Summary Record of the Fourth Meeting Of

SUMMARY RECORD OF THE 13 TH MEETING OF STATE LEVEL ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT AUTHORITY, CHHATTISGARH

The 13th meeting of State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority, Chhattisgarh was held on 26/02/2010 at 03.00 P.M. at Conference Hall, State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority, Chhattisgarh Secretariat, Raipur. Shri N.S. Bhadauria, Chairman, SEIAA, Chhattisgarh chaired the meeting. The following members of SEIAA were present in the meeting: -

1. Dr. M.L. Naik, Member, SEIAA 2. Shri P.V. Narsinga Rao, Member Secretary, SEIAA

At the outset, the Member Secretary, SEIAA, Chhattisgarh welcomed the Chairman and member of Environment Impact Assessment Authority, Chhattisgarh. Agenda wise discussions were carried out as follows: -

Agenda Item No. 1: - Approval of minutes of the 12th meeting of SEIAA, Chhattisgarh –

Minutes of the 12th meeting of SEIAA, Chhattisgarh held on 16/12/09 were presented before the authority. The authority perused the contents of the minutes and approved the minutes of the 12th meeting.

Agenda Item No. 2: - Discussion on the proposals submitted for consideration.

(1) M/s Agrawal Infrasteel, Plot No. 116/5, Village – Biladi, P.O. –Neora, Tehsil – Tilda, District – Raipur. The project proponent submitted application for prescribing TOR / Environment Clearance on 12/05/2009 for rolling mill of capacity 1.2 lakh tonnes per year. The case was discussed in the 34th, 37th and 45th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh held on 19/06/2009, 15/07/2009 and 31/10/2009 respectively. Project proponent made presentation in the 37th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh on 15/07/2009. As per decision in the 45th meeting held on 31/10/2009, a Sub Committee visited the site on 15/11/2009. The inspection report of sub committee was discussed in 46th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh held on 30/11/2009. Authority perused the information/documents submitted by the project proponent and recommendation of SEAC, Chhattisgarh. It is noted that site is located at Khasra no. 116/5, Village – Billari, Post - Neora, District - Raipur. Rolling mill has been proposed within the premises of existing 8.5 megawatt power plant. 33.18 acres land acquisition has already been completed. Proposed rolling mill would be installed more than 500 meters (about 1.0 km) away form Tilda – Simga road. Nearest habitation Biladi is about 1.0 km from plant site. River Sheonath is about 09 km. Bilari – Ghoghua reserve forest and Bilari reserve forest are situated at a distance of about 1.0 km and 2.0 km respectively. There is no (i) protected areas notified under the wild life (protection) act, 1972,(ii) critically polluted areas identified by the central pollution control board (iii) notified eco-sensitive areas (including national park/ wild life sanctuary), (iv) inter state boundaries, (v) reserved forest/protected forest) within 10 km radius from proposed

of 7 plant site. Nearest industry (Rice mill) is situated about 04 km from site. Proposed cost of the project is Rs. 2581.20 lakhs. Raw materials would be Ingots/Billets 400 tonnes per day. Water requirement would be 20 cum/day (About 300 cum water would be in circulation in cooling system). Source of water would be ground water. Project proponent has applied for obtaining permission for drawl of water to Central Ground Water Board. Fuel requirement would be furnace oil 14.0 tonnes per day. The semis would be segregated as per size and quality and would be fed to the oil fired “pusher type” reheating furnace for heating up to the requisite temperature. The usual temperature range maintained in the furnace would be about 1150 – 1200ºC depending on the quality of steel and section of semis. The heated ingots/ billets would be rolled in the mills consisting of rolling strands. The size and configuration of the rolling lines of the mills would be different for rolling of different sizes and shapes. Domestic effluent 1.5 cum/day would be treated through septic tanks and soak pits. Cooling water would be recycled through closed cooling circuit. Settling chamber would be provided before holding tank so as to recover mill scale from rolling mill. Effluent generated from scrubber would be recycled. Flue gases coming from reheating furnaces would be passed through scrubber and vented in to atmosphere through one stack of height 50 m. All the internal roads would be converted to concrete road. All the raw materials & product handling areas of mills would be paved with RCC. Entire raw material and finished products would be transported in covered trucks. Water sprinkling/ spraying system would be deployed along road side and material handling areas so as to avoid dust emission due to vehicular movement. Earplugs would be provided for the employees working near the noise prone areas. End cutting 4740 tonnes per annum would be sold to induction furnace units. The mill scales 630 tonnes per annum would be manually collected and sold to steel melting/ ferro alloys/ casting units. It is proposed to construct rain water harvesting structures. Green belt would be developed in 11.0 acres of land (33%) in all around the site. For existing activities water requirement is being met from ground water. The water requirement for rolling mill would also be met from ground water. All internal roads are kachcha. At present thin plantation in about 2 acres land has been done. It is proposed to develop green belt in 11 acres land within five years. The categorization of category ‘B’ projects or activities in to B1 or B2 lies in the purview of State level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC). State level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) considered the proposal as ‘B2’ category and recommended to grant environmental clearance, in 46th meeting held on 30/11/2009. After deliberation, the SEIAA, Chhattisgarh decided to ask the project proponent to submit the following:-  Plant species to be planted along with area demarcated within plant premises for the plantation. After submission of the above information, the case would be considered. The project proponent should be intimated accordingly.

(2) M/s Chichirda Dolomite Mine, Near Shitala Mandir Dayalaband, PO & District- Bilaspur (C.G.)

The Project proponent submitted application (Form-I and Mining Scheme) for prescribing Terms of Reference (TOR) / Environment Clearance on 31/07/09 for mining of Dolomite 3000 tonnes per year open cast manual mining method. The case was considered in the 39th, 43rd and 47th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh held on 22/08/2009, 30/09/2009 and 24/12/2009 respectively. The

of 7 project proponent made presentation in the 47th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh on 24/12/2009. It is noted that proposal is for dolomite mining - 3000 tonnes per year by open cast manual mining method. Mine site is situated at khasra No. 601, Village – Chichirda, Tehsil – Takhatpur, District – Bilaspur with lease area – 6.361 ha in non forest government revenue land. Lease has been granted from 2005 to 2025 for period of 20 Years. Indian Bureau of Mines, Nagpur has approved Mining Plan vide letter no. BLS/DOL/MPLN/865/NGP dated 11/08/2004. Net mineable reserve is 7,78,303 tonnes. Working permission was granted vide letter dated 27/01/2007. As project proponent had started mining operation from 28/01/2007 without obtaining environmental clearance as per provisions of EIA Notification, 2006, hence SEAC, Chhattisgarh recommended to initiate legal action against project proponent for the violation of EIA Notification, 2006. However, the process of consideration for grant of environmental clearance shall continue. The authority perused the proposal/documents submitted by project proponent. As no Environmental Clearance has been obtained for existing mine as per EIA notification, 1994/2006; the SEIAA, Chhattisgarh accepted the recommendation of SEAC, Chhattisgarh and decided to send request letter to State Government/State Pollution Control Board to initiate legal action under section 19 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 against the project proponent for the violation of the provisions of EIA Notification, 1994/2006. A request letter to State Government/State Pollution Control Board should be sent accordingly.

(3) M/s Pathrakundi Lime Stone Mine, Khasra No. 154/1, Village– Pathrakundi, Tehsil-Tilda, Raipur (Area 9.716 Hect.) The Project proponent submitted application for prescribing Terms of Reference (TOR) / Environment Clearance on 14/07/09 for mining of lime stone- 125903 tonnes per year by open cast manual mining method in 9.716 ha non-forest barren land situated at Khasra no. 154/1, Village– Pathrakundi, Tehsil-Tilda, Raipur. The cost of the project is Rs. 50.0 Lakhs. The case was discussed in the 39th, 43rd and 47th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh held on 22/08/2009, 03/09/2009 and 24/12/2009 respectively. The project proponent made presentation in the 47th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh on 24/12/2009. Authority perused the information/documents submitted by the project proponent and recommendation of SEAC, Chhattisgarh. It is noted that working permission was granted to the lessee Shri Kedar Agarwal on 04.01.2001 for a period 20 years (17.11.2000 to 16.11.2020). Mining plan was approved vide letter no. RAP/LST/MPLN -655/NGP dated 18/03/99 for the year 2002-03 to 2006-07, for production capacity 5000 tonnes/year to15000 tonnes/year. First Scheme of Mining & Progressive Mine Closure Plan was approved by Indian Bureau of Mines, Nagpur vide letter no. RAP/LST /MPLN-655/NGP dated 12/12/2008 for maximum capacity 125903 tonnes per year. The above reflects that project proponent has carried out mining more than the capacity approved in mining plan/ first scheme of mining & progressive mine closure plan. Mineable reserve is 569280 tonnes. The method of mining is open cast manual mining by using the heavy hammers and chisels. The method of working includes removal of overburden and then working the deposit by manual mining methods by developing bench of 6 meter height. It is proposed to work in the same working pit developed earlier by removing alluvial soil and production of limestone. No any kind of additional mechanization or deployment of heavy mining machinery is involved. Page 3 of 7 Water spray would be ensured on haul roads for the dust suppression. No waste water would be generated during mining operation. Domestic effluent would be treated in septic tank and soak pit. The water requirement would be 5 KLD out of which 3.5 KLD would be met from the hand pump located in the mine site and rest 1.5 KLD would be through the hired water tankers and the water collected in the mine pit during rainy season. The water table of the area is 40 to 45 meters below ground level whereas the ultimate depth of working would be 10 to 12 meter; hence the mining would not intersect the underground water table. There are no perennial rivers of the nallah within the lease area. Noise attenuating devices like earplugs and earmuffs would be provided to the workers exposed to high noise level. Soil and the waste generated during the mining operation would be stacked properly along the lease boundary and would be utilized for the back filling. Project proponent also assured that: -  Greenbelt would be developed within the mining lease on 1.00 ha and 2.00 ha own land adjoining to mine.  Tar road from mine site to main road (Mohrenga to Kathia Mohra) would be constructed after obtaining approval from concerned authority (Gram Panchayat or local authority).  Expenditure of 5% of royalty or Rs. 3.00 lac/annum (whichever would be higher) for eco development and community welfare purposes would be made.  Crusher would not be installed within the lease area. The categorization of category ‘B’ projects or activities in to B1 or B2 lies in the purview of State level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC). State level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) considered the proposal as ‘B2’ category and recommended to grant environmental clearance and to initiate legal action against project proponent for the violation of EIA Notification, 2006 in 47th meeting held on 24/12/2009. After deliberation, the SEIAA, Chhattisgarh decided to ask the project proponent to submit the following:-  Plant species to be planted along with area demarcated within plant premises for the plantation. After submission of the above information, the case would be considered. The project proponent should be intimated accordingly.

The authority accepted the recommendation of the SEAC Chhattisgarh regarding initiation of the legal action against the project proponent for the violation of EIA Notification, 1994/2006 and decided to send request letter to State Government/State Pollution Control Board to initiate legal action under section 19 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 against the project proponent for the violation of the provisions of EIA Notification, 1994/2006. A request letter to State Government/State Pollution Control Board should be sent accordingly.

(4) M/s Raigarh Energy Limited, Near Hamirpur, Village – Tamnar, Block – Raigarh (C.G.) The project proponent submitted application (Form-I and Pre Feasibility Report) for prescribing Terms of Reference (TOR) / Environmental Clearance on 16/10/2009. The project proponent has proposed thermal power plant of 300 megawatt capacity at Village – Hamirpur, Block – Tamnar, District- Raigarh (C.G.). The case was discussed in the 45th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh held on 31/10/09. Project proponent did not come for presentation in the 48th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh held on 26/12/2009. The project proponent has requested for Page 4 of 7 withdrawal of the application vide letter dated 23/12/09. It is noted that some part of Orrissa State boundary is falling within 10 km radius of the proposed project site. As per provision of EIA Notification 14/09/2006 the proposed activity shall be categorized as Category ‘A’ project. Hence, this proposal would be appraised by Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, New Delhi for according environmental clearance. SEAC, Chhattisgarh has recommended for the withdrawal of the application and delisting of the proposal. The authority perused the proposal/documents submitted by project proponent. After deliberation, SEIAA, Chhattisgarh decided to accept the recommendation of the SEAC, Chhattisgarh and allowed for delisting of application of the proposed project. The project proponent should be intimated accordingly.

(5) M/s Sapna Steels Urla Industrial Area,Village – Sarora, District – Raipur (C.G.) The Project proponent had earlier submitted application for prescribing Terms of Reference (TOR) / Environment Clearance on 19/09/2008. It is an existing Rolling Mill of 14000 TPA situated at Village – Sarora, Tehsil & District- Raipur. The Project Proponent has proposed to expand the Rolling Mill by installing 25000 TPA additional capacity in the existing premises. Cost of the expansion project is Rs. 1.75 Crores. Total area of the project is 2.8 ha. SEAC, Chhattisgarh considered the application in 16th, 19th, 24th meeting held on 23/10/2008, 26/12/08 and 13/02/2009 respectively. Project proponent made the presentation in the 24th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh on 13/02/2009. Sub committee visited the site on 06/12/2008. The nearest village/ habitation is Sarora at the distance of 1.15 Km. from the site. There are numbers of industries running in the vicinity. Total requirement of water (for operation of rolling mill and domestic purpose) would be 6 KL/ Day. Water would be supplied from bore wells within premises. 2.8 KL/ Day of furnace oil would be used for the operation of expansion rolling mill. Low NOx burners would be installed. End cuttings from rolling mill would be used as raw material in induction furnace units. The same would be sold to nearby induction furnace units. The mill scales would be manually collected and sold to sinter plant/ Ferro alloys/ Casting units.Green belt would be developed in at –least 1.7 acres (33% of total area). Internal roads would be asphalted or concreted. Commitment regarding expenditure of 5% of net profit or Rs. 10.00 lacs for three years (whichever is higher) for eco development and community welfare purposes has been submitted. Based on the consideration of the documents submitted and discussion held, the committee then considered the proposal as ‘B1’ category and prescribed Term of Reference (TOR). Term of Reference (TOR) was issued vide letter dated 27/10/2009. Now, project proponent submitted a request letter to withdraw the application vide letter dated 05/01/2010. The request letter of the project proponent was considered in the 49th meeting of the SEAC, Chhattisgarh held on 18/01/2010. SEAC, Chhattisgarh has recommended for the withdrawal of the application and delisting of the proposal. The authority perused the proposal/documents submitted by project proponent. After deliberation, SEIAA, Chhattisgarh decided to accept the recommendation of the SEAC, Chhattisgarh and allowed for delisting of application of the project. The project proponent should be intimated accordingly. Page 5 of 7 .

(6) M/s Chhattisgarh Steel Products, Plot No. 190, 192,193 Sector – C, Urla Industrial Complex, Raipur. The project proponent had earlier submitted application for prescribing Terms of Reference (TOR) / Environment Clearance on 23/12/2008. It is an existing Rolling Mill of 13200 tonnes per annum capacity situated at plot no. 190, 192,193 Sector – C, Urla Industrial Complex, Raipur. The Project proponent had proposed the Rolling Mill 12000 tonnes per annum additional capacity within the existing plant premises. Total capacity would be 25200 tonnes per annum. The case was discussed in the 22nd, 26th, 29th and 35th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh held on 31/01/2009, 13/03/2009, 28/04/09 and 30/06/2009 respectively. Project proponent made presentation in the 35th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh on 30/06/2009. Sub committee visited the site on 10/04/2009. Total area of the project is 8085.45 Sqm. Proposed cost of expansion activity is Rs. 5.48 Crores. Nearest amenities school/PHC is 1.6 km. Nearest National Highway NH – 200 is 1.8 km. Nearest Village is Birgaon at a distance of 0.80 km. There are number of industries running in the vicinity. The both existing rolling mill furnaces (6000TPA & 7200TPA capacity) are coal fired. The capacity of one rolling mill furnace of 6000 Tonnes capacity would be upgraded to 18000 TPA and would be converted to oil fired. Additional water requirement for proposed expansion activity is estimated around 2.0 KL/ Day. The requisite water would be supplied by CSIDC, which is supplying water for existing plant also. 3.50 KL/ Day of furnace oil would be used for the operation of upgraded rolling mill. Flue gases coming from upgraded rolling mill would be passed through wet scrubber and thereafter the waste gases would be vented in air through stack having height of 31 meters. End cuttings from rolling mill would be used as raw material in induction furnace units. The same would be sold to nearby induction furnace units. The mill scales would be manually collected and sold to sinter plant/ Ferro alloys/ casting units. Internal roads would be asphalted or concreted by December, 2009. Plantation in the premises would be carried out. Both coal fired existing furnaces would be converted to oil fired in phased manner. In first phase, rolling mill furnace of 6000 Tonnes capacity would be upgraded to 18000 TPA and would be converted to oil fired. Project proponent then committed for installation of common air pollution control system such as wet scrubber of high efficiency and adequate capacity as advised by the Committee. Based on the consideration of the documents submitted and discussion held, the committee then considered the proposal as ‘B1’ category (without public consultation) and prescribed Term of Reference (TOR). Term of Reference (TOR) was issued vide letter dated 27/10/2009. Now, project proponent submitted a request letter to withdraw the application vide letter dated 14/01/2010. The request letter of the project proponent was considered in the 49th meeting of the SEAC Chhattisgarh held on 18/01/2010. SEAC, Chhattisgarh has recommended for the withdrawal of the application and delisting of the proposal. The authority perused the proposal/documents submitted by project proponent. After deliberation, SEIAA, Chhattisgarh decided to accept the recommendation of the SEAC, Chhattisgarh and allowed for delisting of application of the project. The project proponent should be intimated accordingly.

of 7 (7) M/s Mahendra Sponge & Power Private Limited, Village – Sondra, Near Phase-II, Siltara Industrial Area, Tehsil & District – Raipur (C.G.) The project proponent had earlier submitted application (Form-I and Project Report) for prescribing Terms of Reference (TOR) / Environment Clearance on 26/12/2008. The Project Proponent has proposed a Rolling Mill of capacity 90000 tonnes per annum. The case was discussed in the 22nd meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh held on 31st January 2009. Project proponent did not come for presentation in the 26th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh on 13/03/2009. Now, project proponent has submitted a request letter for withdrawal of application vide letter dated 18/01/2010. The request letter of the project proponent was considered in the 49th meeting of the SEAC Chhattisgarh held on 18/01/2010. SEAC, Chhattisgarh has recommended for the withdrawal of the application and delisting of the proposal. The authority perused the proposal/documents submitted by project proponent. After deliberation, SEIAA, Chhattisgarh decided to accept the recommendation of the SEAC, Chhattisgarh and allowed for delisting of application of the project. The project proponent should be intimated accordingly.

(8) M/s Shakti Ispat & Energy Limited, Village – Mohdi, Block – Dharsiwa, Tehsil & District – Raipur. The project proponent submitted application (Form-I and Pre-feasibility Report) for Environment Clearance on 20/03/2009 for proposed rolling mill for production of rolled products of 1,50,000 tonnes per annum (rolling mill -1X350 TPD+1X150 TPD) capacity at Village – Mohdi, Block – Dharsiwa, Tehsil & District – Raipur (C.G.). The case was considered in the 28th and 33rd meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh held on 31/03/09 and 30/05/2009 respectively. Project proponent did not come for presentation and informed vide letter dated 24/12/2009 that they have decided to change the location. The project proponent also requested to delist the case.

The request letter of the project proponent for delisting of application was considered in 47th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh held on 24/12/2009. SEAC, Chhattisgarh has recommended for the withdrawal of the application and delisting of the proposal. The authority perused the proposal/documents submitted by project proponent. After deliberation, SEIAA, Chhattisgarh decided to accept the recommendation of the SEAC, Chhattisgarh and allowed for delisting of application of the project. The project proponent should be intimated accordingly.

Meeting concluded with thanks.

(P.V. Narsinga Rao) (Dr. M.L. Naik) (N.S. Bhadauria) Member Secretary, SEIAA Member, SEIAA Chairman, SEIAA