.


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APPROVED INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS

No record found.

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PENDING MINING PROJECTS No record found

PENDING INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS No record found.

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mining and industrialisation update april-may and...1 mining and industrialisation update, orissa...

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