41st EAC Meeting Minutes of Opencast Coal Mining Project

Agenda No.41.8

Kistaram Opencast Coal Mining Project of 2 MTPA in ML area of 435.68 ha of M/s The Singareni Collieries Company Limited, located at District () - For Environmental Clearance

[IA/CMIN/TG/23509/2014; F. No. J-11015/212/2014-IA-II(M)]

41.8.1 The proposal is for grant of environmental clearance to Kistaram Opencast Project of 2 MTPA capacity in mine lease area of 435.68 ha of M/s Singareni Collieries Company Limited located in village Kistaram, Tehsil , District Khammam (Telangana). 41.8.2 Details of the proposal, as ascertained from the proposal documents and as revealed from the discussions held during the meeting, are given as under: (i) The project area is covered under Survey of Topo Sheet No 65C/16 and is bounded by the geographical coordinates ranging from 17013‟14” to 17013‟57” N and longitudes 80046‟55”and 80047‟28” E. (ii) Coal linkage of the project is proposed for power generation use for various thermal plants. (iii) No Joint venture. (iv) Project does not fall in the Critically Polluted Area (CPA), where the MoEF&CC‟s vide its OM dated 13th January, 2010 has imposed moratorium on grant of environment clearance. (v) Employment generation, Permanent-370 and Contractual-400 will be provided from the project. (vi) The project is reported to be beneficial in terms of generation of employment, improvement in social infrastructure, etc. (vii) Total mining lease area is 435.68 ha. Mining Plan (Including Progressive Mine Closure Plan) has been approved by the MoC on 21.03.2014. (viii) The land usage pattern of the project is as follows: Pre mining land use details S. Within ML Area Outside ML TOTAL LandUse No. (ha) Area (ha) (ha) 1. Agricultural land a) Single Crop land 59.22 -- 59.22 b) Fallow Land 38.20 -- 38.20 c) Plantation 26.59 -- 26.59 Sub Total 124.01 -- 124.01 2. Forest land 285.44 -- 285.44 3. Wasteland 13.38 -- 13.38 4. Grazing land 0 -- 0 5. Surface water bodies 10.65 -- 10.65 6. Settlements 2.20 -- 2.20 7. Others (specify) 0 -- 0 TOTAL 435.68 435.68

Post Mining Land Use (ha) S. Description Water No. Plantation Other use Undisturbed Total Body 1. External OB dump 142.76 0.00 9.22 -- 151.98 2. Top Soil dump area 12.94 0.00 1.82 -- 14.76 3. Excavation a) Quarry (Backfilled area) 89.95 0.00 7.56 -- 97.51 b) Quarry (Void area) 0.00 130.51 0.00 -- 130.51 4. Roads ------Built up area / 5. 2.35 0.00 2.01 -- 4.36 Infrastructure 6. CHP& Coal stock yard. 7.45 0.00 1.20 -- 8.65 7. Safety zone 24.02 3.03 0.86 -- 27.91 GRAND TOTAL 279.47 133.54 22.67 -- 435.68

(ix) Total geological reserve reported in the mine lease area is 24.05 MT with 21.61 MT mineable reserves. Out of total mineable reserve of 21.61 MT, 21.61 MT are available for extraction. Percent of extraction is 100%. (x) 7 seams with thickness ranging from 0.29 m – 8.72 m are workable. Grade of coal is G7, G11, stripping ratio is 6 Cu.m. of OB per tonne of coal, while gradient is 1 in 3.9 to 1 in 12. (xi) Method of mining operations envisages by Opencast method (xii) Life of mine is 13 years. (xiii) The project has one external OB dump in an area of 131.14 ha with 120 m height and 74.32 Mm3 of OB. Existing OB Dumps shall be re-handled and backfilled in 14th year. The OB from the current mining operations shall be backfilled from 3rd year onwards. One internal OB dump in an area of 97.51 ha with 55.26 Mm3 of OB is envisaged in the project. (xiv) Total quarry area is 228.02 ha out of which backfilling will be done in 89.95 ha while final mine void will be created in an area of 130.51 ha with a depth of 35 m. Backfilled quarry area of 89.95 ha shall be reclaimed with plantation. Final mine void will be converted into water body. (xv) Transportation of coal has been proposed by dumpers in mine pit head, from surface to siding by belt conveyors and at sidings by trucks. (xvi) Reclamation Plan in an area of 279.47 ha, comprising of 142.76 ha of external dump, 89.95 ha of internal dump and 12.91 ha of green belt. In addition to this, an area of 24.02 ha, included in the safety zone/rationalization area, has also been proposed for green belt development. (xvii) 285.44 ha of forest land has been reported to be involved in the project. Approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for diversion of 285.44 ha of forest land for non-forestry purposes has been obtained vide MoEF&CC letter No. 8-55/2014-FC dated 11th September, 2018. (xviii) No National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Eco-Sensitive Zones have been reported with 10 km boundary of the project. (xix) The ground water level has been reported to be varying between 3.10 m to 11.40 m during pre-monsoon and between 2.00 m to 12.20 m during post-monsoon. Total water requirement for the project is8000 KLD. (xx) Approval of the Central Ground Water Authoritywas obtained on 17thAugust, 2015. (xxi) Public hearing for the project of 2.00 MTPA capacity in an area of 435.68 ha was conducted on 19.11.2015 near Mandal Parishad Primary School, Jagannadhapuram Village, Sathupalli Mandal. Major issues raised in the public hearing include proper compensation for land losers, mitigation measures for pollution, employment to land losers, de-siltation of tanks, proper R&R. Appropriate action to address the issues raised in the Public Hearing have already been proposed to be taken are as under: a. Compensation to the land losers will be paid as per the LARR Act, 2013 and Govt. directions. b. All pollution control measures will be taken up as per the guidelines issued from CPCB and MoEF&CC from time to time. c. Assured that the de-silting of the tanks at Kistaram and Jagannadhapuram villages will be taken up. d. Clarified that R&R site will be provided at a single location subject to the availability and willingness of the villagers. (xxii) Consent to Operate for the existing capacity has to be obtained from the State PCB. (xxiii) No court cases, violation cases are pending against the project of the PP. (xxiv) The project does not involve violation of the EIA Notification, 2006 and amendment issued there under. (xxv) The project involves project affected families. R&R of the PAPs will be done as per LARR Act, 2013 and as per the directions of the Govt. (xxvi) Total cost of the project is Rs.24,229lakhs. Cost of production is Rs.1037.99 per tonne. CSR cost is 2% of average annual net profit calculated in accordance with the provisions of Section 198 of the Act made during three immediately preceding financial years in pursuance of its CSR policy, R&R cost is Rs.19.525 crores. Environment Management Cost is Rs.1.42 crores. 41.8.3 The proposal was earlier considered by the EAC in its meeting held during 30-31 January, 2017, wherein the Committee desired that proposal to be submitted after receipt of Stage-I approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 in respect of forest land involved in the project.

41.8.4 During deliberations, the EAC noted the following:

The proposal is for grant of environmental clearance to Kistaram Opencast Coal Mining Project of capacity 2 MTPA in mine lease area of 435.68 ha of M/s Singareni Collieries Company Limited located in village Kistaram, Mandal Sathupalli, District Khammam (Telangana).

Project involves 285.44 ha of forest land. Stage-I forest clearance for diversions of the same for non-forestry use has been obtained vide MoEF&CC letter No.8-55/2014-FC dated 11th September, 2018.

Mining Plan for the project of 2 MTPA in mine lease area of 435.68 ha, including Progressive Mine Closure Plan, was approved by the Ministry of Coal vide their letter dated 21st March, 2014.

Public hearing for the project of 2 MTPA capacity in an area of 435.68 ha was conducted by the State Pollution Control Board on 19th November, 2015. Major issues raised in the public hearing included compensation for project affecter people, mitigation measures for pollution control, employment to land losers, de-siltation of tanks, R&R. The project proponent has proposed an action plan to comply with the commitments made in the public hearing and the same found to be satisfactory.

In response to the observations of the EAC in its meeting held on 30-31 January, 2017, the project proponent has submitted Stage-I forest clearance dated 11th September, 2018 for diversion of forest land of 285.44 ha. The detailed information in respect of assessment of fluoride, year wise expenditure incurred on CSR activities has also been submitted, which were found to be in order.

The in-principle/stage-I approval granted by the Ministry vide letter dated 11th September, 2018 for diversion of 285.44 ha of forest land, is inter-alia subject to the condition „The environmental conditions in and around Sathupalli town may be appraised by the EC Appraisal Committee separately’. No information in compliance to the said observations was made available.

41.8.4 The EAC, after deliberations and in view of non-compliance of the condition stipulated in the stage-I forest clearance dated 11th September, 2018, was not inclined to recommend the proposal for the present.

The proposal was, therefore, deferred for the needful on the above lines.

Additional Information to PP

[email protected]

Fri 21-12-2018 17:57

To:gm_env ;

Cc:[email protected] ; [email protected] ;

Email alert to proponent, if any, Additional details are sought by concerned Member Secretary after consideration of proposal in EAC Meeting

A proposal for EC, as per the details given below has been examined by the Member Secretary The said proposal has not been accepted on account of the Additional details sought as per the statement uploaded on the portal of Ministry. Please upload the Additional details sought by Member Secretary.

1. Proposal No. : IA/CMIN/TG/23509/2014 2. File No. : J-11015/212/2014-IA-II(M) 3. Category of the Proposal : Coal Mining 3. Name of the proposal : Kistaram Opencast Project 4. Date of submission : 05 May 2016 6. Details Sought : Deferred for additional information 7. Name of the Project proponent along with contact details

a) Name of the proponent : The Singareni Collieries Company Limited b) State : Telangana c) District : Lower Dibang Valley d) Pincode : 507101 STUDY OF IMPACT OF OPENCAST COAL MINING IN THE PROPOSED KISTARAM OCP ON SATHUPALLI TOWN, FLORA AND FAUNA IN THE ADJOINING FOREST ALONG WITH MEASURES TO BE UNDERTAKEN TO MITIGATE THE IMPACTS

[Ref No/Firm order 7600006444 dt.30-05-2016]

REPORT

Submitted to The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (A Government Company) , TELANGANA STATE

Prepared by

KAKATIYA UNIVERSITY , TELANGANA STATE, INDIA - 506 009 November 2016 Kakatiya University, Warangal, Telangana State

Prof. A. Ragan, M.Sc., Ph.D., IAAT Prof. Vatsavaya S. Raju, M.Sc., Ph.D., IAAT (Retd.) Department of Botany

Prof. M.A. Singara Charya, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Retd.) Department of Microbiology

Certificate

Plant Systematics and Microbiology Laboratories, Department of Botany, Kakatiya University, Warangal, have monitored and collected the Environmental Baseline Data for the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) vide SCCL Firm order ref. No.7600006444 dt.30-05-2016, “ STUDY OF IMPACT OF OPEN CAST COAL MINING IN THE PROPOSED KISTARAM OCP ON SATHUPALLI TOWN, FLORA AND FAUNA IN THE ADJOINING FOREST ALONG WITH MEASURES TO BE UNDERTAKEN TO MITIGATE THE IMPACTS”.

The study involves first hand information gathering from the field. It has the following components:

1. Micro-meteorological data, Ambient Air, Ground/Surface Water, Soil and Noise quality.

2. The study of diversity of Flora, Fauna and Microbes in the environs of Sathupalli town and the proposed Kistaram Opencast Mining site.

3. Socio-economic and Health survey of Sathupalli Town using the case study of the impact of existing opencast coal mining at Sathupalli and the assessment of mitigation measures by SCCL to present the possible real impacts and the abatement measures in vogue to mitigate the environmental and biological problems.

i The monitoring and analysis team comprised of the following: S.No. Name of the Activity Name of the Staff (KU/SCCL/EPTRI) 1 Reconnaissance Survey Prof. A. Ragan, Kakatiya University, KU Prof. Vatsavaya S. Raju (Retd.), KU Prof. M. A. Singara Charya (Retd.), KU Sri M. Vasanth Kumar, GM (Env), SCCL Sri M. S. Gnana Sundaram, SE(En), SCCL Sri M. Suresh, Project Officer, Kistaram OCP, SCCL Sri Shailendra Kumar, Sr. Survey Officer, SCCL Sri T. Satyanarayana, Dy Mgr, SCCL Sri M. Ram Gopal Reddy, SC (En), SCCL Dr V.V. Ramana, FAE in EB, Env. Department,SCCL 2 Ambient Air, Water Sri N.V.R. Prahlad, Add Manager (ENV), SCCL (Ground/Surface water Sri P. Sharatkumar, Add Manager (ENV), SCCL and effluents) and Soil Sri T. Satyanarayana, Dy Mgr, SCCL Quality Smt. M. Suneela, Lab-in-charge, EPTRI Dr K. Jyothi, Project Faculty, EPTRI 3 Socio-economic, Prof. A. Ragan Environmental Impact Prof. M. A. Singara Charya Survey Prof. Vatsavaya S. Raju Research Scholars/Fellows 4 Human Health Survey Prof. Vatsavaya S. Raju Pro. A. Ragan Prof. M. A. Singara Charya Mr Ramesh Kandagatla Mr S. Gurappa 5 Microbial Study Prof. M.A. Singara Charya, KU Mr G. Krishna, Research Scholar, KU 6 Flora and Fauna Flora: Prof. Vatsavaya S. Raju, KU Prof. Ajmeera Ragan, Chairperson, BOS, Botany, KU Dr V.V. Ramana, FAE in EB, Environment Dept. SCCL Dr Sateesh Suthari, Young Scientist, University of Mr Ramesh Kandagatla, BSR Fellow in Botany, KU Mr S. Gurappa, Field Assistant, KU

Fauna: Prof. V. Vasudeva Rao, JS Telangana State Agricultural University (JTSAU), Hyderabad Mr R. Sravan Kumar, Research Associate, JTSAU Mr G. Surender, Research Associate, JTSAU This is to certify that the one-season (Rainy) Environmental Baseline Data monitored for the proposed Kistaram Opencast Project, Kothagudem area of SCCL is true to the best of our knowledge.

Prof. Ajmeera Ragan Prof. Vatsavaya S. Raju Prof. M.A.S. Charya

ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We, the investigative team from Kakatiya University, express our sense of gratitude to Sri M. Vasanth Kumar, GM, Environment Department and its all staff for providing an opportunity to work for SCCL in the form of the present assignment of studying the impacts of the proposed Kistaram OCP site. We appreciate their moral support and encouragement throughout the course of the work and acknowledge the help by Dr V.V. Ramana (FAE) of the same Department for her rapport and providing academic inputs. We thank all the General Managers, Deputy Managers, Estate Manager, Finance Department of SCCL at Kothagudem, the staff working at Sathupalli Office, In- charge of OCP mines and the Survey Department for their care and concern towards our assignment.

We profusely thank Sri M. Suresh, Project Officer, Kistaram OCP, for his logistic support, accommodation in the Guest House, and for being present with us in the field more often times. We are obliged to Sri B.V.S.N. Raju, Additional GM, Estates, SCCL, for his keen interest in the subject of our investigation and encouragement. Special thanks are due to Sri M. Ram Gopal Reddy, S.E. (Env) and Sri B. Venkateshwar Rao, Sr. Scientific Officer (Env),SCCL, for their keen interest and help with technical assistance.

We acknowledge the receipt of the Ambient Air, Water and Soil quality data about Sathupalli and proposed Kistaram OCP site from the custodians of SCCL, as monitored by EPTRI, Hyderabad. In this regard, we sincerely thank Dr Smt. M. Suneela, ENVIS Co-ordinator, EPTRI and Dr K. Jyothi, Project Faculty, EPTRI, for their keen interest in the study.

We put on record the great help renders by the Doctor-in-Charge and resident doctors of Sathupalli Area Hospital and Primary Health Centres at Gangaram and Vamsoor, by providing the outpatient and disease incidence records over time, in their position.

We are thankful to the Heads of Departments of Botany and Microbiology, Kakatiya University, for their encouragement.

Finally, but not to the least, we sincerely thank the people of Sathupalli town and villagers of Kothur and Rejerla for their co-operation and responding to the socio-economic, heath and environmental awareness survey. The residents of Jagannadhapuram and Kistaram villages and in particular Sri Erapa Potharaju of Cherukupalli for co-operation, working with us in the field, and providing data about Minor Forest Produce gathering, plant disease incidence, etc. when we conducted the biodiversity and phytosociological study in the proximity of their inhabitations and the forest.

Research investigative Team Proposed Kistaram OCP, KU

iv I. INTRODUCTION

1.1 The Singareni Collieries Company Limited

In the year 1871, Dr. William King of the Geological Survey of India discovered coal near the village of in Bhadradri Kothagudem (erstwhile Khammam) district. The Hyderabad (Deccan) Company Limited (incorporated in England) acquired the mining rights in 1886 to exploit coal found in Yellandu area. The first piece of coal was mined at Singareni village on December 23, 1889. On the same day, 'The Singareni Collieries Company Limited' (SCCL) was incorporated under the Hyderabad Companies Act, as a public limited company and listed in London Stock Exchange. The State of Hyderabad purchased majority of shares of the Company in 1945. Since then to 1949, The Hyderabad Construction Co. Ltd. acted as the Managing Agent. After the reorganization of States, in the Government of , the SCCL became a Government Company under the Companies Act in 1956.

The SCCL is accredited to explore and exploit the coal deposits in the Godavari Valley Coalfield (GVC). The mining activities of SCCL, with its headquarters at Kothagudem, are currently spread over many a district of Telangana, along the Godavari Graben. The studies of Geological Survey of India attribute as much as 22,207 million tonnes of coal reserves in the Godavari Valley Coalfield. The coal extracted by SCCL in the Godavari Valley Coalfield up to the year 2015-16 was about 1249.23 million tonnes. The SCCL has now 46 mines, among them, 16 are opencast and the rest underground; it has an annual production of 60.38 million tons.

The SCCL has created a full-fledged Department of Environment at its headquarters, Kothagudem. Since 1985, this Department is conducting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies and preparing reports, implementing environmental safeguards and taking up other environmental initiatives. Thus far, it has obtained environmental clearance for 67 projects including one 2×600 MW power plant and Sand Mining Project. Besides, it has a few new or expansion projects under hold. In compliance to the MoEF&CC Guidelines, the SCCL has registered with QCI/NABET and has been accredited as an EIA consultant organization thereby became eligible to carry

1 EIA studies and prepare Environmental Management Plans (EMPs). Furthermore, the Corporate Environment Department has acquired ISO-9001-2008 certification. It has built Sewage Treatment Plants, Effluent Treatment Plants, Bio-engineering structures on overburden (OB) dumps, made Automatic Dust Suppression arrangements, raised clones and medicinal species plantations, and developed parks and gardens in the project sites. The SCCL is environmentally conscious, responsible and proactive. It has more than a century of experience in coal mining while it is a pioneer in implementing modern and safe mining and eco-friendly technologies. The SCCL is known for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in the areas of education, health and greening cover. The company runs 13 schools, three colleges and seven hospitals for the welfare of its employees and the residents of the coal mine area.

The prime customers of SCCL coal purchase are NTPC, TSGENCO, APGENCO, KPCL, MSEB, and cement industry. It is necessary for SCCL to maintain a constant supply of the coal from the existing mines, and with a constant option to explore or extend its mining activity to new mines. In order to meet the increasing demand for coal for power generation in the country or otherwise, the SCCL has planned certain fast track opencast projects that include the currently proposed Kistaram Open Cast Project, near Sathupalli town, in , northern Telangana (Plate 1.1).

1.2 Kistaram OCP and its benefits

Besides providing an uninterrupted supply of coal to the power plants in Telangana State, the proposed Kistaram project has several benefits to the industry i.e. SCCL establishment since it is yet another mine proximate to the existing Jalagam Vengalarao Opencast Mine-I and requires no new establishment but just extension activity.

(i) Increased economic investment and increased direct and indirect employment. (ii) Local business development from the mine procurement. (iii) Further development of human capital in the form of training, skills and employment. (iv) Regional and Community development benefits from Corporate Social Responsibility.

2 (v) Greater royalties and taxes to the newly formed Khammam district which lost major revenue because of its split. (vi) Roads and infrastructure upgrades, and (vii) Population increase leading to better services of health, education and sports.

3 IV. MEASURES BEING IMPLEMENTED AT JVROC-I TO MITIGATE THE IMPACTS OF OPENCAST MINING OPERATED ADJACENT TO THE PROPOSED KISTARAM OCP

Wherever the natural environment is disturbed creating adverse ecological effects, it is mandatory to initiate scientific and socio-economic measures to compensate the immediate loss of resource or health of the ecosystem or its functional components including humans. There are set standardized procedures and programmes available globally which are to be chosen to suit the local needs and the nature of the industry or mining activity. Accordingly, MoEF in India and Honourble Courts, including Green Tribunals come into the picture as and when there are violations and they oversee the implementation of environmental safeguards. In the present case, it is coal mining activity both by underground and open cast extraction of the natural non-renewable resource that is under consideration. It is the activity of Singareni Collieries Company Limited, an age-old Government Company, which is carrying out coal mining operation in Godavari Valley Coal Fields, over the past 125 years, with its head quarters at Kothagudem, Telangana State. They have a well-established system and setup not only to tackle the emergency situations like accidents, fire or inundation problems but also long-term commitment of filling and closing the extracted mines and those abandoned. So, to mitigate the impact of coal mining in Sathupalli, they have an established Environment Cell which established a continuous pollution monitoring equipment and carrying out Corporate Social Responsibility activities. These are being presented below, under different heads.

4.1 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

a) Creation of direct/indirect employment opportunities. b) Vocational training programmes are organised for the youth. c) Repairs for school buildings were taken-up for better study environment. d) Training/coaching of dependents of land losers for army recruitment, and e) Employment awareness programmes are regularly conducted. 4.2 ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

a) Surrounding Habitat Assistance Programme (SHAPE) was designed and the programmes are implemented. b) New approach roads were laid to villages for their movement, and c) Fruit bearing saplings and/or Eucalyptus clones were distributed to villagers at free of cost for their home and economic needs.

4.3 HEALTH a) Drinking water facilities are improved in all colonies and proximate villages in Sathupalli town, and b) Mega Medical camps were organised from time-to-time.

4.4 POLLUTION MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED BY THE SCCL To reduce and eliminate the pollution that is due to coal mining activity, the SCCL as an intuition of standing and responsibility has taken up all the possible measure as stipulated earlier by Andhra Pradesh and now Telangana Pollution Control Board. The following are the measures practised and contemplated towards the environmental and ecological pollution, health issue, etc.

4.4.1 Environmental Protection Measures

4.4.1.1 Air: To reduce the raising of dust due to opencast mining, blasting, vehicular transport, dumping, etc., the following measures were undertaken:

a) Wet-drilling practices are adopted to avoid dust generation. b) Black topping of permanent roads was carried out. c) Water spraying on haul roads and permanent transport routes is being done. d) Covering of coal transportation trucks with tarpaulin sheet for preventing spillage of coal. e) Speed of the trucks carrying coal loads are minimised and the doors of the vehicles properly checked. f) Avenue plantation along the transportation roads, all around the quarry and OB dumps is being done, and g) Coal fires are prevented to a maximum extent. 4.4.1.2 Water: Water is very precious resource which directly impacts the environment and then ecology of the habitat. Efforts are made to keep the water pollution due to mining well within the permissible limits.

a) The inflow water is used for dust suppression, washings, domestic requirements, fire fighting and plantations. b) Garland drains are made all along the quarry to prevent the surface run-off water entering in to the quarry. c) Effluents are treated in the sedimentation tanks before they are let out. d) The excess water and treated water are discharged into Kistaram tank which will be used for irrigation, and e) The existing tanks in the area are spared and left undisturbed. f) The 1st and 2nd order streamlets that flow over the quarry area are re-aligned, and g) De-silting of local tanks was taken up.

4.4.1.3 Noise: Excess noise or sound is very disturbing in biological environment. There is a need to keep it within the limits in dB as of 55 during the day and 45 dB(A) at night.

a) Controlled blasting techniques are adopted and the blasting timings are strictly adhered to. b) Machinery is properly maintained to reduce noise. c) Cabins are made sound proof and the employees are provided with ear plugs/muffs, and d) The created green belts between the mine area and the residential colonies are acting as noise attenuators.

4.4.1.4 Ground Vibrations: These are not due to earthquakes but due to blasting. However, these are being monitored of their extent to reduce them to the permissible limit.

a) Ground vibrations are continuously recorded by using a seismograph. b) The concept of minimum explosives per day is strictly adhered to. c) Control blasting technique is used to reduce the ground vibrations. d) The impact of explosives is avoided by deck charging, and e) Proper care is taken to avoid fly rocks. 4.4.1.5 Solid Waste Management: Large amount of overburden is removed during the mining operations. The proper handling of it from dumping to stabilization was done continuously in the existing mine near the proposed Kistaram OCP.

a) Separate soil dumps are created for top soil and hard overburdens. b) External and internal dump yards are maintained. c) Maximum height of top soil dump is restricted to 10 m, and d) The mined out areas are reclaimed and afforested concurrently.

4.4.1.6 Soil and Land: The physico-chemical properties of the soils has to be intact, i.e. to be near the unpolluted or natural soil conditions for the productivity of the habitat or land while the latter has to have its natural environment to sustain the life residing there on.

a) Back filling the mine pits is being done concurrently. b) Top soil excavated is carefully dumped for backfilling. c) On over burdened dumps, planted the native, regenerative and self- sustaining hardy species. d) Check dams were constructed to prevent soil erosion, and e) Setup many drainage ditches across the mining site.

4.4.1.7 Greening the Habitat for Environmental and Ecological Restoration: (Plate 4.1)

(A) Environmental Management:

a) Air/water/noise/ground vibrations/land use are periodically monitored and suitable technologies are adopted to control all kinds of pollution. b) Standard methods are adopted for stabilization of the OB dumps. c) Conversion of void area of the quarry in to water body; and d) Massive plantation programmes were undertaken to reduce dust and sound pollution, to promote soil stabilization and phytoremediation. Table 4.2 The CSR works conducted by SCCL-Sathupalli from 2009 to 2016, by Personnel Department.

No. of persons Budget Year Nature of activity trained (in Lakhs)

2009-10 Tailoring 50 0.40 Paper carry bags-making 23 5.00 Maggam works 25 0.20 Motor driving training 25 0.10 2010-11 Tailoring course 25 0.40 2011-12 Existing budget 139.50 2012-13 - - 2013-14 Tailoring course (Kistaram) 25 0.40 Tailoring course (Kistaram) 25 0.40 Motor driving (Sathupalli) 25 0.50 2014-15 Tailoring course (Jaganannadhapuram) 25 0.40 Tailoring course (Kistaram) 25 0.15 2015-16 Tailoring course 25 0.40 Tailoring course 25 0.40 Fabric painting course 25 0.30

Table 4.3 The CSR works conducted by SCCL- Sathupalli from 2009 to 2016 by Civil Works Department.

Budget Year Nature of activity (in Lakhs) 2012-13 CC roads at Laxmidevipalli, GP, Kothagudem 20.00 CC roads, St colony, Laxmidevipalli, Gram Panchayat, 15.00 Kothagudem CC roads at Indiranagar colony, Laxmidevipalli, Gram 30.00 Panchayat Drain & CD works at Chunchupallli, Gram Panchayat, 37.00 Kothagudem BT road at Seethampeta, GP, Kothagudem 50.00 2013-14 De-siltation of tanks within 5 km radius of JVROC-I Expn. Mine 19.16 2014-15 Drilling of 14 Bore wells in surrounding villages 27.75 2015-16 De-siltation of Kistaram pond with company equipment for the period 23.5.2015 to 13.06.2015 of about 9,645 CuM. @ Rs. 17.94 186 per CuM. - of company extraction at JVROC-I Exp. Mine

Development works in Coal belt areas of Kothagudem area 26.49

CC roads at Nagar Panchayat, Sathupalli, 150.00 CC roads MPDO - Sathupalli 50.00 (B) Ecological Conservation:

a) With built-in pollution abatement facilities, the SCCL has taken up over years the conservation of ecological systems at stake. b) It has programmes to educate and create awareness among the public about natural resources that are available and the need to protect them. c) Educating the public not to cause any inconvenience, disturb or hunt/kill the existing wildlife. There is a tremendous increase in the wild boar population in the region. d) Discouraging the plantation of exotic or invasive plant species. e) Discouraging the application of pesticides in the field proximate to the forest area, and f) Conserving the local biodiversity.

4.5 THE CSR ACTIVITIES:

The SCCL has vast experience in the management of above important plans and adopting these criteria for the benefit of company, employees and people. The SCCL also has a pool proof Risk Assessment and Disaster Management Plans which were adapted in several of their coal mines. All these management plans are to be adopted, extended and strictly implemented to this Kistaram Opencast Coal mining also.

Substantial amount has been allocated and spent by the SCCL, towards empowering to self employment through learning tailoring and fabric painting by women, maggam works, making paper bags and to receive driving licence for men to be employed in the Transportation Department. Besides, the Civil Works Department is doing regularly the laying of CC and BT roads, repairing of drains and culverts, and de-silting the major tanks in and around Sathupalli. V. CONCLUSIONS

1. The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (A Government Company), Kothagudem, Telangana, India, has in its hold, 46 mines of which 16 are opencast and the rest underground. The SCCL has an annual coal production of 60.38 million tons. The demand for coal on SCCL by the end of XII plan (2012- 2017) is around 79.69 MTPA while the Godavari Valley Coalfields (GVC) from which the SCCL is extracting coal all these years has an estimated (Geological Survey of India) stock of 22,207 million tonnes.

2. In Khammam district, the SCCL has two opencast mines of which one (JVR OC1) is operational and the second ( OCP –II) is yet to be commissioned. These are proximately located to the town of Sathupalli, Mandal headquarters, Khammam district in northern Telangana.

3. In view of the demand and existing establishment, the SCCL, Kothagudem, has come out with a proposal to extend the mining the coal in the nearby site as Kistaram Open Cast Mining Project (OCP), with a clear intent to extract the coal at lower costs. If the project comes through, it is possible to increase the economic investment, provide direct and indirect employment, improves the education, health and sports facilities, and further helps the empowerment programmes to the local people.

4. The proposed Kistaram OCP is proximate to the town of Sathuapalli. The coal mine is spread under Kistaram village of Sathupalli Mandal. The location of the Mining lease area falls under the Survey of India Toposheet 65C/16, with the geographical co-ordinates of the lease area being 170 14’ 38” latitude and 800 46’ 50’’ longitudes in NW corner and 170 12’ 54” latitude and 800 48’ 15’’ longitudes in the SE corner.

5. The land requirement for the proposed Kistaram OC mine is 435.68 ha. It includes 285.44 ha of forest land in Lankapalli Forest Reserve and 150.24 ha of non-forest/ private land which belongs to two villages, Kistaram (Kistaram Gram Panchayat, 35.25 ha) and Jagannadhapuram (Cherukupalli Gram Panchyat, 114.99 ha). It is on record that part of this forest land requisitioned for the mining activity was allocated to plantation (bamboo, Eucalyptus, etc.) since 1996, by the then Andhra Pradesh Forest Department.

6. The buffer zone of the proposed Kistaram OCP is spread around 10 sq km from the boundary of the proposed mine site, the core zone. It has a typical tropical climate (Aw), with three distinct seasons. The area is gently sloping with undulating terrain. It has no perfect drainage though the topographic elevation varies from 180 to 120 m above mean sea level. The mean topographic slope is 4.16 m/km. The buffer area is largely covered by Lankapalli and Annapureddipalli Reserve Forests while Sathupalli is the major town proximate to the project area. The 10 km buffer zone falls in 65 C/11, 65 C/12, 65 C/15 and 65 C/16 SoI Toposheets.

7. The maximum and minimum temperatures of the area vary from 11.50 C in the winter to 36.80 C in the summer, with an average of 22.60C. The relative humidity recorded was 67.3%. The average rainfall (of 40 year record) is 1082.34 mm. The maximum precipitation was 1753.8 mm (in 2010) and the minimum 647.5 mm (in 1979). The maximum wind speed recorded was 5.6 m/s. Calm conditions prevailed is 43.82%. The predominant wind direction during this period was from north-eastern (NE) direction.

8. The ambient air quality in terms of particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) at

Jagannadhapuram showed the mean concentrations of PM10 to be from 61.0 3 3 µg/m (minimum) to 70.0 µg/m (maximum) whereas the PM2.5 concentration 3 3 3 ranged from 27.8 µg/m to 33.5 µg/m . The mean SO2 was 10.2µg/m and NO2 was 14.9 µg/m3; these are well below the standard permissible value, i.e. 80 µg/m3. 9. The noise level in the core zone was 49.4 dB(A) and 37.3 dB(A) against the permissible levels of 55 dB(A) and 45 dB(A) during the Day and Night, respectively. The minimum Day Leq recorded was 46.0 dB(A) at Kommugudem (BN5) and the maximum was 51.2 dB(A) at Vengalarao Nagar. On the other, the minimum Night Leq recorded was 33.4 dB(A) at Kommugudem and maximum was 39.5 dB(A) again at Vengalarao Nagar. However, all these readings are well below the permissible noise values, regardless of the day or night.

10. The pH was found in the range of 6.2 (Yengattu cheruvu) to 7.6 (Kistaram, Ayyagaripeta cheruvulu). The colour, Nitrates, TSS and chlorides concentration noted were all well within the tolerance limits. The coli forms, faecal coli forms and Escherichia coli are present in all the surface water samples. The BOD was above 3 mg/L at the four stations which is below the CPCB water quality criteria fall under the Class - E. The analytical study suggests these waters are to be suitably treated before used as potable water.

11. The tree species diversity and dominance were determined through a phytosociologoical study. The number of individuals per unit area is more or less the same in Kistaram (core), Kommepalli (buffer) and Bavannapalem (control), the sites of study in core and buffer zones and beyond. The study sites are not significantly different in tree species strength though the slightly lesser number in the control site is due to the larger size of the individuals. Furthermore, the species and genera are lowest in number in Kistaram which is more a bamboo plantation while the control site holds the highest number being a natural forest habitat. In this regard, Kommepalli stands in between with more dry and open habitat. The other reason for this difference in the plant diversity could be the extent of anthropogenic pressures that the sites Kistaram and Kommepalli we subjected to.

12. In regard to the vegetation type, the proposed Kistaram OCP (core zone – S1) has four dominant tree species with the Importance Value Index (IVI) value 10 and above. In the order of high IVI value, they are Getonia floribunda, Holarrhena pubescens, Chloroxylon swietenia and Diospyros melanoxylon. These are largely the successional species of open forests while the first-mentioned is a colonizer. It is an ecological indicator of disturbed and degraded environment. With its natural regeneration, the existing forest can be described as of Getonia- Holarrhena vegetation type, with most of the planted bamboo dying. On the other, Kommepalli (buffer zone, S2), is a natural forest site with dominant species like Hardwickia binata, Anogeissus latifolia, Diospyros chloroxylon, Pavetta indica and Chloroxylon swietenia. It is a Hardwickia-Anogeissus vegetation type. The control site (Bavanapalem) is a natural forest with eight dominant tree species having IVI value above 10. The forest is of Miliusa- Diospyros vegetation type, with additional dominants like Schleichera oleosa, Butea superba and Lannea coromandelica. Butea superba, a liana, present is an indicator of aged and healthy forest with massive tall tees.

13. A total of 490 species of plants were sighted and identified. Of these, 214 are herbs, 144 trees, 66 shrubs, and 66 climbers which represent 99 Angiosperm families. Due to the patchiness, disturbance and degradation of the habitat, the phytoclimate of the study area is Thero-phanerophytic, with annuals and trees dominating more or less on par.

14. The endemic or threatened (rare and endangered) forest types, vegetation types, and species are completely absent in the study area. However, the present study finds two IUCN category vulnerable species (A1c ver.2.3: Chloroxylon swietenia, East Indian Satinwood, Rutaceae) and (A1cd ver.2.3: Dalbergia latifolia, Indian/Malabar Rosewood of Leguminosae) as per 1998 IUCN assessment. Both of these (Chloroxylon swietenia, Dalbergia latifolia) are found in all the three monitored sites. Those individual of Chloroxylon swietenia (billudu) found in the proposed Kistaram OCP are largely saplings and present in the open degraded fire-prone patches. Dalbergia latifolia (Jittregi), on the other hand, shows an IVI value which is less than 3 (down below 23.3 IVI of the dominant species) and occupies the rank of 39th in Kistaram whereas it is well present in the other two sites. 15. The soil pH in the proposed area is in between 7.6 and 8.2. The microbial population of fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes varied with changed soil conditions. The maximum microbial densities were recorded in the soils of Lankapalli. The highest microbial biomass N was found in the soils of Kistaram whereas the C: N ratio was highest in Lankapalli.

16. A total of 182 animal species were recorded based on sighting and otherwise based on indicators and markings including foot prints and records. Of these, 13 species are mammals, 90 birds, 11 reptiles and 5 amphibians. In addition, 63 species of invertebrates were enumerated in the study site.

17. Hardly there is any minor forest produce that is gathered by residents of core zone in the proposed Kistaram OCP but for the bamboo, used for grazing of cattle and goats and hunting of hare and wild boar. Therefore, practically there is no direct impact on the livelihood of the local people if the forest land were diverted to mining purpose.

18. There is no National Park, Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserve or Tiger Reserve in the proposed Kistaram OCP site. Besides, there are no breeding and hibernating sites of wildlife and their migratory routes in the core and buffer zones.

19. The agriculture (Agroecosystem) is not affected either through disease or due to pollution, as our plant diseases and crop loss survey indicates.

20. The population of the study area is 1, 81,305, with 49,646 households. The male and female gender ratio of 1:1. The SC and ST populations are 40,073 and 27, 568, respectively. The literate and illiterate are in the percentage of 60.7 and 39.3, respectively. They live largely as nuclear families (74%) and the rest (26%) as joint families. The local people largely aboriginals (Koya, a schedule tribe). Of the 200 respondents, 85.6% (173) are aware of the Kistaram mining project proposal and the activity that will ensue. Among those (173) who are conscious of the opencast coal mine project, 167 hoped for economic benefits and the rest did not expect them as their villages are far off from the project site.

21. The impact of opencast coal mining activity in the JVROC-I in operation by SCCL on Sathupalli town was studied in order to know the real impacts which can be proposed as those of the future mining activity at proposed Kistaram OCP, which is an extension of the existing activity.

22. Sathuapalli town is located at latitude and longitudes 170 12’ 30’’ N and 80o 50’ 10’’ E. The population is 31,857, with population density 1700/km2. The area experiences a tropical climate, with three distinct seasons: a hot dry summer (March to June) with the maximum temperature rising up to 490C and with occasional thunder showers, a good rainy season (mid-June to September) and a pleasant winter (October to February). The climate of Sathupalli is Aw [A = Tropical/Megathermal Climate; w = Savannah, i.e. Tropical wet and dry or Savannah climate]. 23. The study of impact of coal mines on Sathupalli town shows that the ambient air quality, the particulate matter, effluents, pH, soil, water, ground water, etc. investigated and continuously monitored by the SCCL though EPTRI revealed no real pollution that can bring in alarming changes in the environment which severely impact the health of the ecosystem. All the parameters used to infer environmental changes are well within the permissible limits, as per the evidence presented in Chapter III.

24. The ground water level in and around Sathupalli were also found within the range of normal fluctuations. The plants and crops showed no serious implication of unusual disease and death.

25. The survey of socio-economic, health and environmental awareness among the people of Sathupalli showed interesting results. They help the SCCL to restructure their CSR activities to make the people more aware of their efforts to help the people towards compensating the ill-effect of their mining activity. The proforma (questionnaire) was developed by the union government, the Ministry of Environment and Forest and Climate Change, was used with slightly modifications for the present survey and translated it into the local language (Telugu), for a more effective communication. Although theoretically good, the questionnaire has to be meant different for the urban and rural people as we experienced in the present survey. The questions so-framed cannot be used to all respondents uniformly as they belong to different income groups, employment categories, farmers, non-farmers, land losers, etc. Overall, the answers to the questions were largely anti-establishment. However, when each of the respondent was asked, outside the set questionnaire, that whether the coal mining industry nearby is to be closed for is adverse effects or for not receiving, personal benefits, none them has said ‘yes’.

26. Regarding the improvement in the living standard of the people in Sathupalli, 97.87% opined that there is not much development with the coal mining activity when they expected better improvements. They said that a few among them only received the direct employment.

27. The people in the project area feel that their health problems are linked to the pollution and coal dust emissions from OC mines in Sathupalli. A gradual increase in respiratory problems was recorded after the coal mining in the area.

28. The quality of the air is not bad and the air pollutants are well within the permissible limits (National standards) though the people say it to the contrary: the people complain of kidney problems, respiratory troubles, heart problems and liver dysfunction due to dust, carbon emissions, and inhalations of variety of poisonous gases generated from coal mining.

29. During the study, to mitigate the impact of opencast mining at Sathupalli, a variety of strategies were put forth by the SCCL. To name, some of them, are employment opportunities, economic empowerment, improvement of quality of air and water, reduction in ground vibrations at the time of blasting, and minimization of the solid wastes.

30. The health survey from the hospital records indicate a steady increase in the patient turn over in the area hospital and PHCs and there is an increase in the cases of diabetes and hypertension. Hardly there are cases which can be directly correlated to the air pollution problems, from the records or as the doctors say. However, there is more patient turn over whenever the special camps are conducted by the SCCL. In fact, the present study team recommends still better hospital facilities in Sathupalli in the form of super speciality wings in lung and kidney diseases in particular.

31. Ecological restoration of the overburdens and greening of habitats for normal and pre-existing environment were underlined as major mitigation strategies by the SCCL. There are doing a fine job as evidenced by the greenery, growing the economic species like red sanders (rakta/erra chandanam) and medicinal species like amla. the natural forest like growth on the overburdens. However, this activity is to be made known to the public and carried out in association with green movement activists or NGOs.

32. Right from the inception, the SCCL has followed certain foolproof Risk Assessment and Disaster Management Plans. They are successfully continuing the coal mining activity so far and it is wished that the SSCL will habitually plan and meticulously implement mitigation measures in the Kistaram OC Project as well.

33. The SCCL is spending huge amounts of money towards the CSR and SHAPE activities for the benefit of the people living in the vicinity of the coal mines. The activities by the Personnel Department include tailoring, making paper carry bags, maggam works, motor driving training, fabric painting course, etc. The study team recommends that this information is to be distributed through booklets in Telugu and notified in local news papers so that many will know and come forward to get benefited. This will bridge the existing information gap between the SCCL and the people as regards the CSR activities by the SCCL.

34. The SCCL, over years, undertook many other CSR activities through its Civil Department like lying of CC/BT roads in the villages, drilling of bore wells and de-siltation of tanks in the villages around the coal mines.

35. Hardly there are any scientific or socio-economic reasons which come in the way of extending the SCCL activity of the extracting the coal in the proposed Kistaram OCP site, which is in the interest of energy needs of our nation, while caring and honestly working to remediate the ill-effects of the mining activity to improve the health of the ecosystems which include the people, pet animals, crops and wildlife alike. SALIENT FEATURES AND RECOMMENDATIONS “Study of impact of open cast coal mining in the proposed Kistaram opencast project on sathupalli town, flora and fauna in the adjoining forest along with measures to be undertaken to mitigate the impacts”

Components of the Study A. Diversity of Flora, Fauna and microbes in the environs of Sathupalli town and the proposed Kistaram OC Mining Site B. Micro-meteorological data, Ambient Air, Water, Soil and Noise Quality C. Socio-economic and Health survey of Sathupalli town.

Component A: • The proposed Kistaram OCP – Core Zone with its 285.44 ha of forest land is mainly Bamboo plantation with the forest regenerated where most of the Bamboo has come to flowering stage. It is a secondary forest through succession. • Forest land has gaps, canopy openings of Bamboo plantations and degraded lands. Getonia floribunda is a colonizer and its presence is an ecological indicator of disturbed and degraded environment. • Dependence of local people on Minor Forest Produce • The existing forest is not so productive because it is largely open scrub and of invasive species like Lantana, chromolaena, Hyptis or Bamboo plantation. • Grazing by their goat, sheep and cattle. • No direct impact on the livelihood of the local people if the forest land is to be diverted for Kistaram OCP. • There are no National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves etc. located in the proposed project site and the Buffer Zone. • There are no wild life migratory routes, breeding and hibernating sites in the core and buffer zones. • There are no endemic or threatened or rare forest / vegetation types, plant species in the study area. • Of the 13 species of mammals recorded 6 are of schedule II of IWPA 1972. • Of the 90 species of birds observed, 2 species (Pavo cristatus, Cypsiurus balasiensis) were categorized under schedule –I of IWPA. The occurrence of these species is in the surrounding areas, and not in the core zone was noted. Component B: • The ambient air quality, soil, water, noise levels etc investigated and continuously monitored by the EPTRI revealed no real changes in the environment which severely impact the health of the ecosystem. • All the parameters studied are well within the permissible limits.

Component C: • Health Condition of the People – Although the quality of the air is good and the air pollutants are in the permissible limits the view of the people in this regard is contrary. People in the project area feel that their health problems are linked to OC mines. – Ecological restoration of the OB dumps and greening of the habitats for normal and pre-existing environment is being carried out by SCCL for the ongoing projects with native and economic species. • Work to be made known to the public – On environmental activities – On the activities carried out by SCCL under CSR and SHAPE is to be distributed through booklets in Telugu so that many people will get benefitted. – This will bridge the gap between the existing information gap between SCCL and the people.

Overall Conclusion The study team is of the opinion that there are hardly any scientific or socio- economic reasons which come in the way of extending the SCCL activity of extracting coal in the proposed Kistaram OCP, in the interest of the energy needs of our Nation.

*** VARIOUS ECOLOGICAL AND CSR ACTIVITIES BEING UNDERTAKEN IN AND AROUND SATHUPALLI TOWN

Desiltation works at Kistaram Tank

VARIOUS ECOLOGICAL AND CSR ACTIVITIES BEING UNDERTAKEN IN AND AROUND SATHUPALLI TOWN

Chillavagu overflowing near Sathupalli after de-siltation

Hand bore well at Kistaram Village

VARIOUS ECOLOGICAL AND CSR ACTIVITIES BEING UNDERTAKEN IN AND AROUND SATHUPALLI TOWN

Tailoring and Embroidery training at Kistaram Village

Paper bag making at Kistaram Village VARIOUS ECOLOGICAL AND CSR ACTIVITIES BEING UNDERTAKEN IN AND AROUND SATHUPALLI TOWN

Motor driving training at Sathupalli

Tailoring at Rejerla Village VARIOUS ECOLOGICAL AND CSR ACTIVITIES BEING UNDERTAKEN IN AND AROUND SATHUPALLI TOWN

Eye testing camp at Rejerla, Kistaram and Sathupalli

Fabric Painting at Rejerla Village