DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (DHALAI DISTRICT, TRIPURA)
CONFIDENTIALITY CLAUSE
This District Survey Report (DSR) of Dhalai district, Tripura, has been prepared by RSP Green Development and Pvt. Ltd., Howrah, West Bengal, India.
Any reproduction, direct or indirect other than for the specific purpose for which the report has been prepared, should not be carried out, without prior written consent of RSP Green Development and Pvt. Ltd. and Govt. of Tripura.
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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (DHALAI DISTRICT, TRIPURA)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Last but not the least, RSP Green Development and Pvt. Ltd. Record their sincere thanks and gratefulness to the Government functionaries of Tripura and prominent citizens of Dhalai district and also the villagers in and around the villagers who have offered their fullest cooperation unhesitatingly but for which the execution of the work would have not become as smooth as it has been.
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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (DHALAI DISTRICT, TRIPURA)
With Thanks ……………….
Depertment Respected Person(s) Designation
Forest Respected Dr. Alind Rastogi, IFS, PCCF & HoFF “ Shri Mahender Singh, IFS, DFO “ Shri Jashpaul Debbarma SDFO “ Shri Naresh Babu N SDFO “ All Officers Forest Dept (H.O)
District Administration
Respected Shri Vikas Singh, IAS District Magistrate (DM) “ Shri J.B.Duati Senior District Magistrate All Officers & Others Officers
DSTE Respected Shri Shivanand S. Talawar IFS Director “ All Officers Science, Technology & Environment Deptt
TSPCB Respected Sri Manas Mukherjee Member Secretary “ Dr. Mihir Kumar Das Scientist-C & HoO All Officers Tripura State Pollution Control Board Rural Development
Respected Swapan Das Chief Engineers “ All Officers RD Depertment
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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (DHALAI DISTRICT, TRIPURA)
Contents
Sl NO Chapter Page No 01 Preface 06-07 02 Introduction 07-09 03 General Profile of the District 10-34
04 Physio graphy of the District 35-36
05 Land use Pattern of the District 37-40
06 Geology 41-45 07 Mineral Wealth 46-50 08 Over view of Mining Activity in the 51-51 District 09 Details of Revenue Generated from 52-52 Mineral Sector During last three years 10 Transport 53-53 11 Executive Summary 54-54
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"Landaus patterns are an expression of deep political economic and cultural structure; they do not change when an ecologist or forester sounds the alarm that a country is losing its resource base".
Anonymous
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1. PREFACE
On 15 January 2016, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India issued a notification and in which Para 7(iii) (a) and Annexure (x), purpose and structure of District Survey Report has been discussed. District Survey report (DSR) will be prepared in every district for each minor mineral. The District Survey Report will guide systematic and scientific utilization of natural resources, so that present and future generation may be benefited at large. The guidelines of MoEF will support that fundamental concept, promoting environmental protection, limiting negative physiological, hydrological and social impacts under pinning sustainable economic growth. Sand is naturally occurring granular material composed of finely divided rock and mineral particles between 115 µ to 4.75 mm in diameter (IS 383-1970). Sand is formed due to weathering of rocks due to mechanical forces. In the process the weathered rocks form gravel at first and then sand. It is also felt that the grater use of substitute material (manufactured sand, artificial sand etc.) and construction technology and sustainable use of the resource could drastically reduce adverse impact of mining on the environment. The broad principal on which any sustainable sand mining guidelines or policy can be based is that river or natural resources must be utilized for the benefit of the preset and future generation, so river resources should be prudently managed and developed.
The purpose of District Survey report (DSR) "identification of areas of aggradations or deposition where mining can be allowed; and identification of areas of erosion and proximity to infrastructural structures and installations where mining should be prohibited and calculation of annual rate of replenishment and allowing time for replenishment after mining in that area". The District Survey report (DSR) will contain mainly data published and endorsed by various departments and websites about Geology of the area, Mineral wealth details of rivers, Details of Lease and Mining activity in the District along with Sand mining and revenue of minerals. This report also contains details of Forest, Rivers, Soil, Agriculture, Road, Transportation and climate etc.
In the North-eastern part of Tripura, the district covers an area of about 2426 sq. km. It is mainly between two hills: Atharamura Range and Sakhan Range. More than 70% area is hilly
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and forest covered. The terrain is mostly undulating and hilly with small water streams, rivers and fertile valleys intervening. Major rivers originating from Dhalai are Dhalai, Khowai, Gomati and Manu. Major hills are Atharamura, Longtharai, Kalajhari and part of Sakhan.
Geologically the hill tracks of Tripura in general and Dhalai district in particular consists of Tertiary rocks, which has been later covered by the alluvial deposits.
Disclaimer: - The data may vary due to flood, heavy rains and other natural calamities. Therefore, it is recommended that DEIAA may take into consideration all its relevant aspects / data while scrutinizing and recommending the application for EC to the concerned Authority.
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2. INTRODUCTION Dhalai District was created in the year of 1995 by bifurcating North Tripura District and including part of Amarpur Sub-Division of the South Tripura District. It was created keeping in view the administrative exigency of providing development & good governance to the largely Tribal & inaccessible areas. The District is named after Dhalai River which originates in the District.
Dhalai district of Tripura is located between 23°25′ N to 24°14′ N latitude and between 91°44′ E to 92°10′ E longitude (Dhima et al., 2011). The district isbordered by Bangladesh and Unakoti district of Tripura on the north, by Bangladesh on the south, by North district of Tripura on the east and by Khowai and Gomati districts of Tripura on the west. It shares a total international boundary of about 169 kilometres with Bangladesh (Dhima et al., 2011). The district is accessible with rest of Tripura including the capital city Agartala through National Highway 44. The Headquarter of the district is located at Ambassa, situated beside the National Highway 44 in the Ambassa Block.
In Tripura, the mineral resources are mainly glass sands, limestone, plastic clay and hard rock; all of these materials are being used to a variable degree. However, the single most important resources in the state is oil and natural gas. ONGC has initiated massive exploration programme in the state.
According to the 2011 census Dhalai district has a population of 377,988, roughly equal to the nation of Maldives. This gives it a ranking of 564th in India. Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 22.78%.Dhalai has a sex ratio of 945 females for every 1000 malesand a literacy rate of 86.82%.
As is evident the District is largely a Tribal district with 56% Tribal population. The major tribes are Tripuri, Reang, Kuki (Halam/Darlong/Hrangkhawl), Koloi & Chakma. Reangs are one of the Primitive Tribal Groups (PTG) as classified by the Govt of India. Tribals mostly reside in the remote hilly forested areas with the fertile valleys being occupied by the Non- tribals (mostly Bengalis).
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Source: Dhalai District Profile
Map 1: Administrative map of Dhalai District
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3. GENERAL PROFILE OF THE DISTRICT
a) GENERAL INFORMATION
Geographical Area: -Located in the North-eastern part of Tripura, the District covers an area of about 2312.29 sq km. It is mainly located between two hills namely „Atharamura range‟ & „Sakhan Range‟. More than 70% area is hilly and forest covered. The terrain is mostly undulating & hilly with small water streams (chheras) , rivers and fertile valleys intervening.
Geographical Position: -The District headquarters at Ambassa is located at a distance of about 85 km from the State capital Agartala. It is connected through National Highway (NH-44) and takes around 2(two) – 3(three) hours to reach the District headquarter from Agartala. In January 2015 Broad Gauge Railway link has been established at Ambassa. The District is bordered by Bangladesh on the Northern & Southern sides.
The district has meter gauge rail connectivity on the Lumding-Agartala line with stations at Manu, Jawaharnagar and Ambassa. There is a non-functional airstrip at Kamalpur. Tripura Road Transport Commission runs bus service from Ambassa to Agartala, Kamalpur, Gandacherra. Nearly 330 habitations, out of a total of 1037, are not connected by any motorable road, about 95 of them being in the Gandacherra region. There are many individual private operators who run local transport services to block headquarters, villages and to Agartala. Private transport companies also run bus service from Ambassa to Shillong and Guwahati.
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Map 2: Location Map of Dhalai District
Source: Dhalai District Profile, 2016-17
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Administrative Divisions (Sub-Divisions, Blocks): -Dhalai district has four Sub-divisions namely- Ambassa, Kamalpur, Longtarai valley, and Gandacharra, comprising of five Blocks i.e. Ambassa, Salema, Manu, Chhawmanu and Dumburnagar. However, on 21st January 2012, the Government of Tripura have created another Block from Kamalpur Sub-division i.e. Durga chawmuhani Block for better administration.
SUB DIVISION/ MAHAKUMA REVENEU CIRCLE TEHSIL
KAMALPUR Kamalpur Kamalpur, Manikbhandar, Barsurma, Mahabir, Mayachhori
Salema Halhali, Salema, Kochuchhara, Borlutma LONGTARAI VALLEY Manu Manu, Karamchhara, Chailengta Chhamanu Chhamanu, Manikpur, Gobindapur GONDACHHARA Gondachhara Gondachhara, Raissabari, Jagabandhupara, Hatimatha AMBASSA Ambassa Dolubari, Nalichhara, Ambassa, Shikaribari Ganganagar Ganganagar
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Sl. Name of the Headquarters Number of Blocks Name of Tehsils No. Subdivision
1 AMBASSA Ambassa Ambassa, Ambassa,Dalubari, Nalichara, Ganganagar Shikaribari & Ganganagar
2 KAMALPUR Kamalpur Salema & Kamalpur.Barasurma,Mahabi Durgachowmuh r,Manik bhander, Mayachari, ani Baralutma, Halhali, Salema & Kachuchara
3 GANDACHERRA Gandachara Dumburnagar, Gandachara, Jagbandhupara, Raishyabari Raishyabari & Hathimatha
4 LONGTHARAI Chailengta Manu & Manu,Chailengta,Karamchara VALLEY Chawmanu , Chawmanu, Manikpur &Gobindbari
No. of Panchayat:-Total No. of Blocks- 8 Nos, Total No. of GP/VC-151(GP-41 & VC-110). List of 8 Blocks are given below. SL.NO BLOCK NAME Name of GP/ADC Village GP/VC 1 Kekmacherra Gram Panchayat 2 Purba Nalicherra Gram Panchayat 3 Uttar Nalicherra Gram Panchayat 4 Basudevpara Gram Panchayat 5 Kulai Gram Panchayat 6 Paschim Lalchari Gram Panchayat 7 Paschim Balaram Gram Panchayat 8 Bagmara Village Committee 9 Balaram Village Committee 10 Gurudhanpara Village Committee 11 Harimangal Village Committee AMBASSA 12 Jagannathpur Village Committee 13 Jeolcherra Village Committee 14 Kamalacherra Village Committee 15 Kathalbari Village Committee 16 Kulai RF Village Committee 17 Lalchari Village Committee 18 Sikaribari Village Committee 19 Paschim Nalicherra Village Committee 20 Ghantacherra Village Committee 21 Kachimcherra Village Committee 22 Raipassa Village Committee TOTAL 22 (7 GPs, 15 VCs)
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SL.NO BLOCK NAME Name of GP/ADC Village GP/VC 1 Kanchancherra Village Committee 2 Nalkata Village Committee 3 West Karamcherra Village Committee 4 East Karamcherra Village Committee 5 West Masli Village Committee 6 East Masli Village Committee 7 West Kathalcherra Village Committee 8 East Kathalcherra Village Committee 9 Deo RF Village Committee 10 Chichingcherra Village Committee 11 Naitongcherra Village Committee 12 South Dhumacherra Village Committee 13 North Dhumacherra Village Committee 14 Demcherra Village Committee 15 Sindhukumar para Village Committee 16 MANU Manu Village Committee 17 Mainama Village Committee 18 Gainama Village Committee 19 Chailengta Village Committee 20 Lalcherra Village Committee 21 Dalucherra Village Committee 22 Labancherra Village Committee 23 Longtorai RF Village Committee 24 Jamircherra Village Committee 25 Battala Village Committee 26 Karaticherra Village Committee 27 East Manu Village Committee 28 North Mainama Village Committee 29 South Chailengta Village Committee 30 South Lalcherra Village Committee 31 West Jamircherra Village Committee TOTAL 31 VCs
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Sl. No. BLOCK NAME Name of GP/ADC Village GP/VC 1 Ultacherra Village Committee 2 Laxmipur Village Committee 3 Gandacherra Village Committee 4 Sarma Village Committee 5 Pancharatan Village Committee 6 Jagabandhupara Village Committee 7 Ramnagar Village Committee 8 Kalajhari Village Committee 9 Ratannagar Village Committee 10 DUMBURNAGAR BLOCK Dhalajhari Village Committee 11 Bhagirath Village Committee 12 Dalapati Village Committee 13 Kalyansingh Village Committee 14 Chitrajhari Village Committee 15 Nakyacherra Village Committee 16 Narayanpur Village Committee 17 Paschim Gandacherra Village Committee 18 Ranirpukur Village Committee 19 Uttar Gandacherra Village Committee TOTAL 19 VCs
Sl. No. BLOCK NAME Name of GP/ADC Village GP/VC 1 Chakmapara Village Committee 2 GANGANAGAR BLOCK Ganganagar Village Committee 3 Karmapara Village Committee 4 Karnamanipara Village Committee
5 Radharambari Village Committee
6 Siddhapara Village Committee 7 Tetuiya Village Committee TOTAL 7 VCs
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Sl. No. BLOCK NAME Name of GP/ADC Village GP/VC 1 Bamancherra Gram Panchayat 2 Bilashcherra Gram Panchayat 3 Chot surma Gram Panchayat 4 Chulubari Gram Panchayat 5 Debicherra Gram Panchayat 6 Durai Shibbari Gram Panchayat 7 East Lambucherra Gram Panchayat 8 Halhali Gram Panchayat
9 Halhuli Gram Panchayat 10 Harerkhola Gram Panchayat 11 Kalachari Gram Panchayat
12 Kuchainala Gram Panchayat 13 Mahabir Gram Panchayat 14 Manik Bhandar Gram Panchayat DURGACHOWMUHANI 15 Maracherra Gram Panchayat BLOCK 16 Mayachari Gram Panchayat 17 Mohanpur Gram Panchayat 18 Noagaon Gram Panchayat 19 Baligaon Gram Panchayat 20 South Kalacheri Gram Panchayat 21 South Manik Bhandar Gram Panchayat 22 Uttar Halahali Gram Panchayat 23 West Kuchainala Gram Panchayat 24 Setrai Village Committee 25 Shibbari Village Committee 26 Shyamraicherra Village Committee 27 Shri Rampur Village Committee 28 West Lambucherra Village Committee 29 Dhanchandra Chow. Para Village Committee TOTAL 29 ( 23 GPs, 6 VCs)
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Sl. No. Name of GP/ADC Village GP/VC BLOCK NAME 1 Avanga Gram Panchayat 2 Baralutma Gram Panchayat 3 Chankap Gram Panchayat SALEMA BLOCK 4 Dabbari Gram Panchayat
5 East Dalucherra Gram Panchayat 6 Mechuria Gram Panchayat 7 North Kachucherra Gram Panchayat 8 Salema Gram Panchayat
9 West Dulucherra Gram Panchayat
10 Shantirbazar Gram Panchayat 11 Shingi Nala Gram Panchayat 12 Apareskar Village Committee 13 Ashapurna Rj. Para Village Committee 14 Jamthumbari Village Committee
15 Katalutma Village Committee
16 Maharanipur Village Committee 17 Mendi Village Committee 18 Nakfulcherra Village Committee 19 Panboa Village Committee 20 Simbhukchak Village Committee 21 South Kachucherra Village Committee TOTAL 21 ( 11 GPs, 10 VCs)
Sl. No. BLOCK NAME Name of GP/ADC Village GP/VC
1 Purba Potacherra Village Committee 2 Tuichakma Village Committee 3 RAISHYABARI Thakuracherra Village Committee 4 BLOCK Boalkhali Village Committee 5 Paschim Potacherra Village Committee 6 Raima Village Committee 7 Narikel Kunja Village Committee 8 Raishyabari Village Committee TOTAL 8 VCs
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Sl. No. BLOCK NAME Name of GP/ADC Village GP/VC 1 Chalitacherra Village Committee 2 Durgacherra Village Committee 3 East Chowmanu Village Committee 4 Debacherra Village Committee 5 East Gobindabari Village Committee 6 East Malidhar Village Committee 7 CHAWMANU BLOCK Makarcherra Village Committee 8 Manikpur Village Committee 9 Natinmanu Village Committee 10 North Longthorai Village Committee 11 Rajdhar Village Committee 12 West Chowmanu Village Committee 13 West Gobindabari Village Committee 14 West Malidhar Village Committee TOTAL 14 VCs
Population (As per Census 2011):-Total population- 378230, Male population- 194544, Female population- 183686.
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b) CLIMATIC CONDITION
Climate of the whole basin is characterized by tropical monsoon type. The rain bearing Monsoon wind enters Tripura in the middle of May and continues up to the end of September. Storms and thunder showers are common during pre- monsoon season. Average annual rainfall is very high (2150 mm) in the study area and 70% of total annual rainfall occurs during the monsoon season (between April to September). The average maximum annual temperature is 35˚C and minimum annual temperature is 10.50˚C. The hottest months of the year are July and August. November, December and January are the winter months. Texture of the soils ranges between sandy clay loamy to sandy-loamy and about 63.95% of the total study area is under dense to moderately dense forest cover (Ghosh et al., 2013).
The state as a whole and Dhalai district in particular has a monsoon type of climate. There is however, difference of temperature between the hills and plains, which ranges between sub-tropical in the plains to temperate climatic conditions found in the hilly areas. The topographic features seem to have influenced the climatic condition of the Dhalai district, where the plains are hotter and humid in comparison to the hills, which have a salubrious climate. The four main seasons here are- (i) Winter season (December to February), (ii) Pre-monsoon season (March to May), (iii) Monsoon season (June to September), and (iv) Post Monsoon season (October to November) (Bhatt and Bhargava, 2006).The district of Dhalai experiences difference in temperature between the hills and the valleys. The maximum and minimum temperatures during summer are 36 degree Celsius and 16.9 degree Celsius and during winter are 28 degree Celsius and 5.3 degree Celsius. The month of January is the coldest while July is the hottest month of the year. The climatic condition of the district as a whole is suitable for rubber plantation.
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c) RAINFALL
MONTH RAINFALL (incm)
JANUARY 1.44
FEBRUARY 2.66
MARCH 6.48
APRIL 14.91
MAY 22.94
JUNE 36.11
JULY 34.52
AUGUST 30.85
SEPTEMBER 22.62
OCTOBER 14.52
NOVEMBER 4.03
DECEMBER 0.99
(Ref: Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation & India Meteorological Department)
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AVERAGE RAINFALL IN cm
AVERAGE RAINFALL IN Cms
36.11 34.52 30.85
22.94 22.62
14.91 14.52
6.48 4.03 2.66 1.44 0.99
Fig 1: Bar diagram of average rainfall, Dhalai District
AVERAGE RAINFALL IN cm
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2% 0% 1% 1% 3% 8%
12% 8%
12% 16%
19% 18%
Fig 2: Pie Chart of average rainfall, Dhalai District
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d) TOPOGRAPHY & TERRAIN
The topography of Dhalai district is traversed by mostly of rugged terrain with some undulating surface. About 75 percent of the district geographical areas are characterized by hilly terrain covered with dense forests and only about 25 percent are plains. Three hills range i.e. Atharamura, Longtarai and Sakhan ranges are found to be seen here. All these run almost parallel to one another in a north-south direction and the valleys are present in between the hills. The elevation of these hill ranges is higher in the south and decrease towards the north; however, the height of these ranges gains as one move from west to the east direction (Saigal, 1978). These hill ranges are characterized with narrow ridges, knife edged and steep slopes.
Physiographically, the district can be divided into two divisions- (1) The hill ranges, and (2) The valley / plain areas.
THE HILL RANGES- The Sakhan range towards the eastern part of the district marks the boundary between Dhalai district and Unakoti as well as the North district of the state. The western portion of this range has a relatively gentle slope in comparison to the eastern side as it is characterized by unequal faults and fractures (Chatterjee, 1984). The Atharamura range in the western part of the district marks the demarcating boundary between the Khowai-Gomati district and the Dhalai district. The Longtarai range is placed in the core of the district and is situated between the Atharamura range in the west and Sakhan range in the east. The northern portion of Longtarai range consists partly of low hills and partly of flat land covered with scanty vegetation, while the southern parts are characterized by rough terrain with deep cut ravines (Chatterjee, 1984).
THE VALLEY / PLAIN AREAS- In between the hills range are the valleys characterized by gentle slope and broken by intermittent small hillocks (Saigal, 1978). The valley / plain areas in the district consist mainly of Kamalpur plains and the plains covering some portions of Ambassa and Manu Block. The Kamalpur plains and Ambassa plains lie between the Atharamura range in the west and Longtarai range in the east. The Kamalpur and Ambassa Sub-divisions are mainly drained by the Dhalai River and its tributaries depositing large amount of sediments in the low-lying areas during the rainy season creating a large fertile plain ideal for settled agriculture. Much of these plain areas are under agricultural land due to its rich humus contents deposited by this river from the hills range. Manu plains lie between the Longtarai range in the west and Sakhan range in the east. It is primarily drained by Manu River. The Ambassa and Manu plains consist partly of small hillock and fertile plain areas where both shifting cultivation and paddy cultivation dominates. 22 | P a g e Prepared by: RSP Green Development & Laboratories Pvt.Ltd.
DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (DHALAI DISTRICT, TRIPURA)
e) WATER COURSE
River Dhalai and Manu river are the main water course of the district. Beside that there are cherras viz., Jarulchhara, Kanchanchhara etc.
Originated from the Longtarai hill range, the river Dhalai is flowing towards north through the two parallel structural hill ranges of Atharamura and Longtarai and entered into Bangladesh near Kamalpur. The whole river basin in Indian part is located within the district of Dhalai, Tripura having an area of 678.136 sq. km. and 23 subwatersheds. Most of the rivers have formed dendritic drainage pattern, which indicates that they are flowing through a youthful stage. Altitude of the basin ranges between 16 m to 498 m. Different types of landforms like structural hills, denudation hill, inter-hill valley, undulating plains with low mouds and flood plains are found in the study area. The whole basin is mainly composed of weathered sandstone, shale, silt stone and alluvium (Ghosh et al., 2013).
Manu River in this districtrepresents the river reach from Tripura border to the confluence with Kushiyara River in Manumukh, Sherpur and it lengths 69.88 km. It is also an alluvial and highly sinuous river. Ten major bends have been selected in this study reach. The mean highest and lowest water levels of Manu River are 18.88 m and 12.77 m respectively. It is a highly sinuous river with lots of meander and lateral bank migration in it (Deb et al., 2012).
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Map 3: River system map of Dhalai District
Source: Dhalai District Profile, 2016-17
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f) GROUND WATER DEVELOPMENT
The tube wells are installed with water jet method and rotary rig method (direct/reverse).Static water level is in the range of 10-15m below ground level. Numbers of water ponds are also there which augments village water supply. Rainfall is high in the range of 1800-2000 mm annually. The study area is mostly dominated by dense vegetation. Paddy cultivation is practiced based on the rainfall.
Hydro-geologically the area is a moderate to good zone for groundwater development. The water table lies between 15 m and 20 m below ground level in the unconsolidated sandy sediments of Recent alluvium. Here the groundwater yield is good and can be developed with the use of deep tube wells. The water supply for this area and blocks is augmented with dug wells, shallow hand pumps and mini deep tubewells. Drinking water supply division, resource water division have taken initiatives and installed number of tubewells in the area, which are in operation mode.
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g) DRAINAGE SYSTEM (GENERAL)
The two rivers i.e. Dhalai River and Manu River is the principal river of the district. These rivers are seasonal and non-perennial as well as not navigable (Chateerjee, 1984). The Manu River originates from the Kohoisib peak of the Sakhan range and is one of the longest rivers in the state as well as in the district having a total length of about 167 kilometres. This river has hydroelectric potentialities. The Dhalai River rises in the Dolajari peak of the Longtarai range having a total length of about 117 km. (Chatterjee, 1984). The drainage pattern of the rivers of Dhalai district is of Trellis type.
These two rivers are rain fed and transport large volume of water especially during the monsoon season causing floods in the lower portion of the valleys. The enormous flow of water sometimes causes the rivers to change their courses (Chatterjee, 1984). During winter season the water level of these rivers falls drastically and the rivers become almost stagnant, the channel sometimes gets disconnected (Chatterjee, 1984). Due to this the river water cannot be used for irrigation purpose.
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Map 4: Drainage Pattern Map of Dhalai District
Source: Dhalai District Profile, 2016-17
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h) DEMOGRAPHY
Tripura is the second most populous state in the North-East India, next only to Assam. Once the indigenous Borok communities dominated the state, but at present the ST population comprising of 19 tribes has become a minority in its own land due to the large influx of immigrants mainly the Bengali- speaking people from Bangladesh (Debbarma, 2009).
In 2011, Dhalai had population of 378,230 of which male and female were 194,544 and 183,686 respectively. In 2001 census, Dhalai had a population of 307,868 of which males were 159,095 and remaining 148,773 were females.
PARAMETERS PARTICULARS
TOTAL POPULATION 378230
MALE POPULATION 194544
FEMALE POPULATION 183686
OVERALL LITERACY RATE (%) 85.72
MALE LITERACY RATE (%) 91.31
FEMALE LITERACY RATE (%) 79.79
FEMALE PER THOUSAND MALE 944
(Ref: DIARY 2018, GOVERNMENT OF TRIPURA)
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FEMALE POPULATION
MALE POPULATION
TOTAL POPULATION
0 50000 100000 150000 200000 250000 300000 350000 400000
Fig 3: Bar diagram of Male & Female population, Dhalai District
MALE POPULATION FEMALE POPULATION
49% 51%
Fig 4: Pie chart of Male & Female population, Dhalai District
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FEMALE LITERACY RATE (%)
MALE LITERACY RATE (%)
OVERALL LITERACY RATE (%)
74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94
Fig 5: Bar diagram of literacy rate, Dhalai District
MALE LITERACY RATE (%) FEMALE LITERACY RATE (%)
Fig 6: Pie chart of literacy racy, Dhalai District
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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (DHALAI DISTRICT, TRIPURA)
i) CROPPING PATTERN
Most of the district is dependent on rain-fed farming although due to heavy rains in the monsoon and rain in winter and summer makes sufficient supply of water. Irrigation ponds form another water supply for agriculture.Horticultural plantations include banana, pineapple, mango, litchi, jackfruit, papaya, betel nut, orange, lemon, and other fruit trees. North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Limited (NERAMAC) had Fruit Juice Concentration Plant (FJCP) at Nalkata since 1988, but it's been inoperational since 2010. Several tea estates are in Manu, Chawmanu, Salema and Durgachowmuhani blocks, with a tea processing unit at Salema.
Vegetables like tomato, cabbage, cauliflower, snake gourd, pumpkin, okra, corn, cucumber, beans, potato, carrot, radish, bamboo shoot are grown in parts of the district. Spice cultivation includes chili pepper, coriander, ginger, turmeric, tamarind, garlic, onion etc.
Paddy is the main component in all farming systems of Dhalai, as rice is a staple food for Tripureans. The farmers follow a unique system of paddy cultivation in which they use „lunga‟ land, a low-land condition surrounded by „tilla‟ lands (hillocks) for growing paddy. Under tilla land conditions, they grow beans, cowpea, brinjal etc. during rainy season using field or household residues for nutrient recycling in vegetable crops. Among the fruit crops, banana, papaya, citrus, mango, arecanut, litchi, etc. occupy their backyards.
PARAMETERS AREA IN Hactare
GROSS CROPPED AREA 35753
NET CROPPED AREA 20216
AREA UNDER FOOD GRAIN 39207
AREA UNDER SRI 7542
(Ref: DIARY 2018, GOVERNMENT OF TRIPURA)
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AREA IN Hactare
AREA UNDER SRI
AREA UNDER FOOD GRAIN
AREA IN Hactare NET CROPPED AREA
GROSS CROPPED AREA
0 10000 20000 30000 40000 50000
Fig 7: Bar diagram of cropping Pattern, Dhalai district
j) LAND FORM AND SEISMICITY
Physiographically, the district can be divided into two divisions- (1) The hill ranges, and (2) The valley / plain areas. The Dhalai district is Earthquake prone Zone-V.
k) FLORA
The most important crops that are associated with this north-eastern state of India are paddy, pulses, oilseeds, jute and different kinds of fruit and vegetables. (ref: mapsofindia.com)
The forests of Tripura are varied. On the basis of large-scale studies in other North-Eastern States, Deb(1981) considered the classification of forest types suggested by Champion and Seth (1968) as better suited for describing and correlating the forest types in India. Deb‟s description of the flora of Tripura has been followed here. Based on climate (also altitude and longitude), the forests of Tripura are treated under tropical forest types. They are grouped and described as follows:
A. Climate Types B. Seral types C. Subsidiary Edaphic types
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Bamboo brakes widely in character and aspect cover very large areas in Tripura as in Burma and Chittagong. Continuous bamboo forests are interrupted with scattered evergreen treesor deciduous secondary stands. Sheltered hollows and other favourable sites are dominated by bamboo. The vast preponderance of bamboo forest may be the result of activity of man in his practice of shifting favourable for bamboo growth. It is also possible that bamboo holds the ground as a primary edaphic sub-climax.
(ref: biodiversity.tripura.gov.in/flora)
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Map 5: Forest map of Dhalai District
Source: Dhalai District Profile
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4. PHYSIOGRAPHY OF THE DISTRICT
The state of Tripura is known as „Hill Tipperah‟ due to its hilly nature of undulating surface made uneven by inter-pressed low hills. Bottom RL of the terrain is 15m & top RL is 750m . The physiography trends towards west. However, in some places the terrain is inaccessible and highly undulating. The Ilinga (Longitudinal valleys) lands are juxtaposed in between the numerous tilla (hillocks) lands that are fertile with agricultural lands. It is seen that almost the entire North and Dhalai Districts are having high physiography. High physiography areas i.e. the Baramura and Atharamura hill ranges are also observed in the West and South Districts. The Blocks of Chhamanu, Oasda, Jampui Hill, Manu, Ambassa, Salema, Tulashikhar and part of Padmabil, Mandai, Bagafa, Amarpur, Kila, Satchand, Hrishyamukh, Satchand, Rupaichara fall in the high physiographical zone.
Geology, climate, and geomorphological processes play a vitalrole in shaping the composition and structure of the soil. The soil found in the hilly tracks of Dhalai district in particular ranges between red lateritic soil and sandy loam to silty clay soil (Chatterjee, 1984). During the monsoon season due to heavy downpours the soil found in the hills become moistened triggering landslides, moreover the rainwater drains the humus and nutrient contents of the soil causing the soil significantly infertile. Hence, the hill soils are less fertile in comparison to the valley soil and it is here that the small communities practice shifting cultivation which had initially emerged as a response to the prevailing geo-environmental and cultural factors but at present needs to be checked due to environmental problems, also the growth of population, and modern lifestyle etc., is leading to smaller jhum cycles resulting to increasing deforestation and associated problems.
The soil of the lowlands i.e. river valleys and at the foothills is composed mostly of alluvium rich in humus content and ranges between sandy clay loam to clayey loam (Chatterjee, 1984 and Saigal, 1978). The soils of the lowlands are extremely fertile and are enriched almost annually by the deposition from the hilly tracks which is transported by the rivers with their small tributaries originating from the surrounding hills range (Saigal, 1978). This rich organic fertile alluvium soil supports agriculture where paddy cultivation dominates. Thus, the Kamalpur Sub-division has the largest area under food crops followed by the surrounding plains of Ambassa and Manu Sub- division. The rubber plantation have come up in the foothills of Ambassa sub-division, Longtarai valleysub-division and Kamalpur Sub-division as the agro-climatic and soil conditions for rubber cultivation are ideal here.
The topography of Dhalai district comprises mostly of rugged terrain with some undulating surface. About 75 percent of the district geographical areas are characterized by hilly terrain covered with 35 | P a g e Prepared by: RSP Green Development & Laboratories Pvt.Ltd.
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dense forests and only about 25 percent are plains (http://dhalai.nic.in/old/welcome.htm). Dhalai district is situated between two hilly ranges namely the „Atharamura range‟ and the „Sakhan range‟. Three hills range i.e. Atharamura, Longtarai and Sakhan range are found here Physiographically, the district can be divided into two divisions- (1) The hill ranges, and (2) The valley / plain areas.
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5. LAND USE PATTERN OF THE DISTRICT:
Maximum hilly areas in the state are situated under Dhalai district. Longtharai hill is the highest peak of the district. Kalahari hill in Gandachara is famous for bamboo range in Tripura. Sakhantang in Longtharai valley is beautiful hill range and covered with forest natural resources and also famous for production of orange, pineapple etc. About more than 70 % of total area in the district is covered by hill and forest. Though the district is having its natural resources, faourable climate , adequate and well spread rain fall, unexploited human resources, vast watery areas, it is lagging far behind of the state average due to its poor infrastructure, poor communication, poor irrigation and poor marketing facilities.
PARAMETERS AREA (inHectare)
LAND UNDER NON AGRI. USE 13272 PERMANENT PASTURE& GRAZING LAND 1379 CULTIVABLE LAND 22382 IRRIGABLE LAND 10352 GROSS CROPPED AREA 35753 NET CROPPED AREA 20216 AREA UNDER FOOD GRAIN 39207 AREA UNDER SRI 7542 TOTAL FOREST AREA 131058 UNCLASSIFIED GOVERNMENT FOREST 4543 RESERVE FOREST 113553 PROTECTED FOREST 12962
(ref: Dhalai District Profile, 2016)
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AREA in Hectare 140000 120000 100000 80000 60000 40000 20000 0 AREA IN Hactare
Fig 8: Bar diagram of Land use Pattern, Dhalai District
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Map 6: Land use map of Dhalai District
Source: Dhalai District Profile
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Map 7: Forest Classification Map, Dhalai District
Source: Dhalai District Profile
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6. GEOLOGY
As the study of geological structure is important for understanding the composition and structure of rocks, which determine the characteristics of the topography, the drainage system, soils, mineral resources etc., it becomes essential to have a brief understanding of the geology of Tripura in general and the study area in particular.
Geologically the hill tracks of Tripura in general and Dhalai district in particular consists of Tertiary rocks, which has been later covered by the alluvial deposits. The trend of the hill ranges is N-S.Beds of this Hill ranges dip moderately towards west. The force of the tectonic movement has caused the sub-stratum to raise up a number of parallel anticline ridges. This perhaps started during the upliftment of the Himalayas during the Eocene period (Geological survey of India, 2011). Barail, Surma and Tipam are the three sedimentary rock formations found here lying one above the other.
The Barail series are composed mainly of moderate hard fine grained and yellow to pink sand stones. However, according to the Geological Survey of India the Barail group has not been exposed, although the Barail sediment was deposited on the folded structure they were not uplifted.
The Surma Group overlies the Barail series and has two formations i.e. the lower Bhuban formation (arenaceous assemblage) and the Upper Bokabil Formation (argillaceous assemblage).
The lower Bhuban Formation is further classified into three Formations i.e. the Lower Formation, which is not exposed totally; the Middle Formation that is exposed partially as isolated small patches in the hill ridges; and the Upper Formation that forms the bulk of lower Surma group. The formation of Lower Surma Group is visible in the Sakhan and Longtarai ranges, as the north-south trending anticlines. The Bhuban formation for most part consists of massive calcareous sandstones, calcareous siltstones with yellow to buff coloured fine grained sandstone and limestone. The prominent geomorphic unit on the slopes of Sakhan hills is the limestone bands formed due to differential weathering process.
The upper Bokabil Formation overlies the Lower Bhuban Formation. This Formation mainly consists of huge thickness of laminated siltstone, silty shale with narrow bands of sandstone, which are pale brown in colour and are composed of numerous hard calcareous concretions and small broken fossils.
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The Tipam group overlies the Surma Group and the Bokabil Formation marks the boundary between Tipam group. The boundary is marked by ribbed sandstone with minor thin siltstone bands. The occurrence of this ribbed sandstone unit in the Tipam base indicates that changes have takenplacein the depositional environment.
The mapping showed by Nandy (1973) and Chatterjee (1983) of the Tipam Group can be divided into two Formations.The Lower Tipam formation consisting of a thick unit of fine to medium-grained sandstones, subarkosic sandstones, siltstones and sandy mudstones having traces of brackish to fresh water shallow marine facies. This is found in the Atharamura, the Longtarai and in the Sakhan ranges of Dhalai district.The upper Tipam Formation does not exist in Dhalai district.
From the seismological point of view, the entire district falls under the earthquake zone V, which points out that there is lack of stability in the arrangements of the rock stratum.
Different types of landforms like structural hills, denudation hill, inter-hill valley, undulating plains, flood plains etc. are found in the study area. The whole study area is mainly composed of weathered sandstone, shale, siltstone and alluvium. Most of the rivers are flowing parallel to sub-parallel with hill ranges with dendritic drainage pattern. The district is drained by the river systems of Dhalai, Manu, Gomati, Khowai and their tributaries which are perennial in nature. These river systems have originated from Atharamura, Longtarai and Sakhantlang hill ranges. In general, drainage pattern is structurally controlled and is in conformity with the topography
The geology of the district is represented by sedimentary rocks which ranged in age from Miocene (918 million years old) to loosely consolidated sediments of Recent age (less than 1 million years old). The rocks are sandstone, siltstone and shale grading into clay. The district is divided into eight physiographic units viz. high relief, medium relief, low relief, flat topped denudational hills, residual hills, alluvial plain, flood plain and undulating plains. Majority of the area of the district is characterized by medium relief. The soils of the study area were classified as per USDA Soil Taxonomy into four orders viz. Entisols, Inceptisols, Alfisols and Ultisols as per USDA Soil Taxonomy. (Bhattacharya et al. 1996).
Structural scenario: Structurally the present study area bears a uncanny signature of different deformational episodes accompanied by tectogenic events which ultimately resulted folding, faulting, fractures and micro lineaments within the litho units.
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Geological Succession of Dhalai river basin
Group Sub-Group Formation Rock type Recent Recent Unconsolidated silt, and clay with decomposed (Unconformity) vegetable matter and gravels
Dupi Tila Dupi Tila Sandy clays, clayey sandstone, ferruginous sandstone (Unconformity) with pockets of plastic clay, silica and laterite. Tipam Tipam Champanagar Sandstone, occasional sandy shale and abundant lumps of fossil wood Manu Bazar Sandstone with laminated layers and lenses of sandy shale, siltstone and mudstone. Surma (Contact Thinly bedded repetition of sandstone, siltstone/shale, transitional) mudstone and ferruginous sandstone. Boka Bill Bhuban Hard compact sandstone, olive shale, sandy shale and siltstone repetitions
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Local Stratigraphy succession of Dhalai river basin
Age Group Formation
Holocene Khowai Formation Ghilatoli Formation Teliamura Formation Kalyanpur Formation Quaternary Dupitila Dupitila Formation
Upper Pliocene to Pleistocene Tipam Upper Tipam Formation
Lower Tipam Formation
Pliocene Surma Bokabil Formation
Micocene- Lr. Pliocene Upper Bhuban Formation
Middle Bhuban Formation
Lower Bhuban Formation (Not exposed in Tripura) Upper most Oligocene
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Map 8: Geological Map of Dhalai District
Source: Dhalai District Profile
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7. MINERAL WEALTH
Overview of mineral resources (covering all minerals)
The mineral resources of any state provide an avenue for economic development but the process of mining may have extensive impact on land, soil and water resources. The mining projects have as a consequence become a part of development sector requiring environmental clearance under Environmental Protection Act, 1986, EIA Notification 1994. Sands are defined as a concentration of naturally occurring weathered product on the river bed or bank of the river and sands occur in such a form that its economic extraction is possible with ease. On this parlance, the deposits of sands have high economic value. In Tripura, the mineral resources are mainly glass sands, limestone, plastic clay and hard rock; all of these material are being used to a variable degree. However, the single most important resource in the state is oil and natural gas. ONGC or Oil and Natural Gas Commission has initiated massive exploration programme in the State. As for the other minerals, provides an account of locations, deposit, current uses, etc. Details of clay deposit in Tripura has been dealt in the State of Environment Report for Tripura (1989). The impact of mining and quarrying of mineral resources in Tripura has so far been insignificant. Mineral Resource of Tripura
Mineral Location Uses Hard Rock Jampui Hills Road metals
Longatari Hill Limestone Sakhan&Jampui Range Not suitable Cement Manpui area Suitable for inferior (990,000 t. reserve) quality of Lime Puzzolana mix. Clay All over the State generally in river bank Sanitary ware deposit Stone wares Good clay deposit in West and South region. Sewerage pipes Total 1.73 million ton deposit in four zone out Electric insulator of six zones* Refractory grade [* Mohanpur-Bamutia- Kamalghat; Bisramganj-Bagma; Champamura-Baldakhal-Jogendranagar; Khowai-Teliamura-Ampi; Shantirbazar- Udaipur; Kumarghat and Baidyathakurpara- Anadanagar- Maheshkhola-Dukli-Sonamura area] Glass Sand Bishramganj (160,000t) Many uses Old Agartala (16,000t)
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Mineral Location Uses Jogendranagar (3627t) Sekerkota (80,000t) Dasharambari (5330t) Mohanpur (97,875t) Baidyathakurpara- Anadanagar Maheshkhola and Dukli (NA)
Total Reserve 3,62,832 tonnes
[Source: GSI Report 1982, 1999] Of the total geographical area of Tripura, 76% can be marked as of “Tertiary” origin and 24% belong to Quaternary period; none of these contain any major mineral resource. A GSI Report of 1982 provide a list of Non-metallic and metallic mineral vis-a-vis their location or otherwise in Tripura (Table-14) indicating the poor profile.
Mineral Resource potential in Tripura
Sl. No. Mineral Status A. Non-metallic 1. Lime stone Commodity not located or absent 2. Dolomite Commodity not located or absent 3. Coal Commodity not located or absent 4. Clay Commodity not located or absent 5. Refractories Commodity not located or absent 6. Glass sand Good reserve, low grade 7. Graphite Commodity not located or absent 8. Fertilizer Commodity not located or absent 9. Gravel sand silt Good reserve, low grade 10. Building stone Commodity not located or absent B. Metallic 11. Ferrous Commodity not located or absent 12. Non-ferrous Commodity not located or absent 13. Noble metals Commodity not located or absent
[Source: GSI Report 1982]
The current production of natural gas in estimated at one million cubic meters per day. The available figure for 1990-91 to 1997-98 shows a fast increasing rate of production from 70 million tonnes per year in 1990-91 to 2.7x in 8 years reaching 196 million tonnes in 1997-98.
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Sand and other river bed minerals (i) Drainage System
a) Drainage system with description of main rivers/Cherras
S.NO Name of the River or Total Length in the % Area drained Remarks Stream District (in km.) in the district
1 Dhalai 40 100% Flow through Ambassa- Salama- Kamalpur 2 Manu 30 100% Flow through Manu block 3 Sarma 10 100% Flow through Gandachhara b) Salient features of important rivers and streams/cherras
S.NO Name of the River Total Length in the Place of origin Altitude at origin or Stream District (in km) 1 Dhalai 40 Dolajari peak of 515 m Longatarai Range 2 Manu 30 Kohoisib peak of 482 m Sakhan Range ii) Annual deposition of river bed minerals Evaluation based on following parameters: a) Geomorphological studies i) Place of origin: Dhalai river : Dolajari peak of Longatarai Range Manu river: Kohoisib peak of Sakhan Range ii) Catchment area: The whole river basin of Dhalai river in Indian part is located within the district of Dhalai, Tripura having an area of 678.136 sq. km. and 23 subwatersheds. Wheras the basin area of river Manu is around 1,979 sq. km. consisting of 19% total geographical region of the state. iii) General profile of river:
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River Dhalai has been originated from the Longtarai hill range, flowing towards north through the two parallel structural hill ranges of Atharamura and Longtarai and entering into Bangladesh . The basinal area of this river is located within the district of Dhalai, Tripura having an area of 678.136 sq. km. Altitude of the basin ranges between 16 m to 498 m. Different types of landforms like structural hills, denudation hill, inter-hill valley, undulating plains with low mouds and flood plains are found in the study area.
Manu River in this districtrepresents the river reach from Tripura border to the confluence with Kushiyara River in Manumukh, Sherpur and it lengths 69.88 km. It is also an alluvial and highly sinuous river. Ten major bends have been selected in this study reach. The mean highest and lowest water levels of Manu River are 18.88 m and 12.77 m respectively. It is a highly sinuous river with lots of meander and lateral bank migration in it (Deb et al., 2012). iv) Annual deposition factor It depends on load carrying capacity of the flowing river along withthe competency and capacitance of river. Provenenc of sediment, mode of transport, quantity of suspended load and bed load, rate of sedimentation,settling velocity of sediments all together enhance the process of sedimentation giving high yield value of sand. v) Relenishment: Replenishment of the sand takes place during monsoon season every year. vi) Total potential of minor minerals in river bed: 102857 tonnes of sand b) Geological studies i) Lithology of catchment area: Lithology comprising of sand, silt, clay, alluvium, sandstone, shell and marshstone. ii) Tectonics and structural behaviour of rocks: It is situated in seismicity prone zone V. Structurally the area is highly deformed, different phases of folding presence; a series of sub parallel arcuate, elongated, N-Strending doubly plunging fold. Anticlines are separated by synclines. Environmental condition is this region is governed by local tectonic movement. Presence of fold, fault.fractures and microlineament are observed. c) Climatic factors i. Intensity of rainfall: Average monsoon rainfall is 2220 mm. ii. Climate zone: Tropical monsoon climate iii. Temperature variation: Summer 16.9 ℃ -36 ℃, Winter 5 ℃ -28 ℃
Concluding Remarks
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Mining of minor minerals, though individually, because of smaller size of mine leases is perceived to have lesser impact as compared to mining of major minerals. However, the activity as a whole is seen to have significant adverse impacts on environment. It is, therefore, necessary that the mining of minor minerals is subjected to simpler but strict regulatory regime and carried out only under an approved framework of mining plan, which should provide for reclamation and rehabilitation of the mined out areas. Further, while granting mining leases by the respective State Governments "location of any eco-fragile zone (s) within the impact zone of the proposed mining area, the linked Rules/ Notifications governing such zones and the judicial pronouncements, if any, need be duly noted. The Union Ministry of Mines along with Indian Bureau of Mines and respective State Governments should therefore make necessary provisions in this regard under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 and adopt model Guideliness to be followed by all States (emphasis supplied)".
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8. OVERVIEW OF MINING ACTIVITY IN THE DISTRICT
(a) General overview
Sand lifting/mining used to take place mainly from the river and few streams from the district for all purposes. There are no sand mines or quarries in Dhalai except rivers and streams. The lifting of sand was carried out from main rivers and its tributaries in the entire District. All illegal activities in regard to sand mining in the Dhalai have been stopped till any decision received from the appropriate authority.
(b) List of existing mining leases of the districts with location, area, period for each minor mineral.
Attached latter
(c ) Detail of production of sand and other minor minerals during last three years.
YEARS 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18
MINERALS SAND SAND SAND SAND NAME PRODUCTION 81483.297 83127.60 696513.319 63006.854 (in Cum.)
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9. DETAILS OF REVENUE GENERATED FROM MINERAL SECTOR DURING LAST THREE YEARS.
YEARS 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18
MINERAL SAND SAND SAND SAND NAME REVENUE 3589183/- 3998035/- 3819372/- 3282526/-
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10. TRANSPORT OR LOGISTIC SYSTEM
Main transport facility in this district is NH 8 (NH 44). Beside this there are many other district and pwd roads. The one and only rail line is Agartala- Dharmanagar connecting line.
Map 8: Transportation Map of Dhalai District
Source: Dhalai District Profile
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11. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report indicates prima facie availability of requisite area for sand mining and serves the purpose of District Survey report (DSR) which includes "identification of areas of aggradations or deposition where mining can be allowed; and identification of areas of erosion and proximity to infrastructural structures and installations where mining should be prohibited and calculation of annual rate of replenishment and allowing time for replenishment after mining in that area". The District Survey Report (DSR) will contain mainly data published and endorsed by various departments and websites about Geology of the area, Mineral wealth details of rivers, Details of Lease and Mining activity in the District along with Sand mining and revenue of minerals. This report also contains details of Forest, Rivers, Soil, Agriculture, Road, Transportation and climate etc.The main minor mineral of the district i.e. sand will be replenished annually and available for excavation in the next post- monsoon season. Additional areas may be further assessed on the basis of various ecological, environmental, social consideration. It can be further studied as potential area for mining and revenue generation.
There is a gap of feeling which might be attributed to the factors of immediate benefit as the very question of subsistence is involved particularly when the majority of the people in Tripura are below poverty line. Exploitation and not extinction should be the way of life. If that be the case the forest resources which are national wealth should be preserved in such a way that they are exploited and not extinct. Else danger is inherent in expressing their displeasure. The signs of danger, are apparent when we see erosion of soils due to indiscriminate felling of trees. There is uneven rainfall. Water flows merry- go-round. It carries sands which turns into deposits causing heavy damage to fertile lands which are going to be scarce particularly when the population is increasing in geometrical progression.
Successful management of sand mining from river bed and river banks and from flood plains involving exploitation, conservation and protection of resources for Tripura Govt.will be pivotal to its economic growth and sustenance of the quality of the environment.
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APPENDEX A
SUGGESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE SAND MAINING
Sl. No. STATE SUGGESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE SAND MAINING
1. While attempting to prepare a model Guideline/Policy for the State,. 2. For environmentally sustainable sand mining a strict and comprehensive sand mining policy need to be framed . 3. To ease the process of EC granting, SEIAA may have benches across the state with each bench having a SEAC under it. Time bound clearance with ease of access and grant. 4. Working cum Environment Management Plan has been Made 01 TRIPURA mandatory. The mining activities are allowed after submission of environment clearance. 5. Compliance Report is mandatory every 6 Month. (ie July, Dec.) Every 2 Year's Revised Mining Plan submit are mandatory. 6. Mining should be done in accordance with an approved mining plan. 7. EC Should be valid for settlement Periode subject to ceiling of five years. 8. Sand mining operation has to carried out between 6 am to 7 PM. 9. River width are between 30 meter to 90 meter, so 10% width river can be restricted for mining activities from the river bank.
1
APPENDEX A
SUGGESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE SAND MAINING
Sl. No. STAT E SUGGESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE SAND MAINING
10. . Since the most of the main rivers of Tripura are of Perennial origin (i.e., water remains all through out the year) hand mining is not a suitable methodology. In this case, recovery of sands is not possible manually from river bed. To trigger the mining of sands & other minor minerals mechanised mining methods are to be adopted applying modern mining tools. Needless to say, in the case of river bed mining of perennial river, necessary arrangements for avoiding accidents/fatal are to be taken into 01 TRIPURA account on priority basis: otherwise it may cause a huge loss of human property and the concerned mining project which ultimately will jeoperdise the economic viability of the entire project. So, mechanised mining may be allowed.
11. As per Guideline of SUSTAINABLE SAND MINNG GUIDELINE (Page No 85-92) Some State (Like Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, UP etc.)allowed Some Mechanised/Semi-mechanised Mining Process.
2
SAND BLOCK DETAILS OF DHALAI DISTRICT Sl. Sand Block Area (Ha.) Area (Sqm.) River Name Mouza Name RESERVE(in No Cft.) 1 DHLI1 0.69 6900 Dhalai Harerkhola 487342.86
2 DHLI2 0.67 6700 Dhalai Harerkhola 473216.98
3 DHLI3 1.5 15000 Dhalai Harerkhola 1059441
4 DHLI4 1.57 15700 Dhalai Harerkhola 1108881.58
5 DHLI5 0.65 6500 Dhalai Harerkhola 459091.1
6 DHLI6 0.56 5600 Dhalai Kalachhari 395524.64 7 DHLI7 1.55 15500 Dhalai Kalachhari 1094755.7
8 DHLI8 1.08 10800 Dhalai Kalachhari 762797.52
9 DHLI9 0.75 7500 Dhalai Manik 529720.5 Bhandar
10 DHLI10 0.65 6500 Dhalai Manik 459091.1 Bhandar
11 DHLI11 1.25 12500 Dhalai Manik 882868.25 Bhandar
12 DHLI12 0.73 7300 Dhalai Manik 515594.62 Bhandar
13 DHLI13 1.58 15800 Dhalai Manik 1115944.52 Bhandar 14 DHLI14 0.08 800 Dhalai Manik 56503.52 Bhandar
15 DHLI15 1.09 10900 Dhalai Manik 769860.46 Bhandar
16 DHLI16 1.52 15200 Dhalai Halahali 1073566.88
17 DHLI17 2.89 28900 Dhalai Halahali 2041189.66
18 DHLI18 4.61 46100 Dhalai Halahali 3256015.34
19 DHLI19 1.95 19500 Dhalai Halahali 1377273.3
20 DHLI20 1.77 17700 Dhalai Halahali 1250140.38
21 DHLI21 1.39 13900 Dhalai Nakful 981748.66 22 DHLI22 1.98 19800 Dhalai Nakful 1398462.12
23 DHLI23 1.14 11400 Dhalai Baralutma 805175.16
24 DHLI24 1.61 16100 Dhalai Abhanga 1137133.34
25 DHLI25 1.57 15700 Dhalai Chankap 1108881.58
26 DHLI26 2.72 27200 Dhalai Abhanga 1921119.68
27 DHLI27 1.45 14500 Dhalai Abhanga 1024126.3
28 DHLI28 1.79 17900 Dhalai Abhanga 1264266.26 29 DHLI29 1.54 15400 Dhalai Abhanga 1087692.76
30 DHLI30 0.98 9800 Dhalai Abhanga 692168.12
31 DHLI31 1.46 14600 Dhalai Maharani 1031189.24
32 DHLI32 0.97 9700 Dhalai Maharani 685105.18
33 DHLI33 0.73 7300 Dhalai Michhuria 515594.62 34 DHLI34 0.85 8500 Dhalai Kachuchhara 600349.9
35 DHLI35 0.71 7100 Dhalai Purba 501468.74 Daluchhara
36 DHLI36 0.71 7100 Dhalai Purba 501468.74 Daluchhara 37 DHLI37 0.51 5100 Dhalai Purba 360209.94 Daluchhara 38 DHLI38 0.83 8300 Dhalai Purba 586224.02 Nalichhara
39 DHLI39 0.51 5100 Dhalai Purba 360209.94 Nalichhara
40 DHLI40 0.58 5800 Dhalai Purba 409650.52 Nalichhara
41 DHLI41 0.46 4600 Dhalai Lalchhari 324895.24
42 DHLI42 0.31 3100 Dhalai Lalchhari 218951.14
43 DHLI43 0.33 3300 Dhalai Kulai 233077.02
44 DHLI44 0.21 2100 Dhalai Kulai 148321.74
45 DHLI45 0.23 2300 Dhalai Kulai 162447.62 46 DHLI46 0.6 6000 Dhalai Kamalchhara 423776.4
47 DHLI47 0.13 1300 Dhalai Kamalchhara 91818.22
48 DHLI48 0.29 2900 Dhalai Raipasa 204825.26
49 DHLI49 0.14 1400 KanchanChhara Ulta Chhara 98881.16
50 DHLI50 0.04 400 KanchanChhara Ulta Chhara 28251.76
51 DHLI51 0.13 1300 KanchanChhara Ulta Chhara 91818.22 52 DHLI52 0.16 1600 KanchanChhara Kanchan 113007.04 chhara
53 DHLI53 0.11 1100 KanchanChhara Kanchan 77692.34 chhara
54 DHLI54 0.18 1800 KanchanChhara Kanchan 127132.92 chhara
55 DHLI55 0.11 1100 KanchanChhara Kanchan 77692.34 chhara
56 DHLI56 1.82 18200 Manu Nalkata 1285455.08
57 DHLI57 4.02 40200 Manu Nalkata 2839301.88
58 DHLI58 0.67 6700 Manu Paschim 473216.98 Machli 59 DHLI59 0.89 8900 Manu Paschim 628601.66 Machli
60 DHLI60 2.17 21700 Manu Paschim 1532657.98 Machli
61 DHLI61 1.51 15100 Manu Jamir Chhara 1066503.94
62 DHLI62 2.23 22300 Manu Jamir Chhara 1575035.62
63 DHLI63 4.44 44400 Manu Mainama 3135945.36
64 DHLI64 0.14 1400 JarulChhara Jarul Chhara 98881.16
65 DHLI65 0.22 2200 JarulChhara Jarul Chhara 155384.68 66 DHLI66 0.16 1600 JarulChhara Jarul Chhara 113007.04
67 DHLI67 3.65 36500 Manu Mainama 2577973.1
68 DHLI68 3.67 36700 Manu Mainama 2592098.98
69 DHLI69 4.77 47700 Manu Chailengta 3369022.38
70 DHLI70 1.89 18900 Manu Ghagra 1334895.66 Chhara
71 DHLI71 0.6 6000 Manu Ghagra 423776.4 Chhara
72 DHLI72 0.32 3200 Manu Durga Chhara 226014.08 73 DHLI73 0.18 1800 Manu Durga Chhara 127132.92
74 DHLI74 0.88 8800 Manu Sonapur 621538.72
75 DHLI75 1.24 12400 Manu Sonapur 875804.56
76 DHLI76 0.98 9800 Manu Sonapur 692168.12
77 DHLI77 0.89 8900 Manu Sonapur 628601.66
78 DHLI78 0.9 9000 Manu Sonapur 635664.6
79 DHLI79 0.11 1100 sarma or Ganda Jagabandhu 77692.34 chhara Para 80 DHLI80 0.12 1200 sarma or Ganda Chitrajhari 84755.28 chhara
81 DHLI81 0.18 1800 sarma or Ganda Chitrajhari 127132.92 chhara
82 DHLI82 0.17 1700 sarma or Ganda Laxmipur 120069.98 chhara
83 DHLI83 0.11 1100 sarma or Ganda Laxmipur 77692.34 chhara
84 DHLI84 0.15 1500 sarma or Ganda Laxmipur 105944.1 chhara
85 DHLI85 0.22 2200 sarma or Ganda Laxmipur 155384.68 chhara
86 DHLI86 0.31 3100 sarma or Ganda Paschim 218951.14 chhara GandaChhara
DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT (DHALAI DISTRICT)
" To illustrate my meaning and intention more plainly, I would compare the relationship existing between forestry and agriculture to that which exists in ordinary life between husband, dark, stern and strong, but protecting and cherishing; agriculture, bland benignant and bountiful, may, in my parable, be described as the wife. Deprived of the aid and resources derived from the forest, agriculture pines and languishes and becomes barren and unfruitful" G.K.B Indian Forester XV-330, Sept. 1889