APPLICATION for Prior Environment Clearance

APPLICATION FOR Prior Environment Clearance

FORM- 1M & PRE-FEASIBILITY REPORT

Granite Building Stone Quarry of M/S POPULAR GRANITES (Category- B2) EXTENT 1.5786 Hectares (3.8991 acres) TALUK KANJIRAPALLY

SURVEY NO. 67/1-22 part and 67/1-42 part DISTRICT KOTTAYAM

VILLAGE ERUMELY SOUTH STATE KERALA

PROPOSED PRODUCTION ( TPA) 55000 TONS PER ANNUM

PROPONENT Shri. PRASANTH K.N, Managing Partner M/S POPULAR METALS Erumely South Village, Kanjirapally Taluk, Kottayam District, Kerala - 686509 Mob: +91 974421060

PREPARED BY M.NAVINKUMAR B.E., F.C.C (Mining) ,RQP REG No. : RQP/BNG/312/2013/A Valid Up to: 08/07/2023 Address : #736 , Eswara Temple Street, Oorgaumpet, Kolar Gold Fields, Kolar District, Karnataka – 563121 Mobile : 9449120357/ 9880170562 Email : [email protected] M/s Popular Metals , Erumely South Village , Kanjirappally Tq, Kottayam Dist. , Kerala-686509 INDEX SI .NO. Description Page No. I INDEX 1-4 I-A LIST OF ANNEXURES 3 I-B LIST OF PLATES 3 I-C LOCATION PLAN 4 II FORM- 1M 5-8 III PRE- FEASIBILITY REPORT WITH BASELINE DATA STUDY 9-35 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: 9-12 1.1 Details 9 1.2 Topography 9 1.3 Mining 10 1.4 Environmental Setup 12 1.5 Impact and Mitigative Measures 12 1.6 Social Impact and development of Social Infrastructure: 12 1.7 Conclusion 12 INTRODUCTION OF THE PROJECT/ BACKGROUND 2.0 13-14 INFORMATION 2.1 Identification of project and project proponent. 13 2.2 Brief description of nature of the project 13 2.3 Need for the project and its importance to the country and or region 13 2.4 Demand-Supply Gap 14 2.5 Imports Vs Indigenous Production 14 2.6 Export Possibility 14 2.7 Domestic/Export markets 14 2.8 Employment Generation due to the project 14 3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 14-16 3.1 Type of project including interlinked and interdependent projects, ifany 14 3.2 Location (map showing general location, specific location, and project 14 boundary &project site layout) with Co-ordinates 3.3 Details of alternate sites 14 3.4 Size or magnitude of operation 15 3.5 Project description with process details 15 3.6 Raw material required along with estimated quantity 15 3.7 Resource optimization/ recycling and reuse envisaged in the project 15 3.8 Availability of water its source, Energy/ power requirement and source 16 3.9 Quantity of wastes to be generated (liquid and solid) and scheme for 16 their Management/ disposal. 3.10 Schematic representations of the feasibility drawing which give 16 information of EIA purpose 4.0 SITE ANALYSIS 16-18 4.1 Connectivity 16 4.2 Land Form, Land use and Land ownership 17 4.3 Topography 17 4.4 Existing land use pattern 17 4.5 Existing Infrastructure 18 4.6 Soil Classification 18 4.7 Climatic data from Secondary Sources 18 4.8 Social Infrastructure available 18

1 M/s Popular Metals , Erumely South Village , Kanjirappally Tq, Kottayam Dist. , Kerala-686509 5.0 PLANNING BRIEF 19-20 5.1 Planning concept 19 5.2 Population Projection 19 5.3 Land use planning 19 5.4 Assessment of Infrastructure demand 19 5.5 Amenities / Facilities 20 6.0 PROPOSED INFRASTRUCTURE 20-21 6.1 Industrial Area 20 6.2 Residential Area 20 6.3 Green Belt 20 6.4 Social Infrastructure 20 6.5 Connectivity 20 6.6 Drinking water Management 20 6.7 Sewerage system 20 6.8 Industrial Waste Management 21 6.9 Solid waste Management 21 6.10 Power Requirement & Supply / Source 21 7.0 REHABILITATION AND RESETTLEMENT (R&R) PLAN 21 7.1 Policy to be adopted 21 8.0 PROJECT SCHEDULE & COST ESTIMATES 21-22 8.1 Likely date of start of construction and likely date of completion 21 8.2 Estimated project cost along with analysis in terms of Economic 21 viability of the project. 8.3 Analysis of proposal (Final Recommendations) 22 9.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENT STUDY 22-33 9.1 INTRODUCTION 22 9.2 METEOROLOGY 22 9.3 CLIMATE & METEOROLOGY OF THE STUDY AREA 23 9.4 BASELINE STUDY AND ANALYSIS 26 9.5 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME 32 9.6 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 33 10.0 RISK ASSESSMENT 33-35 10.1 RISK PARAMETERS 33 10.2 DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN 35 11.0 CONCLUSION 35

2 M/s Popular Metals , Erumely South Village , Kanjirappally Tq, Kottayam Dist. , Kerala-686509 I-A LIST OF ANNEXURES Annexure Description Page No. NO. 1A Toposheet/Key Plan 36 1B Panoramic View Of Mining Lease As Seen In Google 37 1C Location On Village Map 38 1D Recent Photograph Of Site 39 2 Flora And Fauna Details 40-41 3 Letter Of Intent Issued By DMG 42 4 Mining Plan Approval Letter 43 5A Firm Registration Certificate 44 5B Partnership Deed 45-50 6 Resolution/ Authorization Letter 51 7 Explosive Licence 52-54 8 Cluster Certificate issued by DMG 55 9 Possession Certificate 56 10 Tax Receipt of The Applied Area 57 11 Consent/ Sammathapatrams From Land Owner 58-62 12 Sakshipatram From Village Officer 63 13 Affidavit Regarding Safety Measures 64-65 14 Id Proof Of The Applicant 66 15 Id Proof Attested By Notary 67 16 Lab Reports From Accredited Laboratory 68-84 17 NABL Accreditation 85-86 18 Joint Undertaking Letter 87 19 RQP Certificate 88 20 Soft Copy (CD) of the Project 89

I-A LIST OF Plates

Plate No. Title Scale 1A Key Plan – Toposheet 1:50000

1B Location Plan – Cadastral Plan 1:250000

1C Location Plan – Village/ Litho Map 2 Surface Plan of Mining Lease 1:2000

3 Geological Plan and Sections 1:2000

4 Development and Production Plan and working Section 1:2000

Land use afforestation and Environment Management 5 1:2000 plan with section

6 Conceptual Plan and section 1:2000

7 Environmental Plan 1:5000

3 M/s Popular Metals , Erumely South Village , Kanjirappally Tq, Kottayam Dist. , Kerala-686509

I-C

4 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

APPENDIX - VIII (See paragraph – 6) FORM 1-M (II) Basic Information

Sl.No. Item Details 1 Name of mining lease site Building Stone Mine (Quarry) project of M/S POPULAR METALS

2 Location/site(GPS co- Sy No. 67/1-22 part and 67/1-42 part, Erumely ordinates) South Village, Kanjirappally, Kottayam , Kerala- 686509 COORDINATES

PILLAR LATITUDE LONGITUDE

BP1 9°28'3.17"N 76°51'48.69"E

BP2 9°28'2.35"N 76°51'49.47"E

BP3 9°28'1.57"N 76°51'50.42"E

BP4 9°28'1.27"N 76°51'51.01"E

BP5 9°27'59.80"N 76°51'52.11"E

BP6 9°27'58.01"N 76°51'52.50"E

BP7 9°27'57.65"N 76°51'52.40"E

BP8 9°27'57.79"N 76°51'50.86"E

BP9 9°27'56.75"N 76°51'49.87"E

BP10 9°27'58.77"N 76°51'49.22"E

BP11 9°27'59.20"N 76°51'48.93"E

BP12 9°27'59.59"N 76°51'48.77"E

BP13 9°27'59.40"N 76°51'46.90"E

BP14 9°28'0.58"N 76°51'46.84"E

BP15 9°28'1.45"N 76°51'48.06"E

BP16 9°28'2.26"N 76°51'48.45"E

3 Size of Mining lease(Ha) Lease area: 1.5786 Hectare (3.8991 Acres) 4 Capacity of Mining Lease (TPA) 55000 Tons per Annum 5 Period of Mining lease 12 Years 6 Expected cost of the project 80 lakhs 7 Contact information Mr. Prasanth K.N, Managing Partner M/s Popular Metals Erumely South Village, Kanjirappally, Kottayam , Kerala-686509 Mobile : +919744210600 Landline : 0481-2415109 Email : [email protected]

5 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

Environmental Sensitivity

SI.No Area Distance in Kilometer/Details Distance of project site from rail or road bridge 1. 35 Km over the concerned river, Rivulet, Nallah etc. 2. Distance from infrastructural facilities a. Railway Line 35 Km- Changanassery b. National High Way NH 220 -10.1 Km c. State High Way SH 44 -1.3 Km Erumely-Mundakkayamroad-1.25 km d. Major District Road Erumely- Kodithottam Road -0.125 km e. Any Other Road

f. Electrical transmission line pole or tower 0.15 km g. Canal or check dam or reservoirs or lake or River Pamba – 6.0 km ponds h. In-take for drinking water pump house 2.0 km – Neighboring village i. Intake for irrigation canal pumps. 0 Area protected under international 3. conventions, national or local legislation for None within the study area of 5 Km radius their ecological, landscape, cultural or other related value. Area which are important or sensitive for 4.. ecological reasons-Wetlands, watercourse or None within the study area of 5 Km radius other water bodies, coastal zone, biospheres, mountains, forests. Area used by protected, important or sensitive 5. Species of flora or fauna for breeding nesting, None within the study area of 5 Km radius foraging, resting, over wintering, migration. 6. Inland, coastal, marine or underground waters. River Pamba at a distance of 6.0 km from Mining Site

7. State, National boundaries. Kerala- Tamilnadu State boundary at a distance of 33 km ( Aerial Distance) Routes or facilities used by the public for Erumely to Pamba Road at a distance of 1.5 Km access to recreation or other tourist, pilgrim (aerial Distance). 8. areas. Perunthenaruvi waterfalls at a distance of 6.5 km 9. Defense installation. None within the study area of 5 Km radius

Densely Populated area – Erumely South at a Densely populated or built-up area, distance distance of 2.5 km . 10. from nearest human habitation. Nearest Human Habitation – 0.3 km

6 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

Schools, colleges, Hospitals, Religious places available within the study area of 5 km radius. Some important details furnished below

Important Places 1) Swamy Ayyappa temple – 2.3 km Areas occupied by sensitive man-made land 2) Vavar masjid - 2.3 km 11. uses (hospitals, schools, places of worship, 3) St joseph church - 4.8 km 4) St. joseph catholic Church - 4.0 km community facilities). 5) Mukkoottuthara mosque -2.7 km 6) Assi college of nursing -0.85 Km 7) Vavar memorial high school -1.8 km 8) Devaswom board high school - 1.85 km 9) Sony memorial Hospital - 2.3 km 10) Government Homeo Hospital - 2.3 km 11) Assi hospital - 2.1 km

Area containing important high quality or scarce resources.( ground water resources, 12. None within the study area of 5 Km radius surface resources, forestry, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, minerals)

Area already subjected to pollution or Quarrying for building stone was carried out 13. environmental damage. (Those where existing previously. legal environmental standards area exceeded).

Area susceptible to natural hazard which could No, lease area is not susceptible to natural cause the project to present environmental hazard, as there is no history of such incidents 14. problems.(earthquakes, subsidence, landslides, erosion, flooding or extreme or adverse climatic conditions)

Is proposed mining site located over or near 15. NO fissure for ground water recharge

Whether the proposal involves approval or 16 clearance under the following regulation or acts, namely:-

a. The forest(Conservation) Act, 1980; NO

b. The wildlife (protection) Act, 1972; NO c. The coastal regulation zone notification, 2011. NO If yes, details of the same and their status to be given.

Forest land involved (hectares) NIL 17.

Whether there is any litigation pending against 18 the project and/or land in which the project is NO propose to be set up?

a. Name of the court -

7 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

b. Case No. - c. Orders or directions of the court, if - any, and its relevance with the proposed project.

“I hereby given undertaking that the data and information given in the application and enclosures are true to the best of my knowledge and belief and I am aware that if any part of the data and information submitted is found to be false or misleading at any stage, the project will be rejected and clearance give, if any to the project will be revoked at our risk and cost.

Date: 22/12/2016 Place: Erumely

Signature of the applicant (Project Proponent / Authorised Signatory) Name : Sri. PRASANTH K.N Designation : MANAGING PARTNER Address : M/s.Popular Metals Erumely South Village , Kanjirapally, Kottayam, Kerala – 686509. Phone :+91 9744210600 Email : [email protected]

8 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

PRE –FEASIBILITY REPORT

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The applicant M/s Popular Metals is a Partnership Firm registered under Partnership Act, 1956 represented by one of the Managing Partner and Authorized signatory Sri PRASANTH K.N belonging to Erumely South Village is well experienced in the field of granite building stone mining for the last five years and has operated quarry by obtaining valid CRPS Permit. The crushed material is sold in the local market and used for various construction purposes.

M/s Popular Metals have applied to the State Government (Department of Mining and geology) for grant of quarry lease( Granite Building Stone) over an extent of 1.5786 hectare (3.8991 acres) in survey numbers 67/1-22 part, 67/1-42 part in Erumely South Village, Kanjirappally Taluk, Kottayam district. The applied mining lease area has a valid CRPS permit bearing no. 25/GBS/CRPS/2015- 16/1440/DOY/ML/2015 having validity up to 17-10-2016.Since 2011 M/s POPULAR METALS has been continuously involving in quarrying operation by obtaining relevant permissions pertaining to mining activity from KSPCB, and Explosive Department etc. The location of the proposed quarry is shown on the Key plan & Administrative Plan enclosed vide Plate No 1A & 1B.

The Mining plan for this granite Building stone quarrying lease has been approved vide letter No: 1853/DOY/ML/2016 dated 29.06.2016, by the District Geologist, Dept. of Mining & Geology, Kottayam District, Kerala.

1.1Details Name of Applicant M/s Popular Metals Authorized Signatory Sri. PRASANTH K.N Category B2 Mineral Reserves( Mineable) 639702 MT Production Capacity (Max) 55,000 MTPA Project Cost Rs. 80 lakhs Proposed CSR Expenses Rs.1.0.Lakhs/Annum

1.2Topography: Kottayam district has been classified in to three physiographic unit namely low land, midlands and highlands. The lowland is the area with an elevation of less than 7.5 m amsl and midland area having an elevation of 7.5 to 75 m amsl and the highland area with an elevation of more than 75 m amsl and are mainly found in the eastern part of the district. The lease area generally manifests rugged topography consisting of small hillock ranges separated by deeply cut valley having slope towards West side. The hillock ranges are covered by thick laterite capping and the elevation ranges between 240 m to 200 m above MSL and the gradient decreases considerably towards West side. The annual rainfall of the area is 2931mm.Groundwater occurs under water table conditions in alluvium, laterites and weathered mantle of the crystalline rocks whereas in the deep fractured crystalline rocks the groundwater occurs under semi confined to confined conditions. The depth of the wells ranges from 3.5 to 15 m bgl. The average depth of water level in pre-monsoon period ranges from 1.22 to 13.57 m bgl and in post-monsoon period ranges from 0.91 to 11.22 m bgl. In general the water level is shallow during both monsoons particularly in valleys and topographically low land areas. It is observed that the ground water is suitable for drinking and domestic uses in respect of all major chemical constituents are within permissible limits. The Manimala river flows through Kanjirapally and Chanaganacherry taluks. The Chittar joins it on its course

9 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist. further down the west as it flows towards Alappuzha district. Manimala river flows at a distance of 4 km towards North West from the lease area at 50 MSL. It originates from the Western Ghats and drains mainly through highly lateralized crystalline rocks. The drainage pattern in general is dendritic. The soil types occurring in Kottayam district can be broadly grouped into four types on the basis of their physico-chemical properties and morphological features. They are (a) Lateritic soil - acidic in nature with a pH value ranging from 5.0 to 6.2. (b) Riverine alluvium (c) Brown hydromorphic - acidic in nature with a pH value ranging from 5.2 to 6.4. (d) Forest loams - acidic in nature with a pH value ranging from 5.5 to 6.3. Lateritic soil type found in the applied area, which is occurring all along the midland area bordered by Riverine alluvium on the West and forest loam on the eastern Hilly area. The major crops supported by the soil are coconut, tapioca, rubber, areca nut, paddy, coffee. The lease area is surrounded by rubber plantation. There is no monument or area of interest found in the vicinity of lease area. The Mining Lease area falls in Erumely South village which has population of 43437 of which 21199 are males while 22238 are females with total 10853 families residing as per Population Census 2011.Mining Lease area is surrounded by Manipuzha and Venkurinji Villages.

1.3 Mining: It will be operated by open Cast Quarrying. Since already mining has been carried out efforts has been taken in this mining plan for proper bench formation and systematic mining operation. Under the regulation 106 (2) (a) of the Metalliferous Mines Regulation( MMR) 1961, in all open cast workings in hard ore body the benches and sides should be properly benched and sloped. The bench height should not exceed 6 m and bench width should not be less than the bench height. The slope of benches should not exceed 600 from horizontal. Therefore permission will be obtained from Directorate General of Mines Safety for deployment of Heavy Machineries as per regulation 106 (2) (b) of the MMR 1961.

However earlier Mining/exploitation was done with minimum bench formation with opencast semi mechanized drilling and blasting method. Initially the area was developed by removal of soil / weathered material for exposing the fresh hard Charnockite for exploitation. The mine has been developed from the top RL 250 m to 220 m depth with minimum bench formation. The lateritic top soil/OB has been dumped separately towards SE side adjacent to lease area which belongs to the applicant. The weathered boulders or unusable Charnockite treated as waste has been dumped separately and also used for road formation. The same dumping areas will be used for dumping OB and waste during the plan five years plan maintaining all safety features. Conventional 32mm dia blast holes are drilled perfectly parallel to each other at 20 to 25 cm interval without any hole deviation using Jack Hammer and blasting is done with 25 mm small dia explosives with detonating fuse and detonator. Secondary blasting is avoided by deploying the rock breaker and to break large boulders. Sized Rom is sold in the local market which is used for various construction purposes in construction industry. The location of the site dumping area, infrastructure and surface features shown in surface plan Plate-2. Magazine is situated outside the lease area at a distance of 1KM meters from the quarry workings.

Year wise Development Plan (Five Years).

The quantities available in the applied lease area are adequate to carry out the mining operations for the proposed 5 years. It is proposed to raise about 55000 tons (20000 Cu.m) per annum of ROM. During the proposed Five-year plan period, it is planned to broke an area of 0.5764 ha along with already broken area to produce 55000 tons of Charnockite along with 500 Cu.m of inter calculated waste generation and 4110 Cu.m of OB . It is planned to develop from the top first bench which is already formed due to previous mining operation and continue forming sequel of benches. Each bench will have a height and width of 6 meter. The bench formation will be facing east and the bench movement will be along West side. Since already the mine is partially developed and future working is planned in already opened up benched and virgin area. OB and inter calculated waste obtained will be dumped in the area earmarked in

10 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

Development and Production Plan (Plate 4). The anticipated recovery percentage would be around 98 %.The proposed five year mining activity falls in the grid area N5500-N5350 & E2600-E2500.Taking in to the consideration of existing topography, which is almost a moderate sloping terrain the first year the mining will be initiated along the grid line N5450- E2550 at 250 m RL. The position of benches and mine development for five years is depicted in Plate- 4 showing each year of excavation area and movement of benches. Since the mine can be worked for about 11.5 years with the same proposed level of extraction the mining plan will be reviewed at the end of fifth year and new mining plan will be made for the next 5 years. The dimensions of the area to be broken along AA’ and BB’ to obtain quantity of 55000 tons of Charnockite every year is given below.

Machinery Used. The mine will be developed by deploying the following machinery.

SI Machinery Type Make Capacity No’s HP No.

1 Hydraulic L& T Komatsu 150 0.90 cu.m 2 Excavator - 200 & 300

2 Rock Breaker -200 L& T Komatsu 600 kg Hammer 1 140

3 Jack Hammer –32mm dia Hand Held 4

4 Compressor INGERSOLLRAND 1 173

5 Tippers MAN /TATA 16 MT 3 120

11 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

BLASTING To fragment the bed rock Conventional 32mm dia blast holes are drilled perfectly parallel to each other at 20 to 25 cm interval without any hole deviation using hand held Jack Hammer. Electrical type blasting will be carried out with 25 mm small dia Class-2 type explosives with electrical detonator (ED). To avoid misfires the ED may be properly checked for continuity using ohm meter before and after the connections .Exploder of good and approved type shall be used for shot firing. The explosive will be handled as per the provisions of Indian Explosive Act-1884 and Indian Explosive Rules -2008 for the procurement and transportation. Explosive shall be handled by the authorized person and the blasting shall be carried out by statutory persons having valid licence. The applicant Sri. Prasanth K.N has already obtained the Explosive license in LE-3 No. E/SE/KL/22/100( EP3991) (ANNEXURE-7) to install approved type 100 Kg capacity magazine having validity up to 31st March 2020 which will be renewed upon expiry. Transportation of explosives to the site shall be by the Explosive Van. The location of the Magazine is outside the Mining Lease at a distance of 1Km.

1.4 Environmental Setup:

Climate of the area is tropical humid climate. Rainfall is significant most months of the year, and the short dry season has little effect. The climate here is classified as AM by the Köppen-Geiger system. The temperature throughout the year is moderate and more during the months of March to May and less during November, December and January and maximum temperature ranges from 23.8°C to 26.0°C. The average annual maximum temperature is 29.8°C and the minimum temperature is 24.4°C.The average means monthly maximum temperature ranges from 29.2 to 33.40C and minimum temperature ranges from 19.7 to 25°C.

1.5 Impact and Mitigative Measures:

The major anticipated Environment Impact due to quarrying is air pollution and increase in noise level, which can be considerably mitigated by effective dust suppression system, maintenance of haul road, preventing spillage of material on road, avoiding drilling and blasting, speed control on vehicles, regular maintenance of machinery, afforestation in green belt and all along the haul road and other all other measures elaborated in the EMP. Regular environment monitoring shall be undertaken to monitor the environmental parameters and adopt appropriate mitigative measures.

1.6 Social Impact and development of Social Infrastructure: The project shall generate 33 direct employments to the local people. Hence, the activity will contribute to the improvement of income status of the local people. The quarry project will also improve infrastructure facilities, eventually leading to the overall development of the area, and improvement in the standard of life of the local population. The company undertakes to spend Rs.1.0 Lakhs per Annum, to take up CSR works in the surrounding villages in the sector of Healthcare, Sanitation, Basic education, Education of Girl child, Sports, etc., thereby strengthening the social infrastructure and contributing in improvement of the living standards of the local community in the region.

1.7 Conclusion: The Project is techno- economically viable with Social Economic up-liftment of the local people. This new project will meet the development needs of the local region and the state without causing any negative influence on the environment. At the end of the mine at the conceptual stage the well-developed Green belt and the conversion of the mined out pit into a Pisciculture pond shall have a very positive effect on the Bio-diversity of the area. It can be summarized that the development of M/s Popular Metals With a well-managed Environmental Setup shall have a positive impact on the Socio-economic and the Environment of the area and lead to overall Sustainable development of the region.

12 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

2.0 INTRODUCTION OF THE PROJECT/ BACKGROUND INFORMATION 2.1Identification of project and project proponent. In case of Mining project, a copy of mining lease/ letter of intent should be given. The applicant M/s Popular Metals is a Partnership Firm registered under Partnership Act, 1956 represented by one of the Managing Partner and Authorized signatory Sri PRASANTH K.N belonging to Erumely South Village is well experienced in the field of granite building stone mining for the last five years and has operated quarry by obtaining valid CRPS Permit. The crushed material is sold in the local market and used for various construction purposes. M/s Popular Metals have applied to the State Government (Department of Mining and geology) for grant of quarry lease( Granite Building Stone) over an extent of 1.5786 hectare (3.8991 acres) in survey numbers 67/1-22 part, 67/1-42 part in Erumely South Village, Kanjirappally Taluk, Kottayam district. The applied mining lease area has a valid CRPS permit bearing no. 25/GBS/CRPS/2015- 16/1440/DOY/ML/2015 having validity up to 17-10-2016.Since 2011 M/s POPULAR METALS has been continuously involving in quarrying operation by obtaining relevant permissions pertaining to mining activity from KSPCB, and Explosive Department etc. The location of the proposed quarry is shown on the Key plan & Administrative Plan enclosed vide Plate No 1A & 1B.

M/s. Popular Metals Erumely South Village Office, Kanjirapally, Kottayam, Kerala – 686509. Phone :+91 9744210600 [email protected] Registered Office

M/s. Popular Metals Vadakkechuvattu Building ,Ramamangalam P.O, Ernakulam District Kerala-686663

2.2 Brief description of nature of the project. M/s Popular Metals have a mining lease over an extent of 1.57 is a granite building stone mining project. The granite building stone is the basic rock in this area to be excavated by quarrying. This Building Stone quarry is proposed to be operated by Opencast Semi-Mechanized Quarrying Method. The mechanized operation of quarry shall use excavators, tippers, rock breakers, Jack hammer drilling and blasting. The excavated material shall be crushed in the crushers located outside the quarry lease area. The maximum production capacity proposed in this area is 55,000tons per annum building stone of size -150mm. The quarrying operation shall provide 33 employment to local people.

2.3 Need for the project and its importance to the country and or region. The basic objective of the project is to have effective utilization of granite stone as a building material in this region and state. The spur in infrastructure development and construction industry has enhanced the demand of granite building stone in last 10 -15 years. Mainly infrastructure projects – like roads, highways, bridges, buildings, township, etc., have raised the demand of building material. Building stone quarry not only provides the building material but also employment and economic growth of the region that ultimately enhance the socio-economic status of the people of the region and the state. The mining activities shall provide socio-economic benefits to the local population with direct & indirect employment opportunities. The project also contributes to the regional and financial benefits in the form of Royalty, Cess, Taxes, etc.

13 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

2.4 Demand-Supply Gap. Granite Building stone is an important component of the construction activities for infrastructure development. The demand for granite building stone is increasing along with the increase in infrastructure and construction activities in Kerala. This quarry can produce max 2,50,000tonnes of building stone annually and the demand of building stone by various industries can be partly fulfilled by this project. During last four years there is a sudden increase in the Real estate activities which has further enhanced the demand for building stone, hence, there is strong requirement of granite building stone to meet the demand supply chain.

2.5 Imports Vs Indigenous Production The requirements of granite building stone in infrastructure industry is huge whereas the prices of granite are relatively low. The import or export of the same is not feasible due to heavy transportation cost. The granite building stone of size -150mm shall be transported to the crusher outside the quarry lease, where it shall be sized and sold to the local market for infrastructure development.

2.6 Export Possibility. The price of the granite is very low and the transportation cost is very high. Hence there are no export possibilities of the same.

2.7 Domestic/Export markets. The granite building stone of size -150mm shall be transported to the crusher outside the quarry lease, where it shall be sized and sold to the local market for infrastructure development, real estate builders, contractors, etc. and to the nearby vendors for government infrastructure projects. It is not viable to export this material. However, there is huge demand for the granite building stone in the domestic market.

2.8 Employment Generation due to the project. The mining operation would provide 33 direct employments to local people. It is envisaged that most of the people employed would be from the local areas.

3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 3.1Type of project including interlinked and interdependent projects, if any. The building stone shall be produced by Drilling and Blasting and after loading that shall be Transported / sold by trucks to the Crushing & Screening plant for sizing.

3.2 Location (map showing general location, specific location, and project boundary &project site layout) with Co-ordinates.

The applied area falls in UTM zone 43 marked in survey of India Toposheet No. 58 C/15 ( old series ) and new series Toposheet C43Q15 and is bounded East Longitude 7651’48.69” and North Latitude 0928’3.17” located about 5 km South East from Erumely South township leading towards Manipuzha and Venkurinji. (Plate-1A & 1B).

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

This is site specific project. Quarrying activities are carried out based on local geology and availability of the granite building stone.

14 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

3.4 Size or magnitude of operation. Low scale operation within an area of1.5786 Ha, Maximum Production planned – 55,000Tonnes per Annum (TPA) of granite building stone.

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 quarrying of granite building stone is proposed by opencast semi-mechanized quarrying method and the sequence of quarrying shall be as given under.

 The top soil shall be removed and used in afforestation / Green belt / Safety barrier all along the periphery of the quarry lease area.

 After exposing the granites, drilling of small diameter holes of 33mm, shall be done by jack hammer.

 The blasting shall be carried out by conventional blasting material with proper burden &spacing.

 The rock breakers shall be used to break the oversize boulders left after blasting.

 The blasted material and the broken material by rock breakers shall be loaded to the tippers by excavator and transported to the crushing and screening plant.

Removal of Top Soil / Overburden

Drilling and Blasting

Excavation, loading and Transportation of -150mm size boulders

Haulage/ Dispatch to Crusher

3.6 Raw material required along with estimated quantity, likely source, marketing area of final products, mode of transports of raw Material and finished product.

No raw material is required. 3.7 Resource optimization/ recycling and reuse envisaged in the project, if any, should be briefly outlined.

The Mineable reserves of granite building stone in this area are 639702MT. The quarry shall be operated by semi mechanized mining method by developing the benches of 6m height and 6m ultimate width. The systematic and scientific approach of quarrying as per mining plan shall support efficient and maximum recovery of the available building stone material. There is no recycling or reuse envisaged in this project. However the over covered topsoil of 7141Cu.msoil shall be recovered and 500Cu.mof waste rock will be recovered during this quarry operation. The soil shall be used for afforestation / development of Green belt / Safety barrier, all along the periphery of the quarry lease boundary and the waste shall be used for reclamation.

15 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

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

Total water requirement for this mining project is 6m3/day.This requirement will be met by water tankers suppliers from the bore wells located outside the quarry lease area during initial phase of mine operation and later on after development of pit, stagnant pit water will be stored and utilized. Qty Required Purpose m3/day Drinking water & Domestic 2 Afforestation 4 Dust suppression Total 6 * The water for Plantation and dust suppression will not be required for 4-5 months in a year during monsoon and wet/ rainy days. 3.9 Quantity of wastes to be generated (liquid and solid) and scheme for their Management/ disposal.

Totally topsoil of7141 Cu.m soil and 500Cu.mof waste rock will be recovered over the life of mine. The soil shall be used for afforestation / development of Green belt / Safety barrier, all along the periphery of the quarry lease boundary and the waste shall be used for reclamation.

3.10Schematic representations of the feasibility drawing which give information of EIA purpose. Not Applicable

4.0 SITE ANALYSIS: 4.1 Connectivity. Existence of public Road/ Railway Line /Infrastructure and Communication

Accessibility The applied area is located about 5 km South-East ofErumely South township and 15 Km South East of Kanjirappally(Taluk Head Quarter) and 45 Km South East of Kottayam ( District Head Quarter) is well connected by road (State High Way 44 ). Nearest bus stop is Venkurinji. Nearest Rail Head Changanassery Railway station is the nearest Railway Station about 35 km west and Major Railway station is Kottayam which is about 45 km North West from applied area. Port Facility Kottayam Port and Container Terminal (KPCT) is the nearest Minor port which is about 40 km away from the applied lease area and connected to Cochin Port (Major Port) which is about 85km by inland waterway through Vembanad lake. Communication net work Telephone and Post office facilities are available inErumely South. Health And Medicine Primary Health in the village level, while District level Hospitals and Private Hospitals are available.

16 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

4.2 Land Form, Land use and Land ownership. The proposed lease area is private patta land belonging to Mr.Prasanth K.N .The consent letter of the land owner to M/s Popular Metals is enclosed as Annexure-11. The proposed land use is given in the Table shown below.

SI NO. LAND USE EXENT ( Ha) % OF USE

i) Mining Area 1.1584 73.39

ii) Administrative building & welfare Amenities 0.03 1.90

iii) Safety zone/ Plantation 0.3202 20.28

iv) Road, Ramps 0.06 3.80

v) Misc 0.01 0.63

Total Lease Area 1.5786 100

4.3 Topography . Kottayam district has been classified in to three physiographic unit namely low land, midlands and highlands. The lowland is the area with an elevation of less than 7.5 m amsl and midland area having an elevation of 7.5 to 75 m amsl and the highland area with an elevation of more than 75 m amsl and are mainly found in the eastern part of the district. The lease area generally manifests rugged topography consisting of small hillock ranges separated by deeply cut valley having slope towards West side. The hillock ranges are covered by thick laterite capping and the elevation ranges between 240 m to 200 m above MSL and the gradient decreases considerably towards West side. The annual rainfall of the area is 2931 mm.

4.4 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 area, water bodies (distance from the HFL of the river) CRZ. In case of notified industrial area, a copy the Gazette notification should be given.

This Stone Quarry is completely private land. It is not a forest/agriculture land and there is no human habitation. Most of the area covered with rock formations over which thin vegetation exists. There is No forest land, no area under CRZ, No water bodies, and no Sanctuary in the core zone.

FOREST: There is no forest near by the applied Mining Lease area, hence the project does not attract Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

ECOSENSITIVE AREA (ESA): The applied Mining lease area does not fall under Economic Sensitive Areas declared by the State Government.

COASTAL REGULATION ZONE (CRZ): The applied mining lease area is located at a distance of about 25 Km away from Arabian Sea, Hence the project does not attract C.R.Z Notification, 1991.

NATIONAL PARK/WILD LIFE SANCTUARY: There is no National Park/ Wild Life Sanctuary within 05 Km radius of the applied Mining lease area, hence the project does not attract Wildlife (protection) Act, 1972.

INTERSTATE BOUNDARY: The interstate boundary is located at distance of about 33 km eastern side from the applied Mining Lease area.

17 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

4.5 Existing Infrastructure.

Particulars Name Distance (From lease)

Railway station Changanassery 35 km

Airport Cochin 45 km

Particulars Name Distance

Nearest Village Erumely 2.5 km

Nearest town Kanjirappally 15 km

District HQ. Kottayam 45 km

Nearest City Kottayam 45 km

4.6 Soil Classification:

There is a soil cover of 30cm to 50cm thickness over the granite rock mass in the quarry lease area. The topsoil is rich clayey loam, with a red gravelly sub-soil layer.

4.7 Climatic data from Secondary Sources:

Maximum & Minimum Temperature 29.8 0C – Maximum temperature during summer. 24.4 0C – Minimum temperature during winter. The relative humidity is generally high during the Relative Humidity monsoon period and all through the year it is higher during morning hours it goes up to 87 % and during evening hours it is around 75%. The annual rainfall of the district ranges from Rainfall 2435.9 to 3755.2 mm and the average annual rainfall of is 3169.28 mm ( 5years average) The general direction of wind is from east to north east during morning hours and west to Wind Velocity & Direction North-West direction during evening hours. The wind speed ranges from 6.7 to 10.9 km/h.

Source :CGWB/CGWA 4.8 Social Infrastructure available: The M/s Popular Metals is well connected to the nearest village Erumely by an Asphalt road. The proposed quarry area is located at 3km from the Erumely Village which is located at about 3 Km South. There is a small Government health centre, post office and a school at Erumely.

18 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

5.0 PLANNING BRIEF

5.1 Planning concept (type of industries, facilities, transportation etc) Town and Country planning/ Development authority Classification This is a granite Building stone mining project. It is proposed to produce maximum 55,000 MT building stones per annum. The generated material will be transported by trucks to the crushing & screening plant by tippers of 16tonnes capacity. Effective Environment Management will be carried out to control the pollution of Air, Water, Noise and Ground vibration.

5.2 Population Projection:

There will not be any increase in population due to the project. The man power required shall employed from the local areas. The drivers / truck operators also shall be engaged from local areas. Hence influx of population from outside is not anticipated.

5.3 Land use planning (breakup along with green belt etc): At present the lease is a virgin area and the land use at the end of plan period is given in the table shown below:

SI NO. LAND USE EXENT ( Ha) % OF USE

i) Mining Area 1.1584 73.39

ii) Administrative building & welfare Amenities 0.03 1.90

iii) Safety zone/ Plantation 0.3202 20.28

iv) Road, Ramps 0.06 3.80

v) Virgin ( Block II) 0.01 0.63

Total Lease Area 1.5786 100

At the end of plan period the total broken up area for quarrying shall be 1.1584Ha, whereas 0.3202Ha area shall be under green belt development. About 1000 plants/Ha shall be planted in the five years period in 0.3202Ha Greenbelt area. This is apart from the 200 plants that is planned to be planted along the Haulage Road.

5.4 Assessment of Infrastructure demand (physical & social):

All the manpower for the project shall be employed from the local area. Thus, there shall not be influx of people into the region; therefore, no increase in the population is envisaged during the period of the operations.

The operations are also small scale. Hence, infrastructure demand both in the form of physical and social infrastructure, in terms of physical infrastructure will not be very demanding. However, the project would raise the economic status of the people in the region thus the social infrastructure like education, health and hygiene, sports, etc. would be quite demanding. The company thus commits to support the local community in the field of Health & Hygiene, Basic education, Education of girl child, Sports, etc. thereby strengthening the social infrastructure of the region.

19 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

5.5 Amenities / Facilities. The following facilities/amenities will be extended by the Mine management.  Direct and indirect Employment, of which most will be from nearby villages.  Arrangements for safe and healthy working conditions.  Provision of Drinking water. Conducting medical camps for workers and nearby villages at regular interval.  The infrastructure facilities like Quarry office, site services, First Aid room, Rest shelter, etc., shall be located in the close proximity of the quarry lease area.

6.0 PROPOSED INFRASTRUCTURE

6.1 Industrial Area (Processing Area): Crushing & processing is planned within the quarry lease area. The entire product from the mine will be transported to the Crushing & Screening plant. Newly formed road shall be used for the transportation. As the mining equipment are all diesel powered there is no need for external power. The infrastructure facilities like Quarry office, site services, First Aid room, Rest shelter, and other statutory facilities, etc., are planned with in the quarry lease area. The man power requirement shall be employed from local area, no additional infrastructure is required.

6.2 Residential Area (Non Processing Area): No additional residential area is required as the manpower for this project shall be employed from the nearby villages.

6.3 Green Belt: About 50 plants/year shall be planted in green belt area (0.3252Ha) and another 200 sapling shall be planted all along the haulage road.

6.4 Social Infrastructure: The project shall generated 33 direct employments to the local people. Hence, the activity will contribute to the improvement of income status of the local people. The quarry project will also improve infrastructure facilities, eventually leading to the overall development of the area, resulting in the improvement of standard of life of local population.

The Project proponent undertakes to spend Rs1.0 Lakhs per Annum, to take up CSR works in the surrounding villages in the sector of Healthcare, Sanitation, Education of Girl child, Sports, etc.

6.5 Connectivity (Traffic and Transportation Road/ Rail/ Metro/ Water ways etc) The applied area is located about 5 km South-East of Erumely South township and 15 Km South East of Kanjirappally(Taluk Head Quarter) and 45 Km South East of Kottayam ( District Head Quarter) is well connected by road (State High Way 44 ). Nearest bus stop is Venkurinji. Changanassery Railway station is the nearest Railway Station about 35 km west and Major Railway station is Kottayam which is about 45 km North West from applied area. Kottayam Port and Container Terminal (KPCT) is the nearest Minor port which is about 40 km away from the applied lease area and connected to Cochin Port (Major Port) which is about 85km by inland waterway through Vembanadlake.

6.6 Drinking water Management (Source & Supply of Water): Drinking water shall be made available at all the times to the mine workers. This will be sourced by water tankers from the bore well outside the quarry lease area, a water purifier shall be installed to provide safe drinking water.

6.7 Sewerage system: Not applicable, as no human settlement is proposed in the quarry lease area.

20 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

6.8 Industrial Waste Management: No industrial waste will be generated at this granite Building stone quarry of M/s. Popular Metals.

6.9 Solid waste Management: It is expected to recover topsoil of 7141Cu.msoil shall be recovered and 500Cu.mof waste rock will be recovered during this quarry operation over the life of mine. The soil shall be used for afforestation / development of Green belt / Safety barrier, all along the periphery of the quarry lease boundary and the waste shall be used for reclamation.

6.10 Power Requirement & Supply / Source: No external electric power is required for quarry operations. The operation will be done only during day- light from Sun-rise to Sun-set i.e. 6am to 6pm. Diesel operated machineries shall be used for quarry operations. However a lighting load of 5 HP will be demanded.

7.0 REHABILITATION AND RESETTLEMENT (R&R) PLAN

7.1 Policy to be adopted (Central/ State) in respect of the project affected persons including home ousters, land ousters and land less laborers (a brief outline to be given):

Not Applicable .It is entirely private land under owner’s command. No human settlements are existing in this proposed area for quarrying. Hence proposed project does not involve any Rehabilitation and Resettlement of people.

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 Quarry will be commenced immediately after getting the statutory approvals from Government authorities. Total cost of the project is about 480 lakhs. Except office, First aid room, site services, Rest- shelter, no major constructions are required. The office and other sheds shall be of temporary nature and shall be located inside the quarry lease area.

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

Considering the present domestic market conditions of the products, the appx. Cost of the project estimated is around 80 lakhs. The summary of the assets are given below. Mining machinery will be hired through contractors.

I) PROJECT COST Amount in Lakhs a) Land value 45 b) HEMM Machinery value( Hiring) 10 c) Crusher Cost (3 Stage) - d) Infrastructure 05 e) Initial Operational cost 15 f) Rehandling Cost 05 TOTAL 80

Capital Cost of the Project

21 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

Sl.No. Details Cost 1 The estimated capital cost of the project 80 lakhs

2 Total pit head cost/ton of stone Rs. 150.00

3 Mineral processing cost/ton Rs. 100.00

4 Royalty & Others related Cost per Tone Rs. 100.00

5 Net production cost per Ton (Pit Head) Rs. 350.00

6 Selling price per Ton (Pit Head) Rs. 400.00

7 Gross Profit/ton Rs. 50.00

Project Economics Therefore the proposed project is financially viable. However, increase in prices of building stone in domestic market is further expected.

8.3 Analysis of proposal (Final Recommendations)  It is a remote area. This project will be one of the major economic activities resulting in livelihood and have positive impact on socio-economic life of people living in nearby villages thereby contributing to the overall up gradation of living standards.  The project also generates revenues to the state and central governments, by way of royalties, taxes, central excise, etc.  The mining operations shall be providing employment to approximately 30 persons directly.  The company plans to provide good support to the local schools and provide scholarships for outstanding Girl students passing out of 10th Standard from the local schools.  Health care, sanitation, sport facilities, etc. shall be improved on account of the facilities being planned as part of the CSR works by the company.  The mined out pit at the end of the mining operations will be developed for Pisciculture that could provide livelihood for a few village folks. 

9.0: BASELINE ENVIRONMENT STUDY 9.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter incorporates the description of the existing environmental setting the area encompassed by a circle of 5 km radius around the stone quarry. There is no industrial /mining activities in the study area. Environmental monitoring was conducted in the month of November 2016. In addition certain aspects like land use, socio-economic status is analyzed based on the secondary information like district census.

9.2 METEOROLOGY

Micro-Meteorological data within the study area during the air quality survey period is an indispensable part of air pollution studies. The metrological data recorded during the monitoring period is useful for interpretation of the baseline information as well as for input for modeling. Site specific data can be compared with the metrological data in order to identify the changes over the period of time due to various developments in the study area. The Micro-meteorological parameters regulate the transport and diffusion of pollutants released in to atmosphere. The principal variables which affect the micro-meteorology are horizontal connective transport (average wind speed and directions), vertical connective transport (atmospheric stability and inversion conditions) and topography of the area. The climate of the study area and the surrounding area is generally dry except in South-West monsoon season. The area experiences pleasant and this is due to the presence of green cover.

22 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

9.3 CLIMATE & METEOROLOGY OF THE STUDY AREA

The district is characterized by somewhat warm and short dry climate. The climate of this district is on the whole short dry except during the south-west monsoon season. The year may be divided into four seasons. The cold season from December to February is followed by the hot season from March to May. The south-west monsoon season this follows thereafter lasts till September. October and November constitute the post-monsoon season

The climate factors that appear to be greatest important are; ● Temperature ● Rainfall ● Humidity ● Wind a)Water regime:

The Manimala river flows through Kanjirapally and Chanaganacherry taluks. The Chittar joins it on its course further down the west as it flows towards Alappuzha district. Manimala river flows at a distance of 4 km towards North West from the lease area at 50 MSL. It originates from the Western Ghats and drains mainly through highly lateralized crystalline rocks. The drainage pattern in general is dendritic. Erumely climate is classified as tropical. During most months of the year, there is significant rainfall. There is only a short dry season. The annual rainfall of the district ranges from 2435.9 to 3755.2 mm and the average annual rainfall of is 3169.28 mm (5years average). The annual rainfall of the area is 2931 mm of which 1627 mm (59% of total rainfall) is received during the South-West monsoon (June to August) and 765 mm (21% of total rainfall) is on North-East monsoon (September to November). Maximum rainfall occurs during South-West monsoon season in July averaging 622 mm. The driest month is January with 13 mm precipitation.

mm RAINFALL DATA 700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Rain water runoff will be channelized through proper garland drainage around quarry and dumps. Some of the water collected in the Mine pit would be properly harvested for use in crusher, dust control and plantation. The Groundwater occurs under water table conditions in alluvium, laterites and weathered mantle of the crystalline rocks, whereas in the deep fractured crystalline rocks the groundwater occurs under semi confined to confined conditions. The depth of the wells ranges from 3.5 to 15 m bgl. The average depth of water level in pre-monsoon period ranges from 1.22 to 13.57 m bgl and in post-monsoon period ranges from 0.91 to 11.22 m bgl. Charnockite mining will not affect water quality since the water table is deeper than the proposed depth of quarrying.

23 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist. b)Flora & Fauna: The mining lease area is surrounded by rubber plantation area. No wild animals reported, the detailed list of Flora & Fauna is enclosed as Annexure-2. c)Noise Environment: Noise sources within the lease area is due to operations of i) Blasting ii) Drilling iii) Loading, iv) Vehicle movement etc. Maximum noise levels would be between 70-90 dB (A). The noise generated will be due to blasting, drilling, vehicular traffic. Currently there is no activity of intolerable noise pollution. d)Climatic Conditions: Climate of the area is tropical humid climate. Rainfall is significant most months of the year, and the short dry season has little effect. The climate here is classified as AM by the Köppen-Geiger system. The temperature throughout the year is moderate and more during the months of March to May and less during November, December and January and maximum temperature ranges from 23.8°C to 26.0°C. The average annual maximum temperature is 29.8°C and the minimum temperature is 24.4°C.The average mean monthly maximum temperature ranges from 29.2 to 33.40C and minimum temperature ranges from 19.7 to 25°C.

e) Relative Humidity

The relative humidity is generally high, during the morning hours it goes up to 79 % and during evening hours it is around 76%. f)Wind

The general direction of wind is from east to north east during morning hours and west to North West direction during evening hours. The wind speed ranges from 6.7 to 10.9 km/h.

24 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

Base line data for prevailing, ambient air quality, noise levels, surface & ground water quality etc will be collected for the EIA/EMP and also will be included during presentation to SEAC g)Human Settlement:

The Mining Lease area falls in Erumely South village which has population of 43437 of which 21199 are males while 22238 are females with total 10853 families residing as per Population Census 2011. Erumely South village has higher literacy rate compared to Kerala. In 2011, literacy rate of Erumely South village was 96.59 % compared to 94.00 % of Kerala. In Erumely South Male literacy stands at 97.53 % while female literacy rate was 95.71 %. In Erumely South village population of children with age 0-6 is 4334 which makes up 9.98 % of total population of village. Average Sex Ratio of Erumely South village is 1049 which is lower than Kerala state average of 1084. Child Sex Ratio for the Erumely South as per census is 969, higher than Kerala average of 964. Quarry premises are surrounded by Manipuzha and Venkurinji villages with few houses at a distance of around 1.5 KM. R & R is not required as such there are no human settlements in the close by which would be affected by development of this aggregate quarry. The satellite imagery given in Fig. 1 also indicates there are no settlements in the near vicinity.

25 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

9.4 BASELINE STUDY AND ANALYSIS

I) AIR ENVIRONMENT & MONITORING The dust generated during drilling, blasting, transportation and due to operation of crusher will pollute the air which may cause respiratory diseases. The ambient air quality Monitoring (AAQM) stations were set up at four locations with due consideration of the sampling procedures and topography as furnished below.

Station Location Name Direction w.r.t Distance in KM w.r.t t ID proposed Stone Quarry proposed Stone Quarry

A1 Proposed ML ….. ……

A2 Mattannurkara West 1.65 Km

A3 Tuvaranpara East 2.0 Km

A4 Manippuzha south 0.85 Km

A) Method of Analysis: Different air pollution parameters were monitored as per revised norms for Air Quality Standards by Ministry of Environment and Forest vide notification “Schedule VII of Rule 3(3B) of Environment (Protection) Seventh Amendment Rules, 2009. Monitored air pollution parameters area PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOX were identified as related to the project activities for representing baseline status of ambient air quality within the study area. Different parameter wise methodology of ambient air quality monitoring has been explained below.

(i) PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOX: Sampling of PM10& PM2.5 particulate matter have performed with USEPA approved APM 550 attached with gaseous sampler APM 433 monitoring instrument. PM10& PM2.5 particulate matters were sampled alternatively by replacing the corresponding filter papers to the instrument. PM10 particulate matter was collected on filter paper by filtration of aerodynamic sizes with either a size cut by impaction by whereas, PM2.5 particulate matter was collected on filter paper by filtration of aerodynamic sizes with a size cut by impaction followed by cyclone separation in APM 550 monitoring equipment.

SO2& NOX gases were chemically absorbed in suitable media. A tapping is provided on the suction side of the blower to provide suction for sampling air through a set of impugners. For SO2& NOX sampling was drawn at a flow rate of 1.0 & 0.5 Ltr/minute respectively. PM10& PM2.5 have been estimated by Gravimetric Method (IS5182 part IV). Colorimetric Improved West & Gaeke Method (IS5182 Part II, 1969) has been adopted for estimation of SO2. Colorimetric Jacob-Hochheiser Modified Method (IS5182 Part VI 1975) has been used for estimation of NOX. Samples were analyzed as per procedure laid down by Central Pollution Control Board.

CALIBRATION Monitoring instruments are calibrated either by manufacturer or by NABL certified independent laboratory. All existing Reparable Dust Samplers are calibrated as per ASTM D-4069. The rotameter is calibrated using soap bubbler meter. These calibrations are carried out whenever new absorbing solutions are prepared.

26 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

AIR & Noise Monitoring Stations

B) TECHNIQUES AND INSTRUMENTS USED FOR MONITORING AMBIENT AIR QUALITY Sr. Parameter Technique Technical Protocol Minimum No. Detectable Limit (µg/m3)

3 1 PM10 APM 550- Dust Sampler IS 5182 (Part-IV) 5.0 µg/m (Gravimetric Method)

3 2 PM2.5 APM 550- Dust Sampler IS 5182 (Part-IV) 5.0 µg/m (Gravimetric Method) 3 Sulphur Dioxide APM 433- Gaseous Sampler 3.0 µg/m3 (Chemical Absorption) IS 5182 (Part-II) 4 Oxides of APM 433- Gaseous Sampler IS 5182 3.0 µg/m3 Nitrogen (Chemical Absorption) (Part-VI) 5 Carbon Carbon Monoxide Detector DGMS Procedure 12.5 ppm Monoxide Tubes

27 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

C) AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Mitigative measures suggested for air pollution control are based on the baseline ambient air quality monitoring data. From the point of view of maintenance of an acceptable ambient air quality in the region, it is desirable that air quality should be monitored on a regular basis to check it vis-à-vis the standards prescribed by CPCB and in cases of non-compliance, appropriate mitigative measures shall be adopted. As per the results of ambient air quality monitoring data, the background concentrations of SPM, SO2, Nox and CO are within the stipulated CPCB standards Annexure-16.

The following measures will be adopted to keep AAQ with in permissible limits  Dust suppression arrangements like water tankers on haulage road and at all dust generation points  Dust extractors during crushing/ screening  Grading of haul roads time to time and cleaning to remove the accumulated dusty material  Regular maintenance of the tractor trolley.  Practicing wet drilling  Usage of sharp drill bits for drilling of holes  Avoiding of overloading of 10T tippers and covering of loaded tippers with tarpaulins during stone chip transportation  Dust mask provision to workers  Adequate barrier zone will be maintained all along the mine lease boundary and green belt will be maintained in the barrier zone  Periodical monitoring of air quality to take steps to control the pollutants

II) WATER ENVIRONMENT & MONITORING The ground water available in the well, bore well etc. is of potable nature and no adverse effect has been noticed in the past due to human consumption and in future also. There will not be any change in quality due to future mining activity. Water test done and enclosed as Annexure-16.

Station Code Location Source GW1 NEAR PROPOSED ML WELL WATER GW2 Manippuzha Village WELL WATER

A) ANTICIPATED IMPACTS Mining activities cause adverse impacts due to mine drainage and siltation due to storm water. The impact on water environment has been considered under the following heads:

 Water consumption  Mine seepage and impact on ground water  Impact on surface water bodies  Storm water management

B) WATER CONSUMPTION

The water consumption at the mine will be for the following purposes:  Domestic Purpose  Plantation purposes. The main source of water will be ground water. The ground water will be pumped in to an overhead tank and from this water will be supplied to office, rest shelter etc.

28 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

The details of the water usage are given in the table below WATER REQUIREMENT (m3/Day) PARTICULARS TOTAL SOURCE Green belt 02.00 Stagnant Pit Water Domestic 04.0 Total 06.00

C) IMPACT ON GROUND WATER The stone mining operations are confined to upper 1 to 2m of the area i.e. more than 18m above the regional ground water table. Therefore, the ground water table will not be intersected.

D) IMPACT ON SURFACE WATER The area receives excess rainfall there is a possibility of siltation of the seasonal streams during the rainy season.

E) MITIGATION MEASURES The only pollution anticipated in the surface drainage water is the suspended solids, due to wash off. For this purpose retaining wall with garland drain is proposed. The discharge from this drain is diverted to a settling tank unused pit workings, which allows the sediments to settle. Further to arrest the silted drainage entering into the area down below, check dams and gully plugs shall be erected in the existing natural drains. These check dams also assist in the recharge of ground water system.

F) RUNOFF As it is a very small stone mine runoff from stone mining area and haul roads during mining operations are not as high as to damage stream ecosystems, so no need for effective sediment control and prevention program will be needed. Deliberate attempt has been made to collect this in to a garden drain. This water will be available for uses integrated above. Percolation losses will be negligible.

G) RAINWATER HARVESTING In the nearby villages open drains will be made to collect the storm waters for rain water harvesting. The designs and construction details that will be carried out in the crusher premises is as follows:

Rain Water Harvesting Structure (RWHS) for Ground water Recharge: Size: 1.0m x 1.0m x 1.5m

Construction Details of Rain Water harvesting system S.No Volume, Cu.m Description 1 4.5 Excavation in Hard Gravelly and all available soils 2 2.25 65 mm metal 3 1.25 20 mm metal 4 0.675 Coarse sand 5 0.24 CRS masonry in 1:6 prop. 6 4.5 Carting of excavated earth for a lead of 8 km.

29 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

III) NOISE ENVIRONMENT & MONITORING The physical description of sound concerns its loudness as a function of frequency. Noise in general is sound which is composed of many frequency components of various loudness distributed over the audible frequency range. Various noise scales have been introduces to describe, in a single number, the response of an average humans to a complex sound made up of various frequencies at different loudness levels. The most common and universally accepted scales is the “A”. Weighted scale which is measured as dB (A). This is more suitable for audible range of 20 to 20000 Hz. The scale has been designed to weigh various components of noise according to the response of a human ear. The impact of noise sources on surrounding community depends on:

● Characteristics of noise sources (instantaneous, intermittent and continuous in nature). It can be observed that steady noise is not as annoying as one which is continuously varying in loudness.

● The time of day at which noise occurs, for example high noise levels at night in residential areas are not acceptable because of sleep disturbances; and

● The location of the noise sources, with respect to noise sensitive land use, which determines the loudness and period of exposure.

The ambient noise scenario within the study area was monitored at 04 stations covering industrial, commercial, residential and sensitive areas in accordance with the Ambient Noise Standards of the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India, using a sophisticated sound level meter. The monitoring has been conducted through a twenty four hours period during November 2016. The noise level recorded at the study area are enclosed as Annexure-16.

30 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

DETAILS OF NOISE QUALITY MONITORING LOCATIONS Station ID Location Direction w.r.t proposed Distance in KM w.r.t t

Name Stone Quarry proposed Stone Quarry

AN1 Proposed ML ….. ……

AN2 Mattannurkara West 1.65 Km

AN3 Tuvaranpara East 2.0 Km

AN4 Manippuzha south 0.85 Km

A) ANTICIPATED IMPACTS

To reduce the noise levels at source, proper and timely maintenance and up keeping of mining machinery like drill is being carried out as per instructions of manufacturers.

The main sources of noise in the mine are classified as follows:

 Transportation Vehicles/trucks/tippers  Drilling & Blasting  Crushing & Screening

B) PROPOSED MITIGATING MEASURES (Noise & Vibration) The operations of the mining equipment, plying of trucks and mine machinery like drill operations are the major sources of undesirable noise in the proposed project area.The following control measures are proposed for bringing down the noise levels-

 The vibration due to blasting is minimized by careful planning, supervision and execution of each blast and using milli-second(M.S) delay detonators and proper stemming to prevent blow out of holes  Green belt will be made around the working areas to screen the noise and also for arresting fugitive dust  Maintenance and tuning of machinery would be ensured to reduce undesirable noise  Earplugs and earmuffs will be provided to the workmen  Limiting the speed of haulage tractor  Rubber lining in the chutes of Crushing/ screening plant

IV) SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT A) ANTICIPATED IMPACTS The objective is to demonstrate the range of potential impacts on communities and families by the mining project. Some of the most important are: There is no human settlement in the lease area. The post mining will improve the utility of the ML area through plantation and creation of additional water resources.

(i) Changes in population dynamics: Around 33 People will have job opportunities for local people as semi-skilled and unskilled labor. Also, there will be opportunities for secondary employment like in providing various services like canteen, local conveyance like auto rikshaw service etc for the cluster of mines etc.

31 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

(ii) Water scarcity: Mining either by opencast or by underground methods damages the water regime and thus causes a reduction in the overall availability of water in and around the mining areas. The proposed mine will not intersect the ground water table. However, proper water conservation and rainwater harvesting measures will be adopted to recharge the ground water and in fact it is going to create additional water resources.

(iii) Health impacts: As it is a very small mining operation will not have any considerable impacts in the vicinity of the mine area and will and adversely affect on the health of people of surrounding area.

(iv) Employment opportunities: The mining and associated activities offer opportunities of employment to the eligible people from village. There also exists opportunities for secondary.

B) PROPOSED MITIGATING MEASURES The mine is situated in the remote place and in the area, where the socio-economic level of the people is not satisfactory. The main occupation of the people is the rain depended farming. Due to uneven topographic conditions and low fertility of the soil the agricultural output is comparatively low and there are no major industries in the area. This might have forced the local people to migrate towards the cities.

The mining operations in the mining area would provide direct & indirect employment to more than 50 local people. Hence mining operations will help in improving socio-economic status of the area.

9.5 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME

All the environmental parameters viz. air, water, noise, soil will be monitored regularly in order to detect any changes from the baseline status. Monitoring program will be followed till the mining operations continue; every year as per the schedule given below.

A) AIR QUALITY MONITORING

Two locations in core zone and two locations in the buffer zone will be monitored for four weeks in a year except monsoon.

B) NOISE LEVELS MONITORING

Noise levels in the working area will be monitored once in every year till the continuation of operations. Ambient noise levels will also be monitored once in a year in the buffer zone order to get the overall look of the noise status and its effects on the surrounding community.

C) WATER QUALITY MONITORING

Water quality will be monitored in every season. The concentration of heavy metals especially manganese shall be checked for likely contamination. Seasonal streams near the mine lease will be used to study the surface water quality. Ground water quality will also be monitored in order to know the impacts of mining operations. This data will be compared to baseline to evaluate the weight age of the adopted mitigation measures and if further corrective measures are needed. Water levels will also be monitored on seasonal basis in surrounding wells, to assess the impact on ground water regime quantitatively.

D) SOIL QUALITY ASSESSMENT

Soil samples will be collected from the core and buffer core zone in the areas where plantation has started and quality will be checked once every year except monsoon in order to observe any deviations in the impacts of the operations and the corresponding improvement in the fertility of the soil in core zone soil.

32 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

SUMMARY - MONITORING SCHEDULE

S.NO. PARAMETERS SCHEDULE LOCATION

1 Air quality monitoring 24 hourly Monitoring for 4 2 in core zone weeks in every year except 2 in buffer zone monsoon 2 Noise quality monitoring Once in pre or post-monsoon & Core & buffer zone winter season every year 3 Water quality monitoring Monitoring once in pre, post- nearby wells. monsoon or winter season every year Monitoring Ground Water levels & their quality in all seasons 4 Soil quality analysis Once in a year in any season 2 locations from the except monsoon area around the mine lease and in core zone

9.6 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY Objectives

 Conduct mining and associated operations in an environmentally responsible manner to comply applicable laws and other requirements related to environmental aspects and design projects with due consideration of sustainable development.

 Prevent pollution of surrounding habitation by continuous monitoring and adopt suitable measures for environmental protection.

 Ensure compliance of Environmental Clearance conditions and other statutory conditions issued by regulatory agencies.

 Implement Environmental Management Plan in the mine effectively to mitigate pollutions of air, water, noise and land caused by mining operations.

10.0 RISK ASSESSMENT

10.1 RISK PARAMETERS The proposed project involves stone mining and the anticipated risks are mentioned below:

A) Inundation Mining operations are not carried below the ground water table; therefore, there will be no disturbance to ground water quality due to mining activity. The runoff water flowing directly into the excavation will be prevented and there is no need to install pumps except to pump out the rain water collected in the pit during monsoons from bottom most benches to facilitate mining. This is a normal operation in mining.

B) Blasting Blasting in this mine is controlled activity. The hole depth is restricted to 1.5 m and the spacing and burden are kept at 1.0m and 0.8m respectively. Controlled blasting will be done and not more than 10 holes will be blasted at a time and no hole will be charged with more than 200gms of explosive at a time. Suitable air respirators will be provided to the drillers. Sufficient warning by signal is given over the entire area falling within the danger zone and ensures that all persons within such area have taken proper shelter. Blasting will be done at fixed time during the day hours only.

C) Surface Fire Sufficient fire extinguishers will be installed at selected locations.

33 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

D) Dust from the drilling operations The hazard is the inhalation of dust which is created during the drilling operations. All personnel working during drilling operations will compulsorily use dust masks.

E) Noise Drilling operations give rise to harmful levels of noise. However, as the drill hole depth is about 1.5 m, the personnel working in drilling operation are not exposed continuously to high noise level. Nevertheless, all personnel working in the drilling impact zone will compulsorily use earmuffs to reduce the noise impacts.

F) Loading Loading of stone at the production site will be done manual.

G) Vehicles The haulage of stone will be done with trucks/tippers. Hence proper care will be given while transportation .Good maintenance and regular testing are necessary to reduce the possibility of brake failure.

I) House keeping Regular cleaning up of spillage will greatly reduce the potential risk for this type of accidents.

J) Work Nature The application of risk assessment depends upon a full understanding of all aspects of the job being undertaken. In carrying out a risk assessment in relation to a particular task the evaluation must include a review of the knowledge, experience and training of those persons carrying out the work.

K) Personal Competence It follows that the knowledge, experience and training of personnel involved in work is critical to evaluate any risk assessment. A knowledgeable, experienced well-trained and competently supervised workforce will be at a lower risk of accidents occurring than a poorly trained and badly supervised workforce.

L) Co-ordination It is essential that the coordinator ensures that everyone engaged in the work is capable and understands the role of others and their responsibility for each other. This is particularly important when contract workers undertake part or all of the work to be carried out.

M) Health hazards For the purposes of this document health hazards should be interpreted as being harmful dust and noise which is emitted during surface mining operations.

N) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) The PPE should be of good construction, where ever possible ISI certified, suitable for the hazard e.g. a dust respirator fitted with the correct filter to capture the particular hazardous dust and maintained to recommended standards. As personal protective equipment only affords limited protection it should only be used as a last resort and then as an interim arrangement until other steps are taken to reduce the risk of personal injury to an acceptable level.

O) Traffic Movement As the vehicles used are very less in number there is no risk of accidents due to the traffic movement.

34 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

10.2 DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN Stone mining is a simple mining and there is hardly any risk in mining. However, as a precautionary measure if any disaster occurs within the mining area, the awareness and availability of first aid must be availed. If required victims will be shifted to the primary health centre.

A) System of communication An internal communication system for the department head and to their line of command should be maintained. Having the telephone nos and addresses of adjoining mines, rescue station, police station, Fire service station, local hospital, electricity supply agency and standing consultative committee members is another essential aspect.

B) First Aid & medical facilities The mine management is having first aid facilities for use in emergency situation. All casualties would be registered and will be given first aid. The mine management will have proper telephone for quick communication with nearest hospitals where the complicated cases are to be sent.

C) Emergency Plan  On realizing anything serious happened anywhere in the mine, the foreman or the mate will immediately inform the nearest the manager of mines.  First aid facilities to be kept ready to receive the cases.  Regular training on use of first aid, rescue and safety operations will be imparted to staff and workers.

11.0 CONCLUSION This upcoming project will meet the development needs of the region without causing any negative influence on the environment. It can be summarized that the development of the granite Building Stone quarry of the company will have a positive impact on the Socio-economic and the Environment of the area and lead to overall Sustainable development of the region. The stone mine can provide direct and indirect employment to near by villages. Apart from the above, the mine management will adopt following social welfare measures in the nearby villages:

 A provision of Rs.1.0 Lakhs per annum will be made for carrying out social work measures.  Preference will be given to the local people for employment in the mine as per the eligibility of the people and requirement of the mine. The responsibilities of the mine management will be:

1. Implementation of pollution control measures. 2. Monitoring Programme implementation. 3. Post-plantation care. 4. To check the efficiency of pollution control measures taken. 5. Any other activity as may be related to environment 6. Seeking expert’s advice when needed

Signature of the applicant (Project Proponent / Authorised Signatory) Date: 22.12.2016 Name : Sri. PRASANTH K.N Place: Erumely , Designation : Managing Partner Address : M/s. Popular Metals Erumely South Village , Kanjirapally Taluk, Kottayam District, Kerala – 686509. Phone : +91 9744210600 Email : [email protected]

SIGNATURE OF RQP 35 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

ANNEXURE-1A

TOPOSHEET/KEY PLAN

Topo sheet No.58C/15

36 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

ANNEXURE-1B

PANOROMIC VIEW OF MINING LEASE AS SEEN IN GOOGLE

37 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

ANNEXURE-1C

LOCATION ON VILLAGE MAP

38 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

RECENT PHOTOGRAPH OF SITE ANNEXURE-1D

Approach Road To Proposed Quarry

View Of approachRoad And Quarry Area

39 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

ANNEXURE-2 FLORA & FAUNA DETAILS

LIST OF TREES AND SAPLINGS

List of Shrubs

40 M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist. List of Herbs

41 1

M/s Popular Metals, Erumely South, Kanjirapally Tq, Kottayam Dist.

ANNEXURE-3