Pillar No. Latitude (N) Longitude (E) E - Welcome to … - Bijaura, Tehsil - Robertsganj, District- Sonbhadra, U.P. Area: 32 Acres (12.95 Ha) Page 1 of 14 FORM 1 i. Basic Information

FORM-1

Riverbed Sand/Morrum Mining at Gata No. 312 Mi (Lot No. 1 & 2),

Village - Bijaura, Tehsil - Robertsganj, District- Sonbhadra, U.P.

Area: 32 Acres (12.95 Ha)

www.dasindia.org Page 1 of 14

FORM 1 i. Basic Information

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Item

Details

1. Name of the project/s Proposed riverbed sand/morrum mining from

SON RIVER for Shri Kamlakant Pandey located

at Gata No. 312 Mi (Lot No.1 & 2) Village-

Bijaura, Tehsil- Robertsganj, District- Sonbhadra,

U.P. Area: 32 Acres (12.95 Ha)

2. S.No. In the schedule 1(a)

3. Proposed capacity/area/length/tonnage

to be handled/command area/lease

area/number of wells to be drilled

Area of the Mining Lease:

Plot No(s) Area

(Acres)

Area (Ha)

312 Mi

(Lot No.1 & 2)

32 12.95

4. New/Expansion/Modernization 1. Initially, mining lease was granted in favour

of project proponent from 12.03.2003 to

11.03.2006 at village Parsauna Tehsil-

Robersganj District-Sonbhadra.

2. Later on, mining lease was cancelled on

29.05.2004 by DM Sonbhadra because the

mining lease area was found to lie within the

Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary.

3. As per direction of Hon’ble Supreme Court,

DM Sonbhadra sanctioned fresh mining lease

as per office order dated 29.12.2016 for the

lapse period of 621 days at above mentioned

proposed mining lease area and directed

project proponent to submit the EC of the

project for finalizing the mining lease deed.

5. Existing Capacity/Area etc. None, Mining activities will start only after grant

of Environment Clearance from SEAC, UP,

Lucknow.

6. Category of Project i.e. ‘A’ or ‘B’ As per EIA Notification, 2006 & its subsequent

amendment on 15.01.2016, project falls under

Category B (Sub Category- B2)

7. Does it attract the general condition? If

yes, please specify.

No, As per amendment of EIA Notification, 2006

dated 15.01.2016, general conditions shall not be

applicable to project or activity of mining of

minor minerals of Category ‘B2’ (upto 25 ha of

mining lease area).

8. Does it attract the specific condition? If

yes, please specify.

No, the project proposal does not attract specific

condition as specified in EIA Notification 2006.

9. Location Gata No. 312 Mi (Lot No.1 & 2)

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No.

Item

Details

Plot/Survey/Khasra No. Site corrdinates of the mining lease area are

given below:

Khasra Map indicating the proposed excavation

site is attached as Annexure III.

Pillar No. Latitude (N) Longitude (E)

A 24°33'20.28"N 82°57'26.50"E

B 24°33'29.41"N 82°57'22.87"E

C 24°33'30.73"N 82°57'30.21"E

D 24°33'21.27"N 82°57'34.16"E

E 24°33'41.80"N 82°57'17.91"E

F 24°33'37.19"N 82°57'27.58"E

Village Bijaur

Tehsil Robertsganj

District Sonbhadra

State Uttar Pradesh

10. Nearest railway station/airport along

with distance in kms.

Nearest Railway Station is Chopan which is

about 8.6 km* (SE)

Nearest Airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri

International Airport (Babatpur, Varanasi) which

is about 100 km* (NW)

11. Nearest town, city, district headquarters

along with distance in kms.

Nearest town is Chopan which is about 7.6 km*

(SE)

*aerial distances in approximation

12. Village Panchayats, Zilla Parishad,

Muncipal corporation, Local body

(complete postal addresses with

telephone nos. to be given)

Village Panchayat: Bijaura

13. Name of the applicant Shri Kamlakant Pandey S/o Late Shri Lalji

Pandey

14. Registered address Village- Parsauna, Tehsil- Robertsganj,

District- Sonbhadra, U.P.

15. Address for correspondence

Name Shri Kamlakant Pandey S/o Late Shri Lalji

Pandey

Designation (Owner/Partner/CEO) Owner

Address Village- Parsauna, Tehsil- Robertsganj,


Pin Code 231205

E-mail -

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Sl.

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Item

Details

Telephone No. -

Fax no. -

16. Details of Alternative sites examined, if

any. Location of these sites should be

shown on a topo sheet.

Riverbed sand/morrum is naturally occurring

mineral resource and this is site specific project.

Hence no alternative sites are examined.

17. Interlinked projects None

18. Whether separate application of

interlinked project has been submitted?

NA

19. If yes, date of submission NA

20. If no, reason NA

21. Whether the proposal involves

approval/clearance under: If yes, details

of the same and their status to be given.

(a) The Forest (conservation) Act, 1980?

(b) The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972?

(c) The C.R.Z. Notification, 1991?

No, the proposed project does not involve

approval/clearance as specified.

22. Whether there is any Government

order/Policy relevant/relating to the site?

1. Letter of Intent issued in favour of project

proponent by DM Sonbhadra dated

29.12.2016 alongwith letter of Principal

Secretary, Department of Geology and

Mining is attached as Annexure-I.

2. NOC from Divisional Forest Officer, Obra

dated 21.07.2012 is attached as Annexure-II.

23. Forest land involved (hectares) No forest land is involved in the proposal. NOC

from Divisional Forest Officer, Obra dated

31.03.2007 is attached as Annexure-II.

24. Whether there is any litigation pending

against the project and/or land in which

the project is propose to be set up?

(a) Name of the court

(b) Case No.

(c) Orders/directions of the court, if any

and its relevance with the proposed

project.

None

ii. Activity

1. Construction, operation or decommissioning of the Project involving actions, which will

cause physical changes in the locality (topography, land use, changes in water bodies, etc.)

S.No. Information/Checklist

confirmation

Yes/No Details thereof (with approximate

quantities /rates, wherever possible) with

source of information data

1.1 Permanent or temporary

change in land use, land cover

No It is a proposed opencast sand/morrum mining

project. Mining will be restricted to the river

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confirmation




or topography including

increase in intensity of land use

(with respect to local land use

plan)

bed only keeping the shores unaffected, thus

does not involve any change in existing

topography or land use.

1.2 Clearance of existing land,

vegetation and buildings.

No The proposed plan involves extraction of

sand/morrum from river bed only and does not

involve any clearance of existing land,

vegetation and building.

1.3 Creation of new land uses? No The project does not involve any creation of

new land use. However haul road will be

constructed and riparian zone along the

haulage road will be planted.

1.4 Preconstruction investigations

e.g. bore holes, soil testing?

No Not Applicable

1.5 Construction works? No Not Applicable

1.6 Demolition works?

No Not Applicable

1.7 Temporary sites used for

construction works

or housing of construction

workers?

No Mining is confined in dry season in day time

only, and temporary laborers from local area

will be hired, thus no housing of construction

workers is required.

1.8 Above ground buildings,

structures or earthworks

including linear structures, cut

and fill or excavations

No No civil work is required in the mine lease

area.

1.9 Underground works including

mining or tunneling?

No It is an open cast mine. So there is no

underground working is proposed.

1.10 Reclamation works? No River itself replenishes mined out

sand/morrum by the sediments carried during

monsoon season.

1.11 Dredging? No There is no underwater mining is proposed

that is why no dredging is proposed.

1.12 Offshore structures? No Not Applicable

1.13 Production and manufacturing

processes?

No Not Applicable

1.14 Facilities for storage of goods

or materials?

No Mined material (sand/morrum) will be loaded

and transported directly through the trucks or

trolleys; hence no temporary or permanent

storage will be required.

1.15 Facilities for treatment of

disposal of solid waste or

liquid effluents?

No Top soil will be stacked separately, if there is

any. There would be no construction laborers

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confirmation




inhabit at site thus there will be very less or no

generation of solid waste is anticipated.

1.16 Facilities for long term housing

of operational Workers?

No Mining activities will be confined to day time

only, thus do not involve long term housing of

operational workers.

1.17 New road, rail or sea traffic

during construction or

operation?

No No such infrastructure is proposed for

proposed sand/morrum mining project.

1.18 New road, rail, air waterborne

or other transport infrastructure

including new or altered routes

and stations, ports, airports etc?

No Not Applicable

1.19 Closure or diversion of existing

transport routes or

infrastructure leading to

changes in traffic movements?

No Not Applicable

1.20 New or diverted transmission

lines or pipelines?

No There are no transmission lines or pipeline

passing through the project area.

1.21 Impoundment, damming,

culverting, realignment or

other changes to the hydrology

of watercourses or aquifers?

No Sand/morrum mining will be restricted to river

bed only, unaffecting the shores; hence no

change to the hydrology of watercourse or

aquifers is anticipated.

1.22 Stream crossings?

No Not Applicable

1.23 Abstraction or transfers of

water from ground or surface

waters?

No The water requirement for the operational

workers will be met by private tankers or

nearby dugwell/borewell. It is estimated that

not more than 30 local labors will be hired

from nearby villages.

1.24 Changes in water bodies or the

land surface affecting drainage

or run-off?

No Proposed mining will be done scientifically,

and thus will help to maintain the water course

of the river. Thus these changes will be

positive.

1.25 Transport of personnel or

materials for construction,

operation or decommissioning?

No Excavation of sand/morrum will be done

manually or by mechanized means e.g.

Poclain, if required and permitted by the

authority during operational phase and

excavated material will be transported directly

to the local markets. Workers will come from

nearby villages at their convenience.

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confirmation




1.26 Long-term dismantling or

decommissioning or restoration

works?

No River itself carries huge amount of sediment

during every monsoon season so there is no

restoration measures proposed at mine site.

1.27 Ongoing activity during

decommissioning which could

have an impact on the

environment?

No In safety zone, at the far end eg. river bank

saplings would be planted of preferred local

plant species. It will check riparian erosion

and creates aesthetic environment of

surrounding area. By this project of river

sand/morrum mining in the area, riverbed will

hold more volume of water to ensure

availability of water in nearby areas.

1.28 Influx of people to an area in

either temporarily or

permanently?

No It is estimated that not more than 30 laborers

will be employed locally from nearby areas.

The influx of the people will be temporary and

positive (in terms of employment).

1.29 Introduction of alien species? No Not Applicable

1.30 Loss of native species or

genetic diversity?

No Not Applicable

1.31 Any other actions? No Not Applicable

2. Use of Natural resources for construction or operation of the Project (such as land, water,

materials or energy, especially any resources which are non-renewable or in short

supply):

S.No. Information/checklist

confirmation

Yes/

No

Details thereof (with approximate quantities

/rates, wherever possible) with source of

information data

2.1 Land especially undeveloped or

agricultural land (ha)

No Mining will be done scientifically in the part of

riverbed of Son River.

Land Ownership: Government land

2.2 Water (expected source &

competing users) unit:

Yes Considering the fresh water requirement for site

laborers it is estimated that 0.9 KLD ~ 1.0 KLD (@

30 lpcd) water will be required. Apart from this 1.0

KLD water will be required for sprinkling on roads

& 0.5 KLD water will be required for plantation.

Thus, total water requirement of 2.5 KLD will be

met through nearby existing borewells/ private

water tankers.

2.3 Minerals (MT) Yes Only sand/morrum will be extracted.

Production details: As per approved mine plan of

the project prepared by RQP estimated mineable

reserve upto max. mining depth of 3m is 3,99,227

cum. Hence, in sanctioned lapse period of 621 days

considering rate of replenishment 60% during

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monsoon period the excavation/year is tabulated as

under:

Year Production

in cum

1st 3,62,586

2nd

(256 days) 2,06,271

Total 5,68,857

2.4 Construction material – stone

aggregates, and / soil (expected

source – MT)

No Not applicable. It is a riverbed sand/morrum

mining project.

2.5 Forests and timber (source MT) No Not applicable. It is a riverbed sand/morrum

mining project.

2.6 Energy including electricity

and fuels (source, competing

users) Unit: fuel (MT), energy

(MW)

No Since mining activity will be carried out in day

time only, housing facility for laborers is also not

proposed, hence, energy requirement will be nil.

2.7 Any other natural resources

(use appropriate standard units)

No None

3. Use, storage, transport, handling or production of substances or materials, which could be

harmful to human health or the environment or raise concerns about actual or perceived

risks to human health.


confirmation


quantities/rates, wherever possible) with


3.1 Use of substances or materials,

which are hazardous (as per

MSIHC rules) to human health

or the environment (flora,

fauna, and water supplies)

No Mining activity will be done manually by

using hand tools viz shovels, spade, sieve

etc. or mechanized e.g. JCB, poclain (if

required and permitted by the authority),

thus, no hazardous and toxic material will be

used or to be generated during operational

phase or after.

3.2 Changes in occurrence of

disease or affect disease vectors

(e.g. insect or water borne

diseases)

No It is proposed River Bed Mining (RBM)

project does not cause any changes in

occurrence of disease or affect disease

vectors.

3.3 Affect the welfare of people e.g.

by changing living conditions?

Yes The proposed project will generate

employment opportunities to the nearby

local people, thus will have short term and

positive impact in terms of Socio-Economic

development.

3.4 Vulnerable groups of people

who could be affected by the

project e.g. hospital patients,

children, the elderly etc.,

No There are no sensitive areas i.e. school,

hospital, RF, PF are present within 1 km

radius of proposed project site.

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3.5 Any other causes No None

4. Production of solid wastes during construction or operation or decommissioning

(MT/month)

Sl.

No.

Information/Checklist

confirmation

Yes/

No

Details thereof (with approximate

quantities/rates, wherever possible) with source

of information data

4.1 Spoil, overburden or mine

wastes

No Excavated/extracted sand/morrum will be

transported directly to the potential domestic/local

markets.

4.2 Municipal Waste (domestic

and or commercial wastes)

No Mining activities are confined to day time only,

thus do not involve long term housing of the

operational workers at site, hence no or very

insignificant quantity of food waste is expected to

be generated.

4.3 Hazardous wastes

(as per Hazardous Waste

Management Rules)

No Mining will be done manually or mechanized eg

poclain (if required and permitted by the authority)

thus no hazardous waste will be generated due to

project activity.

4.4 Other industrial process

wastes

No It is proposed river bed mining, no industrial

process is involved.

4.5 Surplus product No Not Applicable

4.6

Sewage sludge or other

sludge from effluent

treatment

No Not Applicable

4.7 Construction or demolition

wastes

No Not Applicable

4.8 Redundant machinery or

equipment

No Mining will be done manually or mechanized eg

poclain (if required and permitted by the authority)

using shovels, spade, sieve etc. only.

4.9 Contaminated soils or other

materials

No Not Applicable

4.10 Agricultural wastes No Not Applicable

4.11 Other solid wastes No No other sources of solid waste generation were

identified within the project site OR due to project

activity.

5. Release of pollutants or any hazardous, toxic or noxious substances to air (Kg/hr)

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No.

Information/Checklist

confirmation

Yes /No Details thereof (with approximate quantities/rates,

wherever possible) with source of information

data

5.1 Emissions from

combustion of fossil

fuels from stationary or

mobile sources

Yes During operational phase there may be emissions by

(I) Transport vehicles will be source of air pollution.

(II) Gaseous pollutants will be released from

vehicular movement.

It will be minimized by using water sprinklers & only

PUC certified vehicles will be allowed in the mining

lease area.

5.2 Emissions from

production processes

No There is no emission envisaged as mining will be

manual or mechanized e.g. Poclain (if required and

permitted by the authority).

5.3

Emissions from

materials handling

including storage or

transport

Yes There will be emissions anticipated during loading,

unloading and transportation of excavated material.

5.4 Emissions from

construction activities

including plant and

equipment

No Operation will be done manually or mechanized e.g.

Poclain (if required and permitted by the authority).

5.5 Dust or odours from

handling of materials,

including construction

materials sewage and

waste

Yes

There will be emissions anticipated during loading,

unloading and transportation of excavated material.

5.6 Emissions from

incineration of waste

No Not Applicable

5.7 Emissions from

burning of waste in

open air (e.g. slash

materials, construction

debris)

No Not Applicable

5.8 Emissions from any

other sources

No No other sources of emissions were identified within

the project site OR due to project activity.

6. Generation of Noise and Vibration, and Emissions of Light and Heat:


confirmation

Yes/

No


quantities/rates, wherever possible) with source

of information data with source of information

data

6.1 From operation of

equipment ventilation

plant, crushers e.g.

engines

Yes Noise will be generated from movement of

transport vehicles & by mechanized mining (if

permitted). Mitigation measures for suppression of

noise generated due to proposed activities have

been proposed in environment management plan.

6.2 From industrial or similar

processes

No Not Applicable

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6.3 From construction or

demolition

No Not Applicable

6.4 From blasting or piling No No blasting and piling is proposed.

6.5 From construction or

operational traffic

Yes There is no construction proposed at mine. Only

mining of mineral will be carried out. Vehicular

movement for transportation of mining material

from site may generate noise. Regular and proper

maintenance of vehicles will reduce the impact.

6.6 From lighting or cooling

systems

No Proposed mining is open cast & will be carried out

in day only time thus no provision of light & heat is

required. No cooling system is required.

6.7 From any other sources No No other sources of generation of Noise and

Vibration, and Emissions of Light and Heat were

identified within the project site OR due to project

activity.

7. Risks of contamination of land or water from releases of pollutants into the ground or into

sewers, surface waters, groundwater, coastal waters or the sea:


confirmation


quantities/rates, wherever possible)

with source of information data

7.1 From handling, storage,

hazardous materials use or

Spillage of hazardous materials

No No hazardous waste will be generated.

7.2 From discharge of sewage or

other effluents water or the land

(expected mode and place of

discharge) to

No The production process in combination

with absence of permanent habitation

will make the project zero discharge

project.

7.3 By deposition of pollutants

emitted to air into the land or into

water

Yes Water sprinkler is proposed on haul

roads for suppression of dust which will

be generated by vehicular movement.

7.4 From any other sources

No No other sources of emissions were

identified within the project site OR due

to project activity.

7.5 Is there a risk of long term build

up of pollutants in the

environment from these sources?

No No dump proposal at mine site.

8. Risk of accidents during construction or operation of the Project, which could affect

human health or the environment

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8.1 From explosions, spillages,

fires etc from storage,

handling, use or production

of hazardous substances

No No storage is proposed at site, material will

directly transported to the market.

8.2 From any other causes No None

8.3 Could the project be affected

by natural disasters causing

environmental damage (e.g.

floods, earthquakes,

landslides, cloudburst etc.)?

No The area is not prone to flood and earthquake.

No such incident is reported in this area so

far.

The area comes in seismic zone-III. Mining

activities will be done in dry season.

9. Factors which should be considered (such as consequential development) which could lead

to environmental effects or the potential for cumulative impacts with other existing or

planned activities in the locality

S.

No.

Information/Checklist confirmation Yes

/No




9.1 Lead to development of supporting

facilities, ancillary development or

development stimulated by the project

which could have impact on the

environment e.g.:

Yes Project proponent will organize regular

medical checkup camps and recreational

activities.

Employment to local people will be

generated.

Overall living standard of nearby people

will have positive impact.

No supporting infrastructure is required

since the site has good connectivity with

local roads, MDR and highways.

Also the laborers will be hired locally

thus no permanent or temporary housing

is required at site.

• Supporting infrastructure (roads,

power supply, waste or waste water

treatment, etc.)

No

• housing development No

• extractive industries No

• supply industries No

• other No -

9.2 Lead to after-use of the site, which

could have an impact on the

environment

Yes Since it is a river bed excavation, arrival of

monsoon every year will replenish the

excavated site. The mining activities will

have positive impact. Greenbelt along the

riparian zone will have positive impact on

surrounding environment.

9.3 Set a precedent for later developments

Yes Proposed green belt development will help in

increasing the aesthetic beauty of the area.

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9.4 Have cumulative effects due to

proximity to other existing or planned

projects with similar effects

No The project will cause positive, long term

impact. The area is free from any

disturbances.

There are not any industries or development

projects in its close proximity.

iii. Environmental Sensitivity

S.No Areas Name/ Identity Aerial distance (within

15 km.) Proposed project

location boundary

1. Areas protected under

international conventions,

national or local legislation

for their ecological,

landscape, cultural or other

related value

None Not Applicable

2. Areas which are important

or sensitive for ecological

reasons Wetlands, water

courses or other water

bodies, coastal zone,

biospheres, mountains,

forests

River Son

Flows adjacent (30 m

East) to the mining area.

3. Areas used by protected,

important or sensitive

species of flora or fauna for

breeding, nesting, foraging,

resting, over wintering,

migration

No such areas identified within

the core & buffer zone of the

proposed project site.

Not Applicable

4. Inland, coastal, marine or

underground waters

None Not Applicable

5. State, National boundaries None

No State or National

boundaries are there

within 15 km from the

proposed project location

boundary. Although,

proposed project being

less than 25 ha is

exempted from such

stipulations.

6. Routes or facilities used by

the public for access to

recreation or other tourist,

pilgrim areas

SH 5 (Varanasi-Renukoot Road)

Haulage Route

Chopan Railway Station

LBS International Airport,

6.0 km* (SE)

0.36 km (W)

8.6 km* (SE)

100 km* (NW)

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S.No Areas Name/ Identity Aerial distance (within

15 km.) Proposed project

location boundary

Babatpur Varanasi

7. Defense installations None -

8. Densely populated or built-

up area (*aerial distances)

Bijaura

Kargara

0.7 km* (N)

1.60 km* (NE)

9. Areas occupied by sensitive

man-made land uses

(hospitals, schools, places

of worship, community

facilities)

Hospitals: Chopan

Schools: Chopan

Places of Worship: Chopan

Community Facilities: Chopan

7.0 km* (E)

7.8 km* (SE)

7.0 km* (SE)

7.3 km* (SE)

10. Areas containing important,

high quality or scarce

resources (ground water

resources, surface

resources, forestry,

agriculture, fisheries,

tourism, minerals)

River Son Flows adjacent (30 m

East) to the mining area.

11. Areas already subjected to

pollution or environmental

damage.

(Those where existing legal

environmental standards

are exceeded).

No No such areas identified.

12. Areas susceptible to natural

hazard which could cause

the project to present

environmental problems

(earthquakes, subsidence,

landslides, erosion, flooding

or extreme or adverse

climatic conditions)

No The proposed area falls

under seismic zone-III, so

chances of earthquakes are

low.

Mining activity will be

restricted to dry season

only.

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“I hereby given undertaking that the data and information given in the application and enclosures are

true to the best of my knowledge and belief and I am aware that if any part of the data and

information submitted is found to be false or misleading at any stage, the project will be rejected and

clearance give, if any to the project will be revoked at our risk and cost.

Date: (KAMLAKANT PANDEY)

Place: R/o Village- Parsauna,

Tehsil-Robertsganj,


NOTE:

1. The Projects involving clearance under Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991 shall

submit with the application a C.R.Z map duly demarcated by one of the authorized agencies,

showing the project activities, w.r.t. C.R.Z. and the recommendations of the state Coastal

Zone management Authority. Simultaneous action shall also be taken to obtain the requisite

clearance under the provisions of the C.R.Z. Notification, 1991 for the activities to be located

in the CRZ.

2. The projects to be located within 5 km of the National Parks, Sanctuaries, Biosphere

Reserves, Migratory Corridors of Wild Animals, the project proponent shall submit the map

duly authenticated by Chief Wildlife Warden showing these features vis-à-vis the project

location and the recommendations or comments of the Chief Wildlife Warden thereon.”

3. All correspondence with the Ministry of Environment & Forests including submission of

application for TOR/ Environmental Clearance, subsequent clarifications, as may be required

from time to time, participation in the EAC Meeting on behalf of the project proponent shall

be made by the authorized signatory only. The authorized signatory should also submit a

document in support of his claim of being an authorized signatory for the specific project”.

PRE-FEASIBILITY

REPORT

Riverbed Sand Mining at Gata No. 312 Mi (Lot No. 1 & 2),



Page 1 of 17 www.dasindia.org

PRE-FEASIBILITY REPORT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Shri Kamlakant Pandey S/o Late Shri Lalji Pandey is the lessee for the RBM (River

Son) for an area of 32 Acres (12.95 Ha) in Village- Bijaura,Tehsil- Robertsganj, District-

Sonbhadra, U.P. Study reveals that in recent years, rapid development has led to an increased

demand for river minor mineral as a source of construction material. This has resulted in a

mushrooming of river sand/morrum mining activities which have given rise to various

ecological problems that require urgent action. These include adverse impact on lakes,

groundwater, river bank erosion, river bed degradation, river buffer zone encroachment, change

in natural water course, loss of biodiversity and deterioration of river water quality due to

quarrying/mining of minor minerals.

To meet out the challenges of unsustainable mining of Minor Mineral, the state Govt. of

UP under the provision of Mines & Mineral Development and Regulation Act, 1957 under rule

15 framed UPMMCR -1963 Act guided for the systematic and scientific mining of Minor

Mineral. Likewise MoEF, GoI made prior Environmental Clearance mandatory under the

notification, Sep 2006, as amended in 2009 & 2016, mining projects with lease area of 5 ha and

above require prior Environment Clearance and thereof.

The proposed project falls under item 1(a), Category ‘B’ (Sub-Category) as it does not

attract General Condition as specified in Environment Notification, 2006. Initially, mining lease

was granted in favour of project proponent from 12.03.2003 to 11.03.2006 at village Parsauna

Tehsil-Robersganj District-Sonbhadra. Later on, mining lease was cancelled on 29.05.2004 by

DM Sonbhadra because the mining lease area was found to lie within the Kaimur Wildlife

Sanctuary. As per direction of Hon’ble Supreme Court, DM Sonbhadra sanctioned fresh mining

lease for the lapse period of 621 days at above mentioned proposed mining lease area and

directed project proponent to submit the EC of the project for finalizing the mining lease deed

(Copy of letter attached as Annexure I). NOC from Divisional Forest Officer, Obra dated

29.11.2008 is attached as Annexure-II.

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www.dasindia Page 2 of 17

The proposed project activity will be carried out in the bed of the River Son. Layout plan

is attached as Annexure III. The overview of project is given below as Table 1.

Table1: An overview of project

S.No. Item Details

1. Name of the Applicant Shri Kamlakant Pandey S/o Late Shri Lalji Pandey

2. Mining Lease Area 32 Acres (12.95 Ha)

3. Land Use River Bed of Son River (Non Forest and Barren

Land)

4. Land Ownership Government Land

5. Lapse period As per direction of Hon’ble Supreme Court, DM

Sonbhadra sanctioned fresh mining lease for the

lapse period of 621 days at above mentioned

proposed mining lease area and directed project

proponent to submit the EC of the project for

finalizing the mining lease deed.

6. River Son River

7. Name of RF, PF, Wildlife

Sanctuary, Eco-sensitive area

No, there are no protected areas notified under the

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Wildlife Sanctuary,

notified Eco sensitive area falling in whole or in part

within 15 km radius of the proposed project.

8. Site Coordinates

Pillar No Latitude Longitude

A 24°33'20.28"N 82°57'26.50"E

B 24°33'29.41"N 82°57'22.87"E

C 24°33'30.73"N 82°57'30.21"E

D 24°33'21.27"N 82°57'34.16"E

E 24°33'41.80"N 82°57'17.91"E

F 24°33'37.19"N 82°57'27.58"E

9. Location Gata No. 312 Mi (Lot No.1 & 2), Village- Bijaura,

Tehsil - Robertsganj, District- Sonbhadra, U.P.

10. Topography Plain River bed of Son with minor slope towards

main stream

11. Minerals of mine Sand/Morrum

12. Proposed production of mine As per approved mine plan of the project prepared by

RQP estimated mineable reserve upto max. mining

depth of 3m is 3,99,227 cum. Hence, in sanctioned

lapse period of 621 days considering rate of

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replenishment 60% during monsoon period the

excavation/year is tabulated as under:

Year Production in cum

1st 3,62,586

2nd

(256 days) 2,06,271

Total 5,68,857

13. Method of mining Opencast & semi-mechanized (semi-mechanized eg.

JCB, poclain - if required and permitted by the

authority)

14. Drilling/Blasting No drilling and blasting is proposed

15. Estimated cost Approx. 62 lacs (excluding royalty) for sanctioned

lapse period

16. Water demand Drinking: 0.9 KLD ~ 1.0 KLD (@ 30 lpcd) for 30

labours; Sprinkling on 0.36 km haulage route: 1.0

KLD; Plantation: 0.5 KLD

Total water requirement: 2.5 KLD

17. Sources of water Drinking water supply will be met by nearby

dugwell /borewells or private tankers.

18. Ultimate depth of Mining 3 m

19. Man power Approximately 30 workers

20. Solid Waste Temporary laborers from nearby villages will be

hired; no generation of solid waste is anticipated due

to proposed project activity.

21. Nearest railway station Chopan Railway Station – 8.6 km* (SE)

22. Nearest state highway SH 5 (Varanasi-Renukoot Road)- 6.0 km* (SE)

23. Nearest Airport LBS International Airport, Babatpur Varanasi- 100

km* (NW)

24. Nearest city Nearest City/Town: Robertsganj:17.0 km*(NE)

*aerial distances in approximation

2. INTRODUCTION

2.1 Identification of Project and Project Proponent

Name of the Project: Sand/Morrum mining from the river bed of Son River

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Location: Gata No. 312 Mi (Lot No.1 & 2) Village- Bijaura, Tehsil - Robertsganj, District-

Sonbhadra, U.P.

Mining lease Area: 32 Acres (12.95 Ha)

Name and address of project proponent:

Shri Kamlakant Pandey S/o Late Shri Lalji Pandey

R/o Village- Parsauna, Tehsil- Robertsganj, District- Sonbhadra, U.P.

2.2 Brief description of the nature of the project

Following geo -scientific methods are proposed to carry out the activity:

Mining will be confined to extraction of sand from the centre of river bed only.

Mining of gravelly sand from the river bed will be restricted to a maximum depth of 3m from

the surface.

No drilling and blasting is proposed.

Approximately 5,68,857 cum minor mineral will be extracted in sanctioned lapse period of

621 days as per the following details:


1st 3,62,586

2nd

(256 days) 2,06,271

Total 5,68,857

No mining activity will be undertaken during the monsoon season. So the river bed material

will be replenished during the monsoon season every year.

The mining activity will be restricted to daytime only in order to avoid environmental

pollution or any accidental hazards.

The operation will remain manual, using tools like shovel, spade, sieve etc. or semi-

mechanized eg poclain (if required and permitted by the authority)

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2.3 Need for the project and its importance to the country and region

Sand and morrum are very important minerals found in abundance in the riverbeds as major

sediment. These minor minerals have become very essential for the society for their many uses,

they can be used for making concretes, filling roads and buildings, brick making and reclamation

etc. They play very important role in the protection of coastal environment where they take part

as a buffer between the high tides and the coastal line. These minor minerals are replenishable

during the heavy rains of monsoon season.

The sediment in the form of river bed material (RBM) deposited in the last many years had

changed the shape of the river bed from a valley to a raised land. Because of this, every year

during monsoon season, heavy and devastating floods damage large tracts of land lying on both

the banks of the river. Hence, it is necessary to remove the materials so that the river gets

channelized. The production of sand/morrum will benefit to the state in the form of revenue from

mining lease. Apart from this project operation will provide employment directly and indirectly

to the people residing in vicinity, thus improving the Socio-economic status of the area.

2.4 Demands-Supply Gap

In India sand is extensively used in construction for infrastructure developments. Hence with the

advent of growth and development of infrastructural projects in the state of Uttar Pradesh the

demand of sand is on a high-rise. The local region demand is increasing; hence newer areas for

sand reserves are approached. Hence the proposed project aims to fill the demand – supply gap

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through optimum allocation and excavation of natural resources required to meet the demand

effectively in the local region.

Sand has become a very important mineral for the expansion of society. With the increase of

urbanization the demand for sand is growing in infrastructure sector in our country. The mineral

is used for making concrete, filling roads, building sites, brick making, making glass,

sandpapers, reclamations etc.

Individual and private companies are increasingly demanding sand for construction purposes and

this has immense pressure on sand resources. This increasing demand makes this an

environmental issue.

Sand is one of the most plentiful natural resource having the ability to replenish itself. The

demand of sand is directly proportional to the supply.

2.5. Imports vs Indigenous production

District has a number of sand mines in the state. There is abundance of sand in the area; it had

become a major source of economy in the area/region.

2.6. Export Possibility

The sand that will be produced from mine will be used for construction of buildings & making

of roads. Stone can be used in different form of different construction jobs and road

projects. The sand will be used in buildings, bridges & infrastructure etc. The sand of lease

area is medium to fine grained brown in color. Sand is an essential minor mineral used

extensively across the country for construction purposes. Sand is used in building construction

activities. The mineral is being used in making Hume Pipe. The sand can be used as die-casting

and molding material. There is large demand of sand for construction activities in the region.

Demand of the sand if fulfilled by this project of the desired grade will be used for various end

users in the open market.

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2.7 Domestic/ Export Markets

Achieving a huge infrastructure demand, as being envisaged by Government of India and state

governments particularly in road and housing sector, requires basic building materials. The

sand/morrum, bajri and stone are primary building material required for the purpose. The mining

activities are the backbone of all construction and infrastructure projects as such raw material for

construction is available only from mining of this nature.

Due to the increased industrial and infrastructural growth of the rural and urban areas demand of

sand is very high. Construction companies and local vendors in the nearby town and cities are

the potential market for the minerals.

2.6 Employment Generation

The proposed project will generate direct /indirect employment to the local labours residing in

nearby villages. During the operational phase 30 semi skilled and non skilled workers will be

hired. There would be 270 working days in a year. Taking into account 621 working days

period, Management & supervisory personnel considered under Reg. 34 (2) (C) of MMR,

1961 would be as follows:

No of man-days (Approx) = 30 personnel X 621 days

=18,630 man-days

3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

3.1 Type of project including interlinked and interdependent projects, if any

This is an independent renewal of a mining project. The proposed project is for the extraction of

sand form the riverbed by manual and opencast, mechanized means e.g. JCB, poclain (if required

and permitted by the authority). The project flowchart showing different steps involved is given

below:

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3.2 Location (map showing general location and project boundary and project site

specific layout) with coordinates.

The mining lease area is located in Village- Bijaura, Tehsil- Robertsganj, District- Sonbhadra,

Uttar Pradesh. Google maps of 500 m & 5 km radius buffer zone showing project location are

attached as Annexure IV & Annexure V. Toposheet of 05 km radius buffer zone showing

project location is also attached as Annexure VI. Location map showing project location is

given as figure 1.2 below:

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Figure 1.2: Location of the project

3.3 Details of alternate sites considered

No, alternative sites considered.

3.4 Size or magnitude of operation

The proposed mine has lease agreement over an area of 32 acres (12.95 ha). Approximately

5,68,857 cum minor mineral will be extracted in sanctioned lapse period of 621 days.

Proposed project at Gata No.312 Mi (Lot No. 1 & 2), Village-

Bijaura, Sonbhadra Obra

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3.5 Project description with process details

Following geo-scientific methods are proposed to carry out the activity which is shown in Fig

1.3.

Mining will be confined to extraction of sand from river bed only.

Mining of gravelly sand from the river bed will be restricted to a maximum depth of 3m from

the surface.

No drilling and blasting is proposed.

Only sand/morrum will be extracted, approximately 5,68,857 cum minor mineral will be

extracted in sanctioned lapse period of 621 days.

No mining activity will be undertaken during the monsoon season. So the river bed material

will be replenished during the monsoon season every year.

The mining activity will be restricted to daytime only in order to avoid environmental

pollution or any accidental hazards.

The operation will remain manual, using tools like shovel, spade, sieve etc. and semi-

mechanized eg JCB, poclain (if required and permitted by the authority)

3.6 Raw Material Required Along With Estimated Quantity, Likely Source, Marketing

Area of Final Product/S, Mode of Transport of Raw Material and Finished Product

The operation involves the extraction of sand in its existing form the river bed and loaded into

trucks/trolleys and will transport the material to the local market directly. The existing roads will

be utilized for the transport of sand from mine site to market.

3.8 Availability of water its source, energy/ power requirement and source

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There will be very little requirement of water is anticipated to carry out operations as it will be

done manually or mechanized eg. poclain (if required and permitted by the authority). The

water will be required either for drinking purposes or for dust suppression. It is projected that

approx 30 laborers will be required for the proposed project. Considering the fresh water

requirement for site laborers it is estimated that 0.9 KLD ~ 1.0 KLD (@ 30 lpcd) water will be

required. Apart from this 1.0 KLD water will be required for sprinkling on roads & 0.5 KLD

water will be required for plantation. Thus, total water requirement of 2.5 KLD will be met

through nearby existing borewells/ private water tankers.

All the activities will be carried out in a manual manner or mechanized eg. poclain (if required

and permitted by the authority). The operation will be done in day time; hence there is no

power requirement for the project at site.

3.9 Quantity of wastes to be generated (liquid and solid) and scheme for their

management/ disposal.

The entire mineral extracted is saleable. The laborers from nearby villages will be hired to carry

out work in day time only, hence there will be no or very less waste is expected to generate. No

liquid effluents will be generated at site.

4. SITE ANALYSIS

4.1 Connectivity

4.1.1 Nearest Railway Station

Nearest railway station is Chopan which is about 8.6 km in SE direction.

4.1.2 Nearest Airport

Nearest Airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Babatpur, Varanasi) which is about

100 km in NW direction from the mine site.

4.1.3 Nearest Highway

SH 5 (Varanasi-Renukoot Road) – 6.0 km* (SE)

Haulage Route: 0.36 km (W)

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4.2 Land form, land use and land ownership

Land Form: The mine lease area in non forest barren land.

Land Use: Son river bed plain

Land Ownership: Govt. Revenue Land

The proposed activity is to take place in the centre of the River bed of Son River and hence there

will be no change in land use.

4.3 Topography

The proposed mine lease area is largely flat with slight undulation in river bed and banks. The

Land profile adjoining the river bank is slightly undulating. Survey of India Toposheet on 5 km

radius showing project site and general features around site is attached as Annexure VI.

4.4 Existing land use pattern

There is no forest or agricultural land in the mine lease area. The mine lease area is undulating

river bed and banks. The Land profile adjoining the river bank is slightly undulating

4.5 Existing Infrastructure

Bijaura : 0.7 km* (N)

Kargara:1.6 km*(NE)

4.6 Soil classification

The river bed is of sandy/morrum type. The soil composition in the study area appears to have

been mainly influenced by the topographic variations. The hill slopes representing rough broken

terrain are characterised by shallow, coarse textured and skeletal soils influenced by erosion and

favouring transportation of fines to the lower reaches. The pediplains have moderately deep

medium textured soils. The valleys and flood plains have developed deep profiles. Most of the

mapping units the soil pattern conforms to the physiography.

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Figure 1.5: Soil type of the district Sonbhadra

4.7 Climatic data from secondary sources

Rainfall & Climate (Sonbhadra District)

The climate is tropical monsoonal, with the year divisible into winter (November-February),

summer (April-mid June) and rainy (late June-October) seasons. The mean monthly minimum

temperature ranges between 13.4 and 30.7oC and the mean monthly maximum between 23.4 and

40.2oC. About 9 months of the year are dry and 3 months are moist, the later receiving about 8

7% of the total annual rainfall (mm) due to the south-west monsoon. The average rainfall varies

between 850 and 1300 mm. About 85% of the annual rainfall occurs during the rainy season

from the southwest monsoon

The annual rainfall in the district is 1036.6 mm . On the average there are 49-55 rainy days (days

with rain fall of 2.5 mm or more) in a year in the district. During July and September the relative

humidity is high over 70 %. During the Post-Monsoon and winter season the humidity is high in

the morning. During summer season the relative humidity become very low i.e. less than 25 %.

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4.8 Social Infrastructure

Nearest railway station is Chopan which is about 7.6 km in SE direction.

Nearest Airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Babatpur, Varanasi) which

is about 100 km in NW direction from the mine site.

SH 5 (Varanasi-Renukoot Road) – 6.0 km* (SE)

5. PLANNING BRIEF

5.1 Planning concept

Mining plan is not required for the river bed sand mine. The mineral will be directly transported

to the nearby markets in towns and cities. No mining activity will be undertaken during the

monsoon season. So the river bed material will be replenished during the monsoon season every

year.

5.2 Population projection

There is no permanent influx of the population is anticipated, as the workers will be hired locally

from nearby villages.

5.3 Landuse planning

The land use of the mine lease area is the river bed of River Son and there will be no change in

landuse after operation. The sand/Morrum will be replenished every year during the monsoon

season. The ultimate land use of the mine lease area will not be change.

5.4 Assessment of Infrastructure Demand

Extracted mineral will be transported directly to the local markets, there will be no stock yard

required for storage, also the workers will be hired locally and temporarily, no housing facility

will be required.

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5.4 Amenities/facilities

Temporary rest shelters, drinking water and first aid facility will be made available to the mine

workers.

6.0 PROPOSED INFRASTRUCTURE

6.1 Industrial area (Processing Area)

No industrial area is proposed.

6.2 Residential area (Non Processing Area)

The mine workers will be hired from nearby villages, no housing facility is required.

6.3 Green belt

Plantation of trees along the bank of the rivers will be taken care in consultation with the

Government agencies.

6.4 Connectivity

There is direct connectivity of mine site through approach road to local Village. The Village road

is further connected to the State Highway 5 (Varanasi-Renukoot Road) running at a distance of

1.0 km towards East direction.

6.5 Social Infrastructure

Temporary rest shelters, drinking water and first aid facility will be made available to the mine

workers.

6.6 Drinking Water Management

In order to meet the drinking water requirement for site workers water from dugwells/borewells

by tankers will be used.

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6.7 Sewerage System

No sewerage system is proposed at the mine site.

6.8 Industrial Waste Management

Not applicable

6.9 Solid Waste management

No solid waste generation is expected from the mining operation.

6.10 Power Requirement & Supply/ Source

All the activities will be carried out in a manual manner or semi-mechanized eg poclain (if

required and permitted by the authority). The operation will be restricted to day time only; hence

there is no power requirement for the project at site.

7 .0 REHABILITATION AND RESETTLEMENT (R&R) PLAN

Not Applicable

Total Water Requirement

(2.5 KLD)

Ground Water(1.0 KLD)

Drinking(1.0 KLD)

Waste Water Discharge(0.00 KLD)

Sprinkling & Plantation(1.5 KLD)

Surface Water(1.5 KLD)

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8.0 PROJECT SCHEDULE & COST ESTIMATES

a) Likely date of start of construction and likely date of completion (Time schedule for the

project to be given).

No major constructions are required, except, rest-shelter. The activity will be started soon

after obtaining the Environmental Clearance.

b) Estimated project cost along with analysis in terms of economic viability of the project.

The capital cost of the project will be approx 62 lakhs.

Table 2: Estimated cost of the project

S.No. Particular Cost (Rs.)

1. Cost of excavation (labour &

transportation)

50,00,000

2. EMP & Plantation 5,00,000

3. Occupational Health Measures 4,00,000

4. Miscellaneous (Site development/ site

services/ manual equipments)

3,00,000

Total 62,00,000

9.0 ANALYSIS OF PROPOSAL (FINAL RECOMMENDATION)

Overall the project will have positive and long term impact on environment. The project will also

bring positive changes in terms of socio economic development by way of generating direct and

indirect employment opportunities to the people of vicinity.

The project will also help to clear the sediment in the form of river bed material (RBM)

deposited may otherwise lead to change the shape of the river bed from a valley to a raised land

making area vulnerable to flooding or other natural hazards. Because of the proposed sand

mining, removal of sediments/sand will be possible will help the river to get channelized and

restore the main river course of the water.

Also the project will bring economical benefit to the state in terms of revenue generation.

***********

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Riverbed Sand/Morrum Mining at Gata No. 312 Mi (Lot No. 1&2),




1.1. INTRODUCTION

Environment Clearance is sought for extraction of Sand/Morrum at 312 Mi (Lot No. 1

& 2) at Village- Bijaura, Tehsil- Robertsganj, District- Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh.

The Mining is proposed from the riverbed of Son River.

Environment Clearance is required for mining lease.

Proposed mining lease area is 32 acres (12.95 ha).

As per direction of Hon’ble Supreme Court, DM Sonbhadra sanctioned fresh mining

lease for the lapse period of 621 days at above mentioned proposed mining lease area

and directed project proponent to submit the EC of the project for finalizing the mining

lease deed.

It has been proposed that approximately 5,68,857 cum minor mineral will be extracted

in sanctioned lapse period of 621 days as per the following details:


1st 3,62,586

2nd

(256 days) 2,06,271

Total 5,68,857

The Total Project cost is approx. 62 lacs.

The coordinates of the proposed project site are:

The proposed project falls under item 1(a), category ‘B*’ (subcategory B2) as it does

not attract General Condition as specified in Environment Notification, 2006, as

amended in 2009 & 2016.

Pillar No. Latitude Longitude

A 24°33'20.28"N 82°57'26.50"E

B 24°33'29.41"N 82°57'22.87"E

C 24°33'30.73"N 82°57'30.21"E

D 24°33'21.27"N 82°57'34.16"E

E 24°33'41.80"N 82°57'17.91"E

F 24°33'37.19"N 82°57'27.58"E

ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN

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1.2. ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL LEGAL POLICY AND INSTITUTIONAL

FRAMEWORK

1. The EIA Notification of the MoEF, 14th

September 2006 warrants environmental

clearance from the MoEF for Mining of Minerals (section 1(a)). Apart from the EIA

notification, the Government of India has laid out various policy guidelines, acts and

regulations for protection of environment. Summary of relevant legal requirements

considered for this project are tabulated below. The mining sector has separate set of

legislations covering management, conservation, grant and operation of mining lease. In

addition there are environmental/forest regulation, applicable to mining of minor minerals as

prescribed by MoEF and CPCB.

Table 1: Acts and Legislations applicable to the project

S.No. Acts and Legislations Year

1. The Mines Act 1952

2. The Mines and Mineral (development and Regulation) Act 1957

3. Mines Rules 1955

4. Mineral Concession Rules 1960

5. Mineral Conservation and Development Rules 1988

6. Uttar Pradesh Minor Mineral Concession Rules 1960

7. Granite Conservation and Development Rules 1999

8. The Environment (Protection) Act, MoEF, CPCB 1986

9. Notification on Environment Impact Assessment of

Development projects (and amendments) (referred to as the

Notification on Environmental Clearance) MoEF, CPCB

2006,

2009

10. Wildlife Protection Act, MoEF 1972

11. The Forest (Conservation) Act, MoEF 1980

12. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act (and

subsequent amendments), CPCB

1974

13. Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act (and

subsequent amendments), CPCB

1981

14. National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Policy, 2007

15. Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, 2016

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1.3. PROJECT TECHNOLOGY /PROCESS DESCRIPTION

The proposed project is to mine Sand/Morrum from river bed sustainably and scientifically.

Mining will be opencast, manual or semi-mechanized (if permitted by authority) along the

river bed of River Son over an area of 32 Acres (12.95 ha) at Gata No. 312 Mi (Lot No. 1 &

2). Following geo-scientific methods are proposed to carry out the activity:

Mining of Sand/Morrum along the river bed will be restricted to a maximum depth

of 3m/water level whichever less is.

No drilling, blasting and beneficiation is proposed.

Approximately 5,68,857 cum minor mineral will be extracted in sanctioned lapse

period of 621 days.

No mining activity will be undertaken during the monsoon season. So the river bed

material will be replenished during the monsoon season every year.

The mining activity will be restricted to daytime only in order to avoid

environmental pollution or any accidental hazards.

The operation will remain manual, using tools like shovel, spade, sieve etc.

During the lease period, the deposit will be worked from the top surface of the river

bed to 3 m/ water level whichever is less.

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Figure 1: Location of the proposed project

Figure 2: Mining Scheme for Proposed Project

Proposed project at Gata No. 312 Mi (Lot No. 1& 2), Village-

Bijaura, Sonbhadra

SURFACE MINING

SITE PREPARATION (POLE MARKING)

EXCAVATION AND LOADING

HAULAGE

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1.4. ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL PROFILE (SECONDARY SOURCES)

1.4.1. Physical & Biological Environment

1.4.1.1. Climate

The Climate of the district is characterized by an intensely hot summer, a pleasant cold

season. The summer season from March to about middle of June is followed by the south-

west monsoon season from mid-June to the end of September. October and first half of

November constitute the post-monsoon period. The cold season is from mid-November to

February. May and the beginning of June are generally the hottest period of the year and

maximum temperature in May is about 43º C and minimum about 28ºC. The heat during the

summer is intense. The maximum temperature on individual days sometimes reaches 48.8ºC

or more. During Cold season minimum temperature sometimes drops down to about 2 or 3ºC.

1.4.1.2. Rainfall and Humidity

Sonbhadra gets an average annual rainfall of 1000-1200 mm mostly from south west

monsoons. The relative humidity in this zone ranges from 26% to 88%. An average annual

relative humidity of Sonbhadra has been measured as 57% which have the maximum during

monsoon and winter periods.

Table 2: Rainfall and Humidity of the Region

Average Annual

Rainfall (mm)

Average Temperature (°C) Average Relative

Humidity (%) Maximum Minimum

529 48.8 2.8 57

Source: District Profile, Uttar Pradesh

1.4.1.3. Geology and Physical Features

The southern hilly tract of Uttar Pradesh known as Bundelkhand is roughly parallel to the

North Ganga Yamuna Lineament. It is underlaid with granitic complex and overlaid by rocks

of Mahakoshal (Bijawar) and Vindhyan super groups. These formations are characterized by

rock formations of Archean age (Bundelkhand Granite gneisses). These rock formations are

further layered by old sediments fills of granitic rocks.

Proposed mining site area comes under district Sonbhadra, which lies in the Vidhayan plains

near Son River. This region is covered with a thick belt of alluvium/sediments of

sand/morrum and soil of sand/morrumy to sand/morrumy loam texture of alkaline nature. The

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colour of the soil varies from light red to red or dark coloured. No major fissures on the

ground are reported from the nearby localities of the proposed mining lease areas.

Figure 3: Geological map of district Sonbhadra

1.4.1.4. Lithology

The area lies in the Vindhyanchal resion of the state where the typical geological formation is

pre-cambrian with the characteristics of vindhyan i.e., the lithological covering of sand stone,

shale and limestone with a covering of recent to older alluvium of sand, silt and clay of

different grades. It is further over layered by recent- quaternary sediments of micaceous

sand, silt or clay, that are carried by the river Son and its tributaries with deposits of Sand/

morrum and Kankar.

1.4.1.5. Topography and Terrain

The district, as a whole, is fairly compact tract of gently undulating land. The elevations in

the area range from 250 m above mean sea level (amsl) in southern part to 150 m amsl near

the Sone. The topography is generally undulating with rocky outcrops and boulder-strewn

plains that give the landscape a rugged look. Spectacular ravines in the north and deep gorges

in the south are the result of the active erosion of the unconsolidated alluvial material

deposited by the major streams in the region, namely the Son, Rihand and Kanhar. These

ravines and gorges are uncultivable and pose an increasing threat to nearby farmland as they

continue to expand. Also the project location on Survey of India toposheet map is attached as

Annexure VI.

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1.4.1.6. Water Course & Hydrology

The Son & the Rihand are the main rivers of the district. The plain area of the district is

situated in between Son & the Rihand so these rivers play a very pivotal role in the

agriculture of the district. Kanhar River is one of the important tributary of Son River. These

rivers are characterized by a slow tranquil flow wide flood plain and broad meander belts.

The landforms observed in the alluvial plane are meander, point bars, back swamps etc.

(Singh, 1980). The altitude of the land surface varies between 250 m and 150 m above mean

sea level.

Figure 4: Google map showing Rivers in district Sonbhadra

1.4.1.7. Cropping Pattern

Major part of Sonbhadra soil is sodic and in these soils crop cultivation without any

modification, becomes very difficult. Under these conditions rice-wheat cropping system

immerged as predominant one .Rice is the most important crop of the district followed by

moong and urd that are grown during Kharif season. Dhaincha is a major green manuring

crop. During winter wheat with its salt tolerant varieties is the most important Rabi crop.

Other important crops of Rabi season are bengal gram, pea, mustard etc. During Zaid fields

usually remain vacant due to unavailability of irrigation water.

There are four major farming systems in the district based on nature of soil and degree of

assured irrigation. (a) Pure cropping (b) Mixed farming (iii) Agri-horti and (iv) Agri-Silvi.

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The major crops of this district are paddy, wheat, sorghum, pigeon pea, gram, pea and

mustard.

Table 3: Area, Production and Productivity of major crops cultivated in the district

S.No. Crop Area( ha) Production (Qtl) Productivity (Qtl/Ha)

1 Wheat 183488 39447800 21.5

2 Rice 136369 27970900 20.51

3 Gram 6684 695900 10.41

4 Pea 4041 365700 9.05

5 Arhar 10330 1084800 10.5

6 Lentil 303 23100 7.62

7 Urd 19675 739100 4.81

8 Moong 1295 39000 4.61

9 Mustard 10147 928700 9.15

10 Til 1900 31200 1.64

11 Ground nut 2282 183000 8.02

12 Potato 5078 12264900 241.53

Source: District Profile, Uttar Pradesh

1.4.1.8. Socio-economic Environment

The Uttar Pradesh state constitutes of 75 districts as per Census 2011. The study area lies in

the centre of district sonbhadra. About 13 villages of district sonbhadra and 3 sub-districts

Ghorawal, Robertsganj and Dudhi are falling in the study area of 5 km.

Table 4: Total Number of villages within 5 km radius

District Sub-district No. of

Villages

Number of

Household

Total

Population

Sonbhadra Ghorawal 2 140 896

Sonbhadra Robertsganj 3 7,545 43,257

Sonbhadra Dudhi 8 951 5,237

Total 13 8,636 49,390

Source: Census of India, PCA, 2011.

1.5. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SETTING OF THE REGION (PRIMARY

ANALYSIS THROUGH SITE VISIT)

The purpose of the section is to give concise information on the available environmental and

social settings of the area. The data presented in the following section are collected through

reconnaissance survey and secondary sources (Govt. sources and through consultation).

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1.5.1. Topography and Slope

Topography of the core zone is almost flat and gently sloping from west to east.

1.5.2. Flora

The study area comprises of tropical dry deciduous vegetation. The area is surrounded by

Agricultural fields. These plains support the species of Zizyphus, Acacia, Carissa, Adhatoda,

Calotropis, Lantana, Ricinus, etc. Trees are of short stature and never exceed 10 Meters. The

nature of trees is Xerophytic like Capparis sepiaria, Flacourtia indica, Rhamnuspersicus, A.

nilotica, Anogeissus latifolia, Acacia leucophloea, A. modesta, Diospyros cordifolia etc.

Ground vegetation mainly consists of grasses and small shrubs. Useful fodder grasses,

Cynodon dactylon, Eleusine indica, Trifoliumalexandrinum, etc. can be seen growing in the

area. The large weeds which infest uncultivated tracts are aak (Calotropis procera), castor

(Ricinus communis), dhatura (Daturametel) and thorn (Opuntiastricta). Other noxious weeds

and those which appear in crops are Pohlior Thistle (Carthamusoxyacantha), shialkanta

(Argemone mexicana), kandyari (Solanumxanthocarpum), Parthenium sp. And Bhang

(Cannabis sativa).

Buffer zone of the proposed project is mainly agricultural land. The flora of buffer zone

comprises of plants growing on the edges of agricultural land, village woodlots and trees

planted along the roads. Many tree species are planted in the area because of their usefulness,

economic and aesthetic values. The tree species observed in the area are, Aam (Mangifera

indica), Jamun (Syzigium cumini), Bail (Aegle marmelos), Bakain (Melia azedarach), Bargad

(Ficus benghalensis), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Peepal (Ficus religiosa), Safeda

(Eucalyptus umbelatus), Sisam (Dalbergia sissoo), etc.

In agricultural waste land and along the road side, growth of weeds like Argemonemexicana,

Cannabis sativa, Cenchrus ciliaris, Heteropogon contortus, Lantana camara, Parthenium

hysterosphorus, etc. are very common. These weeds are affecting the agricultural

productivity of the region due to fast growth, short life cycle and enormous production of

seeds.

1.5.3. Fauna

The major part of the study area lies under agriculture field, degraded land and human

settlements which restrict the wildlife habitat significantly. Most of the mammalian species

reported in the study area are domesticated animals. There is neither any wildlife sensitive

area nor any corridor for the movement of wildlife is present in the study areas.

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There are many rivulets present in the buffer zone of study area which are the major

attraction sites for avifauna. Common Myna, Kingfisher, Spotted dove, Pintail and Pond

Heron are some dominant bird species present in the study area. Migratory movement of

birds in the study area has not been reported. As far as the reptile community was

concerned, rat snake and house lizard are reported from the study area. A list of

animals of the study area has been prepared on the basis of local inquiry from the village

people and from the available published literatures. The animals thus recorded were cross

checked with Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for their schedule. No established habitats of

any mammals or birds are noticed in river bed and along the banks.

The fauna of study area can be grouped in to aquatic and terrestrial as the core area mostly

comprises of aquatic fauna and the buffer area provides shelter to the terrestrial animals.

A. AVIAN FAUNA: No bird’s habitats like nesting, breeding and forging patterns are

noticed in the core zone. Local birds are noticed crossing over the banks in search of food.

No fixed pattern in migratory behavior is noticed.

B. AQUATIC FAUNA: Aquatic fauna mostly comprises of Amphibians, Molluscs & Fish

which cannot survive without water. The aquatic fauna of the project site is given as below:

1. Amphibian: Amphibians are commonly found at the places along the margin of

aquatic and terrestrial systems. Due to presence of water bodies like river, nalas, etc.

the study area is providing shelter to many amphibian species. Some of the commonly

reported species are Bufo melanostictus (common Indian toad), Euphlyctis

cyanophlyctis (Indian skipper frog), Hoplobatrachus tigerinus (Indian bull frog) etc.

2. Fish: The fish species which are commonly found in the Son River of the proposed

site are Labeo bata (Bhangan or Bata), Gudusia chapara (Chappera or Palla), Labeo

rohita (Dumra or Dhambra), Notopterus notopterus (Pari or Battu), Catla catla

(Theila), etc.

3. Molluscs: Fresh water molluscs play very important role in aquatic ecosystems. Many

species serve as food for many aquatic animals as well as for human. Species like

Bellamya benghalensis, Pila globosa, Brotia costula, Angulyaraoxy tropis and

Lemellidens marginalis play an important role in human food.

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C. TERRESTRIAL FAUNA:

1. Mammals: Many domesticated mammal species are reported from buffer zone during

the field survey. Common grazing animals like Buffalo, cow, goat etc. can be noticed

in open grass fields. Small mammals like Indian palm squirrel (Funambulus

palmarum) and field mouse (Apodemussylvaticus) are noticed in vicinity of village.

Inquiry from village people regarding wild animals reveals that Rhesus macaque

(Macacamulatta), Indian hare (Lepusnigricollis), fruits bat (Pteropusconspicillatus),

Nilgai (Boselaphustragocamelus), etc. are often seen in the area.

2. Avifauna: Water birds like Gadwall (Anasstrepera), Common teal (Anascrecca),

White throated kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis), Pied kingfisher (Cerylerudis), Red

wattled lapwing etc are noticed. House crow (Corvus splendens), House sparrow

(Passer domesticus), Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis), Gracula religiosa), Red-

rumped Swallow (Cecropisdaurica), Hoopoe (Upupaepopsceylonensis) are of

common occurrence.

3. Reptiles: The reptilians species commonly reported are Agama (Laudakia

tuberculata) in settlement area, Garden lizard (Calotes versicolor) and Eutropis

macularia along shady places in agricultural field or where growth of bushes is

noticed. Among non-poisonous snakes rat snakes (Ptyas mucosus) are commonly

noticed in field, followed by poisonous snakes like Cobra (Naja naja) and Banded

krait (Bungarus multicinctus) are reported to be seen by farmers.

1.5.4. Land form & Seismicity

The study area falls in Seismic zone III. Seismic zone III signifies that there would not be any

special structural requirements to be considered during the construction and operational phase

of the project. Also it is depicted from the figure below that the site is falling in area of low to

moderate hazard risk zone.

It is also seen from the figure below that no ground fissures were reported in Sonbhadra

district till June 2008.

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Figure 5: Seismic Map of U.P.

1.5.5. Soil

Light brown loam to clay, generally structure less, average in water holding capacity and

organic matter, moderately alkaline, restricted drainage, surface soil poor in lime content but

the middle layer is calcareous, medium in soluble salts. Carbonates and sulphates are

practically absent. Light gray brown at surface to pale brown at lower depth, poor to average

water holding capacity neutral in reaction and poor in-organic matter. Generally non

calcareous with fair drainage, medium in soluble salts content with predominance

bicarbonates and chlorides. These are black soils with high water holding capacity, neutral in

reaction, slightly calcareous low in organic matter content, impeded drainage and prone to

salinity in the water logged areas and average to soluble salts. Brown at surface and lighter

brown Sandy loam, average water holding capacity, neutral non-calcareous, fair drainage,

low in soluble salts mainly comprising of bicarbonates and chlorides of sodium . Light

texture at surface but becoming heavier below, average water holding capacity, neutral in

reaction but lower layers moderately calcareous , High soluble salts that increase with

depth.

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Source:Geological Survey of India

Figure 5: Soil type of the district Sonbhadra

2.0. ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN

To mitigate the adverse impact which will be caused due to the mining operation and overall

scientific development of local habitat, environmental management plan (EMP) has been

formulated and integrated with the mine planning. The details of the anticipated impacts and

mitigation measures have been discussed in below, based on the results of present

environmental conditions and environmental impact assessment. The EMP has therefore been

made considering implementation and monitoring of environmental protection measures

during and after mining operations.

The factors which determine the effect have already been identified earlier in this report. To

minimize the adverse impact, certain control measures are enumerated below for

implementation

2.1. IMPACTS OF SAND/MORRUM MINING

Impacts of Sand/Morrum mining can be broadly classified as given below:

2.1.1. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

The large-scale extraction of streambed materials, mining below the existing stream bed and

the alteration of channel-bed form and shape lead to several impacts such as erosion channel

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bed and banks, increase in channel slope, and change in channel morphology. These impacts

may cause: (1) the undercutting and collapse of river banks, (2) the loss of adjacent land

and/or structures, (3) upstream erosion as a result of an increase in channel slope and changes

in flow velocity, and (4) downstream erosion due to increase carrying capacity of the stream,

upstream, downstream changes in patterns of deposition, and changes in channel bed and

habitat type.

Mitigation measures

Sand /Morrum mining will be restricted up to 3m / water level whichever less.

The River Bed Mining (RBM) will be done in unsaturated zone. Thus minimum loss to

habitat.

Dredging will not be allowed.

2.1.2. LAND ENVIRONMENT

The impacts of mining on land are predominantly governed by the area acquired and landuse

characteristics. The satellite imagery on land use should form the basis of impact prediction

on land. Cost- Benefit analysis is also carried out to see the overall benefits, the project will

bring and the economic benefits the land is providing to the area are to be estimated. The

potential impacts of mining on land and their significance are compiled hereunder and

summarized in Table 5.

Cost Benefit Analysis

The cost benefit analysis of the proposed project in terms of environment conservation and

protection has been worked out as follows:

The project will help channelizing the river stream thus the vulnerability of flood will

be controlled.

Employment generation for semi-skilled, non-skilled people of the locality which will

enhance the socio-economic status of the local people.

Besides, the project will also generate revenue for State Govt. in terms of royalty and

dead rent etc. from the mining lease.

2.1.2.1. Impact on quantity and characteristics of top soil

It is a Sand /Morrum mining project. The project will be restricted to Sand/Morrum deposit

excavation which is deficient of top soil, so no loss of top soil is anticipated.

Since it is a RBM project, does not involve removal of Top soil.

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2.1.2.2. Impact on soil quality of the surrounding area

Since it is a RBM project, does not involve removal of top soil. The project will be restricted

to Sand/Morrum deposit excavation which is deficient of top soil, so no loss of top soil is

anticipated.

2.1.2.3. Impact on existing land use

The mining activity is restricted along the river bed only. Since the site is government owned

waste land there will be no impact on existing land use is anticipated, also the mined area

would get replenished on arrival of monsoon every year itself.

2.1.2.4. Impact of siltation in the Sand pits

Impact of siltation will be very low to Nil as there will be no pit formation.

2.1.2.5. Impact on natural course of river/diversion of water flow due to bank erosion

The mining activity will be confined along the river bed only, hence will help the river to

remain channelized also avoiding natural hazards like erosion, flooding etc. thus the impact is

positive and significant.

2.1.2.6. Impact on Riverine Ecology

Riparian ecology includes the vegetative cover on and adjacent to the river banks. The

mining activity will be confined along the river bed only.

2.1.3. WASTE DUMPS

This is RBM project, no drilling; blasting is proposed thus not involving any waste

generation. The excavated material will be loaded and transported directly to the potential

markets, not leaving any waste dumps behind.

2.1.3.1 Mitigation Measures

Mining will be done as per the mining plan in the designated lease area for sanctioned

lapse period of 621 days from government upto the required depth only (3m /water level

whichever is less) and should be confined along the river bed only.

The Mineable reserves will be limited by

a) Free space of 7.5m from boundaries

b) Bench height and width of maximum 1.5m

c) Bench slope of <30° from vertical

d) Safety distance of 10 m for the village road

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e) No mining operation shall be carried out on at or to any point within a distance

of 50 m from any of railway line (except with the previous written permission

of the Railway Administration concerned, or from any reservoir, canal or other

public works, such as roads and buildings or inhabited site.

The main stream will not be diverted to form inactive channels from mining.

Mining below subterranean water will not be done.

Riverbed mining will be carried out where sediment replenishment will be maximum.

Segments of breaded river will be used preferably for mining.

Mining at the concave side of the river channel will not be done so that the bank erosion

may not occur.

Mining will be carried out at places where sediment aggregations are maximum.

Mining will be avoided during the monsoon season and at the time of floods.

Mining schedule is synchronized with the river flow direction and the gradient of the land.

Care will be taken to ensure that ponds are not formed in the river bed

Access roads from public roads and up to river bank will be aligned in such a way that it

would cause least environmental damage.

Productive land will not be utilized for storage and other propose.

Siltation of agriculture Land will be prevented.

2.1.4. AIR ENVIRONMENT

2.1.4.1. Anticipated Impacts and Evaluation

Air pollution is likely to be caused at various stages of Sand mining operations such as

excavation, loading, transportation and screening of material. Dust generated during loading,

unloading and transportation of Sand/Morrum is the main pollutants of Sand mining

operations. Most of the dust will be generated from loading, screening and transportation

operations. This dust becomes air borne and gets carried away to surrounding areas. The

impact on air is mainly localized in nature as the dust particles are not carried to longer

distances and the effect is felt within the core zone of the project also loading, transportation

and unloading operations may cause deterioration in air quality due to handling dry materials.

In the present case, only wet materials will be handled, thus eliminating problems of fugitive

dust. Also, the collection and lifting of minerals will be done manually without any blasting.

Therefore the dust generated is insignificant as compared to mining process of other hard

minerals like the process of drilling, blasting etc.

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2.1.4.2. Mitigation Measures

The only air pollution sources are fugitive dust emission due to movement, loading,

unloading and Transportation of minor minerals, as drilling, blasting, crushing, DG

Set/furnace or storage is not proposed at site.

Dust suppression measures like spraying/sprinkling of water to keep the surface wet.

Overloading of the trucks/trolleys will not be done.

Transportation of material will be done in covered vehicles to prevent dust emission in

case of long haulage or if the road passes through in close proximity to habitation.

Provision of water spray on the dumper and roads to arrest fine dust before transportation.

Suitable dust barriers will be provided near excavation site.

2.1.5. WATER ENVIRONMENT

2.1.5.1. Baseline Status

The source of water in the area is generally the ground water and rainwater. The Son & the

Rihand are the main rivers of the district. The plain area of the district is situated in between

Son & the Rihand so these rivers play a very pivotal role in the agriculture of the district.

Kanhar River is one of the important tributary of Son River. These rivers are characterized by

a slow tranquil flow wide flood plain and broad meander belts. The landforms observed in the

alluvial plane are meander, point bars, back swamps etc (Singh, 1980). The altitude of the

land surface varies between 250 m and 150 m above mean sea level.

2.1.5.2. Anticipated Impacts

There are no wastewater discharges to water bodies from the mining operations. The inflow

of sewage or effluents from the surrounding locality is also considered nil. The only water

contaminant is rainwater run-off during the monsoon season. There will be no impact due to

the proposed mining on the water environment and the water flow pattern does not disturb the

turbidity and velocity, hence no mitigation measures are suggested. There is no noticeable

effect on surrounding ground water resource due to mining as the mining activity does not

require ground water extraction. The collection of Sand is done on the river bed where

excessive sedimentation has been noticed upto the required depth only.

The impact on the aquatic flora & fauna due to the proposed opencast mining is insignificant

as mining involves only scooping of Sand from the river bed which will not disturb the

aquatic life present in the river.

The detrimental effects to biota resulting from bed material mining are caused by three main

processes:

alteration of flow patterns resulting from modification of the river bed

an excess of suspended sediment

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damage to riparian vegetation and in stream habitat


As the project activity is carried out along the river bed, none of the project activities affect

the water environment or riparian habitats. In the projects, it is not proposed to divert or

truncate any stream. No proposal is envisaged for pumping of water either from the river or

tapping the ground water. PP will adhere all guidelines and rules for proper and scientific

method of mining during the period of extracting the Sand. Thus, the project activities shall

not have any adverse affect on the physical components of the environment and therefore

may not have any effect on the recharge of ground waters or affect the water quality.

Garland drainage system will be developed in the mining lease area to avoid the

intermixing of water system.

Mining operation will be restricted to the depth of 3m from ground level/ water level

whichever less is.

Quality of dug well to be monitored, in order to ensure the quality of water is not

affected.

2.1.6. NOISE ENVIRONMENT

The proposed RBM project is manual thus will generate very less noise, that too by the

movement of vehicles as drilling blasting etc. are not proposed.


As there will be no heavy earth moving machinery there will not be any major impact on

noise level due to the mining and other associated activities. Blasting technique is not used

for Sand lifting, hence no possibility of land vibration. It was found that the mining activity

will not have any significant impact on the noise environment of the region. The only impact

will be due to transportation of materials by trucks/trolleys.


As the only impact is due to transportation of Sand though village roads, emphasis will be

given on the following points.

Well maintained and fitness certified vehicles will be used after obtaining pollution under

control certificate for carrying out mining operations

Timely maintenance of vehicles and their silencers to minimize vibration and sound.

Minimum use of horns in the village area and silence zone (if any) as applicable

employing trucks which are newer or less than 15 years old.

Care will be taken to produce minimum sound during loading

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Labourers will be provided with personal hearing protection device i.e. ear plugs or ear

muffs if required.

2.1.7. TRAFFIC ANALYSIS

The vehicular movement within the site is inevitable. However, during operation phase

this activity would not cause any significant impact on the ambient air quality.

The noise levels are also expected to be negligible on account of onsite vehicular

movement.

The safety issues due to onsite vehicular movement would be negligible as the onsite

vehicular traffic would follow the safety sign system.

2.1.8. BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT


The mining activity will have insignificant affect on the existing flora and fauna. Data have

been collected from various Government Departments such as forests, agriculture, fisheries,

animal husbandry and various offices to establish the pre-project biological environmental

conditions. There are no endangered species, wildlife sanctuary, wildlife corridors or eco-

sensitive area near the core zone. The purpose of the project itself is to save the flora around

the project area from river widening, excessive erosion and floods. It was found that the Sand

mining activity will not have any significant impact on the biological environment of the

region.

Mining of River bed material will not cause any significant impact on the ecosystem of Son

river. Table below gives expected impact due to proposed project.

Disturbance to avifauna migratory routes/nesting grounds/wild fauna, birds, reptiles

Damage to Riparian ecosystem/wetlands

Micro flora and fauna in upstream and downstream water

Impact on route of domesticated fauna viz. cow , buffalo etc of nearby villages

Disturbance to Fisheries found in natural river water


The mining operation will have positive and long term impact on river environment as the

operation will result in excavation of excessive Sand deposits from points where the

maximum sedimentation occurs, in order to prevent flooding or related natural hazards.

Since the project site is a river bank, mining activities will not have any major impact and

since the deposits are replenished naturally no reclamation is proposed. There is no migratory

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route of birds or grazing route of domesticated animal is reported, hence there will be no

impact anticipated. Mining activity will be confined upto a required depth of 3m from ground

level/ water level whichever is less, no mining activity will be carried out in natural river

water since it is a RBM project and mining will be done along the river bed only leaving the

free spaces as specified, no impact on fisheries, spawning ground or riparian ecosystem is

anticipated

2.1.9. IMPACT ON ECOLOGY OF THE AREA

Mining which leads to the removal of channel substrate, re-suspension of streambed

sediment, clearance of vegetation, and stockpiling on the streambed, will have ecological

impacts. These impacts may have an effect on the direct loss of stream reserve habitat,

disturbances of species attached to streambed deposits, reduced light penetration, reduced

primary production, and reduced feeding opportunities.

For thousands of years, Sand and Morrum have been used in the construction of roads and

buildings. Today, demand for Sand and Morrum continues to increase. Mining operators, in

conjunction with cognizant resource agencies, must work to ensure that Sand mining is

conducted in a responsible manner.

Excessive and unscientific Riverbed Sand mining causes the degradation of rivers. Riverbed

mining lowers the stream bottom, which may lead to bank erosion. Depletion of Sand in the

streambed causes the deepening of rivers, and the enlargement of river mouths. Any volume

of Sand exported from streambeds is a loss to a system.

It may also be a threat to bridges, river banks and nearby structures. Sand mining also affects

the adjoining groundwater system and the uses that local people make of the river and

sometimes result in destruction of aquatic and riparian habitat through large changes in the

channel morphology. Impacts include bed degradation, bed coarsening, lowered water tables

near the streambed, and channel instability. These physical impacts cause degradation of

riparian and aquatic biota and may lead to the undermining of bridges and other structures.

Continued extraction may also cause the entire streambed to degrade to the depth of

excavation.

Sand mining generates extra vehicle traffic, which negatively impairs the environment.

Where access roads cross riparian areas, the local environment may be impacted.

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2.1.9.1. Mitigation measures

As the present mining will be done in a scientific manner as mentioned before, significant

adverse impacts are not predicted; however the following mitigation measure will be taken to

further minimize it.

Re-suspension, turbulence, stream flow, channel substrate and associated species will be

disturbed and could be lost due to mining. This loss of species is negligible in case of

river bed mining as mining will be restricted to river bed only leaving the free space as

per mining law.

No mining will be done near to important structure like bridges, dam and others as per

mining law.

No mining will be carried out during the rainy season this will minimize impact on aquatic

life.

Since it is a RBM project, it has no vegetation; therefore clearance of vegetation is not

required.

The mining activity will employ many heavy vehicles to transport the Sand outside the

mine to desired destination. Safe site/routes having less impact will be selected for

transportation, all the vehicles will be employed for transportation purpose will be PUC

certified.

2.1.10. FLORA AND FAUNA OF RIPARIAN HABITAT

If Sand mining is done in an unscientific way, i.e. beyond the replenishment capacity,

riverbed mining can have adverse effects at the mine sites. The fertile streamside land will be

lost gradually and the wildlife in the riparian areas may start vanishing. Degraded stream

habitats will result in loss of fisheries productivity, biodiversity, and recreational potential.

Thus the severely degraded channels may lower the aesthetic value too.

All species require specific habitat conditions to ensure long-term survival. Native species in

streams are uniquely adapted to the habitat conditions that existed before human began

alterations. These have caused major habitat disruptions that favoured some species over

others and caused overall declines in biological diversity and productivity. In most streams

and rivers, habitat quality is strongly linked to the stability of channel bed and banks.

Unstable stream channels are inhospitable to most aquatic species.

No dredging is proposed and hence there will be no possibility of sediments altering water

quality.

Factors that increase or decrease sediment supplies often destabilize bed and banks and result

in dramatic channel readjustment. For example, human activities that accelerate stream bank

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erosion, such as riparian forest clearing/ Riverbed mining cause stream banks to become net

sources of sediment that often have severe consequences for aquatic species. Anthropogenic

activities that artificially lower stream bed elevation cause bed instabilities that result in a net

release of sediment in the local vicinity. Unstable sediments simplify and, therefore, degrade

stream habitats for many aquatic species.

The most important effects of excessive and unscientific Riverbed Sand mining on aquatic

habitats are bed degradation and sedimentation, which can have substantial negative effects

on aquatic life. The stability of Sand-bed and Morrum-bed streams depends on a delicate

balance between stream flow, sediment supplied from the watershed, and channel form.

Mining- induced changes in sediment supply and channel form disrupt channel and habitat

development processes. Furthermore, movement of unstable substrates results in downstream

sedimentation of habitats. The affected distance depends on the intensity of mining, particle

sizes, stream flows, and channel morphology. Channel widening causes swallowing of the

streambed, producing braided flow or subsurface inter gravel flow in riffle areas, hindering

movement of fishes between pools.

All such impacts can be reduced by following scientific mining practices and mitigation

measures.


Proper environmental management plan are proposed for “River Bed Material” mining

project to mitigate the impact during the mining operation.

Mining operation will be suspended during monsoon season.

Mining operation will be carried out during day time.

No labour camps will be allowed on river bed and in reserve forest area.

No labours will be allowed, to enter reserve forest area

No cooking, or burning of woods will be allowed in the forest area. This will prevent

forest fire.

Prior to mining, short awareness program will be conducted for labours to make them

aware of the forest and way of working.

If some casualty or injury to animal occurs, it should be informed to forest department and

proper treatment should be given.

No lighting should be allowed in the reserve forest area.

No tree cutting, chopping, lumbering, uprooting of shrubs and herbs should be allowed.

No tract or new road for movement of labours or vehicles be laid in reserve forest area,

this will prevent forest fragmentation, encroachment and human – animal encounter.

Corridor movement of wild mammals (If exists) should be avoided

ENVIRONMENT

MANAGEMENT

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Care should be taken that noise produced during vehicles movement for carrying RBM

materials are within the permissible noise level. Higher noise level in the forest area will

lead to restless and failure in detection of calls of mates and young’s once.

No piling of RBM material should be done in agricultural or reserved forest areas.

Care should be taken that no hunting of animals or collections of medicinal plant are

carried out by labours.

If wild animals are noticed crossing the river bed, it should not be disturbed or chased

away, instead the labours should move away from their path.

2.1.11. SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

The proposed project will have direct and positive impact on socio-economic environment.

The field survey conducted based on a social survey to understand the knowledge and the

perception of the people living around the project area, gives a clear idea about the need for

the project.

The project activities shall not have any adverse impacts on any of the common property

resources of the village communities, as the Sand mine lease area is not being used for any

purpose by any section of the society in this region. There is no R & R involvement in this

project. There is no land acquisition in this project

This activity will help raise the socio-economic status of the people who are directly and

indirectly involved. It has also come to light that if this activity is not activated, then the

affected groups will tend to participate in other illegal activities.

This project will provide employment to the people residing in vicinity people will to be

benefited directly or indirectly by the project. Only local labour will be used for the proposed

mining operation.

2.1.11.1. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

There is no environmental pollution due to the proposed mining as it is proposed to be a

mainly manual mining/scooping of extraction of Sand/Morrum on the banks of River Son.

Hence there will be no major occupational health hazards.

The villagers avail medical facilities from the public health center locally and for specific

treatments & health assistance they avail facilities from govt. hospital located at district.

2.1.11.2. ANTICIPATED HEALTH IMPACT

ENVIRONMENT

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A health survey showed that the effect on public health will be primarily due to emanation of

dust & smoke from the haulage of transport vehicles in the buffer zone. On continuous

exposure to the proposed activities certain occupational health hazards are anticipated:

Fungal infection of the hands and legs due to constant contact with the wet Sand.

Due to lack of personal hygiene water borne diseases are also envisaged to the workers.

Continuous exposure to Sand dust can lead to silicosis, Silica tuberculosis other

pulmonary diseases.

Proposed mining activity may not pose any adverse health hazard to the people in & around

the area as healthy mining practices are carried out during the course of mining and the

activities are restricted to small scale extraction.


An inventory of the risks involved during the proposed project would be delineated with the

measures to mitigate the same and the same would be ensured to the people by conducting an

awareness program in the surrounding areas.

Predominantly mining activities should be manual, using hand tools to avoid accidental

hazards.

Laborers will have access to basic first aid (first aid –box) facility on site.

Awareness on safety and ensure using of personal protective equipments (PPE) by workers

like gloves, helmets, boots ear plugs and ear muff etc. to avoid injuries.

The workers will be trained on using personal equipments as a precautionary measure &

thereby preventing any infectious diseases.

Workers will be periodically made aware of health & safety and various other risks.

Special emphasis to the women health regarding the pre-natal and post-natal care will be

looked into which is very much neglected in the rural areas.

ENVIRONMENT

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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Page | 25

2.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Environmental Management measures for general Impacts

This section recommends the management measures needed to prevent minimize and mitigate the general impacts arising in operation phase as

shown in Table 5 below:

Table 5: EMP for the general anticipated impacts

Activity Issue Duration /

Extent Magnitude

Action with Key Riders Responsibility

Laborers

activity

Consumption of

water and

discharge of

sewage

Temporary Moderate 25-30 labourers will be required, which will be

hired locally workers, no provision for

temporary labour camps is proposed.

Water requirement will be met from nearby

existing dug wells or bore wells and will be

supplied to the site through private tankers and

earthen pots at site.

Contractor

Generation of

solid waste

Temporary low It is a sand/morrum mining project, no waste

generation is anticipated.

Workers will also be hired locally to avoid

permanent housing at site, thus the MSW waste

generation is also nil. Uncontrolled dumping will

be discouraged.

Contractor

Risks to

occupational

health and safety

Temporary Moderate Predominantly mining activities will be manual,

using hand tools.

Onsite first-aid and primary medical facilities

Contractor

ENVIRONMENT

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Extent Magnitude


will be provided during operation period.

Protective equipments will be used. Training and

awareness programs related to significance and

use of protective gear will be imparted to the

workers.

Possible

transmigration

Temporary Moderate The contractor will be encouraged to give

preference to local labour in the region.

Contractor

Earth

Movement

Induced soil

erosion, loosing

of productive top

soil.

Mining will be done as per the mining plan in the

designated lease area for the sanctioned lapse

period of 621 days from government upto the

required depth only and will be confined along

the river bed only.

No impact as the mined area gets replenished

every year during monsoon season.

Since it is a RBM project, does not involve

removal of Top soil.

Precautionary measures as the covering of

vehicles will be taken to avoid spillage during

transport of borrow materials. The unpaved

surfaces used for the haulage of borrow materials

will be maintained properly. The haul roads and

borrow areas will be managed and maintained by

the contractor.

ENVIRONMENT

MANAGEMENT

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Extent Magnitude


Since dust is the only impact along the haul

roads, sprinkling of water will be carried at least

once a day.

Onsite activity Extraction of

natural resources

such as Sand,

Morrum

621 days Nil No impact as the mined area gets replenished

every year during monsoon season.

Contractor/

laborers

Noise generation

due to the

movement of

Vehicles

Temporary Moderate No heavy machinery is proposed for the

extraction of sand/morrum, operation is

predominantly manual.

Noise generated due to movement of vehicles

will be managed by the use of vehicles which are

less than 15 years old and after obtaining the

pollution under control certificate. Also silence

zones will be demarcated and noise barriers will

be put accordingly.

Laborers should be provided with personal

hearing protection device (if required).

Contractor

Air emissions

Temporary Moderate The dust emissions will be minimized by

following the good practices, for example, water

sprinkling, provision of noise barriers, etc.

Overloading of the trucks/trolleys should not be

done.

Suitable dust barriers shall be proposed.

Contractor

ENVIRONMENT

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Environmental Management measures for Operation Phase Impacts

This section recommends the measures needed to prevent, minimize and mitigate the impacts arising in operation phase as shown in Table 6

below:

Table 6: EMP for the Operation Phase

S.N

o.

Imp

act

s

POSSIBLE IMPACTS

PROJECT

SPECIFIC

IMPACTS

MIT

IGA

TIO

N M

EA

SU

RE

S

TY

PE

NA

TU

RE

MA

GN

ITU

DE

TIM

ING

/DU

RA

TIO

N

SIG

NIF

ICA

NC

E

RE

VE

RS

IBIL

ITY

SIG

NIF

ICA

NC

E

OPERATIONAL PHASE

LAND ENVIRONMENT

1.

Impact on existing

land use

+ve

Direct

High

Short

term/temporary

Significant

Reversible

Insignificant

Mining will be done

as per the mining

plan in the

designated lease

area from

ENVIRONMENT

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government for a

period of three

years upto the

required depth only

and will be

confined along the

river bed only.

No impact as the

mined area gets

replenished every

year during

monsoon season

2. Quantity and

characteristics of top

soil

Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Insignificant Since it is a RBM

project, does not

involve removal of

Top soil.

3. Erosion potential

and terrain

Nil Nil Nil Nil Insignificant Nil Insignificant Mining activities

will be confined

along the river bed.

4. Excavation of Pits in

mine lease area

Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil No Impacts There will be no

pits.

ENVIRONMENT

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The mine section

will be backfilled

on arrival of

Monsoon every

year itself.

5. Waste dumps NA NA NA NA Insignificant NA Insignificant It is a Sand Morrum

mining project, no

waste generation is

anticipated.

Workers will also

be hired locally to

avoid permanent

housing at site, thus

the MSW waste

generation is also

Nil.

6. Agricultural land

and productivity

-ve Indirect NA NA NA NA Insignificant Productive land will

not be utilized for

storage and other

proposes.

Siltation on

agriculture Land

will be prevented.

ENVIRONMENT

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Garland drain

system will be

provided to prevent

excessive runoff

from mine site.

AIR ENVIRONMENT

1.

Fugitive dust

emission due to

movement, Loading

, unloading and

Transportation of

minor minerals

-ve

direct

moderate

Short

term/temporary

Significant

Irreversible

Insignificant

Dust suppression

measures like

spraying/sprinkling

of water to keep the

surface wet and

provision of the

dust barriers.

Overloading of the

trucks/trolleys will

not be done.

Transportation of

Sand/Morrum will

be in covered

vehicles to prevent

fugitive dust

emission. The road

will be properly

ENVIRONMENT

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maintained.

2. Blasting and

Drilling

NA NA NA NA NA NA No Impact Not proposed

3. Boiler/DG

Set/furnace

NA NA NA NA NA NA No Impact Not proposed

WATER ENVIRONMENT

1. Interruption in

natural Drain

+ve direct high Long

term/temporary

Significant reversible Insignificant

RBM mining will

maintain the natural

course of River. In

this project it is not

proposed to

truncate or divert

any stream.

2.

Impact on Surface

Water source

+ve

direct

high

Long

term/temporary

Significant

reversible

Insignificant

The main stream

will not be diverted

to form inactive

channels from

mining.

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Mining below

subterranean water

will not be done.

Riverbed mining

will be carried out

where sediment

replenishment

capacity is larger.

No pits/channels

will be formed.

Segments of

breaded river will

be used preferably

for mining.

Mining at the

concave side of the

river channel will

not be done so that

the bank erosion

may not occur.

Mining will be

carried out at places

ENVIRONMENT

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where sediment

aggregations are

maximum.

Mining will remove

excess deposits and

deepen river bed

which will prevent

flooding and related

problems.

3.

Impact on Ground

Water source

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

No Impact

The workers will be

hired locally;

drinking water

demand will be met

by providing

earthen pots or

private tankers at

site for 25-30

laborers. Thus there

will be no

extraction of

ground water.

Mining will be

restricted to the

ENVIRONMENT

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depth of 3 m from

the ground level or/

water level

whichever is less.

4. Impacts on Riparian

vegetation and

stream habitat

-ve Direct low Short

term/temporary

significant Irreversible Insignificant Project activity will

be carried out along

the river bed only

leaving free space

as specified, thus do

not affect water

environment and

riparian habitat.

NOISE ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRONMENT

MANAGEMENT

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1.

Movement of

vehicles

-ve

Indirect

low

Short

term/temporary

Significant

-

Insignificant

Newer vehicles less

than 15 will be used

for transportation.

PUC certificates

shall be obtained.

Labourers should

provided with

personal hearing

protection device.

Noise & dust

barriers among

areas of heavy

vehicular

movement and

excavation site.

BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

1. Disturbance to

avifauna migratory

routes/nesting

grounds/wild fauna,

birds, reptiles

-ve Indirect low Nil Insignificant Nil No Impact Mining activities

should be restricted

to daytime only and

along the riverbed.

No Migratory

routes are identified

ENVIRONMENT

MANAGEMENT

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within the stretch.

2. Damage to Riparian

ecosystem/wetlands

-ve Indirect Low Nil Significant Nil No Impact Mining activities

should be restricted

along the riverbed

and mining will be

done upto the

3m/water level

whichever is lesser

3. Micro flora and

fauna in upstream

and downstream

water

-ve indirect Moderate Short

term/Temporary

Significant Nil Insignificant The main stream

will not be diverted

to form inactive

channels from

mining.

Mining below

subterranean water

will not be done.

4. Impact on route of

domesticated fauna

viz. cow , buffalo

etc of nearby

villages

Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil No Impact It is river bed plain

thus do not serve

any grazing land for

grazing animals.

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5. Disturbance to

Fisheries found in

natural river water

-ve indirect Moderate Short

term/Temporary

Significant Nil Insignificant Mining will be

confined along the

river bed. Main

river course will not

be disturbed.

SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

1. Generation of

employment

Opportunities

+ve direct high Shorterm/temporary Significant Reversible Positive

significant

The proposed

project will

generate

employment

opportunities to all

the section of

people, locally.

2. Increase in

Aesthetic conditions

+ve direct high Shorterm/temporary Significant Reversible Positive

significant

Will improve the

livelihood condition

of the nearby areas

by providing

employment

opportunities.

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3. Occupational Health -ve direct Moderate Short

term/temporary

Significant - Insignificant Predominantly

mining activities

should be manual,

using hand tools to

avoid accidental

hazards.

Laborers will be

provided with

onsite basic first aid

(first aid –box)

facility on site.

Awareness on

safety and ensure

using of personal

protective

equipments (PPE)

by workers like

gloves, helmets,

boots ear plugs and

ear muff etc. to

avoid injuries.

4. R & R No Impact NA

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2.3. RESETTLEMENT & REHABILITATION

Not applicable

2.4. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN

An Environmental monitoring programme has been prepared for the proposed project for

periodical assessment of effectiveness of implementation of Environment Management Plan and

to take corrective measures in case of any degradation in the surrounding environment.

For assessing the prevailing quality of air, water, noise, land etc., regular monitoring of

parameters are necessary. The data assessed will be helpful in predicting the impact and planning

suitable measures to improve/protect the environment. In the study area, the lessee will carry out

monitoring studies for ambient air quality, fugitive dust, water quality, noise levels and soil

quality as per the standard procedures and schedules. The monitoring system will include:

Monitoring stations in the buffer zone remain the same as selected in this study

for Air, water, Soil, Noise etc.,

Implementation of the planned mitigating measures.

Monitoring the programme of implementation

The Environmental parameters will be monitored & samples will be analyzed as per the

stipulations of Indian Bureau of Mines & UP Pollution Control Board and as per MOEF

Guidelines. The above monitoring proposals shall be adhered to and the results shall be intimated

to the appropriate authorities for their perusal and records.

2.4.1. Organizational setup for Environment Monitoring

Major attributes of environment are not confined to the mining site alone. Implementation of

proposed control measures and monitoring programme has an implication on the surrounding area

as well as for the region. Therefore, mine management should strengthen the existing control

measures as elaborated earlier in this report and monitor the efficacy of the control measures

implemented within the mining area relating to the following specific areas for eco-friendly

mining:

Collection of air and water samples at strategic locations with frequency suggested and by

analyzing thereof. If the parameters exceed the permissible tolerance limits, corrective

regulation measure will be taken.

Collection of soil samples at strategic locations once in every year and analysis thereof

with regard to deleterious constituents, if any.

The effectiveness of drainage system depends upon proper cleaning of all drains provided

in the surrounding of mine area. Any blockage due to siltation or loose material will be

checked at least once in a month.

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Measurement of water level fluctuations in the nearby ponds, dug wells and bore wells.

Regular visual examination will be carried out to look for erosion of river banks. Any

abnormal condition, if observed will be taken care of.

Measurement of noise levels at mine site, stationary and mobile sources, and adjacent

villages will be done in every quarter of the year.

Monitoring Ground Vibrations: Ground vibrations studies or monitoring is not required as

there is no proposal of drilling/blasting for scooping operations.

2.5. IMPLEMENTATION OF EMP

As the major environment attributes will continue to be around the project area alone,

implementation of the proposed control measures and monitoring thereof will be undertaken on a

regional basis. The project proponent will ensure the implementation of the measures within the

mine area and carryout efficient monitoring through outsourcing to competent certified

consultants and laboratories.

In order to implement the measures suggested for mitigating the adverse impacts on the

environment, it is suggested to monitor the environmental parameters regularly.

2.6. ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT MECHANISM

No cell is proposed to form; the plan will be implemented through outsourcing suitable and

accredited consultants and experts.

Environmental Monitoring will be directly coordinated by the Supervisor/Owner. Competent

outsourced certified organization/lab personnel will conduct the monitoring operations. A full-

fledged laboratory is not essential; part of the work will be given to competent consultants to

undertake these jobs.

Regular semi skilled manpower will be required for supervision, assistance in reclamation works

followed by trained unskilled labourers to carry out other necessary operations.

2.6.1. Functions of the EMP Implementation Team

Implementation of the mitigation measures

Maintain Records of the operation

Monitoring the programme of implementation

To estimate the efficiency of measures taken

To bring out any other unforeseen effect on environment not covered under the report.

Inspection and regular maintenance of mining equipments and transport vehicles.

ENVIRONMENT

MANAGEMENT

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2.7. BUDGET FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Annual budget for EMP is very essential for successful implementation of EMP. The fund

allocated will not be diverted for any other purposes and the top management will be responsible

for this. The budget will take into consideration the following capital and operating expenses:

Table 7: Cost of EMP

S.No. Activities

Capital Cost in Rs.

Lacs

Recurring Cost In

Rs. Lacs/Annum

1. Air Pollution Control- Management

of Haulage Roads including

sprinkling

Already Done

(access Roads are

fairly connected)

2.0

2. Site development/site

services/manual equipments

Mining plan (if required)

2 0.2

3. Environmental Monitoring - 1.0

4. Occupational Health Measures and

other Miscellaneous expenditure

0.5

5. Contribution to the area

(In terms of provision of free building

material to schools, religious

buildings or other activities in

consultation with Panchayat.)

- 1.0

TOTAL 2.0 4.7

.

RISK

ASSESMENT

Riverbed SandMorrum Mining at Gata No. 312 Mi (Lot No. 1 & 2),




RISK ASSESSMENT

Mining and allied activities are associated with several potential hazards to both the

employees and the public at large. A worker in a mine should be able to work under conditions,

which are adequately safe and healthy. At the same time the environmental conditions should be

such as not to be impair his working efficiency. This is possible only when there is adequate

safety in mines.

1. IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARDS

There are various factors which can create unsafe working conditions in mining of minor

minerals from river bed. These hazards are as follows:

a) Inundation / Flooding

b) Quick Sand/Morrum Condition

c) Drowning

d) Accident due to vehicular movement

e) Accident during sand/morrum loading, transporting and dumping

1.1 INUNDATION/FLOODING

a) The possibility of inundation/flooding of the mines are very high during monsoon or

during heavy rains as the mine area lies in the riverbed.

b) There is danger to the trucks and other machineries due to flooding.

c) There is danger to the workers working in the mines.

Inundation or flooding is expected and beneficial for these mines as during this time only

the mineral reserve gets replenished.

1.2 QUICK SAND CONDITION

Quick sand/ morrum is a colloidal hydrogel which consists of fine granular material (such

as sand/morrum or silt) clay, and water. Quick sand/morrum condition arises in saturated loose

sand/morrum when the sand/morrum is suddenly agitated. When water in the sand/morrum

cannot escape, it creates liquefied soil that loses strength and cannot support weight. This

condition occurs when the permeability of the strata is very high and the effective stress in the

sand/morrum becomes zero due to influx of water i.e.

i = icr = y’/yw-

RISK

ASSESMENT





where,

i = Hydraulic gradient,

icr = Critical Hydraulic gradient,

y’ = submerged unit weight,

yw = unit weight of water.

This creates dangerous condition to the trucks and other machineries plying over the

sand/morrum dunes on the river banks.

1.3 DROWNING

There are no possibilities of drowning in the river, since mining operations are carried out

only in the dry seasons. All mining activities will be stopped during the monsoon season.

1.4 MINERAL LOADING

a. The minerals are loaded in the trucks using hand shovels. There is possibility of injury in

the hands during loading with shovels.

b. There is possibility that the workers standing on the other side of loading may get injury

due to over thrown sand/morrum with pebbles.

c. There is possibility of workers getting injured during opening of side covers to facilitate

loading.

d. There is possibility of riverbank collapse.

e. There is a chance of falling of cattle/children into pits in river bed.

1.5 TRANSPORT

The minerals loaded in 45-50T trucks are being sent to through public roads.

a. Possibilities of road accidents.

b. Accident may also occur during movement in the mine.

c. There are possibilities that due to overloading, pebbles or boulders may injure the passersby.

1.6 MITIGATION OF HAZARDS

1.6.0 MEASURES TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS DURING LOADING

1. The trucks will be brought to a lower level so that the loading operation suits to the

ergonomic condition of the workers.

2. The loading will be done from one side of the trucks only.

RISK

ASSESMENT





3. The workers will be provided with gloves and safety shoes during loading.

4. Opening of the side covers (pattas) will be done carefully and with warning to prevent

injury to the loaders.

5. Operations during daylight only.

6. It will be ensured that no foreign material will remain/spilled either in riverbed or

catchment in the pits/pockets of area.

7. Stockpiling of extracted material on the river bank will be avoided.

1.6.1 MEASURES TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS DURING TRANSPORTATION

1. All transportation within the main working will be carried out directly under the supervision

and control of the management.

2. The Vehicles must be maintained in good repairs and checked thoroughly at least once a

week by the competent person authorized for the purpose by the Management.

3. To avoid danger while reversing the trackless vehicles especially at the embankment and

tipping points, all areas for reversing of lorries will as far as possible be made man free.

4. A statutory provision of the fences, constant education, training etc. will go a long way in

reducing the incidents of such accidents.

5. Overloading will strictly not be permitted.

6. The trucks will be covered and maintained to prevent any spillage.

7. The maximum permissible speed limit will be ensured.

8. The truck drivers will have proper driving license.

1.6.2 MEASURES TO PREVENT DANGEROUS INCIDENTS DUE TO

INUNDATION/FLOODING

Inundation of flooding is expected and beneficial for these mines as during this time only the

mineral reserve gets replenished.

1. During monsoon months and heavy rains the mining operations are ceased.

2. There will be mechanism/warning system of heavy rains and discharges from the upstream

dams.

3. An excavation plan as given in pre-feasibility report will be formulated and periodic mock-

drills will be carried out regularly at mine site to conquer any unavoidable circumstances.

RISK

ASSESMENT





1.6.3 MEASURES TO PREVENT QUICK SAND CONDITION

1. The only way to avoid quick sand/morrum condition is by avoiding mineral lifting below

water table.

2. The critical hydraulic gradient (icr) will be maintained at less than 1 to prevent high

artesian pressure in a coarse sand/morrum area.

3. At least 0.5m sand/morrum bed should be left in-situ while excavating sand/morrum from

riverbed.

1.6.4 MEASURE TO PREVENT DROWNING

1. The mining will be done under strict supervision and only during the dry season.

2. Deep water areas must be identified.

3. No go zones will be clearly marked and mine workers will be informed.

4. Safety mock drills will be organized for rescue operations.

1.6.5 NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION

Mining at the concave side of the river channel will be avoided to prevent bank erosion.

Similarly meandering segment of a river should be selected for mining in such a way as to avoid

natural eroding banks and to promote mining on naturally building (aggrading) meander

components.

1.7 SOCIAL IMPCT ASSESSMENT

Detail Social Impact Assessment study has been done and given in Chapter-3.

1.8 RESSETLEMENT & REHABILITATION PLAN

Not applicable.

1.9 DISASTER MANAGEMENT

All types of industries face certain types of hazards which can disrupt normal activities abruptly

and to disaster like fires, inundation, failure of machinery, explosion, to name a few. Similarly

Sand mines also have impending dangers or risk which need be addressed for which a disaster

management plan has been formulated with an aim of taking precautionary steps to avert

disasters and also to take such action after the disaster which limits the damage to the minimum.

RISK

ASSESMENT





Nevertheless, the following natural/industrial problems may be encountered during the mining

operation.

1. Inudation- filling of the mine pit due to excessive rains.

2. Slope failures at the mine faces or stacks.

3. Accident due to storage of explosive and blasting.

4. Accident due to fire.

As per proposal made under the mining plan, during proposed working the area will be

developed by means of manuals opencast mining method. Exploitation and transportation of

minerals are to be carried out by manual means. Water table will not be touched during

processed working. No high risk accidents like landslides, subsidence flood etc. have been

apprehended. But possibility of accidental disaster is also not ruled out. Therefore, all the

statutory precautions should be taken for quick evacuation as per the Mines Act 1952, the Mines

Rules 1955, MMR-1961 and MCDR-1988.

Risk Assessment and Disaster Management Plan

Like any other industry riverbed mining has risk and dangerous impending which are to

addressed by Risk Assessment and Disaster Management Plan to limit the disasters to a

minimum level formulation as well as execution of Disaster Management Plan is very important.

This is possible only when there is adequate safety in mines. Hence, mine is one of the most

essential aspects of any working mine, safety of the mine and the employees is taken care of by

the mining rules & regulations, which are well defined with laid down procedure for safety,

which when scrupulously followed safety is ensured not only to manpower but also to machines

& working environment.

Possible Risks Due To Inundation & Its Control

Mining will be done during the non-monsoon periods; therefore problem of inundation is not

likely to happen.

Dewatering

Depth of mine is limited to 3m only from the river bed level whereas the ground water flows

at 16m to 18m below the bed level. Hence no dewatering is required.

RISK

ASSESMENT





Possible Risks Due To Failure of Pit Slope & Its Control

Pit will be created of limited depth only i.e. 3m thus the chance of failure of pit slope does

not exist.

Possible Risks Due To Failure of Waste Dump & Its Control

No waste dump is created therefore the question of failure of waste dump does not exist.

Possible Risks Due To Fire & Its Control

The operation does not anticipate any fire disaster.

Measures to Prevent Accidents Due to Trucks and Dumpers

All transportation within mining lease working will be carried out directly under the

supervision and control of the management.

The vehicles will be maintained in good condition and checked thoroughly at least once a

month by the competent person authorized for the purpose by the management.

Road signs will be provided at each and every turning point up to the main road (wherever

required).

To avoid danger while reversing the equipments/ vehicles especially at the working place /

loading points, stopper will be posted to properly guide reversing/ spotting operating,

otherwise no person should be there within 10 km radius of machine.

A statutory provision of the fences, constant education and training etc. will go a long way in

reducing the incidents of such accidents.

Other Possible Measures to Avoid Risks/ Disaster Due to River Bed Mining.

Unwanted material including mineral or spillage (if any) will not be stacked on the banks as

it will hinder the flow of water in monsoon season.

Mining of minerals / working will be started from the centre from dip to rise and then

laterally in ½ Meter slice so that the river course could not get affected.

The minerals will be mined out in a uniform way so that the river flow/ course shall not get

disturbed.

River banks will not be excavated to from access ramps. Only excavated river gravel should

be used to deposit against the river bank to form access ramps.

Documents

Pillar No. Latitude (N) Longitude (E) E - Welcome to … - Bijaura, Tehsil - Robertsganj, District- Sonbhadra, U.P. Area: 32 Acres (12.95 Ha) Page 1 of 14 FORM 1 i. Basic Information