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BANKURA DRI MINING MANUFACTURERS COMPANY

PRIVATE LIMITED

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
OF
DRAFT
RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
&
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

of

“BIHARINATH UNDERGROUND COALMINE PROJECT”


0.45 Million Tonnes/Annum

at

ANANDAPUR SECTOR
P.S. – SALTORA BANKURA DISTRICT
WEST BENGAL

PREPARED BY
ECO FRIENDLY DEVELOPMENT SOLUTIONS
H2-120A/New, Bener Pole Road
Maheshtala
Kolkata – 700141

JULY, 2009 E-mail: ecologylive@yahoo.co.in


Website: http:// www.ecofds.com
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.0 Introduction

Bakura DRI Mining Manufacturers Co. Pvt Ltd consists of six Sponge iron units of
Bakura and Burdwan Districts formed a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) “BAKURA DRI
MINING MANUFACTURERS CO. PVT LTD (BDMMCPL)” applied to ministry of
coal, Govt. of India, for obtaining a coal block, to raise coal and distribute to the
constituent companies according to their capacities. The constituent companies are:

i) Contrast Bengal Industries Limited, 21, Hement Basu Sarani, Kolkata


(CONCAST) is operating two units of Pig iron Plants of 100 TPD capacity,
several Rolling Mills, Induction Furnaces, Wire Drawing Units in Bengal and
other states.

ii) Amiya Stell Pvt. Ltd, 167/4 Lenin Sarani, Kolkata is operating two sponge
plants with 100 TPD capacity each in Jamuria, Dist. Burdwan W.B.

iii) Govinda Impex Ltd, 1 M. D. Road, Kolkata is operating two sponge iron
plant having 100 TPD capacity each at Borjora, Dist- Bankura,W.B. Besides
running two sponge iron plants, it has also set up stainless steel manufacturing
plant in Bamunara, Durgapur, Dist. Burdwan, W.B.

iv) Bishan Dayal Goyal & Sons Pvt. Ltd, 4 Fairlie Place, Kolkata is having
three sponge iron plants having 100 TPD capacity. The group is having
Rolling Mills, Induction Furnaces and producers of Plastic and Kitchenware.

v) Divya Jyoti Sponge Iron Pvt. Ltd, 14 N. S. Road, Kolkata, is running one
sponge iron plant having 100 TPD capacity. The second kiln will be ready
very soon.

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vi) Bhagwati Sponge Pvt. Ltd, Jamuria Hat, Dist. Burdwan is having one
sponge iron plant of 100 TPD capacity. The second kiln is expected to be
ready very soon.
This EIA/EMP report has been prepared with a view to obtaining Environmental
Clearance for the proposed Biharinath Underground Coalmine Project (0.45 MTY) of M/
S BDMMCPL as per provisions of EIA Notification, September, 2006 from Ministry of
Environment & Forests, Govt. of India.

1.1 Salient Features of the Project

Project Area
The Biharinath (Anandapur sector) block, is situated near southern bank of river
Damodar in the south central part of Ranigunj Coalfield, Bankura district of West Bengal
(refer plate no.I). The block is rectangular in shape, aligned in E-W and flanked on either
side as Parbelia colliery of ECL, Dist virgin, explored by Mineral Exploration
Corporation Ltd (MECL), Nagpur during the period from 1998 to 2001 covering an area
of 10.5 sq. Kms.(1050 Ha). The block is having 95.559 Mt is indicated category. The
coal is of high moisture, high volatile matter non-coking coal with grade ranges from B to
G. This mining plan is prepared based on the geological assessment prepared by MECL
in 2001.The main surface features are:

Administrative Location
The Anandapur sector Biharinath Block is situated near southern bank of river Damodar
in the south central part of Ranigunj coalfield, District Bankura, West Bengal. The block
is rectangular in shape and is aligned E-W. Administratively the block forms a part of
Survey of India Topo Sheet No. 73 I/14 (R.F.I:50.000) and 21 (R.F.1:10.000) and Sheet
No.10 (R.F.1:15,840) of the Geological survey of India. It is located WSW of Ranigunj
town and south of Burnpur Steel City and Asansol Township. Nearest railhead,
Madhukunda on the Asansol-Khargpur sector is about 9 Kms away. The Saltora-Puruliya
State Highway passes about 5Kms south of the block which is connected by a metalloid
road to the block.

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Geographic Location
Anandapur sector, Biharinath block is located between Ltitudes
(N):23°35’45”-23°37’35” and Longitudes (E): 86°56’23”-86°58’53”. The area exhibit
gently undulating topography mostly covered with alluvium. General slope of the ground
is towards north i.e. Damodar river. Towards southern side it rises due to metamorphic
exposurers forming margins of the basin and hillock, called as ‘Biharinath Parbat’
(Highest Altitude from M.S.L. 4448Ft.). The ground elevation of the block normally
varies between 87m. to 114m. The "Buffer Zone", in general, exhibits a gently to
moderately undulating topography it is marked by the high rise in the southern pan due to
the Biharinath Parbat (448 m) and the metamorphic hillocks further southward. The area
to the north of Damodar River has a gentle south – easterly slope whereas the area to the
south of Damodar River has a north to north-easterly slope. Minor undulations rising on
an average 3 to 4 m above the ground surface are also observed. Recent forest cover
plantations occupy some parts of the buffer zone. The topography of the target area is
generally undulating with elevation varying from 87 m in the north to 114 m in the south.

Project at a Glance
The leasehold area of Anandapur Sector is 10.5 sp. km. (1050 Ha) for proposed
Biharinath coalmine project. The layout plan for the proposed project activities such as
underground mining i.e incline area, coal bunker, magazene, stockyard and residential
area. The sector is cover in 13 Mouzas of Bakura district, West Bengal. The proved
reserves in the area with more than >1.20 m thickness of seams is 67.8968 million tonnes.
Bord and Pillar method of mining is proposed as method of work in weak of geo-mining
parameters, surface constraints and geo-technical inputs available. Anadapur sector UG
project has been planned for an annual production of 0.45 M.Te. The coal production at
Anandapur sector of Biharionath Block has linkages with the sponge iron units. Hence no
processing or washing of coal is proposed for the mine.

The manpower has been tentatively assessed for the operation of mining operation and
other related infrastructure. The total manpower requirement at the target year has been
estimated at 1582 out of the 1274 are underground manpower and 308 are surface
manpower.

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The project does not involve any resettlement of population as it is an underground
project to be depillared with sand stowing and no surface subsidence is envisaged. 10.4
Ha of vacant land will be required for sinking shafts, building the colliery infrastructure
and service buildings along with approach road. This land will be purchased from the
land-owners at prevailing rates and due compensation shall be admissible as per the R&R
Policy, Govt. of India Ltd.
Total estimated project cost would be Rs 172.85 Crores. Rs. 6.91 Crores and Rs. 69.00
Lakhs will be earmarked towards total capital cost and recurring cost/annum for
environmental pollution control measures.

A number of educational institutes (primary and secondary level) already exist in the
buffer zone. But to cater to the need of growing population, additional facilities for
education have to be provided. This shall also attract nearby villagers to avail such
facilities which will in turn increase literacy level in the areas. A number of health care
centres already exist within the buffer zone including the IISCO Hospital and other State
run Hospitals in Asansol, Madhukunda etc. But to cater to increase population due to
incoming of the proposed project, additional health care centres are to be established
within the core zone. This may help to avail the facilities of the people of adjoining areas
also.
Safety
Safety precautions have been considered while planning of the project. However,
constant vigil by the project management are required for protection of the project from
surface and underground inundation, fire hazards including spontaneous heating and
explosion hazards, hazards from air pollution, fugitive dust etc. Permission regarding
method of work would be obtained from DGMS before commencement of work by the
project management.

1.2 Baseline Environmental scenario


Hydro-Geological features

The geology of the study area together with stratigraphic formations was derived from
the records of the Geological Survey of India and various literatures. Hydrological data
on the flow characteristics of river Damodar and natural drainage (canals), for the past

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several years were collected from the published records of secondary sources as well as
from the geological report.

The zone lies in the south-eastern part of the basin of the Damodar River and sub-basins
of its tributaries like Nonia Nala, Gaighata Nala, Barajor Nala, Bangrpui Nala other local
Nalas. The entire area within 10km radius shows dendritic drainage system with little
structural control. North of Damodar River, Nonia along with other second and third
order streams have south-easterly drainage while south of the Damodar River, Gaighata,
Barajor and other Nalas have easterly and northerly drainage.
The Biharinath Block (core zone) has a comparatively low density drainage network.
This probably due to cultivated lands, village establishments and unclassified forest.
Number of small ponds/ water bodies are scattered in the area. Maximum part of the area
is occupied by Gondwana sandstone, therefore aquifer condition (porosity and
permeability) of the area is good.

Soil Quality Status


Soil samples from agricultural land & barren land were collected by using auger from
three horizons (90 cm) below ground level and analysed for fertility and physico-
chemical parameters as per IS methods. The soil quality in the project area appears to be
good and would support plantation.

Micrometeorology
As a part of micrometeorological study, micrometeorology and microclimatic parameters
were recorded by installing a meteorological station in Core Zone. Data for wind
velocity, wind direction, ambient temperature, relative humidity, cloud cover and rainfall
data were recorded at hourly intervals along with atmospheric pressure for 24 hours for
the study period (1st January, 2009 to 31st March, 2009) i.e. for winter period.
The micrometeorological data thus collected was processed and analyzed as per standard
procedures.

Ambient Air Quality

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The main objective of the ambient air quality monitoring is to assess the existing levels of
air pollutants as well as the regional background concentration in the project area. Air
pollution forms an important and critical factor to study the environmental issues in the
mining areas. The ambient air quality study was carried out during the winter season
from 1st January, 2009 to 31st March, 2009. Eight stations- 2 in core zone and 6 in buffer
zone along coal transport route were selected. The results were obtained within the norms
of NAAQS.

Water Quality
Eight samples of ground water from tube well and two surface water samples from
Damodar River were collected. This report covers data for 1 month, representing winter
scenario (Febrary, 2009), from all the stations, and were analyzed for physical, chemical
and bacteriological parameters as well as trace inorganics, heavy metals and toxic
constituents.. These were monitored for all the parameters as per MoEF guidelines /
Indian Standard. The ground water/drinking water samples were compared with IS:
10500 standard and surface water samples were compared with IS: 2296-1982 for Inland
Surface water (Class C). All the samples were found to conform to the above standards.

Terrestrial & Aquatic Ecology


Flora and Fauna Survey was conducted during January, 2009 (winter season) and the
prepared checklist by qualitative assessment. There are no endangered or endemic species
of flora and fauna in core zone. No migratory species were found in the core zone.
Socio-economic Survey
Relevant data have been compiled from the District Census Software of Bankura District
of the State of West Bengal for 2001 for obtaining the demographic and socioeconomic
features in the study area. The features which were analyzed include population,
household, population density, family size, sex ratio, SC-ST population, literacy rate,
work participation rate and its distribution, work participation rate among females,
household industrial scenario etc.
Land Use Pattern
Landuse patterns of the core and buffer zone have been established from two toposheets
(73 I/14 and 73 M/2; scale – 1:50,000). The landuse patterns/classifications such as

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agricultural land, green patch, residences and industries and water bodies have been
identified from District Planning Map Services.
Noise Quality
The ambient noise scenario within the study area was monitored at 6 stations in different
areas within the study area in accordance with the ambient noise standards of the
Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. The monitoring has been
conducted through a twenty-four hour period during the winter season (January-March,
2009). Day time and Night time Leq values have been established.
1.3 Anticipated Environmental Impacts & Mitigation Measures

The impacts (both beneficial and adverse) of mining and its allied activities of the project
have been assessed and presented in respect of air, water, noise, ground vibration, socio-
economic profile, flora & fauna, land resource, traffic movement and visual/aesthetic
aspect .
The control measures to mitigate various environmental impacts have also been
highlighted for carrying out mining operation in an environmentally compatible manner.
Further, all provisions of Coal Mines Regulations and Directives shall be followed in this
project.
The impacts on soils, surface water and ground water regime of the area, which would
primarily result due to solid wastes dumping & discharge of effluents from underground
mine, are studied through the data generated on soil & water characteristics.

The changes in landuse due to setting up of the proposed project and ancillary facilities
have been established from the long term data collected from various sources with
particular emphasis on diversion of productive land and afforestation programme.

The impact on hydrology has been estimated through comparison of the total water
available and the total water to be abstracted.

The impacts on the water quality of the surface water sources like river Damodar, Nalas,
ponds, reservoirs & ground water sources like dug wells and borewell have been studied.
Secondary data has been used to estimate construction stage impact.

The impact on air quality during the mining operations due to mainly fugitive dust is
discussed. The impacts of air pollutants on the health of workers and that of blasting on

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the various structures are also discussed. The impacts on the ambient air quality of the
area due to the proposed project which would mainly arise due to the dust during mining
are carefully quantified through ISCST3 Model of USEPA for impact prediction.

The impacts on terrestrial ecology due to changes in air quality and the impacts on
aquatic ecology of the river, ponds, reservoirs, dug wells as a result of the changes in
water quality, were arrived at with reference to data on authentic research and literature.
The impacts on terrestrial ecology during construction and mining operations are
predicted using secondary data.

The impact on the socio-economic environment due to employment in the mining project
is analyzed.

The impact on ambient noise within the study area due to generation of noise levels from
various sources during mining operations & running of machineries like compressors,
drills dumpers & granulators of the mining plant are discussed. Construction phase
impacts due to noise generating equipments and machineries were estimated based on
primary data generated at similar project sites.

An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is prepared, which covers sources of


pollution, proposed pollution control system/measures, solid/liquid waste management,
green belt development and afforestation programme, recommendation for additional
mitigatory / remedial and control/safety measures regarding occupational health as per
DGMS guidelines.

Air Pollution Control


The following measures will be taken to minimize dust during transportation and
handling of coal:
Surfacing of all service roads/permanent roads by asphalt. The metalled roads shall be
kept free of potholes, etc. Regular maintenance of trucks to limit emission of harmful
exhaust fumes. Water will be sprayed on coal transport road at regular intervals. Two
Nos. of mobile water sprinklers will be provided in the project. Provision of auto-start,
time cycle controlled, fine nozzle mounted fixed sprinklers. Physical removal of dust
from the roads. Greenbelts around coal handling area, service building area besides

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avenue plantation along roads. Wetting of coal before transport. Transportation of coal by
covered trucks.
The following control measures will be adopted during coal handling:
Suppression of coal dust during coal handling by fine nozzle mounted fixed sprinklers.
Dust extraction system shall be provided at all dust generating points. Minimization of
the height of coal-fall at transfer points to reduce the dust generation. Improved
maintenance of plant and machinery.

Noise Pollution
It being an underground mine, coal transportation on the surface will not be significantly
high. Limited levels of noise pollution due to coal transport would be anticipated.
Workers exposed to high noise levels shall be provided ear muffs. Maintenance of
dumpers will lead to reduced noise pollution due to transportation of coal. There will be
insignificant Ground vibration due to blasting in the underground as the mining will be
done at great depth.

Water Pollution
Effective water pollution control measures shall be taken as necessary keeping the
following point.
Sufficient safeguards during the planning stage to make the project eco-friendly from
water pollution control point of view. Recycling of wastewater after appropriate
treatment to the extent possible. The mine discharge would be effectively utilized to meet
the mine’s domestic and industrial needs. Hydraulic sand stowing during depillaring
operation increases the permeability of the formation and improves the groundwater
resources in the area. After cessation of mining, with plenty rainfall and abundant ground
water recharge, the water levels will recoup and attain normalcy. Thus, the impact of
mining on groundwater system may be considered as a temporary phenomenon. The
abandoned mine workings also behave as water pool and improves the resources
availability in the area. To increase the source availability, hand pumps and piped water
supply would be provided in nearby villages. The discharge mine water would be
gainfully utilized by the local people for irrigation and domestic use. Thereby the mine
water, form existing mines in the area, is a resource for local villages. The impact on

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groundwater level will be minimized by artificial recharge by spreading of pumped out
water, creation and filling of ponds with mine water and construction of rain water
harvesting structure. Creation of awareness among workers and local peoples about rain
water harvesting and artificial recharge will be given priority. This aspect is usually
covered during the Environmental Week celebrated every year (5 to 12 June). Any other
measures recommended by the regulatory agencies.
Ecological features

Green Belt Around the Mine. There is need for creating green belt (approximately 30m
wide) to provide an effective dust, noise and sight curtain in the periphery of mining area.
The trees to be planted in the green belt area shall act as buffers and shock absorber
against dusts, noise and stone flying. Trees in the green belt will be tall, wind firm, broad
leaved and evergreen. Green Belt on the Sides of Other Road. Species for Plantation and
Green Belt Development

Socio-economic features
There is possibility of creation of direct employment opportunities due to the acquisition
of land for mine infrastructure. Also, the setting up of a new mine will provide a good
amount of indirect employment opportunities. Overall, this will have a positive impact on
socio-economic profile of the area. Several basic and civic amenities under community
development programme have been extended to adjoining villages. An amount of Rs.1.0
per tonne of coal produced has been provided for community development in adjoining
villages.
Land Resource Management
About 10.4 ha land will be acquired for shaft sinking, service buildings and for making
the approach road to the pits. Apart from this land which will be developed, here will be
no impact on the land-use pattern due to mining except certain areas coming under
plantation as per EMP and habitation for the growing population.
Greenbelt around industrial sites, service building area and residential colony will be
developed along with avenue plantation along roads. Plantation of trees on vacant land in
project area will also be taken up.

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1.5 Safety Management & Conservation
In case of planning of the mine, all possible safety parameters as per statute have been
taken into consideration. These include safety from mine inundation, fires and subsidence
along with other safety aspects associated with underground mining. Constant vigil is
required by the mine operators with regard to the sources of danger. All other provisions
of the statute and circulars brought out by DGMS from time to time, as and when
attracted, and conditions stipulated in the permission letter issued by DGMS, would be
strictly complied with during actual operation of the mine.

1.6 Environmental Monitoring Programme & Mine Closure Plan


The scope of environmental management includes plantation, surface drainage,
subsidence monitoring and air, water and noise pollution checks etc. For air, water and
noise pollution control measures, samples will be collected and tested for all four seasons
at strategic places representing all the categories of areas as indicated by CPCB. A
regular schedule will be programmed for monitoring health of the workers and staff
associated with the mining operations and other connected industrial activities for
identifying occupational diseases etc. in time and initiating remedial measures. Mobile
ambulance will also be used for such programmes to monitor the health of the population
around the area. Mine closure planning needs to be done before the commencement of
mine operation and requires periodic reviewing and modification, if needed, during its
life cycle to ensure safety and to cope up with social & environmental challenges.
Various objectives of the advance mine closure planning are as follows:
To allow productive and sustainable after-use of the site which is acceptable to the mine
owner and the regulatory authority. To protect public health and safety. To eliminate
environmental damage due to mining operation and thereby encourage environmental
sustainability. To minimize adverse socio-economic impacts. To protect the flora and
fauna of the area. Effective re-use of the assets. The life of the mine as per present
proposal is more than 30 years for exploitation. Although no statutory guielines exists on
financial provisioning for mine closure activities as yet, financial provision of Rs 1.00/t
has been provided throughout mine life in order undertaken mine closure activities

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