Lok Sabha Question No. 437 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-24
Subject: Mining affected Areas in Dima Hasao, Assam
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Shri Pradyut Bordoloi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 437

ANSWERED ON 24.07.2024

## MINING AFFECTED AREAS IN DIMA HASAO, ASSAM

437. SHRI PRADYUT BORDOLOI:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a) the Government's response to grievances from mining-affected areas in Dima Hasao, Assam, concerning proposed new mining projects in Umrongso and the Garampani Coal Mine  Project,  as  well  as  issues  related  to  environmental  damage  and  displacement caused by existing industrial projects;
- (b) the details of measures taken to address grievances submitted by local associations regarding new mining projects;
- (c) the steps being taken to mitigate environmental damage caused by existing industrial and mining projects in Umrongso;
- (d)  whether  provisions  are  being  made  to  compensate  local  communities  forced  to relocate due to mining activities and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e)  whether  the  Government  is  planning  to  initiate  skill  development  programmes  to ensure job opportunities for residents affected by mining activities and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

(a) & (b): As per the information provided by the Pollution Control Board, Government of Assam, it has not received any grievance regarding environmental damage caused by existing industrial projects in Dima Hasao, Assam.

(c): As per existing law, before execution of the mining lease, every mine is required to obtain  the  requisite  statutory  clearances  from  various  departments  of  the  Central Government and respective State Governments, including Environmental Clearance. As part of grant of Environmental Clearance, the project proponents carry out Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and submit the Environment Management Plan (EMP) based on scientific study by taking into consideration of likely the impact of project activity on the baseline  environment.  The  mining  lease  holders  are  also  required  to  implement  the environmental mitigation measures as approved during grant of Environmental Clearance. Further, the miners are required to obtain the consent of land owners before commencement of the mining operations. Further, Section 24A of the Mines and Minerals (Development  and  Regulation)  Act,  1957  [MMDR  Act,  1957]  prescribes  that  the concession holders are liable to pay compensation to the occupier of the surface of the land, for any loss or damage which is likely to arise or has arisen from or in consequence of the reconnaissance, mining or prospecting operations.

(d)  &  (e):  Section  9B  of  MMDR  Act,  1957  empowers State  Governments to establish District Mineral Foundation (DMF) to work for the welfare and benefit of persons, and areas affected by mining related operations and make rules for composition and functions of the DMFs in the State. Till May, 2024, Rs. 136.62 Crores have been collected under DMFs in Assam. Out of this, Rs. 124.89 Crores have been allocated and Rs. 93.74 Crores have  been  spent.  The  Government  of  Assam  has  implemented  27  projects  for  skill development amounting to Rs. 8.62 Crores through DMF.

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