Lok Sabha Question No. 1627 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-10
Subject: Environmental Audit of Open Cast Mines
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Shri Ummeda Ram Beniwal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1627 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.12.2025

## Environmental Audit of Open Cast Mines

## †1627. Shri Ummeda Ram Beniwal:

Will the Minister of Coal be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has conducted environmental audit of open cast mines;

(b) if so, the details of key findings of these environmental audit;

(c) whether the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has conducted an audit of the Kapri/Kapurdi lignite mine in Barmer district of Rajasthan;

(d) if so, the details of findings of that audit and the action taken in this regard so far;

(e) whether the Union Government has failed to effectively implement mine rehabilitation and reclamation policies across the country; and

(f) if not, the details and the key actions taken so far?

## ANSWER

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

(a) All coal and lignite mines are mandated to obtain prior Environmental Clearance (EC) from MoEF&CC  (Ministry  of  Environment,  Forest  &  Climate  Change)/  SEIAA  (State  Level Environment  Impact Assessment Authority)  and  consent  from  the  respective  State  Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) for undertaking mining operations. In addition, periodic compliance reports are regularly submitted to the competent authorities and inspections are undertaken by officials of MoEF&CC and the concerned SPCBs.

Third  party  environmental  clearance  compliance  audits  of  opencast  coal  mines  are  being undertaken  at  specified  intervals  by  engaging  reputed  agencies  like  National  Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), IIT-ISM etc., in compliance to the conditions of Environmental Clearances.

To further  strengthen  the  environmental  compliance  framework  for  projects  operating  under various  environmental  laws,  including  for  coal  mines,  the  Government  has  notified  the Environment Audit  Rules,  2025. The  Rules  establish  a  structured  mechanism  for  systematic environment  audit  through  Registered  Environment  Auditors  to  verify  compliance  with environmental  safeguards,  examine  emissions  and  waste  management  systems,  and  report violations. This audit mechanism supplements the existing monitoring carried out by the Central and State Pollution Control Boards.

(b) The key findings of the environmental clearance compliance audits are as follows:

i. Regular examination must be carried out to look for slope failure on open cast mine faces, and overburden benches etc. Any abnormal condition, if observed must be brought immediately to the notice of the concerned.

ii. Regular observation for checking land erosion will be made around the mining and dumping areas.

iii.  Schedule  planned  for  green  belt  development  may  be  checked  after  every  year  and  any alteration required should be implemented. Post plantation status should be regularly checked in every season.

iv. The environmental department must be in regular touch with surrounding villages to monitor the  implementation of various developmental schemes. Confidence  in people in surrounding villages regarding functioning of the project in the area need be generated.

v. Fugitive dust emission (Total Suspended Particulate (TSP)) should be monitored for personal and nearby surrounding area exposure assessment and worker safety at critical prone area in mine premises such as haul road, crusher, near drilling and blasting point, loading and unloading point of coal, etc. with the help of Respirable Dust Sampler (RDS).

vi. Coal Company may explore the possibility of developing a scientific policy towards use of fly ash in the mines so as to ensure environmental sustainability.

vii. All the CAAMS stations should be regularly calibrated viii. The sprinklers maintenance should be carried out regularly

ix. The garland drains size  to  be  maintained  properly  and  de-silted  at  regular  intervals. Any blockage due to silting or accumulation of loose materials will be checked on a regular basis. Stone pitching, brick mounds etc. on drain shall also monitored.

Coal Companies are complying with the observations and suggestions of the EC compliance audit reports.

(c) & (d) Yes. Comptroller and Auditor General  of India (CAG) has conducted the audit of M/s Barmer Lignite Mining Company Limited (BLMCL), a Government of Rajasthan Enterprise, the  owner  of  Kapurdi  Mines.  Though  the  Audit  report  for  the  FY  23-24 did  not  record any Significant Audit Findings, following are the Incidental Audit Findings:

i. Blockage of funds amounting to Rs 159.90 crore due to non-availability of land, which further resulted in an undue cost escalation of Rs 68.59 crore.

ii. Inaccurate interest calculation leading to an over payment of Rs 0.20 crore.

iii. Non-compliance with the provisions of the Rajasthan Transparency in Public Procurement Rules, 2013.

In this regard, BLMCL has furnished its detailed replies to each of the audit paras vide letter dated  29.01.2025. The  company,  in  the  reply  made  to  CAG  has  clarified  the  circumstances relating to the observations and the corrective measures initiated.

(e)  &  (f) It  is  submitted  that  the  Union  Government  is  effectively  implementing  mine rehabilitation and reclamation policies. All coal mining companies, undertake reclamation and rehabilitation  as  per  the  approved  Mining  Plans  (including  the  Mine  Closure  Plans)  and Environment Management Plans. These activities are governed by the Mine Closure Guidelines issued  by  the  Ministry  of  Coal  and  the  provisions  of  the  EIA  Notification,  2006  issued  by MoEF&CC.

The Ministry of Coal has issued a series of comprehensive guidelines to strengthen the mine closure framework, including those released in 2009, 2013, 2020, 2022 and the latest revised guidelines dated 31.01.2025. As per these guidelines, the mine owner is responsible for executing all protective, reclamation and rehabilitation works and must submit annual progress reports to the Coal Controller.

In accordance with the guidelines, Coal Companies carry out progressive and final mine closure works and submit half-yearly and annual reports to CCO (Coal Controller Organisation). Thirdparty  audits  are  being  conducted  through  accredited  institutions,  and  mine  closure  funds deposited in ESCROW accounts are released in a phased manner. Environmental monitoring of air, water and noise is also undertaken through CPCB-recognised and NABL-accredited agencies during  mining  operations  and  post-closure  stages,  ensuring  effective  implementation  of rehabilitation and reclamation activities.

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