SAND BLOCK DETAILS of SOUTH TRIPURA Sl

DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

CONFIDENTIALITY CLAUSE

This District Survey Report (DSR) of South Tripura District, Tripura, has been prepared by RSP Green Development and Pvt. Ltd., Howrah, West Bengal, India.

Any reproduction, direct or indirect other than for the specific purpose for which the report has been prepared, should not be carried out, without prior written consent of RSP Green Development and Pvt. Ltd. and Govt. of Tripura.

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Last but not the least, RSP Green Development and Pvt. Ltd. Record their sincere thanks and gratefulness to the Government functionaries of Tripura and prominent citizens of South Tripura district and also the villagers in and around the villages who have offered their fullest cooperation unhesitatingly but for which the execution of the work would have not become as smooth as it has been.

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

With Thanks ……………….

Depertment Respected Person(s) Designation

Forest Respected Dr. Alind Rastogi, IFS, PCCF & HoFF “ Shri Sanjib Das , IFS, DFO “ Shri Biplab Datta SDFO “ Shri Pradip Brata Debbarma SDFO “ All Officers Forest Dept (H.O)

District Administration

Respected Shri Debapriya Bardhan, IAS District Magistrate (DM) “ All Officers Addl. District Magistrate & Others Officers

DSTE Respected Shri Shivanand S. Talawar IFS Director “ All Officers Science, Technology & Environment Deptt

TSPCB Respected Sri Manas Mukherjee Member Secretary “ Dr. Mihir Kumar Das Scientist-C & HoO All Officers Tripura State Pollution Control Board Rural Development

Respected Swapan Das Chief Engineers “ All Officers RD Depertment

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

Contents Sl NO Chapter Page No 01 Preface 06-07 02 Introduction 08-09 03 General Profile of the District 09-32

04 Physio graphy of the District 33-34

05 Land use Pattern of the District 35-39

06 Geology 40-50 07 Mineral Wealth 51-59 08 Over view of Mining Activity in the 60-60 District 09 Details of Revenue Generated from 61-61 Mineral Sector During last three years 10 Transport 62-63 11 Executive Summary 64-64

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

"Landaus patterns are an expression of deep political economic and cultural structure; they do not change when an ecologist or forester sounds the alarm that a country is losing its resource base".

Anonymous

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

1. PREFACE

On 15 January 2016, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India issued a notification and in which Para 7(iii) (a) and Annexure (x) purpose and structure of District Survey Report has been discussed. District Survey report (DSR) will be prepared in every district for each minor mineral. The District Survey Report will guide systematic and scientific utilization of natural resources, so that present and future generation may be benefited at large. The guidelines of MoEF will support that fundamental concept, promoting environmental protection, limiting negative physiological, hydrological and social impacts under pinning sustainable economic growth. Sand is naturally occurring granular material composed of finely divided rock and mineral particles between 115 µ to 4.75 mm in diameter (IS 383-1970). Sand is formed due to weathering of rocks due to mechanical forces. In the process the weathered rocks form gravel at first and then sand. It is also felt that the grater use of substitute material (manufactured sand, artificial sand etc.) and construction technology and sustainable use of the resource could drastically reduce adverse impact of mining on the environment. The broad principal on which any sustainable sand mining guidelines or policy can be based is that river or natural resources must be utilized for the benefit of the preset and future generation, so river resources should be prudently managed and developed.

The purpose of District Survey report (DSR) has been described as"identification of areas of aggradations or deposition where mining can be allowed; and identification of areas of erosion and proximity to infrastructural structures and installations where mining should be prohibited and calculation of annual rate of replenishment and allowing time for replenishment after mining in that area". The District Survey report (DSR) will contain mainly data published and endorsed by various departments and websites about Geology of the area, Mineral wealth details of rivers, Details of Lease and Mining activity in the District along with Sand mining and revenue of minerals. This report also contains details of Forest, Rivers, Soil, Agriculture, Road, Transportation and climate etc.

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

The total geographical area of the District is 1514.3Sq. Km. (approx). Although the district is situated in the southernmost tip of the State; it has the advantage of being connected with the State Capital through National Highway 44. The anticlinal hill ranges forms the watersheds from which various drainage channels emerged. The district is drained by many perennial rivers. The major rivers are Gomti, Muhuri, Fenny, Laugang etc.

Disclaimer: - The data may vary due to flood, heavy rains and other natural calamities. Therefore, it is recommended that DEIAA may take into consideration all its relevant aspects / data while scrutinizing and recommending the application for EC to the concerned Authority.

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

2.INTRODUCTION

South Tripura district is situated between North Latitudes 22º58/ 00// and 23º45/ 00// and East Longitude 91º15/ 30// and 91º58/ 30// falling in the Survey of India degree sheet number 79M. It is bounded by Bangladesh on south, east and west sides, by west Tripura district on north and northwestern sides and by Dhalai district on northeast side. The total geographical area of the district is 1514.3 sq.km.

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

Map 1: Administrative Map of South Tripura District

Source : South Tripura District Profile

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

3. GENERAL PROFILE OF THE DISTRICT

a) GENERAL INFORMATION

Geographical Area & Geographical Position: -The total geographical area of the District is 1514.322 sq. km. Although the district is situated in the southernmost tip of the State, it has the advantage of being connected with the State Capital through National Highway 44. The project for extension of railway line up to Sabroom Town via Belonia would further improve the transportation and communication link with the rest of the State. While Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary under Rajnagar Block and Pilak under Jolaibari have the potential to become major tourist attractions, Belonia and Sabroom Towns have the potential to become major export-import hub.

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

Map 2: Location Map of South Tripura

Source : South Tripura District Profile

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

Administrative Divisions (Sub-Divisions, Blocks): - District has three sub divisions (Belonia, Sabroom and Santirbazar). The district resides in two Lok Sabha constituencies: Tripura West (shared with West Tripura district) and Tripura East (shared with Dhalai and North Tripura districts).

SUB DIVISION/ REVENEU CIRCLE TEHSIL MAHAKUMA SANTIR BAZAR SANTIRBAZAR RAJAPUR, BIRCHANDRANAGAR, SANTIRBAZAR, BAIKORA, BOGAFA

JOLAIBARI JOLAIBARI, LAKKHICHHARA, PURBO PILAK, PASCHIM PILAK, MUHURIPUR, KALSI, DAKHSIN HICHACHHARA BILONIA BILONIA BILONIA, SARASHIMA, MAICHHARA, RISHYAMUKH, KRISHNAGAR, MOTAI, RATANPUR, CHITTAMARA, DAKSHIN BHARATCHANDRA NAGAR

RAJNAGAR BARPATHRI, RAJNAGAR, RADHANAGAR, SIDDHINAGAR SABROOM SABROOM SABROOM, MANU BANKUL, BAISNABPUR, HARINA, BRAJENDRANAGAR

MANU BAZAR MANU, BHORATOLI, SRINAGAR, DAKHSIN BIJOYPUR, RAJNAGAR

Ref:https://jami.tripura.gov.in)

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

Population (As per Census 2011):-

As per 2011 census, the total population of the district is 453079 persons with a density of 299 persons/ sq.km.

b) CLIMATIC CONDITION

The climate in the area is characterized by moderate temperature and is highly humid in nature. There are three prominent seasons summer, rainy and winter. The summer season spans from March to May and is followed by SW monsoon lasting till September. Winter season starts from November and lasts till the end of February.

The temperature in the area varies from 5.10C to 35.60C. The humidity is generally high throughout the year. In summer season the relative humidity varies between 50 to 90 percent and in rainy season, the relative humidity is over 85 percent in morning and in evening it varies between 70 to 80 percent.

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

c) RAINFALL (MONTH-WISE) AND HUMIDITY

The co-efficient of variation of rainfall in the area ranges from 6 – 32% suggested a low variability of annual rainfall.

Humidity is generally high throughout the year. In the summer season the relative humidity is between 50 percent to 74 percent whereas in the rainy season it is over 85 percent.

SN MONTH AVERAGE RAINFALL (cm)

1 January 0 2 February 3.22 3 March 18.63 4 April 38.62 5 May 32.58 6 June 44.40 7 July 35.66 8 August 22.85 9 September 19.40 10 October 10.55 11 November 12.55 12 December 0

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

RAINFALL IN cm

DECEMBER NOVEMBER OCTOBER SEPTEMBER AUGUST JULY JUNE RAINFALL IN cm MAY APRIL MARCH FEBRUARY JANUARY

0 10 20 30 40 50

Fig 1: Bar diagram of average rainfall (South Tripura District)

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

Fig 2: Pie chart of average rainfall (South Tripura district)

d) TOPOGRAPHY & TERRAIN

Physiographically, the area can be divided into two parts, Anticlinal Hill Ranges and Synclinal flat-bottomed valleys. The major hill ranges are Baramura and a hill range at west boundary. The trend of the hill ranges is almost N – S. The height of the hill ranges increases from west to east. A broad synclinal valley is located along Manu-bazar, Jolaibari, Laogang Bazar. The valleys are gently undulating with intermittent flood plains of rivers and streams. The undulations formed by 10 to 30 m high mounds with gullies in between them, locally called “loonga.”

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

e) WATER COURSE & HYDROLOGY

The anticlinal hill ranges forms the watersheds from which various drainage channels emerged. The district is drained by many perennial rivers. The major rivers are Laugang, Muhuri, and Fenny etc. These perennial rivers are a part of Gomti sub-basin which in turn forms a part of Meghna basin. The common drainage patterns are sub-parallel to parallel and dendritic. Up to 4th order streams are found in the area.

There are three hydrogeological units / water bearing formations identified in the district are Alluvial formation, Dupitila formation and Tipam formation. The details of the water bearing formations are as follows:

Alluvial formation: It occurs along the banks of main rivers and its thickness varies from 10 to 15 m. Ground water occurs under unconfined condition. Ground water development in the area has not been very significant because of high clay and sandy clay content. Ground water is developed through dug wells and ordinary hand pumps.

Dupitila formation: Dupitila formation is nearly horizontal in disposition and its thickness varies from 10 to 30m. The formation consists of mainly clay and silt with some intercalations of gritty and ferruginous sandstones. It is exposed in the central portion of Udaipur valley. In general, it has low permeability and low storage capacity due to high clay content. It has been developed through dug wells and hand pumps.

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

Tipam formation: This formation consists of sub-rounded, fine to medium grained, friable sandstone with intercalated clay. Tipam formation is found in the majority of the valley portion. Sandstone of Tipam formation constitutes the principal aquifer in the area. The permeability of this sandstone is much higher than that of Dupitila sandstone or Surma sandstone. The recharge area of the sandstone is in the anticlinal hills. Ground water occurs under semi-confined to confined conditions. This sandstone is developed by deep tubewells and shallow tubewells.

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

Map 3: River system map of South Tripura District

Source :South Tripura District Profile

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

f) GROUND WATER DEVELOPMENT

In shallow aquifer ground water occurs under unconfined and semi-confined to confined conditions. In major part of the area ground water occurs under unconfined condition in shallow depth. Ground water occurs under confined condition within shallow depths in small isolated zones, e.g., in central part of Kakraban block, in northern part (Rajapur – Kanchannagar area) of Bagafa block, in Srirampur area of Rajnagar block, in the southern part (Jalefa – Harina area) of Satchand block. In deeper aquifers ground water occurs under semi-confined to confined conditions. Ground water occurs under artesian condition in Tulamura, Dhuptali, Rajnagar, Muhuripur, Charakbai, East Pipariakhola, Fulkumari and Satchand area.

Nature and depth of Aquifer systems in the area Aquifer system of the area is divided into two types, viz, shallow aquifer within 50 m bgl and deep aquifer between 50 to 300 m below ground level. Udaipur – Subroom valley: This valley is a southern extension of Agartala valley. This valley is dominated by thick sandstone horizons with thin intervening shale / clay horizons particularly in the northern and southern part. In the central part around Baikhora and Satchand the sandstone is quite thick and forms almost a single aquifer system. In Rajapur – Tulamura area four aquifers can be identified. The first granular zone is encountered in the depth range of 25 to 56 m below ground level. The thickness of the zone varies from 14 to 25 m. The second granular zone occurs between 60 – 140 m below ground level. In Subroom – Manubazar area 60 – 90 m thick granular zone occur between 35

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

– 135 m below ground level and second granular zone encountered at a depth of 150 – 195 m below ground level. In the southern part of Belonia and eastern part of Manu Bhanga hill Range (around Srinagar area) the sediment is more argillaceous.

Depth to water level and seasonal fluctuation

The Board is monitoring water levels of observation wells four times in a year i.e., during January, March, August and November. There are seven observation wells in the district which are located at Manurmukh, Dhawajnagar-udaipur, Gaptalli, Gorjee bazaar, Hryshamukh, Santirbazar and Sabroom. During pre-monsoon period (March 2008), depth to water level in unconfined aquifer varies from 1.42 – 5.82 m below ground level. During post-monsoon period (November 2008), depth to water level in unconfined aquifer varies from 0.90 – 5.10 m below ground level. The seasonal fluctuation of water level (2008) varies between 0.20 to 1.04 m.

Long term Trend of Water Level

The Board is generating water level data over the years through monitoring of network stations. There are 7 nos. network stations in the district. The data generated was utilised for long-term trend of water levels. During pre-monsoon season, the trend of water level for the last decade (1999 – 2008) shows a rise of water level in 3 stations ranging from 0.173 to 0.205 m/yr and fall of water level in 1 station in order of 0.011 m/yr.

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

During post-monsoon season, the trend of water level for the last decade (1997 – 2008) shows a rise in 4 stations with 0.035 to 0.081 m/yr and fall in 4 stations with 0.059 to 0.205 m/yr.

g) DRAINAGE SYSTEM (GENERAL)

Feni River rises from the hill ranges of the Indian state of tripura at 23°20'N and 91°47'E, flows southwest marking the boundary with the Chittagong hill tracts, then flows west, separating Tripura from Chittagong up to Aliganj and then emerges out of the hills and passes through the plains dividing Chittagong from Noakhali before falling into the Bay of Bengal at 22°50'N and 91°27'E. This river belongs to Bangladesh as it used to form the demarcation line between Chittagong, Noakhali and Tripura State of India. But since 1960, India is using the river, claiming their right up to the midstream.

The river is 116 km long from the source to the Bay of Bengal and 80.5 km of it up to Ramgarh is navigable throughout the year by small boats. During monsoon, it remains full of water but with every heavy shower in its catchment area it becomes furious with rapid currents and whirling eddies at

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA) sharp turns. The Muhuri from Noakhali district, also called little Feni, falls into it near its mouth but it has no important affluent from Chittagong district. The river is gradually silting up due to reckless extraction of timber tree from the hill slopes and consequent heavy erosion of the hills.

Muhuri River, also called Little Feni, from Noakhali District joins it near its mouth. The river is navigable throughout the year by small boats up to Ramgarh, some 80 kilometres upstream.

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Map 4: Drainage Pattern Map of Khowai District

Source :South Tripura District Profile

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

h) DEMOGRAPHY

PARAMETERS PARTICULARS

Total population 4, 53,079 Nos. Male 2, 34,118 Nos. Female 2, 18,961 Nos.

SC Population (No. and % of total population) 74,020 Nos. (16.33%) ST Population (No. and % of total population) 1, 62,463 Nos. (35.85%) Rural Population (in lakh) 4, 14,426 Nos.

Urban Population (in lakh) 38,653 Nos.

Population Density (Ratio) 299 per Sq. Km.

Sex Ratio 935 Female per 1000 Male Literacy Male (in percentage) 93.39%

Literacy Female (in percentage) 79.54%

Literacy Total (in percentage) 85.09%

Total geographical area (in Sq. Km.) 1514.3 Sq. Km.

(Ref: southtripura.nic.in)

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

NO OF POPULATION 250000

200000

150000

100000 NO OF POPULATION

50000

0 Male Female SC ST Population Population

Fig 3: Bar diagram of population, South Tripura

NO OF POPULATION

Male Female

Fig 4: Pie chart of male and female population, South Tripura

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

NO OF POPULATION

SC Population ST Population

Fig 5: Pie chart of ST & ST population, South Tripura

NO OF POPULATION

Rural Population Urban Population

Fig 6: Pie chart of rural & urban population, South Tripura

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

i) CROPPING PATTERN

The major crops grown in the area are rice, pulses, oilseeds, potato and other crops. Cropping pattern in the area is paddy oriented. During the year 2006- 07, rice is a major crop grown with 28,813 ha.

PARAMETERS AREA IN HECTARE

NET SOWN AREA 41840 CURRENT FALLOW 475 AREA SOWN MORE THAN ONCE A 24647 YEAR GROSS CROPPED AREA 72685 NET CROPPED AREA 41840 AREA UNDER FOOD GRAIN 44376 AREA UNDER SRI 17252

(ref: DISTRICT PROFILE, SOUTH TRIPURA, GOVT OF TRIPURA)

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

AREA IN HACTARES

AREA UNDER SRI

AREA UNDER FOOD GRAINS

NET CROPPED AREA

GROSS CROPPED AREA AREA IN HACTARES AREA SOWN MORE THAN ONCE A YEAR

CURRENT FALLOW

NET SOWN AREA

0 20000 40000 60000 80000

Fig 7: Bar diagram of cropping pattern, South Tripura District

j) LAND FORM AND SEISMICITY

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

k) FLORA

The most important crops that are associated with this north-eastern state of India are paddy, pulses, oilseeds, jute and different kinds of fruit and vegetables. (ref: mapsofindia.com)

The forests of Tripura are varied. On the basis of large-scale studies in other North-Eastern States, Deb(1981) considered the classification of forest types suggested by Champion and Seth (1968) as better suited for describing and correlating the forest types in India. Deb‟s description of the flora of tripura has beenfollowed here. Based on climate (also altitude and longitude), the forests of Tripura are treated under tropical forest types. They are grouped and described as follows:

A. Climate Types B. Seral types C. Subsidiary Edaphic types Bamboo brakes widely in character and aspect cover very large areas in Tripura as in Burma and Chittagong. Continuous bamboo forests are interrupted with scattered evergreen treesor deciduous secondary stands. Sheltered hollows and other favourable sites are dominated by bamboo. The vast preponderance of bamboo forest may be the result of activity of man in his practice of shiftingfavourable for bamboo growth. It is also possible that bamboo holds the ground as a primary edaphic sub-climax.

(ref: biodiversity.tripura.gov.in/flora)

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Map 5: Forest Map of South Tripura District

Source :South Tripura District Profile

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l) FAUNA

Wide variety of wild animals belonging to different groups are found in Tripura. The richness of fauna could be attributed to its unique bio- geographical location and zoo-geographical position. Literature shows that there were large populations of rhinoceros, elephant, tiger, leopard, langurs and monkeys in Tripura (Gupta, 2000).

Of a total of 15 species of non-human primate in India, 7(46.70%) are documented from Tripura (Gupta, 2000). These also include some of the highly rare, endemic and endangered species, viz., Hoolock gibbon, slow loris, capped langur, Phayre‟s langur, stump-tailed macaque and pig-tailed macaque. The other endangered and threatened mammalian species in Schedule 1 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 are elephant, sloth bear, Indian wolf, Binturong, leopard, marbled cat, leopard cat, Chinese pangolin and serrow, etc.

Seven Primate species have been documented in Tripura out of a total 15 found in India. Of these Primates slow loris and stumped tailed monkeys have become rare. Phayre‟s leaf monkey (locally known as „Chashma Banar‟), has a very restricted distribution in India, and is found in Tripura. Hoolock gibbon is the only ape found in India, and its population has been rapidly dwindling in Tripura.

(ref: biodiversity.tripura.gov.in/fauna)

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4. PHYSIOGRAPHY OF THE DISTRICT

In general, soils of the area are acidic in nature. The pH of soil ranges from 5.50 to 5.68. Nitrogen and phosphate is low, available potash is medium to high, calcium, magnesium and sulfur are deficient in these soils. In the area lateritic soil is found in tilla (hilly / small mounds) area, younger soils or river valley soils are found along all major river courses, clayey soils are found in paddy fields. Apart from these, sandy loam, clayey loam and loamy soils are also available.

Aquifer system of the area is divided into two types, viz, shallow aquifer within 50 m bgl and deep aquifer between 50 to 300 m below ground level.

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

Udaipur – Subroom valley:

This valley is a southern extension of Agartala valley. This valley is dominated by thick sandstone horizons with thin intervening shale / clay horizons particularly in the northern and southern part. In the central part around Baikhora and Satchand the sandstone is quite thick and forms almost a single aquifer system. The first granular zone is encountered in the depth range of 25 to 56 m below ground level. The thickness of the zone varies from 14 to 25 m. The second granular zone occurs between 60 – 140 m below ground level. In Subroom – Manubazar area 60 – 90 m thick granular zone occur between 35 – 135 m below ground level and second granular zone encountered at a depth of 150 – 195 m below ground level. In the southern part of Belonia and eastern part of Manu Bhanga hill range (around Srinagar area) the sediment is more argillaceous.

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

5. LAND USE PATTERN OF THE DISTRICT:

The land use pattern of the district is given below Classification of land Area (ha)

Forest Area 120038 Unclassified government forest 31530 Reserve forest 61441 Protected reserve forest 23988 Protected forest 3079 Gross cropped area 72685 Net sown area 41840 Area sown more than once a year (in ha) 24647 Land under nonagricultural use 21794.31 Uncultivable land 2187 Permanent pasture 392.39 Land under miscellaneous tree crops 7951.76 Cultivable waste land 4724 Current fallow 475

(ref: DISTRICT PROFILE, SOUTH TRIPURA, GOVT OF TRIPURA)

Rest of the area is used as built up area and other purpose.

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

Area (ha)

Current fallow Cultivable waste land Land under miscellaneous tree crops Permanent pasture Uncultivable land Land under nonagricultural use Area sown more than once a year (in ha) Net sown area Area (ha) Gross cropped area Protected forest Protected reserve forest Reserve forest Unclassified government forest Forest Area

0 40000 80000 120000

Fig 8: Bar diagram of Land use pattern, South Tripura District

area used (Ha)

total forest total cropped irrigation

Fig 9: Pie chart of land use pattern, South Tripura District

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

PROTECTED FOREST, 3079

PROTECTED RESERVE FOREST, 23988 UNCLASSIFIED GOVT. FOREST, 31530

RESERVE FOREST, 61441

Fig 10: Pie chart of Forest land (in Ha), South Tripura District

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

Map 6: Land use map of South Tripura District

Source :South Tripura District Profile

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Map 7: Forest Classification Map, South Tripura District

Source :South Tripura District Profile

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

6. GEOLOGY:

Physiographically, the area can be divided into two parts, Anticlinal Hill Ranges and Synclinal flat-bottomed valleys. The major hill ranges are Baramura and Atharamura. The trend of the hill ranges is almost N – S. The height of the hill ranges increases from west to east. The broad synclinal valleys are Udaipur and Amarpur. The valleys are gently undulating with intermittent flood plains of rivers and streams. The undulations formed by 10 to 30 m high mounds with gullies in between them, locally called “loonga.”

There are three hydrogeological units / water bearing formations identified in the district are Alluvial Formation, Dupitila Formation and Tipam Formation. The details of the water bearing Formations are as follows: Alluvial Formation: It occurs along the banks of main rivers and its thickness varies from 10 to 15 m. Ground water occurs under unconfined condition. Ground water development in the area has not been very significant because of high clay and sandy clay content. Ground water is developed through dug wells and ordinary hand pumps. Dupitila Formation: The Formation consists of mainly clay and silt with some intercalations of gritty and ferruginous sandstones. It is exposed in the central portion of Udaipur valley. In general, it has low permeability and low storage capacity due to high clay content. It has been developed through dug wells and hand pumps. Tipam Formation: This Formation consists of sub- rounded, fine to medium grained, friable sandstone with intercalated clay. Tipam Formation is found in the majority of the valley portion. Sandstone of Tipam Formation constitutes the principal aquifer in the area. The permeability of this sandstone is much higher than that of Dupitila sandstone or Surma sandstone.

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REGIONAL GEOLOGY OF TRIPURA

The study of rocks of Tripura dates back to 1908 when H.C. Dasgupta first classified the folded sedimentary rocks into 'coal measures' and ' Tripura Groups'. The rocks encountered in Tripura state range in age from lower Tertiary (40 million years old) to Recent (less than 1 million years old).

The sedimentary rocks of Tripura can be divided into 'Formations', 'sub-Groups' and 'Group' on the basis of their lithological composition, depositional characteristic and structural features. Regional Lithology of South Tripura

Group Sub-Group Formation Rock type Recent Recent Unconsolidated silt, and clay with (Unconformity decomposed vegetable matter and ) gravels Dupitila Dupitila Sandy clays, clayey sandstone, (Unconformity ferruginous sandstone with pockets ) of plastic clay, silica and laterite. Tipam Tipam Champanagar Sandstone, occasional sandy shale and abundant lumps of fossil wood Manu Bazar Sandstone with laminated layers and lenses of sandy shale, siltstone and mudstone. Surma (Contact Thinly bedded repetition of transitiona sandstone, siltstone/shale, mudstone l) and ferruginous sandstone. Boka Bill Bhuban Hard compact sandstone, olive shale, sandy shale and siltstone repetitions

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

Stratigraphy of South Tripura

Age Group Formation Holocene Khowai Formation Ghilatoli Formation Teliamura Formation Kalyanpur Formation Quaternary Dupitila Dupitila Formation Upper Pliocene to Tipam Upper Tipam Pleistocene Formation

Lower Tipam Formation Pliocene Surma Bokabil Formation

Micocene- Lr. Pliocene Upper Bhuban Formation

Middle Bhuban Formation

Upper most Oligocene Lower Bhuban Formation (Not

exposed in Tripura)

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

Local Geology

There are three hydrogeological units / water bearing Formations identified in the district are Alluvial Formation, Dupitila Formation and Tipam Formation. The details of the water bearing Formations are as follows: Alluvial Formation: It occurs along the banks of main rivers and its thickness varies from 10 to 15 m. Ground water occurs under unconfined condition. Ground water development in the area has not been very significant because of high clay and sandy clay content. Ground water is developed through dug wells and ordinary hand pumps. Dupitila Formation: Dupitila Formation is nearly horizontal in disposition and its thickness varies from 10 to 30m. The Formation consists of mainly clay and silt with some intercalations of gritty and ferruginous sandstones. It is exposed in the central portion of Udaipur valley. In general, it has low permeability and low storage capacity due to high clay content. It has been developed through dug wells and hand pumps. Tipam Formation: This Formation consists of sub-rounded, fine to medium

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA) grained, friable sandstone with intercalated clay. Tipam Formation is found in the majority of the valley portion. Sandstone of Tipam Formation constitutes the principal aquifer in the area. The permeability of this sandstone is much higher than that of Dupitila sandstone or Surma sandstone. The recharge area of the sandstone is in the anticlinal hills. Ground water occurs under semi-confined to confined conditions. This sandstone is developed by deep tubewells and shallow tubewells.

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

Map 8: Geological map of South Tripura District

Source : South Tripura District Profile

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Sedimentation Study

Drainage system is the pattern formed by streams, rivers and lakes in a drainage basin. In a drainage system, streams or rivers always connect together to form networks. Many factors such as topography, soil type, bedrock type, climate and vegetation cover influence input, output and transport of sediment and water in a drainage basin (Charlton, 2008). These factors also influence the nature of the pattern of water bodies (Twidale, 2004). As a consequence, drainage pattern can reflect geographical characteristics of a river network to a certain extent. There are several types of drainage pattern. So far, much research has been done on the description of drainage patterns in geography and hydrology (e.g. Howard, 1967; Lambert, 1998; Twidale, 2004; Pidwirny, 2006). In addition, sediment transport knowledge is important in river restoration, ecosystem protection, navigation, watershed studies and reservoir management. Bed load represents the lower portion of sediment load in natural rivers. Fluvial sediment load materials are transported by rivers. Sediment load can be divided into bed load and suspended load based on the mode of transport. Bed load is transported close to the bed where particles moved by rolling, sliding, or jumping (Adegbola, 2012). Xlaoqing (2003) explained that bed load transport in natural rivers is a complicated phenomenon. Its movement is quite uneven in both the transverse and longitudinal directions, which vary considerably.

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Erosion has been defined as the detachment of soil and rock fragments or particles from their initial resting place by water and other geological agents such as wind, ice, volcanoes, earthquakes, etc. Geological erosion and soil erosion are the two basic terms usually used to describe the erosion process. A third term used in this report is water course erosion which is predominately stream bank or channel erosion and in some cases is a part of both the geological and soil erosion processes. Although man's activities have had their greatest effect on soil erosion and water course erosion, he has suffered and felt the effects of all forms of erosion and deposition of sediments. Geological erosion is the erosion that has scarred the earth's surface creating mountains, chasms, flood plains, deserts, and deltas under natural or relatively undisturbed conditions. Weathering is a process of rock disintegration by mechanical and chemical processes and in this report is considered to be a part of the geological erosion process.

GEOLOGICAL EROSION is caused by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides, mudflows, and gullying and has to a varying degree been influenced by man's activities and may require partial control by man.

SOIL EROSION is more closely associated with agricultural land because by definition soil is the unconsolidated mineral or organic material that will support plant growth. Soil particles located on the surface of agricultural lands, forest lands, or grazing lands are detached by rainfall or eroded away by surface runoff. This may take place in the form of sheet erosion with a thin sheet of water flowing down a gentle upland slope. Rill erosion is another form with runoff occurring in well-defined yet small incisions in the land

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA) surface. Gully erosion is the dissection of the soil surface with a deep cut in the land channel formed below an uncut reach thus creating a sudden break in surface slope.

WATER COURSE EROSION is the erosion of a stream channel's bank and bed caused by flowing water. A river channel or water course transports or carries sediment that originates from surface runoff in the upland reaches by the erosion processes previously described of geological or soil erosion. The water course's ability to transport its sediment load is dependent on channel velocity or energy. If the upland sediment inflow to the river channel or water course is low then there is unspent energy which will pick up or erode the bank and bed of the channel. A meander pattern may develop with erosive forces active on the bank and bed of the channel on the outside or concave bends in the water course meander. A more spectacular and unusual form of water course erosion is a waterfall with the erosive forces of water acting on a more resistant geological formation.

DEPOSITION OF SEDIMENT is the end product of the sedimentation cycle. Temporary deposition of the rock or soil particle is the most common form that is visible in earth's surface landscape development. As previously described a single particle of sediment may be deposited in a flood plain and wait thousands of years in a stream bank before being eroded away. In considering a river basin of any size, large or small, sediment particles once moved by any of the erosive forces described may be temporarily deposited at any point. Typical depositional environments are mountain valleys, talus

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA) slopes along mountain foothills or high plateaus, gravel plains below steeper mountain channels, alluvial fans, flood plains and deltas.

Methodology: The catchment area of river will be analyzed with the help of ArcGIS approach. The mined affected area of the river will be measured through ArcGIS approach and ground based survey by GPS approach. The stretch of the mined area of river is divided in various segments depending on stretch of the rivers. The width (meters) and GPS information at each segment is collected to quantify the total mined area of river. The geomorphological patters in terms of stream orders were also observed using ArcGIS methodology. Besides, the mined affected area of the river is divided in to various segments to analyze grain size distribution in river bed.

Bed Load: - The mixture of sediment that composes a streambed. Bed material is stationary, but particle size is important to sediment transport because as energy level of a stream increases, some bed-material particles are mobilized and become part of the bedload or suspended load. In this report, composition of bed material is defined by particle-size distribution.

Suspended sediment Load:-usually small particles, suspended by turbulence of the flow or existing as colloids, and transported at about the same downstream velocity as the flowing water. Suspended sediment is distributed at all depths in flowing water. In this report, suspended sediment is expressed as concentration in milligrams per liter. Suspended-sediment load:- A general term referring to the quantity (weight) of suspended sediment in transport. In this report, annual suspended-sediment load is

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA) expressed in tons. Suspended-sediment discharge: A computed value of the quantity (weight) of suspended sediment per unit time, also referred to as suspended-sediment transport rate.

Total sediment load:- The sum of bed load and suspended sediment load. In this report, total sediment load is expressed in tons. Total sediment discharge: The sum of bed load discharge and suspended-sediment discharge.

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7.MINERAL WEALTH/RESOURCES

Overview of mineral resources (covering all minerals) Overview of mineral resources (covering all minerals) Khowai district of Tripura is a unique place with rich and varied geology. It has preserved many important rock groups from earliest to the geologically “Recent” time. The varied geological base has been host to many important minor minerals and major minerals. The Central Government has declared the following minerals as minor minerals:

Sl.No. Minor Minerals i) Boulder ii) Shingle iii) Chalcedony pebbles used for ball mill purposes only iv) Lime shell, kankar and limestone used in kilns for manufacture of lime used as building material v) Murrum vi) Brick-earth vii) Fuller's earth viii) Bentonite ix) Road metal x) Reh-matti xi) Slate and shale when used for building material xii) Marble xiii) Stone used for making household utensils xiv) Quartzite and sandstone when used for purposes of building or for making road metal and household utensils

xv) Saltpetre, and

xvi) Ordinary earth (Used for filling or leveling purposes in construction or

embankments, roads, railways building) by MoEF 2010

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Proper depiction about River Bed Mining: Environment damage being caused by unregulated river bed mining of sand, bajri and boulders is attracting considerable attention including in the courts. The following recommendations are therefore made for the river bed mining. (a) In the case of mining leases for riverbed sand mining, specific river stretches should be identified and mining permits/lease should be granted stretch wise, so that the requisite safeguard measures are duly implemented and are effectively monitored by the respective Regulatory Authorities. (b) The depth of mining may be restricted to 3m / water level, whichever is less. (c) For carrying out mining in proximity to any bridge and / or embankment, appropriate safety zone should be worked out on case to case basis, taking into account the structural parameters, locational aspects, flow rate etc. and no mining should be carried out in the safety zone so worked out. In the section “Minerals Wealth”, the details of geological association, origin, reserve estimation, exploitation, industrial utilization of different deposits and their sustainable development are beyond of advanced scientific tools for exploration would possibly lead to discovery of new deposits in near future. The mineral resources of any state provide an avenue for economic development but the process of mining may have extensive impact on land, soil and water resources. The mining projects have as a consequence become a part of development sector requiring environmental clearance under Environmental Protection Act, 1986, EIA Notification 1994

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In Tripura, the mineral resources are mainly glass sands, limestone, plastic clay and hard rock; all of these materials are being used to a variable degree. However, the single most important resource in the state is oil and natural gas. ONGC or Oil and Natural Gas Commission has initiated massive exploration programme in the State. As for the other minerals, provides an account of locations, deposit, current uses, etc. Details of clay deposit in Tripura has been dealt in the State of Environment Report for Tripura (1989). The impact of mining and quarrying of mineral resources in Tripura has so far been insignificant.

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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT, TRIPURA)

Mineral Resource of Tripura

Mineral Location Uses Hard Rock Jampui Hills Road metals

Longatari Hill Limestone Sakhan&Jampui Range Not suitable Cement Suitable for inferior Manpui area (990,000 t. reserve) quality of Lime Puzzolana mix. Clay All over the State generally in river Sanitary ware bank deposit Stone wares Good clay deposit in West and South region. Sewerage pipes

Total 1.73 million ton deposit in four Electric insulator zone out of six zones* Refractory grade [* Mohanpur-Bamutia- Kamalghat; Bisramganj-Bagma; Champamura-Baldakhal- Jogendranagar; Khowai-Teliamura- Ampi; Shantirbazar-Udaipur; Kumarghat and Baidyathakurpara- Anadanagar- Maheshkhola-Dukli- Sonamura area]

Glass Sand Bishramganj (160,000t) Many uses

Old Agartala (16,000t)

Jogendranagar (3627t)

Sekerkota (80,000t)

Dasharambari (5330t)

Mohanpur (97,875t)

Baidyathakurpara- Anadanagar Maheshkhola and Dukli (NA)

Total Reserve 3,62,832 tonnes

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[Source: GSI Report 1982, 1999]

Of the total geographical area of Tripura, 76% can be marked as of “Tertiary” origin and 24% belong to Quaternary period; none of these contain any major mineral resource. A GSI Report of 1982 provide a list of Non-metallic and metallic mineral vis-a-vis their location or otherwise in Tripura indicating the poor profile.

Mineral Resource potential in Tripura

Sl. No. Mineral Status A. Non-metallic 1. Lime stone Commodity not located or absent 2. Dolomite Commodity not located or absent 3. Coal Commodity not located or absent 4. Clay Commodity not located or absent 5. Refractories Commodity not located or absent 6. Glass sand Good reserve, low grade 7. Graphite Commodity not located or absent 8. Fertilizer Commodity not located or absent 9. Gravel sand silt Good reserve, low grade 10. Building stone Commodity not located or absent B. Metallic 11. Ferrous Commodity not located or absent 12. Non-ferrous Commodity not located or absent 13. Noble metals Commodity not located or absent

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[Source: GSI Report 1982] The current production of natural gas in estimated at one million cubic meters per day. The available figure for 1990-91 to 1997-98 shows a fast increasing rate of production from 70 million tonnes per year in 1990-91 to 2.7x in 8 years reaching 196 million tonnes in 1997-98.

A) Sand and other River bed minerals:

(i) Drainage System

a) Drainage system with description of main rivers/Cherras

S.NO Name of the River or Total Length in the Percentage area drained Stream District (in km) in the district

1 Feni River 86.80 100%

2 Muhuri River 56 100%

3 Manu River 60 100%

4 Lowgang 16 100%

Name of the streams Total Length in the B(a). (Cherra) Manu River District (in km) under Tributary 1. Abhoya Cherra 25

2. Balujuri Cherra 15

3. Mandaria Cherra 15

4. Belonia Cherra 35

5. Manu Cherra 19

6. Magroom Cherra 21

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7. Sabroom Cherra 17.11

8. Chikan Cherra 3.55

9. Kuki Cherra 3.80

10. Rajbura Cherra 2.91

11. Ludhua Cherra 6.46

12. Aliamara Cherra 9.69

13. Chalita Cherra 9.50

14. Sonai Cherra 5

15. Rupai Cherra 3

16. Monu Cherra 49.04

17. Baikhora Cherra 12

18. Betaga Cherra 10

19. Manu Cherra 18

20. Takma Cherra 9

21. Patichari Cherra 5

22. Amchhara Cherra 2

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b) Salient Features of important Rivers & Streams/Cherras:

S.NO Name of the River or Total Length in the Place of origin Altitude at Stream District (in Km) Origin (Approx.) 1 Feni River 86.80 South Tripura 10-30m District 2 Muhuri 56 Lushai Hill 2157m of Tripura ii) Annual deposition of riverbed minerals

Process of deposition

Being situated in very high rainfall zone, the district receives and an average annual rainfall of 2500-3000mm. This heavy rainfall associated with steep sloppy terrain and loose soil structure results in heavy soil erosion which ultimately deposited in the river beds and shores as sediments. This sediment mainly consists of course to file sand and silt.

Evaluation based on following parameters: a) Geomorphological studies

i. Place of origin of Feni River-South Tripura District, Muhuri River- Lushai Hill of Tripura.

ii. Catchment area of Feni River-800sq.km & Muhuri River-839sq.km.

iii. General profile of Feni River/Stream:

iv. Annual deposition factor: It depends on load carrying capacity of the flowing river along with the competency and capacitance of river. Provenance of sediment, mode of transport, quantity of suspended load and bed load, rate of sedimentation,settling velocity of sediments all together enhance the process of sedimentation giving high yield value of sand.

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v. Replenishment : Replenishment of the sand takes place during monsoon season every year.

vi. Total potential of minor minerals in river bed: 1,60,000 tonnes. b) Geological studies i. Lithology of catchment area: ,Sandy clay, Gritty and Ferruginous sandstones, Shale and Alluvium. ii. Tectonics and structural behavior of rocks: Seismicity prone zone-V. Environmental condition is governed by local tectonic movement. c) Climatic Factors i. Intersity of rainfall: Average rainfall 2500mm-3000mm. ii. Climate zone : Tropical monsoon climate. iii. Temperature variation : Maximum temp. 10degree celsius to 35degree celsius.

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8. OVERVIEW OF MINING ACTIVITY IN THE DISTRICT

(a) General overview

Sand lifting/mining used to take place mainly from the river and few streams from the district for all purposes. There are no sand mines or quarries in South Tripura except rivers and streams. The lifting of sand was carried out from main rivers and its tributaries in the entire District. All illegal activities in regard to sand mining in the South Tripura have been stopped till any decision received from the appropriate authority.

(b) List of existing mining leases of the districts with location, area, period for each minor mineral.

Attached latter

(c ) Detail of production of sand and other minor minerals during last three years.

YEARS 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18

MINERAL NAME SAND SAND SAND SAND

PRODUCTION 66725.00 111654.00 123994.50 127007.00 ( in Cum.)

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9. DETAILS OF REVENUE GENERATED FROM MINERAL SECTOR DURING LAST THREE YEARS.

YEARS 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18

MINERAL SAND SAND SAND SAND NAME REVENUE 2335403.00 3908269.00 4340140.00 4447635.00

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10. TRANSPORT/LOGISTIC FACILITY

PARAMETERS PARTICULARS ROAD LENGTH OF NATIONAL HIGHWAY 66.78 (Km) LENGTH OF STATE HIGHWAY (Km) 95.50 LENGTH OF MAJOR DISTRICT ROAD 66 (Km) LENGTH OF OTHER DISTRICT ROAD 649.61 (Km) LENGTH OF VILLAGE ROAD (Km) 1241.835 NUMBER OF RCC BRIDGE 30 NUMBER OF BAILEY BRIDGE 63 LENGTH OF WATERWAYS VIA Nil. BANGLADESH RAILWAYS ESTIMATED LENGTH OF RAILWAY 56 (Km) LENGTH OF RAILWAY LINE NIL CCOMPLETED (Km) LENGTH OF RAILWAY LINE UNDER JUST STARTED CONSTRUCTION (Km) NUMBER OF OPERATIONAL NIL RAILWAY STATIONS (Km)

(Ref: DISTRICT PROFILE, SOUTH TRIPURA, GOVT OF TRIPURA)

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Map 9: Transportation Map of South Tripura District Source : DISTRICT PROFILE, SOUTH TRIPURA

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11. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report indicates prima facie availability of requisite area for sand mining and serves the purpose of District Survey report (DSR) which includes "identification of areas of aggradations or deposition where mining can be allowed; and identification of areas of erosion and proximity to infrastructural structures and installations where mining should be prohibited and calculation of annual rate of replenishment and allowing time for replenishment after mining in that area". The District Survey Report (DSR) will contain mainly data published and endorsed by various departments and websites about Geology of the area, Mineral wealth details of rivers, Details of Lease and Mining activity in the District along with Sand mining and revenue of minerals. This report also contains details of Forest, Rivers, Soil, Agriculture, Road, Transportation and climate etc.The main minor mineral of the district i.e. sand will be replenished annually and available for excavation in the next post- monsoon season. Additional areas may be further assessed on the basis of various ecological, environmental, social consideration. It can be further studied as potential area for mining and revenue generation.

There is a gap of feeling which might be attributed to the factors of immediate benefit as the very question of subsistence is involved particularly when the majority of the people in Tripura are below poverty line. Exploitation and not extinction should be the way of life. If that be the case the forest resources which are national wealth should be preserved in such a way that they are exploited and not extinct. Else danger is inherent in expressing their displeasure. The signs of danger, are apparent when we see erosion of soils due to indiscriminate felling of trees. There is uneven rainfall. Water flows merry- go-round. It carries sands which turn into deposits causing heavy damage to fertile lands which are going to be scarce particularly when the population is increasing in geometrical progression.

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APPENDEX A

SUGGESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE SAND MAINING

Sl. No. STATE SUGGESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE SAND MAINING

1. While attempting to prepare a model Guideline/Policy for the State,. 2. For environmentally sustainable sand mining a strict and comprehensive sand mining policy need to be framed . 3. To ease the process of EC granting, SEIAA may have benches across the state with each bench having a SEAC under it. Time bound clearance with ease of access and grant. 4. Working cum Environment Management Plan has been Made 01 TRIPURA mandatory. The mining activities are allowed after submission of environment clearance. 5. Compliance Report is mandatory every 6 Month. (ie July, Dec.) Every 2 Year's Revised Mining Plan submit are mandatory. 6. Mining should be done in accordance with an approved mining plan. 7. EC Should be valid for settlement Periode subject to ceiling of five years. 8. Sand mining operation has to carried out between 6 am to 7 PM. 9. River width are between 30 meter to 90 meter, so 10% width river can be restricted for mining activities from the river bank.

APPENDEX A

SUGGESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE SAND MAINING

Sl. No. STAT E SUGGESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE SAND MAINING

10. . Since the most of the main rivers of Tripura are of Perennial origin (i.e., water remains all through out the year) hand mining is not a suitable methodology. In this case, recovery of sands is not possible manually from river bed. To trigger the mining of sands & other minor minerals mechanised mining methods are to be adopted applying modern mining tools. Needless to say, in the case of river bed mining of perennial river, necessary arrangements for avoiding accidents/fatal are to be taken into 01 TRIPURA account on priority basis: otherwise it may cause a huge loss of human property and the concerned mining project which ultimately will jeoperdise the economic viability of the entire project. So, mechanised mining may be allowed.

11. As per Guideline of SUSTAINABLE SAND MINNG GUIDELINE (Page No 85-92) Some State (Like Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, UP etc.)allowed Some Mechanised/Semi-mechanised Mining Process.

SAND BLOCK DETAILS OF SOUTH TRIPURA Sl. No. Sand Area Ha Area River Name RESERVE Mouza Block Sqm. (in Cft.) 1 ST-1 0.84 8400 Manu River 593286.96 BiujoyNagar

2 ST-2 0.52 5200 Manu River 367272.88 Betaga

3 ST-3 0.68 6800 Manu River 480279.92 Harina 4 ST-4 0.49 4900 Manu River 346084.06 Chalita Chhara

5 ST-5 1.19 11900 Manu River 840489.86 Chalita Chhara

6 ST-6 0.38 3800 Manu River 268391.72 Manu Bazar

7 ST-7 0.6 6000 Manu River 423776.4 Sindukpathar

8 ST-8 0.32 3200 Manu River 226014.08 Sindukpathar

9 ST-9 0.37 3700 Manu River 261328.78 Sindukpathar

10 ST-10 0.5 5000 Manu River 353147 Kathal chhari

11 ST-11 0.67 6700 Manu River 473216.98 Sindukpathar 12 ST-12 0.22 2200 Manu River 155384.68 Uttar Manubalkul 13 ST-13 0.19 1900 SonaiChhara 134195.86 Ruapi Chhara 14 ST-14 0.11 1100 SonaiChhara 77692.34 Ruapi Chhara

15 ST-15 0.17 1700 RupaiChhara 120069.98 Dakshin Manubalkul 16 ST-16 0.15 1500 RupaiChhara 105944.1 Dakshin Manubalkul 17 ST-17 0.3 3000 KalapaniChhara 211888.2 Dakshin Kalapania

18 ST-18 0.19 1900 KalapaniChhara 134195.86 Dakshin Kalapania

19 ST-19 0.22 2200 KalapaniChhara 155384.68 Dakshin Kalapania

20 ST-20 1.11 11100 Muhuri River 783986.34 Sarasima 21 ST-21 2.39 23900 Muhuri River 1688042.66 Sarasima 22 ST-22 1.49 14900 Muhuri River 1052378.06 Uttar Sanaichharai 23 ST-23 0.97 9700 Muhuri River 685105.18 Ratanpur

24 ST-24 0.33 3300 Muhuri River 233077.02 Tuigamari

25 ST-25 0.81 8100 Muhuri River 572098.14 Paschim Muhuripur 26 ST-26 0.4 4000 Muhuri River 282517.6 Paschim Pilak

27 ST-27 0.52 5200 Muhuri River 367272.88 Paschim Pilak

28 ST-28 0.64 6400 Muhuri River 452028.16 Paschim Pilak

29 ST-29 0.45 4500 Muhuri River 317832.3 Jolaibari

30 ST-30 0.51 5100 Muhuri River 360209.94 Jolaibari

31 ST-31 0.8 8000 Muhuri River 565035.2 Tuigamari

32 ST-32 1.18 11800 Muhuri River 833426.92 Ratanpur

33 ST-33 0.81 8100 Muhuri River 572098.14 Uttar Sanaichharai

34 ST-34 0.42 4200 Chhara 296643.48 Sarasima

35 ST-35 0.35 3500 Chhara 247202.9 Belonia

36 ST-36 0.49 4900 KalapaniChhara 346084.06 Manu Bazar

37 ST-37 0.27 2700 KalapaniChhara 190699.38 Phul Chhari

38 ST-38 0.16 1600 KalapaniChhara 113007.04 Dakshin Kalapania

DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (SOUTH TRIPURA DISTRICT)

" To illustrate my meaning and intention more plainly, I would compare the relationship existing between forestry and agriculture to that which exists in ordinary life between husband, dark, stern and strong, but protecting and cherishing; agriculture, bland benignant and bountiful, may, in my parable, be described as the wife. Deprived of the aid and resources derived from the forest, agriculture pines and languishes and becomes barren and unfruitful" G.K.B Indian Forester XV-330, Sept. 1889