PRE – FEASIBILITY REPORT

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PRE-FEASIBILITY REPORT FOR GRANITE BUILDING STONE QUARRY OF M/S ROCKSHELL GRANITES AND SAND (PVT.) LTD. OVER AN EXTENT OF 1.2144 HA IN VANIYAMKULAM-II VILLAGE, TALUK, , STATE

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT

The total extent of the Area is 1.2144 Hectares in Survey No. 189/1 of Vaniyamkulam - II Village, Ottapalam Taluk, Palakkad District, Kerala State

 It is a proposal of Granite Building stone Quarry project in Vaniyamkulam - II Village.  Category of project :‘B2’.  Toposheet No. 58 B/1  Latitude : 10°45'25"N to 10°45'29"N  Longitude: 76°20'35"E to 76°20'41"E  Proposed area exhibits undulating terrain.  Proposed stone production is 50,500 Tonnes per annum  Life of the mine is about 8 years.  About 9,200 cu.m. top soil / OB will be generated. This will be utilized for plantation on the mined out benches.  The quarry operation is proposed to carry out with conventional open cast mechanized mining with 5.0 meter vertical bench with a bench width of 5.0 meter. Quarrying operation is carried out Splitting of rock mass of considerable volume from the parent rock mass by jackhammer drilling and blasting, hydraulic excavators are used for loading the Building stone into trucks and will be transported from pithead to nearby crushers. Hydraulic excavators are attached with rock breakers for fragmentation to avoid secondary blasting.  Most part of the proposed land is with exposed rock and small area is covered with some rubber trees along with native trees, shrubs, herbs, grass, climbers, bushes etc. An existing quarry is present in the proposed mining/quarry area. The Lease area is gently slope from SE to NW. The highest elevation in this area is 100 mRL and the lowest elevation is 95mRL. There is no habitation in the lease area.

Commitment from applicant regarding the proposed project:

I have applied for Environmental Clearance to DEIAA, Palakkad for quarrying of Building stone from Survey No. 189/1. of Vaniyamkulam-II, Ottapalam Taluk, Palakkad District, Kerala State over an extent of 1.2144 Hectares .

I will not deploy any child labours below 18 years for any type of quarrying operation. All labors engaged for quarrying operation will be insured till the end of life of quarry period.

All type of safety / Protective equipments will be provided to all the labourers working in my quarry site.

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I will sincerely follow and execute the Afforestation and Green belt during the course of quarrying operation and maintain Afforestation after the expiry of quarrying lease.

I ensure to involve and participate in the corporate social responsibilities of the local community.

The quarrying operation will not cause any hindrance to the nearby public and also it will not cause any hindrance to nearby villagers and human settlements during transportation of mineral.

ü The project area does not fall in ‘HACA’ region. ü The Tamil Nadu state boundary is located at 38 km NE ü The project area does not fall in CRZ zone within the radius of 15 km. ü The project area does not fall in Western Ghats boundary ü About 10 KLD of water will be required for dust suppression, plantation and for drinking and domestic use. The required water will be met from bore well and open well from nearby area through tankers and also from rain water accumulated in mine pit. ü The report of Baseline studies like Air, Water and Noise analysis has been enclosed. ü Estimated project cost: Rs. 1.45 Crore.

2.0 INTRODUCTION OF THE PROJECT

The Building stone is proposed to excavate by conventional opencast mechanized method in applied stone quarry located in Survey No. 189/1 of Vaniyamkulam-II, Ottapalam Taluk, Palakkad District, Kerala State over an extent of 1.2144 Hectares, and it is a Category – B2 project.

2.1 Identification of project and project proponent: In case of mining project, a copy of mining lease/letter of intent should be given owner/authorized signatory name and address of the Project Proponent

Name of owner /Authorized signatory : Mr. Tony Nirmal, Managing Director Kozhiparambil House, Kakkanad, P.O. Kakkanad, Ernakulum, Kerala – 682030

Registered Address / : M/S ROCKSHELL GRANITES AND SAND PVT. LTD. Address for Correspondence Chorotturr P.O., Ottapalam, Palakkad, Kerala – 679521 Email :- [email protected] Contact no. +91 9656777777

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Location of the Lease Applied Area:

Name of the quarry : Granite Building stone quarry of M/s Rockshell Granites and Sand Pvt. Ltd. Survey No. : 189/1 Extent : 1.2144 Hectares Village : Vaniyamkulam - II Taluka : Ottapalam District : Palakkad State : Kerala Pin code : 679521 Ownership : Private land

The proposed quarry area bearing Survey No. 189/1 , over an total extent of 1.2144 Hectares , is a private Patta land, and owned by project proponent.

2.2 Brief description of nature of the project

The Building stone quarrying operation is proposed to carry out by conventional opencast mechanized method by formation of benches. Mine benches are proposed with a height of 5mts and the width of each bench is proposed not less than the height.

The proposed area exhibits undulating terrain. The massive building stone boulders are clearly outcropped in area and are confirmed in existing quarry pit. The Lease area is gently slope from SE to NW. The highest elevation in this area is 100 mRL and the lowest elevation is 95mRL.

ü Proposed depth upto 65 m. MSL ü The proposed stone production is 50,500 Tonnes per annum ü Life of the mine is estimated to be around 8 Years

The top soil thickness varies from 1.0 m to 1.50 m, will be removed during the mining operations. The topsoil excavated from the quarry will be dumped separately at predetermined place and subsequently will be utilized in spreading over reclaimed areas for plantation.

2.3 Need for the project and its importance to the country and or region

The basic objective of the project is to effective utilization of material in the region. Granite Building Stone is the most commonly used metal in road, railway track construction etc. Being a construction material, the mineral will be used in local market. The excavated mineral will be crushed into required sizes and made ready for use. The mining project will fulfill its end uses in construction purposes.

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The mining and associated activities in the mineral bearing areas will add to the revenue of the state through royalty on the mineral and the taxes as well as improve the economic conditions of the local people through direct and secondary employment.

The mining project will provide employment to local people. Applicant will pay royalty for the mineral produced from the mine, direct and indirect taxes will be paid thereby contributing to the regional revenue. The public revenue so generated will further be put for use in infrastructural development and other sectors like health, education and social welfare. The applicant will allocate funds for the socio-economic development of the area i.e. medical facilities, schools, temples and other social work.

2.4 Demand and supply gap

There is large demand of building stone for road, railway track, building, construction etc. Granite building stone is widely used in construction activities as main raw material. It is available in almost all the parts of the State. The entry in the target market is easy and there is a notable gap in the supply and demand, which is growing.

2.5 Imports vs indigenous production

The building stone is required for construction and infrastructure development projects. The stone is available in local markets and hence, there is no scope of import. However, the demand for the stone is continuously increasing due to rising trend in the infrastructure projects.

2.6 Export Possibility

Granite Building Stone production from the mine will cater to the needs of well established domestic markets. No export is possible.

2.7 Domestic/Export Markets

Domestic demand is one of the main reasons for the rapid growth of building stone business in Kerala. Thus, domestic market for granite building stone as building material is well established.

Since it is an allied industry of the construction sector, growth in construction sector may be considered as proxy for the growth in stone mining sector. The market scope for granite building stone is found to be encouraging in local market with the increased demand from building industry & construction projects.

2.8 Employment Generation (Direct and Indirect) due to the project

Project will create direct & indirect employment opportunities within the surrounding region. Unit will use good faith efforts to employ local people from the nearby villages depending

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upon the availability of skilled & un-skilled man-power surrounding the project site. About 20 people will get direct employment and 10 – 15 people will get secondary employment opportunities with allied and related industries, such as transportation, maintenance, shops, garages, eateries, etc.

Employment potential in the Granite Building stone Quarry is as follows:

Sl.no Name of the post Nos

1 Mines Manager 1

2 Mines Foreman 1

3 Mines Mate 1

4 Drilling & Blasting / Helpers 4

5 Machine Operators / Helpers 2

6 Drivers / Helpers 8

7 Other Miscellaneous services 3

Total 20

Pre-employment and periodic training will be given to the employees for the safe and systematic quarrying operation.

All the labors engaged for quarrying operations will be provided with necessary personal protective equipments and will be insured during the quarry lease period. The above man power is adequate to meet out the production schedule and the machinery strength envisaged in the mining plan and also to comply with the stationary provisions of quarry safety regulation.

It is been ensured that the labours will not be deployed less than 18 years. No Child labours will be engaged or entertained for any kind of quarrying operations. All the labours engaged for quarrying operations will be insured till the end of life of quarry.

3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

3.1 Type of project including interlinked and interdependent projects, if any

There is no interlinked & interdependent project. This is a quarrying project for production of Building stone at 50,500 Tonnes per annum; the quarry operation is proposed up to depth of 65 m. MSL . The project is site specific. The entire Building stone will be transported to the nearby crushing unit to reduce into desirable size for construction of Road projects and other infrastructure development project work.

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3.2 Location (map showing general location, specific location, and project boundary & project site layout) with coordinates

Z The project Building stone quarrying is located in 1.2144 Hectares area . Z The entire proposed area is a patta land owned by lessee. Z The area falls in Topo sheet No. 58 B/1. Z The Latitude between 10°45'25"N to 10°45'29"N. Z The Longitude between 76°20'35"E to 76°20'41"E on WGS 1984 datum. Z The elevation of the applied mining area ranges between 95 m MSL to 100 m MSL.

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3.3 Details of alternate sites considered and the basis of selecting the proposed site, particularly the environmental considerations gone into should be highlighted

Mining is site specific project hence no alternate site is considered.

3.4 Size or magnitude of operation

The total area of the project is 1.2144Hectares. It is proposed to produce 50,500 Tonnes per annum of building stone from the mine. The quarry operation is proposed up to depth of 65 m MSL, by conventional open cast mechanized quarrying by deploying jackhammer drilling and blasting, hydraulic excavator for loading the Building stone and tippers for transporting the stone from pithead to crushing site.

Description Quantity Geological Resources 766273 Tonnes Available Mineable reserves for 8 Years (life of the mine) 403803 Tonnes

3.5 Project description with process details (a schematic diagram/flow chart showing the project layout, components of the project etc. should be given):

The proposed mining operations will be carried out by open cast mechanized method. The process flow diagram given below depicts the mining process:-

The Mining Activities shall be carried out under the guidance of a Mines Manager holding Competency Certificate from DGMS. Bench system shall be implemented from top to downwards, for extraction of Mineral:

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The height of the benches shall be maintained at 5.0 Mtrs. The width of the benches shall not be less than the height at any point. The overall slope of the benches will be maintained at 60°.

Drilling shall be carried out by a Pneumatic Jack Hammer powered by compressed air. Drilling Pattern: Spacing = 1 Mtr Burden = 1 Mtr Depth of Drill Hole = 5 Ft / 2.5 Ft Drill Hole Diameter = 32mm Diameter

Drilling shall be carried out by a Jack Hammer drill of 32mm diameter, Nitrate Mixture and electric delay detonators will be used for blasting purpose. Drilling shall be done with Jack Hammer drills of 32mm diameter up to a depth of 5 ft / 2.5 Ft, with spacing - 1 m, burden – 1.5 m. About 5 to 6 hole will be blasted at a time. Charge per hole will be 1 or 2 catridges per hole with one priming detonator. 5 yo 6 No. of holes will be blasted at a time. Blasting will be conducted at 10.00 AM , 1.00 PM and 4.00 PM. About 18.66 Tonnes/Kg Yield is envisaged.

Blasting will be carried out by a competent person and blasting will be carried out from the blasting shelter. The blasted material shall further be sorted out; the material shall be broken into required sizes for dispatch using an excavator mounted with rock breaker, the broken material shall be loaded into trucks by an excavator with bucket and shall be transported to the crusher located adjacent to the quarry.

The roadways or haulage roads to the benches shall be made with suitable gradient and the width of the roadway as per the DGMS norms.

3.6 Raw material required along with estimated quantity, likely source, marketing area of final products, Mode of transport of raw Material and Finished Products

No raw material will be required for production of Granite building stone. The final product will be sent to consumer based on their demand. The mode of transportation of raw material and finished product will be by road. Tippers/ trucks will be used for transportation to the end users.

3.7 Resource optimization/recycling and reuse envisaged in the project, if any, should be briefly outlined

Building stone will be crushed and dispatched to different end users. The waste rock generated, if any, will be used for the maintenance of roads and backfilling in the mined out pits. Rainwater harvesting will be done in part of the excavated pit void and will be used for water conservation thereby reducing exploitation of groundwater.

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3.8 Availability of water its source, Energy/power requirement and source should be given

This Building stone quarry project does not require huge water for the project. Detail of water requirements in KLD as given below:

Dust Suppression 7 KLD Drinking & Domestic Purpose 1 KLD Green Belt 2 KLD Total 10 KLD

The required water will be met from accumulated rainwater in mine pits (when available) and from bore well/tube well present outside application area.

Energy

KSEB power supply is used only for office and street lighting.

3.9 Quantity of wastes to be generated (liquid and solid) and scheme for their management/disposal

The top soil thickness varies from 1.0 m to 1.50 m; about 9200 cu.m. top soil / OB will be generated during mining. The topsoil excavated from the quarry will be dumped separately at predetermined place and subsequently will be utilized in spreading over reclaimed areas for plantation. Domestic waste water will be discharged in Septic Tank followed by soak pit. No waste water will be discharged by quarry operation.

3.10 Schematic representations of the feasibility drawing which give information of EIA purpose

Submission of Application Form Presentation for Grant of Environment IM, Pre-feasibility Report, EMP to EC at SEAC/DEAC Clearance by SEAC/DEAC SEIAA/DEIAA

Submission of EC Ensuring compliance Start of Mining compliance to MoEF of EC Conditions Operations

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4.0 SITE ANALYSIS

4.8 Connectivity

5 The proposed Granite Building Stone quarry is accessible by private road connecting Manissery - Velliyad road. The same road will be maintained and utilized for transportation. 5 The Nearest major Railway station is Ottapalam which is about 5.0 km, NE side of the proposed area. 5 Nearest National Highways is NH 47 ( 21 km S). 5 Nearest State Highways SH 23 (Shornur – Thrissur Road) is about 7.5 km W of the proposed area.

4.9 Land Form, Land use and Land ownership

The entire project area is 1.2144 Hectares , which is private non-forest land and there is no habitation in the area. The land is owned by Lessee.

District Taluk Village Survey No. Area Classification Vaniyamkulam It is a private land Palakkad Ottapalam 189/1 1.2144 Ha - II (Non forest)

4.10 Topography (along with map)

The proposed area exhibits undulating terrain, Building stone exposures area clearly inferred with outcrops. The Lease area is gently slope from SE to NW. The highest elevation in this area is 100 mRL and the lowest elevation is 95mRL. The drainage runs along the hill slope towards south and joins to seasonal drains flowing in the vicinity.

The topography of the lease area is a part of elevated terrain with rocky land with barren lands and is sporadically covered with horticulture plantations, natural vegetation like trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers & grass. The lease area is covered by charnockite rock. The drainage runs along the slope and joins to seasonal streams.

Map showing topography of the applied mining area is given in Surface plan in Plate VI .

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4.11 Existing land use pattern (agriculture, non-agriculture, forest, water bodies (including area under CRZ), shortest distances from the periphery of the project to periphery of the forests, national park, wild life sanctuary, eco sensitive areas, water bodies (distance from the HFL of the river), CRZ. In case of notified industrial area, a copy of the Gazette notification should be given.

The proposed mining area exhibits undulating topography. The area is devoid of Agriculture and Habitations and is partly covered with horticulture and natural vegetation. Stone quarrying operations have been carried out in the area under temporary permit. The quarrying operation will be restricted up to depth for 65 m MSL. Hence the quarry operation will not affect the ground water table. The region experiences semi – humid climate and there is natural growth of vegetation in and around the lease applied area (seasonal vegetation is mostly observed). 5 No CRZ within the radius of 15km 5 The Tamil Nadu state boundary is located at 38 km NE 5 The applied area does not fall in ESA as per WGEEP report. 5 No other operating quarry is located within the radius of 500m.

4.12 Existing Infrastructure

The mining area is approachable by private road connecting Manissery - Velliyad road. All necessary infrastructures such as site office, drinking water facilities, Toilets, rest shelter, etc. will be developed before commencing the mining operation. Site services as per Mines Rules 1955 will be developed. First-Aid centre with all necessary medical facilities, Toilets as per the provisions of Mines Rules will be developed. Regular medical checkup of the mine employees will be carried out as per the provisions of Mines Rules 1955.

4.13 Soil Classification

The applied area for mining is mostly covered with rock outcrops. Rock is exposed in most of the area. The top soil thickness varies from avg. 1.00 m to 1.50 m. These soils are well drained, low in organic matter and plant nutrients. It will be removed during the mining operations. The topsoil excavated from the quarry will be stacked separately at predetermined place and subsequently will be utilized in spreading over reclaimed areas for plantation.

4.14 Climatic data from secondary sources

The district has a humid climate with an oppressive hot season from March to the end of May. This is followed by the South-West monsoon which continues till the end of September. October and November from the post-monsoon [North-East Monsoon] or retreating monsoon season.

The area has moderate climate with maximum average temperature in the summer season is 35°C and minimum temperature is 20°C. & The winter season maximum average of 26°C and minimum of 20°C The area receives average rain fall of more than 2135mm. The rainfall

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during July is very heavy and the district receives 68% of the annual rainfall during this season.

4.15 Social infrastructure available

Z The nearest town is Ottapalam. Hospital & educational facilities are available there. Z Medical facilities, Primary Health Centre are available at the nearby villages, imparting services, for advance medical facilities. In each village one health worker has been appointed by the Govt. to provide primary health facilities. Z Village people are availing drinking water facilities generally from the hand pump, open well and tube well. The water supply is also supplied through tanker during dry periods in few villages. During summer scarcity of water has been noticed. Z Communication services like post office and telephones are available in the nearby village. Many of the villagers are having mobile phones.

5.0 PLANNING BRIEF

5.8 Planning Concept (type of industries, facilities, transportation etc) Town and Country Planning/Development authority Classification

Conventional Opencast Mechanized mining will be adopted in extraction of Granite Building stone. The excavated Building stone will be transported to adjacent crushers for size reduction. Facilities such as power, Transportation and commodities infrastructure facilities are locally available near the project site. There are no habitations or villages en-route between the quarry and crushing site. Covered transportation of the stone and imposing speed limits will be practiced to avoid disturbance to the nearby habitations. The haul roads will be periodically sprinkled with water to prevent dust.

The total area of the project is 1.2144 Ha . Conventional Open cast mechanized quarrying will be adopted by deploying jackhammer drilling and blasting, excavators for loading stone into the tippers and then transport by the tippers from pithead to adjacent crushing site. There are no other stone quarries nearby the project area. The proposed production of 50,500 Tonnes per annum of building stone will be obtained from the mine.

5.9 Population projection

Man power requirement for mining is estimated to be 20 Nos. Most of the employees will be recruited from neighboring village depending upon the availability of skilled & unskilled people. Migration of highly educated and skilled person will take place but it will be on temporary basis. So there will no permanent migration of people. Hence there will be no significant population increase due to the project.

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5.10 Land use planning (breakup along with green belt etc.)

The present and proposed land use planning of the quarry area of the total extent of 1.2144 Ha is given below –

Area in Ha. Description Concep. Present Plan period Period Area under Quarry pit 0.2944 0.8879 0.8879 Area for infrastructure / plant 0.0 0.0 0.0 Green belt / Plantation 0.0 0.3265 0.3265 Area for future use / undisturbed 0.9200 0.0 0.0 Total 1.2144 1.2144 1.2144

5.11 Assessment of Infrastructure Demand (Physical & Social)

Temporary site office and stores will be provided in the mining area. Specified first-aid box with all necessary facilities will be maintained at the site office and the rest shelter as per Mines Act-1952. Medical facilities, Primary Health Centre exist in the nearby villages, imparting services, for advance medical facilities. Communication services like post office and telephones are available in the nearby villages.

5.12 Amenities/Facilities

Following facilities shall be provided for the smooth working of the mine:- Z Mine office Z First aid room Z Store facility Z Toilet facility Z Drinking water facilities: Potable water are provided Z Rest shelters: Rest shelter room is provided to take lunch and rest for the workers.

6.0 PROPOSED INFRASTRUCTURE

6.8 Industrial Area (Processing area)

There is no processing area proposed within the proposed area.

6.9 Residential area (Non processing area)

As the local persons will be given employment, no residential area/ housing are proposed.

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6.10 Green Belt

As per year wise afforestation programme, green belt plantation is proposed to be carried out in 7.5 m wide safety barrier zone left around the mining lease boundary. The main aim of the green belt development is to develop a screen to arrest dust and noise generated from the mine and also to form a visual barrier.

Plantation will also be carried out on the mined out top benches on the hill slopes to restore the area to its near original form. Appropriate plant species of different life forms will be grown to re-establish the vegetation cover and thereby provide habitat for the faunal species. The area may also be used for horticulture plantation.

6.11 Social infrastructure

Z The infrastructure like, drinking water facilities, Rest shelter, toilets, first aid stations etc. will be developed at mine site. Z Local people will be employed on priority basis as per their skills. Z As a part of Corporate Social Responsibility, it is proposed to spent Rs. 3.5 Lakh per annum for supply of Drinking water & Conducting social welfare activities in the nearby villages of the project site Z First aid facilities to the workers employed at site. Z Direct & indirect development of the society. Z Further, indirect employment sources will be generated in the form of contractual jobs, vehicle driving, shops, construction etc. Therefore this project will bring a positive impact on the nearby villages. Z Under occupational health surveillance program, following activities will be taken up: Pre & Periodical Medical Checkup program for all the workers. Compulsory medical checkup program and first-aid box with necessary medicines will be provided. Training for workers regarding occupational hazards. Safety equipment i.e. safety helmets, dusts mask, safety shoes, ear muffs, gloves etc.

6.12 Connectivity (traffic and transportation road/ Rail/ Metro/ Water ways etc.,)

5 The mining area is approachable by private road connecting Manissery - Velliyad road road. The same road will be maintained and utilized for transportation. 5 The Nearest major Railway station is Ottapalam which is about 5.0 km, NE side of the proposed area. 5 Nearest National Highways is NH 47 ( 21 km S). 5 Nearest State Highways SH 23 (Shornur – Thrissur Road) is about 7.5 km W of the proposed area.

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6.13 Drinking Water management (Source & Supply of water)

This Building stone quarry project does not require huge water for the project. Detail of water requirements in KLD as given below:

Dust Suppression 7 KLD Drinking & Domestic Purpose 1 KLD Green Belt 2 KLD Total 10 KLD

The required water will be met from accumulated rainwater in mine pits (when available) and from bore well/tube well present outside application area.

6.14 Sewerage System

Toilets will be provided for the mine employees. Domestic effluent from the toilets will be discharged in septic tank and soak pit system.

6.15 Industrial Waste Management

No industrial waste will be generated from the project.

6.16 Solid Waste Management

The top soil thickness varies from 1.00 m to 1.50 m; will be removed during the mining operations. About 9200 cu.m. soil / OB will be generated during mining. The topsoil excavated from the quarry will be stacked separately at predetermined place and subsequently will be utilized in spreading over reclaimed areas for plantation.

6.17 Power Requirement & Supply / source

The proposed Building stone quarrying does not require any power supply for the quarrying operation. It is proposed to operate in day time only. KSEB power supply is used only for office and street lighting.

7.0 REHABILITATION AND RESETTLEMENT (R & R PLAN)

7.8 Policy to be adopted (Central/State) in respect of the project affected persons including home oustees, land oustees and landless laborers (a brief outline to be given)

The proposed area is patta land, Mr. Tony Nirmal, (Chairman cum M.D., M/s Rockshell Granites and Sand Pvt. Ltd. ) The land is owned by lessee and, there is no habitation in the area proposed for mining. Hence, rehabilitation & resettlement plan is not required.

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8.0 PROJECT SCHEDULE & COST ESTIMATES -

8.1 Likely date of start of construction and likely date of completion (Time schedule for the project to be given)

The project operation will commence once Environmental Clearance and other necessary approvals such as Consent to establish, Consent to Operate, etc. will be obtained from the concerned authorities. No major construction is proposed except temporary site office and site facilities.

8.2 Estimated project cost along with analysis in terms of economic viability of the project

Fixed asset:- Land cost = Rs. 75,00,000/- Vehicle cost = Rs. 15,00,000/- Labor shed & rest shelter = Rs 1,50,000/- First aid room and accessories = Rs 50,000/- Drinking water & Sanitation facilities = Rs 1,00,000/-

Operational Cost:- Machineries to be used = Rs 50,00,000/- Fencing cost = Rs 2,00,000/- Total cost = Rs 1,45,00,000/-

Expenditure/ annum: Drinking water facility for the laborers = Rs 50,000/- Safety kits = Rs 50,000/- Total Expenditure = Rs 1,00,000/-

EMP Cost/ annum: Sl. Description of item Capital cost Recurring cost / annum No. (Rs. in Lakh) (Rs. in Lakh) 1 Air Pollution Control - Water sprinkling on 8.0 3.00 haul road & in plantation area (pumps, pipes, manpower, etc) 2 Water Pollution Control (Garland drains & 1.2 1.00 Settling tanks, check dam/gully plugs, etc) 3 Environmental Monitoring and -- 1.40 Management 4 Green belt Development & Plantation 0.35 1.25 5 Fertilizer, Manure, Manpower, etc. 0.50 0.25 6 Fencing 2.0 0.1 7 CSR Activities in nearby villages 3.0 3.5 Total 15.05 10.5

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9.0 ANALYSIS OF PROPOSAL (FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS)

9.1 Financial and social benefits with special emphasis on the benefit to the local people including tribal population, if any, in the area

Z Proposed stone quarry project will generate direct & indirect employment opportunities for local people depending upon the availability of skilled & un-skilled man-power surrounding the project site. Z At conceptual stage, 0.37 Ha pit bottom of the mined out area will be developed into a water body and remaining 0.5179 Ha mined out benches will be reclaimed with thick plantation, which will be helpful for improving the aesthetics of the area and also in improving the ground water recharge in the area. Z The project will generate revenue for the state through royalty on the stone and other taxes. Z The lessee will carry out various socio-economic welfare activities in the nearby villages. Z The proposed stone quarry project will cause positive impact on the socio-economic conditions of the nearby villages. There are no Resettlement and Rehabilitation issues involved in this project. The State Govt. will benefit from the revenue generated due to the project. The entire project area is devoid of any endangered flora and fauna. It is proposed to reclaim the 0.5179 Ha mined out benches and 0.3265 Ha greenbelt area and develop green cover for eco-restoration with native species. Z After completion of mining, the mined out area can be further used for horticulture and pisciculture activities.

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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)

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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR GRANITE BUILDING STONE QUARRY OF M/S ROCKSHELL GRANITES AND SAND PVT. LTD. . IN VANIYAKULAM - II VILLAGE, OTTAPALAM TALUK, PALAKKAD DISTRICT, KERALA STATE

1. INTRODUCTION ABOUT THE PROJECT/PROPONENT

The proposal is for Building Stone Quarry of M/s Rockshell Granites and Sand Pvt. Ltd. , in Survey No –189/1 over an extent of 1.2144 Hectare in Vaniyakulam- II Village, Ottapalam Taluk, Palakkad District, Kerala State.

The Project Proponent is a private limited company and engaged in building stone mining, crushing and supply. The main market for Building stone is in nearby towns and will be utilized in construction works of buildings and roads.

Preparation of environmental management plan (EMP) is required for formulation, implementation and monitoring of environmental protection measures during and after commissioning of projects. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) aims at the conservation of existing environmental scenario by considering in-built pollution abatement facilities at the proposed quarry site.

The EMP is required to be prepared while taking into consideration the various project activities and related environmental impacts covering entire project area and other areas outside the project site, which can be affected due to the pollution from project activities. It has to be ensured during planning stage itself that all the environmental standards will be complied while execution of the project activities. Mitigation measures at the source level and an overall management plan at the project area level are required so as to improve the environmental scenario of the area. The EMP aims at controlling pollution at the source level to the possible extent with the available and affordable technology followed by treatment before they are discharged.

2. DETAILS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF PROPOSED AREA Sl. No. Particulars Details 1 LOCATION:- A Village Vaniyakulam - II B Taluk Ottapalam C District Palakkad D State Kerala E Survey No. 189/1 F Extent 1.2144 Hectares G Topo sheet No. 58 B/1 H Latitude 10°45'25.0"N to 10°45'29.0"N I Longitude 76°20'35.0"E to 76°20'41.0"E

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Sl. No. Particulars Details J Water Requirement 10 KLD 2 Elevation Highest 100 m MSL to Lowest 95m MSL 3 Land use at the project area Patta land and land is owned by Lessee 4 Nearest habitation Chorottoor (0.25 KM E) 5 Seismic zone Seismic Zone-III as per seismic zonation map of , 2001. There is no past record of any seismic activity or any natural disaster recorded in this area.

Environmental Sensitivity Sl. Areas Name & Distance No Areas protected under international None within 10 km radius conventions, national or local legislation for 1 their ecological, landscape, cultural or other related value Areas which are important or sensitive for None within 10 km radius ecological reasons - Wetlands, watercourses 2 or other water bodies, coastal zone, biospheres, mountains, forests Areas used by protected, important or None within 10 km radius sensitive species of flora or fauna for 3 breeding, nesting, foraging, resting, over wintering, migration Inland, coastal, marine or underground Arabian Sea: 42 Km W 4 waters Bharathapuzha river: 0.7 km S 5 State, National boundaries Tamil Nadu state boundary: 38 km ENE Routes or facilities used by the public for SH 23 (Shornur – Thrissur Road): 7.5 km 6 access to recreation or other tourist, pilgrim W areas Palakkad – Shoranur Road: 2.1 Km, N 7 Defense installations None within 10 km radius area Nearest building is 210m E. Nearest village habitation is located at Chorattoor 8 Densely populated or built-up area (0.25 km E). Nearest major habitation (town) is Ottapalam (4 km NE) Valluvanad Hospital, Kanniyampuram, 2.5 km NE. Areas occupied by sensitive man-made land Chorottoor LP School, 3 km. uses 9 Chorottor Devi Temple, 1 km, (hospitals, schools, places of worship, Ottapalam Juma Masjid, 4 km, community facilities) St. Agnes Church, Shoranur, 7.2 km W

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The applied area consists of good Areas containing important, high quality or reserves of granite building stone. There scarce resources (ground water resources, are no scarce resources such as water 10 surface resources, forestry, agriculture, resource, forest, fishery or tourism spot fisheries, tourism, minerals) in the applied mining area or in the vicinity of the project site. Areas already subjected to pollution or There is no such area within 5km radius environmental damage. (those where of the project site. 11 existing legal environmental standards are exceeded) Areas susceptible to natural hazard which The applied area falls in Seismic Zone III, could cause the project to present which is moderate risk area. Systematic 12 environmental problems ( earthquak es, mining will be carried out in the applied subsidence, landslides, erosion, flooding or mining area. extreme or adverse climatic conditions )

2.1 Physiography /Topography Part of the proposed land is exposed rock & existing quarry pit and the remaining proposed land is covered with native trees, shrubs, herbs, grass, climbers, bushes etc. The Lease area is gently slope from SE to NW. The highest elevation in this area is 100 mRL and the lowest elevation is 95mRL. The drainage runs along the hill slope and joins to seasonal streams. No habitations are located in the lease area.

2.2 Geology of the area

Local Geology – The mining area forms part of Charnokite and at paces Charnokite Gneiss of Charnokite Group of Achaean Age. The rock observed in study area is hard, massive and dense in nature. The basic charnockite is more granulitic and contains clino- and ortho- pyroxenes, feldspar, biotite and garnet whereas the acid variety (alaskite/ enderbite) is greenish black, coarse- grained, massive to poorly foliated rock consisting of quartz, feldspar and pyroxenes. Basic charnockite has low- potash feldspar and more clinopyroxene.

3. MINING PROCESS:

3.1 Method of Mining

The said area is proposed to work with conventional open cast method with bench system and mode of operation will be mechanized. Based on the mode and method so adopted and taking geological parameters of the ore body into consideration, the quarry pit is designed in such a way that the height of the bench is kept about 5.00 m max., and the width at 5.00 m min., maintaining a slope of 60° from the horizontal as permitted under MMR 106(2)(a). The mining will be done with the help of machineries like rock drills, jack hammer, compressors,

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hydraulic excavators, breakers, etc. Necessary Notice to or permission from the Chief inspector of mines shall be obtained under MMR 106(2)9(b) to operate the mines with Heavy Machineries. The targeted annual production of granite building stone is 50,500 tonnes. The salient features are furnished as under. A. Site Preparation  To remove the soil cover and expose the rock.  Formation of garland drains along the periphery guiding the rain water to the rain water harvesting pit near the well by the side of mines office.  Remove the loose boulders with help of excavator and to prepare free face fordrilling.  To develop haul road from the proposed quarry using natural gradient of the hill for movement of tippers.  To give proper layout to the top bench.  Once the site is prepared; production will be commenced by drilling holes of 32 mm diameter and 1.5 M in depth using jack hammer and compressor.  The drill holes will be charged with explosive, and blasting will be done, size of the boulders so generated by blasting will be reduced by using rock breaker. B. The blasted material will be transported by road to the nearest crusher situated. C. Drilling and Blasting: Granite is compact sheet rock. The production will be obtained by drilling and blasting.

3.2 Working Depth

The mine site is a hilly terrain. The Quarrying operation is proposed upto depth of 65 m MSL.

3.3 Details of Machineries:

The following machineries are proposed to be utilized in the proposed quarry site for the development and production work. I. Mine machinery & Vehicles Sr. No Equipment /Machinery No. of units 1 Jackhammers drills /Compressor 2 2 Excavator / Rock breaker 2 3 Tippers 6 4 Lorry with Tanker 1 5 Jeep for transportation 1 b) Transport from the quarry head to destination Transport from quarry head to destination will be done by trucks.

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c). Miscellaneous: The operation of Building stone quarry requires the following loose tools material and have to be kept sufficiently in stock for non - interruption of the quarry work. 1. Consumables, such as diesel, Hydraulic oil, etc. 2. Explosives and detonators as per the licensed quantity

The above machineries are adequate to meet out the simultaneous development and production of Building stones.

3.4 Manpower Requirement: It is proposed to deploy about 20 employees directly and about 15-20 persons will be indirectly benefited. It will be ensured that the labors will not be deployed less than 18 years. No Child labours will be engaged or entertained for any kind of quarrying operations. All the labours engaged for quarrying operations will be insured till the end of life of quarry.

4. POWER, WATER SUPPLY AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Water Supply This Building stone quarry project does not require huge water for the project. Detail of water requirements in 20 KLD as given in Table 1 :

Table 1: Daily Water Requirement Dust Suppression 7 KLD Drinking & Domestic Purpose 1 KLD Green Belt 2 KLD Total 10 KLD

The required water will be met from accumulated rainwater in mine pits (when available) and from bore well/tube well present outside application area.

4.2 Energy

All the activities will be carried out semi mechanized i.e., loading of the trucks / trolley / Dumpers will be done with excavator, thus there will be no power requirement for the project as all the equipments will be operated on diesel / compressed air. Electricity required for mine office and lights will be obtained from KSEB.

Diesel (HSD) will be used for quarrying machineries around 30 LPH of HSD. Diesel will be brought from nearby diesel pumps.

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4.3 Infrastructure

The site services like rest room shelter, first aid box, drinking water & facilities of a portable toilet and portable disposal system of sewage will be provided for the workers at the mine site.

5. BASELINE ENVIRONMENT The baseline environment quality to represent the background/existing environmental scenario of various environmental components such as air, noise, land, ecological and socio- economic status of the study area. Environmental monitoring studies were carried out by M/s Poluchem Laboratories (P). Ltd., Ernakulam, having its NABL/KSPCB accredited laboratory, to evaluate the base line status of the project site in compliance with state SEIAA guidelines.

5.1 Air Environment The prime objective of the baseline air monitoring was to evaluate the proposed air quality of the area. This will also be useful for assessing the conformity to standards of the ambient air quality during the operation of the proposed mine.

Field monitoring studies for 24 hourly frequencies was carried out to evaluate the base line status of the project site in compliance with state SEIAA guidelines.

Testing Method followed for Ambient Air Quality Particular Testing Method to be Followed A PM 10 IS-5182 part – 23, 2006 B PM 2.5 WI /AMB 2.5/01 C Sulfur dioxide IS 5182 Part – 2, 2001 D Nitrogen dioxide IS 5182 Part 6, 2006

Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Results:

Location PM 10 , µg/m 3 PM 2.5 , µg/m 3 SO 2, µg/m 3 NOx, µg/m 3 Near North side boundary 48.7 27.1 11.7 7.1 of project site Near South side boundary 53.8 34.7 9.6 8.1 of project site Near West side boundary of 48.5 29.4 11.3 7.5 project site Near East side boundary of 58.6 32.7 10.6 8.2 project site NAAQS Standards 100 60 80 80

Results & Conclusions: The results obtained are given in Annexure – X. It is observed that the ambient air monitoring results obtained are well within the prescribed standards

(NAAQS) with respect to PM 10 , PM 2.5 , NOx and SO 2.

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5.2 Water Environment

The purpose of this study is to:- Z Assess the existing ground water quality characteristics for critical parameters; Z Predict the likely impacts on water quality due to the project and related activities.

Two ground water samples i.e. one from open well and one from bore well from near the quarry and one surface water sample were collected.

The samples were collected by grab sampling technique. The samples were analyzed as per IS:3025 procedures for testing water and the procedures specified in ‘Standard Methods for the Examination of Water & Wastewater’ published by America n Public Health Association (APHA).

Results & Conclusions: - The results obtained for the collected samples are given in Annexure XI. It is seen from the above results that the water quality with respect to ground water were found to be well within the prescribed drinking water standards (IS 10500:2012) however, the water needs disinfection before using for drinking purpose.

5.3 Noise Environment

The main objective of noise monitoring in the study area is to establish the baseline noise levels and assess the impact of the total noise expected to be generated during the project operations in the project site.

Integrated sound level meter was used for the collection of data related to noise at an hourly interval. Noise level data were collected from four side boundaries of the proposed stone quarry on hourly basis. Noise level for 24 hours (day & night) was recorded for one day.

Results and conclusion:- The monitored noise levels at four locations is given below:-

Location Monitored Noise Level dB (A) Leq (Day Time) Leq (Night Time) Near West side boundary of project site 52.5 33.5 Near East side boundary of project site 52.6 33.4 NearNorth side boundary of project site 53.6 33.3 Near South side boundary of project site 53.6 33.9

It is seen from the obtained results that the Noise levels are well within the prescribed CPCB standards is enclosed as Annexure XII.

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5.4 Soil Quality

The purpose of this study is to:- Z Assess the existing soil quality characteristics for critical parameters; Z Assess the nutritional value of the soil and creation of baseline quality for assessing impacts due to quarrying activities, if any.

Four soil samples were collected from near the four side boundaries of the proposed quarry site. The samples were analysed in the laboratory for different physical, chemical and mineralogical characteristics. Detailed results are given in Annexure XIII.

5.5 Biological Environment

Biological environment comprise of flora and fauna observed in a particular area under study. The proposed stone quarry comprise of 1.2144 Ha area in Vaniyamkulam-II village in Ottapalam Taluk, Palakkad District, Kerala. The area comprise of existing stone quarry pit and thus, most of the area is devoid of vegetation. Due to stone quarrying activities, no presence of any wildlife has been observed except some small animals like squirrels, lizard, House crow, etc.

Proposed ML area is located on hillock with elevation range of 95 m to 100 m above MSL. The applied area falls in non-forest private land. Most of the area is devoid of vegetation and plantation is observed only in the south western part of the lease area.

Study area is mostly under plantation of rubber, Coconut and Arecanut cultivation. The study area is mainly covered with the plantation of species like rubber, Coconut and Arecanut. The flora within the study area is tropical. The heavy rainfall combined with moderate temperature and fertile soil support vegetation. The vegetation observed within the study area mainly comprised of Tropical Moist Deciduous & Tropical Semi Evergreen type. The slopes of the hilly terrain and plains are under rubber cultivation, Coconut and Arecanut. Groundwater supports the horticulture in the area.

The list of Flora species observed in the study area of the project are listed below:

TREE SPECIES OBSERVED IN THE STUDY AREA (BUFFER ZONE) Sr. No. Common Name Scientific Name Family 1. --- Aglaia edulis Malvaceae 2. --- Alstonia macrophylla Apocynaceae 3. Aathi Bauhinia racemosa Fabaceae 4. Akasaveppu Milingtonia hortensis Bignoniaceae 5. Ampana Borassus flabellifer Aracaceae/palmae 6. Arecanut Areca catechu Arecaceae

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Sr. No. Common Name Scientific Name Family 7. Ariyaveppu Azadirachta indica Meliaceae 8. Bakulam Mimusops elengi Sapotaceae 9. Cashewnut tree Anacardium occidentale Anacardiaceae 10. Chakkimaram Acronychia pedunculata Rutaceae 11. Coconut Coccus nucifera Arecaceae 12. Jack Fruit Artocarpus heterophyllus Moraceae 13. Kanikonna Cassia fistula Fabaceae 14. Kappa/Elephants palm Caryota urens Arecaceae 15. Mango Mangifera indica Anacardiaceae 16. Pala Alstonia scolaris Apocyanaceae 17. Pinna Calophyllum inophyllum Clusiaceae 18. Podini Macaranga peltata Euphorbiaceae 19. Pongiliam Ailanthus excelsa Simaroubaceae 20. Puvam Schleichera oleosa Sapindaceae 21. Royal palm Roystonea regia Arecaceae 22. Rubber Hevea Brasiliensis Euphorbiaceae 23. Tamarind tree Tamarindus indica Fabaceae 24. Thekku Tectona grandis Verbenaceae 25. Vaka Albizia lebbeck Fabaceae

Fauna observed in the study area:

Scientific Name Common Name WPA 1972 IUCN status (Schedule) Mammals Lepus nigricollis Black napped Hare IV Least Concern Paradoxurus hermaphroditus Asian Palm civet II Least Concern Bandicota bengalensis Field Rat V Least Concern Funambulus palmarum India palm squirrel IV Least Concern Birds Corvus splendens House crow V Least Concern Dicrurus macrocercus Black drongo IV Least Concern Psittacula krameri Rose ring parakeet IV Least Concern Pycnonotus cafer Red vented bulbul IV Lease Concern Terpsiphone paradisi Asian paradise IV Lease Concern flycatcher Acridotheres tristis Common myna IV Least Concern Ardeola grayii Pond heron IV Least Concern Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret IV Least Concern Buteo buteo Common buzzard IV Least Concern Centropus sinensis Crow Pheasant IV Least Concern

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Scientific Name Common Name WPA 1972 IUCN status (Schedule) Reptiles Mabuya carinata Common skink --- Not evaluated Naja naja Indian Cobra II Least Concern Ptyas mucosus Dhaman II Not evaluated Calotes versicolor Common garden lizard --- Not evaluated

Observation: There is no schedule I fauna species observed within study area as per Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

5.6 Socio-Economic Environment

Project site is located in Vaniyamkulam- II village in Ottapalam Taluk of Palakkad district in Kerala state. The latest available data as per 2011 Census and village directory, has been considered to delineate a baseline of the existing socio-economic profile in the Vaniyamkulam-II village. The data base thus observed in this study includes:

Socio-economic details of Vaniyamkulam - II village Particulars Details Total households 3896 Total population 16085 Total Male population 7750 Total female population 8335 Total population of <6 years age 1379 Male population <6 years age 740 Female population <6 years age 639 Total Scheduled Caste Population 2760 Total Scheduled Tribe population 6 Total Literate Population 13914 Total Male Literate Population 6764 Total Female Literate Population 7150 Total workers population 5925 Total male workers population 4285 Total female workers population 1640 Total main workers population 5092 Main cultivators 130 Main Agriculture labors 683 Main household workers 140 Main other workers 4139 Total Marginal workers population 833 Total non workers population 10160 Source: Census 2011, Vaniyamkulam-II village, Ottapalam taluk, Palakkad District, Kerala

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6. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP):

Following environmental protection measures are proposed for the mining project to mitigate the impact during the mining operation.

Potential Impact Mitigation Measures LAND ENVIRONMENT Land Use Change In order to minimize the adverse effects, the following control measures will be implemented: Z Garland drains and check dam will be constructed around the mine lease boundary to prevent soil erosion due to surface runoff during rainfall and also to collect the storm water for various use within the mine lease area. Z Construction of retention walls around toe of lower boundary of the mining area to arrest boulder roll down and silt wash off. Z Green belt development along the boundary within safety zone and reclaimed mined out area. Z Part of the mined out pit will be used as rainwater harvesting reservoir. Z Thick plantation will be carried out on top benches of mined out pits, on safety barrier, etc. Z At conceptual stage, the land use of mining area will change into area covered with plantation and water reservoir.

SOIL ENVIRONMENT Soil erosion The top soil thickness varies from 1.00 m to 1.50 m; will be removed during the mining operations. The topsoil excavated from the quarry will be dumped separately at predetermined place and subsequently will be utilized in spreading over reclaimed areas for plantation. Waste rock, if any, will be utilized for laying internal haul road and will form base in reclamation/plantation. WATER ENVIRONMENT Domestic waste Proposed control measures for controlling water pollution:- water discharge, Z Construction of garland drains to divert surface run-off from virgin siltation due to area away from mining area. storm water run- Z Construction of check dams / gully plugs at strategic places to arrest off silt wash off from broken up area. Z Collection of surface run -off from broken up area in mine pits for settling and only properly settled excess water from mine pit will be discharged to nearby users. The storm water/ mine water will be used for dust suppression, greenbelt development, etc. Z Periodic analysis of mine pit water and ground water quality in

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nearby villages. Z Domestic sewage from site office & urinals/latrines provided in ML will be discharged in septic tank followed by soak pits. AIR ENVIRONMENT Increase in dust Proposed air pollution control measures in the mine: level and gases Z Practice of wet drilling / provision of dust arrestors in drills to concentration in control dust generation during drilling. ambient air. Z Proper blast design and avoiding overc harging of blast holes. Z Controlled blasting techniques will be adopted. Z Laying of haul road as per the standards Z Periodic water sprinkling on haul road. Z Provision of dust mask to workers working at highly dust prone areas. Z Provision of green belt all along the periphery of the lease area. Z Prohibiting overloading and over -speeding of stone transportation vehicles. Z Transport of stone in trucks covered with tarpaulin from crusher to buyers location. Z Periodic maintenance of mine machinery and transportation vehicles. Z Periodical monitoring of ambient air quality in and around the lease area. NOISE ENVIRONMENT Increase in Proposed measures to control noise and ground vibrations- ambient noise Z Development of thick green belt around mining area levels may cause Z Periodic maintenance of machinery, equipments. temporary or Z Provision of earplugs to workers exposed to high noise areas. permanent Z Conducting periodical medical checkup of all workers for any noise damage to related health problems. hearing of Z Proper training to personnel to create awareness about adverse workers, noise level effects. annoyance, and Z Periodic noise monitoring at suitable locations in the mining area irritation to the and nearby habitations to assess efficacy of adopted control residents in the measures. nearby villages. Z Practice of controlled blasting Z Restricting number of holes per blast to minimum. BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT  Cutting of Z Development of gap filling plantation in the safety barrier left existing trees around the mine lease area. during mining Z Removal of existing vegetation, only when the area is immediately operation required for mining.  Dust deposition Z Carrying out thick plantation with local flora species on the inactive

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on vegetation mined out upper benches. around Z Development of dense poly-culture plantation using local flora periphery of ML species in the mining area at conceptual stage. area may retard Z Adoption of suitable air pollution control measures as suggested the above. photosynthetic Z Covered transportation of stone outside the mining area. activities of Z Construction of garland drains and settling tank to arrest silt wash plants off from ML area.  Silt deposition Z Construction of retention walls around lower boundary of mining in surface water area to arrest silt wash off and roll down boulders. bodies SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT Employment Proposed Socio-economic welfare measures: Generation Z Preference will be given to local people for employment in the mine based upon their eligibility. Z Secondary employment opportunity for local people in mineral transport, service sectors, garages, shops/canteen, etc Z Medical facilities to the workers employed at site. Z Development of drinking water facilities, public utilities, financial assistance to needy students, etc. Z As a part of Corporate Social Responsibility, amount Rs. 3.50 lakh will be spent/ annum.

7. SAFETY IN BLASTING

Care will be taken to evacuate the mine area completely at the time of blasting operations. The blasting team will be equipped with all safety equipment for safe blasting.

• The blasting will be taken up at fixed timing only with sufficient warning to the public. Sentries will be posted at strategic points to regulate and restrict the public during blasting hours. • Overloading of dumpers and consequent spillage on the roads will be avoided. • The vehicles and machinery will be well-maintained as per KPCB standards, so that emissions of harmful gases are minimized • Avenue plantation all along the haulage roads and peripheral plantation all around the mine will be taken up for control of dust. • Plantation of wide leaf trees, tall grass along approach roads, and on safety barrier zones will help suppress dust. • Operator cabins in all items of major HEMM equipment will be enclosed, to minimize dust exposure of the operators. • All the mine workers will be provided with dust masks and other statutory protective devices.

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8. DESIGN OF GREEN BELT

8.1 Green Belt Development

During the mining operation, gap filling plantation will be carried out in the safety zone. Total 800 trees of different native species will be planted in 0.3265 Ha. Apart from this plantation will also be carried out on top benches of mined out area.

8.2 Eco-restoration/ Bio-Reclamation

About 9200 cu.m. soil will be generated during mining. Topsoil generated during mining will be separately scrapped and stored at designated place, and will be utilized for plantation over the top benches of the mined out area.

8.3 Ecological Management plan

About 800 sapling will be planted in 0.3265 Ha. Apart from this, plantation will also be carried out on top benches of the mined out area. About 0.5179 Ha of the mined out area will be reclaimed with plantation and remaining 0.37 Ha void will be used as water body for the local population. It is proposed that the water reservoir developed in mine pit can also be used for fisheries development in consultation with fisheries department which will serves as additional income generation source after the completion of mining.

For preparation of the mined out benches suitable for plantation, 0.3 to 0.5 m thick soil layer will be spread on the mined out benches. On this layer, a slurry of fertilizer, fertile top soil, cow dung manure and water will be spread. A layer 2 to 5 mm thick will be sprayed. This is highly effective in stony and nutrient poor soils.

This soil layer will be stabilized by plantation of grasses & leguminous plants for the initial six months period. Later on horticulture plantation like rubber, coconut, arecanut, cashewnut, etc. can be planted on this area.

Suggested list of Tree species to be planted in greenbelt area: Sr. No. Scientific Name Common name 1. Alstonia macrophylla Pala 2. Artocarpus heterophyllus Jack Fruit 3. Azadirachta indica Nimbam 4. Caesalpinia pulcherrima Rajamalli 5. Cassia fistula Konna (Golden Shower) 6. Hevea Brasiliensis Rubber 7. Mangifera indica Mango 8. Mimusops elengi Bakulam (Bakul tree)

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Sr. No. Scientific Name Common name 9. Moringa pterygosperma Drumstick tree 10. Peltophorum pterocarpum Charakonna 11. Psidium guajava Koyya/pela 12. Syzygium cumini Perinnaral 13. Tectona grandis Teak 14. Hevea Brasiliensis Rubber 15. Mangifera indica Mango 16. Mimusops elengi Bakulam (Bakul tree) 17. Moringa pterygosperma Drumstick tree 18. Peltophorum pterocarpum Charakonna 19. Psidium guajava Koyya/pela 20. Syzygium cumini Perinnaral 21. Tectona grandis Teak 22. Ailanthus excelsa Pongilium

8.4 Fencing Wire mesh fencing will be provided all around the mine lease boundary except for the entrance road to avoid inadvertent entry of the unsuspecting persons/animals in the mine lease area and falling in the mine pits. The fencing will also protect the plantation from damage from foraging animals and from local people cutting trees for firewood.

8.5 Costs towards Implementation of Green Belt Development & Eco-restoration It is proposed to invest an amount of Rs. 3.75 Lakh towards development of green belt & Eco- restoration for the environmental protection purposes, the details of the same are given in Table 8 .

Table 8: Proposed Budget for Development of Greenbelt & Eco-restoration S. No. Particulars Area (in Ha.) Capital Cost (Rs. in Lakhs) 1. Plantation in Safety zone/Green belt 0.3265 1.25 (800 Plants) 2. Plantation in the reclaimed area -- - 3. Fertilizer, Manure, Manpower, etc. ---- 0.50 4 Fencing 2.00 Total = 3.75

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9. MINE CLOSURE PLAN

Various works that are to be taken up under the mine closure plan includes:-

(i) Re-vegetation It is planned to restore most of the mined out area by thick plantation. The plantation in the mine lease area also includes gap filling plantation on the safety barrier zone left around the mine lease area. Gap filling plantation will be carried out in the safety barrier zone left around the mine lease area from the beginning of the mining operations. Additional plantation will be carried out in the inactive mining area. Grass and bushes will be planted in areas prone to erosion especially at the foot of the hill. Other areas will be spread with organic manures and planted with local species. The characteristics of this vegetation will resemble that of the natural environment except for the early growth, which may be a protective cover crop of non-seeding annuals. Before re-vegetation, the land will be properly prepared by spreading the top soil, which is rich in organic contents along with mulches and organic manure. Vegetation will be self-sufficient after planting and require no fertilizers or maintenance. a. Support & Transport Infrastructures The mining site and access road will be kept in a sufficient good condition to allow access for monitoring till such time any other authorities wish to maintain and legally accept responsibility for the access roads. b. Surface Equipment and Heavy Machinery Open cast mechanized method will be adopted and after completion of the mining, the equipment’s will be taken out of the premises for their gainful utilization elsewhere. c. Hazardous substances The hazardous materials and explosives will be totally evacuated from the mine site and the site will cleared of any such materials and substances. d. Water Resource Management Surface run-off from the mining area will be collected and stored in the mine pits and the water will be used for various purposes within the lease area. The mining activities will result in alteration of the surface runoff pattern in the lease area only and there will be no impact on the drainage pattern outside the mine lease area. The quality of the discharge run-off water will be maintained in compliance with the applicable state/national standards. e. Monitoring The monitoring of the mine closure plan is an essential requirement for review of the efficacy of the mine closure and to take corrective actions. The monitoring consists of measuring the air quality, water quality, preservation of landscape, aesthetic and other land use values.

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10. RISK ASSESSMENT

10.1 Fall of Sides Z No disaster like land slide, flood, inundation or fire is anticipated in this case. Z Unmanageable heights will not be created. Z Loose rocks will be properly dressed. Z Nature and structure of the rocks will be properly studied for their slips. Z The working faces will slope at <80°. Z The hanging wall, footwall and mineralized zone are competent to stand safely for long time.

10.2 Storage and Use of Explosives Z Proper and safe storage of daily requirement of explosives in approved and Licensed explosive Magazine. Z Proper, safe and careful handling and use of explosives by competent blasters having Blaster’s Certificate of competency issued by DGMS. Z Proper security system to prevent theft/ pilferage, unauthorized entry into explosive storage/use area and checking authorized persons to prevent carrying of match box, lights, mobile phones, cigarette or Beedi etc. in the restricted area Z The explosives of class 2 will be used in their original cartridge packing and such cartridge shall not be cut to remove explosive for making cartridge of different size. Z Detonators will be conveyed in special containers. These will not be carried with other explosives. Z The holes which have been charged with explosives will not be left unattended till blasting is completed. Z Before starting charging, clear audible warning signals by Sirens will be given so that people nearby can take shelter. Z Blasting operations will be carried out in day times only.

10.3 Storage of Oil and Fuel Z No major storage of oil & fuel is envisaged. Z Due care will be taken to avoid oil spillage. Z Storage will not be allowed beyond necessity. Z Fuel oil and lubricants will be stored only in approved containers in separate store rooms. Match box, lighters, mobile phone, dry wood, plastic paper sheets and smoking will not be allowed near the storage area.

10.4 Water inrush Z Due care will be taken to provide garland drains all around the foot of the hill to collect run off and also to avoid soil erosion. Z The applied mining area is located on a hillock and there is no danger of flood or inundation as the proposed working is above the normal ground level. There is no major river flowing adjacent to the project.

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10.5 Falling/ Slipping in pits Z The mine pits will be properly fenced to avoid inadvertent entry of unsuspecting person/animals into the mining area Z Warning signals will be posted on the approach road to the mine Z Proper housekeeping will be maintained in the mine to avoid falling / slipping of persons.

11. DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN

In order to handle disaster/ emergency situations, an organizational chart entrusting responsibility to various project personnel will be prepared with their specific roles during emergency. The possible composition of the management team shall be of Mines Manager and Mine Mate.

11.1 Infrastructure Following infrastructure and operational system will be provided to meet any emergencies.

Emergency Control Room This will be situated in an area away from the places of fire and will be provided with the following facilities:-  Master plan of the mines.  First aid boxes.  Telephone line with STD facility.  Loud hailers.  Emergency lighting system.  Stretchers.  Transport facility.  Mine Office will function as control base Assembly Points Assembly points are to be set up farthest from the location of likely hazardous events, where pre-designated persons from the works, contractors and visitors would assemble in case of emergency. Up-to-date list of pre-designated employees of various departments must be available at these points so that roll call could be taken. Pre-designated persons would take charge of these points and mark presence as the people come into it.

Communication System Considering the small area of the mine, communication will be carried out over walky-talky or mobile phones. Warning alarms/sirens will also be provided to announce emergency situations.

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Warning System and Control The Control Centers will be located at an area of minimum risk or vulnerability in the premises concerned, taking into account the wind direction, areas which might be affected by fire/explosion, toxic releases, etc. For promptness and efficiency, the premises/storage sites may be divided into number of zones, which should be clearly marked on the site plan.

Emergency Services This includes the fire-fighting system, first aid center, hospital etc. Alternate sources of power supply for operating fire pumps, communication with local bodies, fire brigade etc., will also be clearly identified. Adequate number of external and internal telephone connections will be provided.

Fire Protection System The fire protection system for the proposed mine will consist of Portable hand appliances of suitable types/ capacities for extinguishing small fires in selected areas of the mine/storage areas. Suitable fire extinguishers will also be provided in the cabins of the mine machinery operating in the mine.

12. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

The main areas of concern for ensuring adequate occupational health and safety are:-

Z All working places will have safe means of access, safe working platform and exit. Persons working in hazardous dust prone area will be provided with dust mask. Z Personal protective equipments like dust masks, ear plug/ear muff, helmet, safety shoes, safety goggles etc. will be provided to the workers. Z Proper unit design and engineering controls in order to protect workers, including by control of process and fugitive emissions. Z Adequate arrangement of treated drinking water, rest shelters, etc will be done. Z Education & training will be provided to the workforce about facilities, protective equipment, risk associated, potential health effects, etc. Z Display board will be provided showing the hazards associated and recommended precautionary measures.

12.1 Medical Surveillance

Following are the proposed Medical Surveillance will be conducted for all employees:-

Z Pre-employment medical check-up. * Pulmonary Function Test * Complete Physical Examination * Blood Test * Urine Test

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* Chest X ray Z Once in a year, medical check-up of each employee. Z Form 27A Fitness Certificate will be obtained every year from certified surgeon. Z Form 17 Health Register of each employee will be obtained every year from certified surgeon. Z Individual medical record will be maintained.

12.2 Occupational Health

The problem of occupational health, in the operation and maintenance phase is primarily due to dust and noise which could affect the workers from respiratory and hearing problems. The necessary personal protective equipments will be given to all the workers.

First aid facilities will be kept readily available during the mine working period and a vehicle will be kept ready to mobilize emergency cases to nearby hospital. All working personnel will be medically examined at least once in every year and at the end of his term of employment. This is in addition to the pre-employment medical examination.

12.3 Safety Plan

Safety of both men and materials during operation phases is of concern. Safety plan will be prepared and implemented in the proposed site. The preparedness of an industry for the occurrence of possible disasters is known as emergency plan. The disaster is possible due to collapse of rock structures and fire/explosion etc.

Keeping in view the safety requirement during construction, operation and maintenance phases a safety policy will be formulated

12.4 Safety Training

Safety training will be provided to all the mine employees at the nearby Authorised Vocational Training Center. In addition to regular employees, limited contractor labors will also be provided safety training. To create safety awareness, leaflets will be distributed.

12.5 Health & Safety Monitoring Plan

The health of all employees will be monitored once in a year for early detection of any ailment due to exposure of dust, heat and noise.

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13. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME

The proposed environmental monitoring programme in project operation stage is given in Table 9 . Besides to this monitoring, the compliances to all environmental clearance conditions and consents from KSPCB/ MoEF will be monitored and reported periodically.

TABLE 9: PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME Sl. Environment Action to be Parameters Frequency Location No. Aspect Followed for Monitoring of Monitoring

1 Air Ambient air quality PM 10 , PM 2.5 , Once in 3 One location

Emissions monitoring SO 2, NO x. months within mining area & one location at Chorattoor village Exhaust from mining Vehicle logs to Quarterly All mine machinery be maintained machinery Prohibition of Vehicle logs Daily Main gate overloading and records adoption of covered transportation of stone 2 Noise Noise generated Spot Noise Once in a One location from various mining Level quarter within mining operation like recording; (Noise level area & one

drilling/ blasting/ Leq (day), in dB (A) for location at

vehicular movement Leq (night) day and Chorattoor to be optimized and night time. village. monitored. Generation of Maintain Periodic Mine working vehicular noise records of during area vehicles operation phase 3 Run-off No untreated Quality of run- Periodic Garland drains, Discharge discharge to be made off water from during settling ponds to surface water, settling operation groundwater or soil. tank/pond phase 4 Drainage and Ensure drainage Visual Periodic Surface run-off effluent system and specific inspection of during from ML area Management design measures are drainage and operation during rains working effectively. records thereof phase

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Sl. Environment Action to be Parameters Frequency Location No. Aspect Followed for Monitoring of Monitoring Design to incorporate proposed drainage pattern and avoid disturbing the same. 5 Water Monitoring of used Comprehensive Once in a One location Quality and water quality & monitoring as quarter within mining Water Levels groundwater quality per IS 10500 area & one and levels Depth of location at ground water Chorattoor table village 6 Emergency Fire protection and Mock drill Periodic Explosive preparedness, safety measures to records, on site during magazine, such as fire take care of fire and emergency operation mine fighting explosion hazards, to plan, phase machinery be assessed and evacuation plan steps taken for their prevention. 7 Maintenance Vegetation, greenbelt No. of plants, Periodic Plantation area of flora and development species, during in mine. fauna survival rate operation phase

8 Waste Implement waste Records of Periodic Mine lease Management management plan solid waste during area and the procedures generation, operation for collection, treatment and phase handling & disposal disposal of each waste generated in the mine. 9 Soil quality Conservation of top Soil fertility, Periodical Plantation soil excavated soil monitoring area, top soil contamination dump 10 Health & Employees and All relevant Regular Mine workings Safety contractual labour parameters check ups health check ups including HIV

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Environmental Management Cell

An Environmental Management Cell (EMC) will be established under the control of mines manager. A qualified person will be appointed for looking after the environmental monitoring and compliance with the conditions stipulated in the Environmental clearance for the proposed mine. The environmental monitoring will be carried out by external agency approved by MoEF/KSPCB and NABL for conducting the monitoring. The hierarchy of EMC is shown below:

Mines Manager

Environmental External Laboratory Scientist / Chemist Approved by MoEF/KSPCB

Assistant (1) Gardener (1) Water Sprinkler Operator (1)

The responsibilities of EMC will be as follows:

1. Implementation of pollution control measures as suggested in Environmental Management Plan 2. Conducting environmental monitoring as per EMP through external laboratories approved by MoEF/KSPCB and NABL 3. Ensuring compliance with the conditions stipulated in Environmental Clearance for the project. 4. Ensuring compliance with the conditions stipulated in 'Consent to Operate' for the project. 5. Timely submission of compliance status to MoEF/KSPCB 6. Seeking experts guidance, as and when required. 7. Conducting CSR activities in nearby villages. 8. Implementation of training programme for Health and safety of workers

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14. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

INTRODUCTION A CSR proposal is prepared in consultation with the project proponent in materializing their Social Responsibility with the special reference to the educational & Health institution near to the site . As per the guidelines of Company’s Act (Amendment) 2013 , the study was mainly focused on the following areas. a. Education b. Health c. Public infrastructure / facilities

The study area was mainly focused in Vaniyamkulam Panchayath. Generally the purpose of the need based analysis is for the promotion of the living standards of the poor and children related to the area where the mining activities are going to be performed

Identified Corporate Social Responsibility The Project Consultant and Project Management team conducted need assessment study in Vaniyamkulam Grama Panchayat , ward 8 and identified Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for the project proponent. The identified CSR activities are given below.

V. V. L. P SCHOOL CHOROTTUR, VANIYAMKULAM Sl Recurring Pa rticular Capital Cost No Cost 1. Contribution to the school development & 50,000.00 -- maintenance fund (Toilets , Building repair etc) 2. Assistance for free books, bags & -- 25,000.00 stationary every year 3. Contribution for sports kit every year -- 25,000.00 Total 50,000.00 50,000.00

ANGHANVAGI 32, IN WARD 8 OF VANIYAMKULAM PANCHAYATH

Recurring Sl No Particular Capital Cost Cost 1. Contribution to the building 50,000.00 -- development & maintenance fund (Toilets , Building repair etc) 2. Assistance for providing free food every -- 50,000.00 year Total 50,000.00 50,000.00

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Other Local Social Activity program in the Vanniyamkulam Panchayath, Ward 8 Recurring Sl No Particular Capital Cost Cost 1. Towards the site approach road 1,50,000.00 -- 2. Maintenance of site approach road -- 1,00,000.00 every year 3. Purchase of Tanker for water 50,000.00 -- supply 4. Supply of Water in the Summer -- 1,00,000.00 season 5. Conducting Free medical camp -- 50,000.00 every year Total 2,00,000.00 2,50,000.00

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CSR BUDGET Sl Areas of Intervention Capital Cost Recurring Cost No 1 Education 1,00,000.00 1,00,000.00 2 Health -- 50,000.00 3 Public infrastructure & facilitation 2,00,000.00 2,00,000.00 Subtotal 3,00,000.00 3,50,000.00 Grand Total (A+B) 6,50,000.00

15. BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR EMP IMPLEMENTATION

A budget has been earmarked for implementation of the environmental management plan in the proposed building stone quarry. The amount earmarked may be increased in future as per the actual requirement at the site. The proposed budget for environmental management plan is given in Table 10 below:

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TABLE10: PROPOSED BUDGET FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Sl. Description of item Capital cost Recurring cost / No. (Rs. in Lakh) annum (Rs. in Lakh) 1 Air Pollution Control - Water sprinkling on 8.0 3.00 haul road & in plantation area (pumps, pipes, manpower, etc) 2 Water Pollution Control (Garland drains & 1.2 1.00 Settling tanks, check dam/gully plugs, etc) 3 Environmental Monitoring and Management -- 1.40 4 Green belt Development & Plantation 0.35 1.25 5 Fertilizer, Manure, Manpower, etc. 0.50 0.25 6 Fencing 2.0 0.1 7 CSR Activities in nearby villages 3.0 3.5 Total 15.05 10.5

16. SUMMARY & CONCLUSION

Z The Granite Building Stone mine will have overall positive impact in the surrounding areas as there will be increased opportunity of direct and indirect employment for the local people. Z The State Govt will benefit from the revenue in the form of Royalty and taxes from the mine. Z At conceptual stage, most of the mine lease area will be covered with thick plantation and a surface water reservoir will be developed in part of the mined out void in lower benches of the mine lease area. Z The water body developed in the mine lease area can be used for pisci-culture. Z The project implementation will help in development of infrastructures facilities of the area. Z There are no Resettlement and Rehabilitation issues involved in this project.

From the above mentioned points, it can be seen that the proposed project will benefit the area without causing any significant impact on the environment.

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