Lok Sabha Question No. 2821 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-11
Subject: Problems faced by Residents near Coal Mines
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Pradeep Kumar Singh, Naranbhai Bhikhabhai Kachhadiya, Parbatbhai Savabhai Patel, Jaswantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor, Shantanu Thakur, Gitaben Vajesingbhai Rathva, Nisith Pramanik

(a): Yes.

(b): Coal Mining operations have some adverse impact on environment in terms of change in land  use  pattern,  dust,  air,  water  and  noise  pollution.  However,  it  is  mandatory  to  get  the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) approved by the competent authority before commencing the mining operations.

A  detailed  environment  impact  assessment  is  carried  out  considering  pre  and  post  mining operations for preparing EMPs and Environment Clearance (EC) is granted by the MoEF&CC. While  granting EC, MoEF&CC  lays  down  certain  conditions/ mitigation measures for implementing  the  EMPs  which  have  to  be  complied  with  by  the  project  proponents  during mining.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2821 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.03.2020

## PROBLEMS FACED BY RESIDENTS NEAR COAL MINES

2821. SHRI PRADEEP KUMAR SINGH:

SHRI NARANBHAI KACHHADIYA:

SHRI PARBATBHAI SAVABHAI PATEL:

SHRI JASWANT SINGH BHABHOR:

SHRI SHANTANU THAKUR:

SHRIMATI RATHVA GITABEN VAJESINGBHAI:

SHRI NISITH PRAMANIK:

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

- (a)   Whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  various  problems  being  faced  by  the  residents residing near the coal fields during the mining activities;
- (b)  If so, the steps being taken by the Government in this regard;
- (c)     Whether  problems  like  air  pollution,  the  depletion  of  the  water  level,  health  related problems and sometimes cave-in of land have been faced in and around coalmining fields;
- (d)   If  so,  the  steps  being  taken  by  the  Government  in  this  regard  along  with  the  details thereof;
- (e)   Whether the Government is providing assistance to local residents; and
- (f)   If so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, COAL AND MINES (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

(c)&(d): Various  measures  are  being  taken  as  per  approved  Environment  Management  Plan (EMP). In general, one or combination of followings prescribed measures are being taken based on EIA/EMP.:

## Air Pollution control measures:

-  The dust is controlled by installation of fixed sprinklers at CHPs, coal stock yards, weighbridges and along transportation roads.
-  The mist type water spraying system have also been installed along the conveyor belts / Bunkers in major coal handling plants. The sides of CHPs are also covered by side cladding with GI Sheet to control pollution at source.
-  Effective dust suppression through water through water sprinkling by mobile water tankers along the coal transportation roads and haul roads.
-  Use of drills fitted with wet drilling and dust extractors in order to control generation of dust.
-  Spillage of Coal from trucks on road is being controlled by covering of trucks, improving haul roads, dry sweeping of roads and water sprinkling.
-  As far as possible, coal is being transported by conveyors / rails /tube conveyors to minimise generation of dust by reducing road transportation.
-  The quality of ambient air in and around the mine is monitored every fortnight as per Environment (Protection) Amendment Rules, 2018

## Water pollution Control measures:

-  Garland drains are provided around the mine to collect run off water and siltation ponds are made for collection of silt.
-  The Effluent from the mines is treated in settling tank before discharging in natural course.
-  Oil & grease traps are installed and operated in workshop to separate & collect oil & grease from workshop effluent.
-  Effluent treatment plants (ETP) are installed and operated efficiently for treatment of workshop effluent & CHP effluent.
-  Sewage treatment plant (STP) is installed and operated for treatment of large domestic sewage.
-  The quality of the final effluent is monitored in terms of the relevant Indian standards, before it is discharged to natural drainage or in open land.
-  Action is taken towards the conservation of water resource by means of ground water recharge and rainwater harvesting.

## Noise pollution Control measures:

-  Periodic and condition based maintenance of equipment/HEMMs.
-  Green belt provided around the mine as well as residential area;
-  Controlled Blasting in opencast mines
-  Adoption of blasting free technology of Surface Miner.
-  Ear Muff or Ear Plugs provided to Workers at highly noisy areas;

## Tree plantation:

-  Plantation on OB Dumps is done to minimize soil erosion;
-  Tree Plantation is done around the source of air pollution like mine, infrastructure and roads to reduce air pollution;
-  Green belt has been provided around the mine as well as residential colony for noise attenuation.

## Monitoring

To  make  environmental  mitigation  measures  more  transparent,  Coal  companies  has introduced  state-of-the-art  Satellite  Surveillance  to  monitor  land  reclamation  and restoration for all opencast projects. The land reclamation and rehabilitation operations are being monitored by Satellite Surveillance.

## (e)&(f):

The MMDR Amendment act, 2015 introduced the concept of DMF (District mineral fund), which is deposited @ 30 % of Royalty. This fund is utilized by the State for development of  local  community  residing  nearby.  DMF  has  helped  bring  about  changes  to  local communities with access to better water, sanitation and healthcare.

Coal  companies  undertake  CSR  activities  in  the  areas  specified  under  Schedule  VII  of Companies Act 2013 such as healthcare, water supply, education etc. Primary beneficiaries of these activities are the people residing in and around the mining areas. These activities help in improving the standard of living of the local residents and also provide them with income generation opportunities.

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