Lok Sabha Question No. 485 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-23
Subject: Impact of Mining on Environment and Health
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Dr. Manna Lal Rawat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. † 485

ANSWERED ON 23.07.2025

## IMPACT OF MINING ON ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH

†485. DR. MANNA LAL RAWAT: Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state: (a)   whether  the  Government  has  taken  congnisance  of  the  adverse  impact  on  local environment due to failure of M/s Hindustan Zinc Limited to comply with the Government norms during the mining operations in Udaipur district of Rajasthan; (b)  if so, the details thereof; (c)  whether any special action plan has been prepared by the Government to address the health related problem of the local residents due to mining operations; (d)  if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; (e)   whether  any  guidelines  have  been  issued  by  the  Government  for  the  companies engaged in mining operations; and (f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b): The Government of India has enacted the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules  (MCDR),  2017,  which  place  a  clear  responsibility  on  the  lease  holder  to  conduct mining  operations  in  a  sustainable  manner,  ensuring  the  protection  of  the  environment, including  local  flora  and  fauna. Additionally,  under  the  Minerals  (Other  than Atomic  and Hydro Carbons Energy Minerals) Concession Rules, 2016-which outline the 'Rights and Obligations'  of  lease  holders-it  is  mandated  that  the  lease  holder  shall,  at  their  own expense, undertake environmental protection measures. These include activities such as afforestation, reclamation of mined land, installation of pollution control devices, and other measures as may be prescribed by the Central or State Government from time to time. Accordingly, these requirements are also incorporated as binding conditions within the lease deed.

The units of M/s Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) are also regularly inspected by designated authorities, and no adverse impact on the local environment in and around its operational areas has been established till date owing to the mining operations by HZL in Udaipur district of Rajasthan.

(c) & (d) Through the amendment in Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) (MMDR) Act, in 2015, Government of India has made provision for establishment of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) in all the districts affected by mining. So far, DMFs have been set up in 646 districts in 23 States in the country.

The  Pradhan  Mantri  Khanij  Kshetra  Kalyan  Yojana  (PMKKKY)  provides  implementation framework for schemes to be undertaken for welfare and development of mining affected areas and people through the funds collected under DMFs. Under PMKKKY, Rs 9237.45 Cr has been sanctioned for 22592 number of health related projects, till 31.05.2025.

(e) & (f):  The National Mineral Policy (NMP) 2019 focuses on sustainable and transparent mining  practices  and  emphasizes  environmentally  sound  mining.  The  National  Mineral Policy  (NMP)  2019  aims  to  revamp  the  regulatory  framework  for  the  mining  sector, promoting sustainable practices. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) is the primary legislation governing the development and regulation of mines and minerals in India. The NMP 2019 and the MMDR Act work in tandem to ensure responsible and efficient mineral resource management.

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