AGENDA ITEM NO. 2 Diversion of 159.064 ha of forest land for Tubed Coal Block in favour of Tubed Coal Mines Limited in District in the State of . F. No. 8-24/2013-FC 1. The State Government of Jharkhand vide their letter No. 3/Van Bhumi-25/2012/908/V.P. dated 28.02.2013 has submitted a fresh proposal seeking prior approval of the Central Government under Section-2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for diversion of 159.064 ha of forest land for Tubed Coal Block in favour of Tubed Coal Mines Limited in Latehar District in the State of Jharkhand. 2. The Tubed Coal Block over an area of 4.60 Sq. Km is located in Latehar district of Jharkhand State. It lies in the northern part of Auranga coalfield which is the Eastern most part of North Coal Valley Gondwana basin. Tubed coal block has been allocated to M/s Hindalco Industries Ltd and M/s Tata Power company Limited by Ministry of Coal, Govt. of , vide letter No. 38011/11/2006-CA-1 dated 01.08.2007. M/s Tubed Coal Mines Limited (TCML) a joint venture company has been formed by the above two allottees for development of the coal block. In order to exploit coal from the allotted block, M/s Tubed Coal Mines Limited (TCML) is interested to develop the mine to meet their captive requirement of 6.0 million tonnes of coal per annum. 3. Out of the total area of mining lease of 460 ha , total mining and dumping area will be 413 ha while remaining 47 ha will be utilized for services, barier and safety zone. 350 ha of the area of the mining lease will be broken up for extraction of 139.654 million tonnes of coal. Total overburden to be generated during the entire period of mining activity will be 280.51 million cu.m out of which 200 million cu. m will be backfilled in the decoaled area thereby reclaiming the mining lease. 4. The allotted coal block has total mining lease area of 460 ha comprising of 162.394 ha of forest land and 297.606 ha of non-forest land. Area of safety zone of the mining lease is 3.33 ha. It is pertinent to mention here that State Government did not include the area of safety zone in the total area applied for diversion. As per the Guidelines dated 12.07.2012 issued by the MoEF, the area earmarked for safety zone should have been included in the total area applied for diversion under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. 5. Sukri river flowing in South-West part of the block controls the main drainage of the area. There are 3 East-West flowing nalas which drain into Sukri River. Besides this, there is also a nala located in the northern part of the block which joins Sukri river. 6. Regarding justification for locating the project in the forest area, it has been indicated that proposed Tubed coal mining block in Auranga coalfield is within a potential coal bearing zone. This coal block has been explored in detail and the coal reserve has been established by Govt. of India agencies. Accordingly the coal block has been allocated by Ministry of Coal, govt. of India for mining of coal for captive use to meet the requirement of the two joint venture companies in their respective power plants to be set up in the Jharkhand State. About 33.70% area of the coal block is covered under forest land. Without forest land mining activity cannot be taken up in this allotted block. The coal to be produced from this block would help in generation of power which ultimately shall promote the growth of industries and industrial production. This will help in economic development of and more income to the state besides generating additional avenues for employment. Further, mining operation in this backward area shall improve the infrastructure facilities and enhance the socio-economic condition of the local people. 7. The facts related to the proposal, as contained in the State Government’s letter dated 28.02.2013 are presented below in the form of factsheet:

FACT SHEET

1. Name of the Proposal Diversion of 159.064 ha of forest land for Tubed Coal Block in favour of Tubed Coal Mines Limited in Latehar District in the State of Jharkhand. 2. Location (i) State Jharkhand (ii) District Latehar

3. Particulars of Forests: (i) Name of Forest Division and Latehar Forest Division

Forest area involved. Protected Forest 52.19 ha Deemed Forest 106.874 ha Total 159.064 ha

(ii) Legal status/Sy.No. Protected Forests Land

(iii) Map i. SOI toposheet – Submitted at 576/c ii. DGPS map - not submitted along with the proposal however, Regional Office, along with the supplementary documents submitted along with the site inspection has submitted the DGPS map. iii. Forest Cover map – Submtted at Pg 577/c iv. 10 km radius map – not submitted v. Map showing reclamation plan – not submitted. 4. Topography of the area -

5. (i) Geology - (ii) Vulnerability to erosion The proposed area is moderately prone to erosion.

6. (i) Vegetation Chakundi, Beri, Khair, Mahua, Sal, Rohan, Didha, Asan Palas, Piyar, Kendu, Ginjan, Jamun, Karam, Bahera, Dawtha, papal, Sagwan, Bamboo, Sisum, Karanj, Eucalyptus, Aonla, Bharhul etc.

(ii) Density 0.3

(iii) No. of trees to be felled 46579

7. Whether area is significant from No wildlife point of view 8. Whether forms part of National The proposed area does not form part of National park, Wildlife Sanctuary, Park, Wildlife Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserve, Biosphere Reserve, Tiger Tiger Reserve, etc. Reserve, Elephant Corridor, etc. (if so, details of the area and comments of the Chief Wildlife Warden 9. Whether any RET species of No rare/endangered/unique species of flora and flora and fauna are found in the fauna have been found/recorded in the area. area. If so details thereof 10. Approximate distance of the Part area of land to be diverted for coal block is proposed site for diversion from itself inside the forest. Out of total area of 460.00 boundary of forest. ha land to be diverted 159.064 ha of land is in the category of notified forest ad deemed forest land. 11. Whether any protected There is no protected archaeological/heritage archaeological/ heritage site/defense establishment in the proposed area. site/defence establishment or any other important monuments is located in the area. 12. Whether any work of in No violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 has been carried out (Yes/No). If yes details of the same including period of work done, action taken on erring officials. Whether work in violation is still in progress. 13. Whether the requirement of Yes, the requirement of land is unavoidable and forest land as proposed by the barest minimum for the project because the user agency in col. 2 of Part-I is proposal is site specific. unavoidable and barest minimum for the project, if no recommended area item-wise with details of alternatives examined. 14. Whether clearance under the Yes, Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Environment (protection) Act, studies are being under taken & Environment 1986 is required? Management Plan is under progress. 15. Compensatory Afforestation CA has been proposed over equivalent non-forest land (i) Details of non -forest User Agency has submitted list of 06 village area/degraded forest area comprising 418.31 acre or 169.29 ha of non forest identified for CA, its land for compensatory afforestation work which is distance from adjoining outside of Latehar of Latehar District. forest, number of patches, sixe of each patches. (ii) Map showing non- forest/degraded forest area identified for CA and adjoining forest boundaries. (iii) Detailed CA scheme Seven years compensatory afforestation scheme including species to be by three forest territorial division like , planted, implementing Daltonganj (N) & Latehar Division in 169.29 ha agency, time schedule, cost involving Rs. 13537689.00 is attached with this structure, etc. proposal. Giridih Forest Division 83,47,308.21 Daltonganj (N) Division 41,37,100.00 Latehar Forest Division 10,53,290.00 Total 1,35,37,688.21 Or 1,35,37,689.00 (iv) Total financial outlay for Rs. 135337689.00 in seven year CA (v) Certificate from the Submitted at Pg -589/c competent authority regarding suitability of the area identified for CA and from management point of view. 16. Catchment Area Treatment NA 17. Rehabilitation of Oustees a) No of families involved 201 b) Category of families SC-12, ST-161 c) Details of rehabilitation Enclosed at Pg-264/c plan 18. Cost Benefit Ratio Benefit Rs. 17665.49 crores; sCost Rs. 816.10 Cores; Ratio - 21.64 Pg-527/c 19. Total Cost of the Project Rs. 735.04 Crores 20. Recommendation i. DFO Yes ii. CCF Yes iii. Nodal Officer Yes iv SG Yes 21. District Profile (i) Total Geographical area of 3660.50 Sq. Km. the district

(ii) Total Forest area/Divisional 1309.64 Sq. Km. Forest area

(iii) Total area diverted Total No. of cases -06 since 1980 Notified forest area-63.444 ha Deemed forest area-14.904 ha

(iv) Total CA stipulated since 156.96 ha 1980 (Forest land) a) Forest land including penal 120.36 ha CA b) Non forest land 36.60 ha

(v) Progress of CA Advance work of plantation in 120.36 ha of forest area is in progress funded by CAMPA

a) Forest land 120.36 b) Non forest land Nil

8. The details of land as per the land schedule is as follows: S. No. Particulars Area (ha) 1. Notified forest Land 54.36 2. G. M. Land with Jungle –Jhari 108.03 3. G.M. Land Khas 56.43 Govt. Land with No Jungle-Jhari 4. G.M. Land Aam 5.91 Govt. land with No Jungle-Jhari 5. Private Land (Raiyati Land) 235.26 Total Mining Lease Area 460

9. The details of land to be used for mining area will be as follows: Sl. Pattern of Uitlisation Total area Revenue No. Forest 1) Mining area a) Ultimate pit limit 350.00 94 .874 b) External dump 63.00 49.448 c) Mine infrastructure, Service area 11.32 1.402 Sub-Total: 424.32 145.724 2) 35.68 16.67 Grand Total 460.00 162.394

10. Regarding reclamation of the mine it is indicated that during the initial 4-5 years of mine operation about 40 million cu.m of OB to be stockpiled in he external dump in non-coal bearing area. About 200 million cu.m of OB would be used in backfilling in de-coaled area. During the last 4-5 years of mining about 40 million cu.m of OB would be generated which would be stored separately and would be used during mine closure. Details of Reclamation of Degraded land (broken up area) is placed below: Sl. No. Pattern of Total area to Forest Non-Forest Method of utilization be reclaimed reclamation (i) Mined out 339.00 94.874 244.126 Plantation will broken up area be carried out to be reclaimed after back-filling by OB & with OB & treated by top treatment by soil & planted topsoil. (ii) Dumping 63.00 49.448 13.552 Plantation (iii) Services area 5.50 0.00 5.50 Plantation Total: 407.5 144.322 263.178

Details of Afforestation Programme in balance area left out in barrier/safety zone of mining lease i.e. 20.50 ha. Safety Zone 3.33 ha Infrastructure and services 4.72 ha Barrier along diverted nala & road 12.45 ha Total 20.50 ha After mine closure the total M.L. area would be restored back. Area covered by plantation (afforestation): • Initial green belt in peripheries and strengthened during mine closure – 20.50 ha • Broken-up mining and dumping area restored by afforestation & other services area to be reclaimed –407.50 ha Sub-Total: -428.00 ha • Area for other uses: -32.00 ha

Total Area =460.00 ha

11. SITE INSPECTION REPORT BY THE REGIONAL OFFICE, BHUBANESWAR

1. Legal status of the forest land proposed for diversion: As reported by DFO, Latehar Forest Division, the legal status of forest land is 52.19 ha Protected Forest and 106.874 ha Deemed Forest.

2. Item-wise break-up details of the forest land proposed for diversion:

As reported by the User agency, the purpose wise break-up of the total land required for this proposal is furnished below:

Sl.No. Sl.No. Particulars ha) (in Forest Notified Deemed Forest Land G.M. in G.M Khas with jungle/Jhari No G.M. Aam with Jungle/Jhari No Cultivated + Raiyati Agricultural Bakast Land (in ha) Jungle/Jhari No with Total of all types lands within of ML area 7) to 3 of (sum Total divertible 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 i) Mining 31.31 63.564 41.408 3.21 210.508 350 94.874 ii) OB Dump & Top 16.317 33.131 6.16 1.24 6.152 63 49.448 Soil storage iii) Roads 0 0 2.802 0.46 0 3.262 0 iv) Labour shed, 0.462 0.946 0 0.09 2.35 3.848 1.408 Project Office & other infrastructure Canteen, workshop 0 0 1.487 0.18 0 1.667 0 Dispensary 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Coal handling 0 0 3 0.47 1.04 4.51 0 Plant v) River/Nala 0 0 0.493 0 0.946 1.439 0 diversion Alignment courses vi) Barrier 4.10 9.233 1.08 0.26 14.27 28.943 13.333 Total 52.189 106.874 56.43 5.91 235.266 456.669 159.063 Safety Zone Area 2.18 1.15 0 0 0 3.33 3.33 54.369 108.024 56.43 5.91 235.266 459.999 162.393 Sub-Total Total Mining Lease Area 460 1. From the Notified Forest 52.19 2. From Deemed Forest in G.M. Land 106.874 Total Area to be Diverted 159.064

3. Whether proposal involves any construction of buildings (including residential) or not. If yes, details thereof: As reported at point number 2 above.

4. Total cost of the project at present rates: As reported by the User agency, the total cost of the project will be Rs. 735.04 Crores including mine closure. This includes mandatory payments towards net present value, cost of wildlife management, phase-wise reclamation, compensatory afforestation maintenance & regeneration of safety zone etc.

5. Wildlife : Whether forest area proposed for diversion is important from wildlife point of view or not: It is reported by the DFO, Latehar Forest Division , the faunal species lik e Jackal (Cania qureus ), Hyaena ( Hyaena hyaena ), Rabbit ( Lepus nigricolis ), Mongoose (Herperstes ewardsi ), Common Langur ( Presbytis entellus ),Porcupines ( Hystriv indica ), Python ( Python molurus ), Cobra ( Naja naja ), Viper ( Vipera ruselli ), Ratsnake (Ptyas mucosus ) are found in the region. Besides birds like Common owl ( Bubo spp ), Dove ( Columbidae ), Mountain quail ( Ophrysia supercillosa ), are also found in the region.

6. Vegetation: As reported by the DFO, Latehar Forest Division, the density of vegetat ion is 0.3.

(a) Total number of trees to be felled. As reported by the User agency, the total number of trees to be felled is 46,579.

Effect of removal of trees on the general ecosystem in the area: As there is a large number of trees to be felled, it will naturally adversely affect the general eco-system in the area.

(b) Important species: As reported by the DFO, Latehar Forest Division, the floral species like Chakundi (Cassia siamia ), Beri ( Casearia tomentosa ), Khair ( Acacia catechu ), Mahua (Madhuca latifolia ), Sal ( Shorea robusta ), Rohan ( Soymida fabrifuja ), Sidha (Lagerstroemia parviflora ), Asan (Terminalia tomentosa ), Palas ( Butea monosperma ), Piyar ( Bucknania lanzan ), Kendu Diospyros melanoxylon ), Ginjan (Lanea-grandis ), Jamun ( Syzyzgium – cumminii ), Karam ( Adina cordifolia ), Bahera (Terminalia – bellerica ), Dawtha ( Anogeissus latifolia ), Pipal ( Ficus religiosa ), Sagwan ( Tectona grandis ), Bamboo ( Bambusa bambos ), Sisum ( Dalbergia sissoo ), Karanj ( Pongamia pinnata ), Eucalyptus ( Eucalyptus hybrid ), Aonia ( Emblica officinalis ), Bharhul ( Chloroxylon swietenia ), Putri ( Croton oblongifolius ), Manphal ( Randia dumetorum ), Koreya ( Holorrhina antidysentrica ), Phuldhobai ( Woodfodia floribunda ), Kalmegh ( Swartia chiraita ), Choranth ( Heteropogon contortus ), Dub (Cynodon dactylon ) etc. are found the region.

Number of trees of girth below 60 cm. As reported by the User agency, the number of trees of girth below 60 cm is 25901.

Number of trees of girth above 60 cm. As reported by the User agency, the number of trees of girth above 60 cm is 20678.

7. Background note on the proposal: As stated in the R&R Plan submitted by the User agency, the proposed coal mining project of M/s Tubed Coal Mines Ltd. is in Latehar district of Jharkhand State, which is a joint venture company of M/s Hindalco Industries Ltd. (60%) and M/s Tata Power Company Ltd. (40%). It is being developed for the captive consumption in their projects to be set up in Jharkhand. The project proposes to mine 6.0 MT of coal per annum from the total reserves of about 189.82 MT during 30 years. The mines lease area is spread over 460 ha land of which about 163 ha is notified and deemed forest land and 235 ha land is privately owned.

As stated by the User agency (Part-I of D.P), Tubed Coal Block lies in the northern part of Auranga Coalfield which is the eastern most part of North Koel valley Gondwana basin. Tubed coal block has been allocated to M/s Hindalco Industries Ltd. And M/s Tata Power Company Ltd. by Ministry of Coal, Govt. of India, vide letter No. 38011/11/2006-CA-1, dated 01.08.2007. M/s. Tubed Coal Mines Ltd. (TCML) a joint venture company has been formed by the above two allottees for development of the coal block. In order to exploit coal from the allotted block, M/s Tubed Coal Mines Limited (TCML) is interested to develop a mine to meet their captive requirement @ of 6.0 million tonnes of coal per annum.

M/s Tubed Coal Mines Limited subsequently applied for mining lease (ML) over this allotted block and prepared the mining plan which has been submitted for approval of Ministry of Coal, Govt. of India (Part-I of DP).

8. Compensatory afforestation : As reported by the State Government in the instant diversion proposal, the Compensatory afforestation land summary report is as follows:

Sl. Forest Division Village & Thana No. Area in ha. Estimated cost in Rs. No. 1 Giridih Forest Division DALGONDO & 89 28.69 2185300.00 2 Giridih Forest Division TILAIYA & 38 40.71 3100808.21

3 Giridih Forest Division BAI DADIH & 339 16.19 1233200.00

4 Giridih Forest Division FUCHHO & 389 24.00 1828000.00

5 Daltonganj North Forest Division DONKI & 70 51.53 4137100.00 6 Latehar Forest Division SIRAM & 15 8.17 1053290.04

GRAND TOTAL 169.29 13537698. 00

The details are enclosed as Annexure-III .

(a) Whether land for compensatory afforestation is suitable from plantation and management point of view or not: Land suitability certificates in respect of above mentioned 6 villages have been submitted by the concerned DFOs viz. Giridih, Daltonganj North & Latehar Forest divisions (Annexure-III) .

(b) Whether land for compensatory afforestation is free from encroachment/other encumbrances: Enclosed as Annexure-VII .

(c) Whether land for compensatory afforestation is important from Religious/Archaeological point of view: As reported by the DFO, Latehar Forest Division, no important monument or archeologically important site is present in the area.

(d) Land identified for raising compensatory afforestation is in how many patches, whether patches are compact or not: As reported by the project authority, the C.A. land is in 6 patches.

(e) Map with details: Enclosed as Annexure-III (A) .

(f) Total financial outlay:

As reported by the DFO, Latehar Forest Division, the total financial outlay for compensatory afforestation scheme is Rs. 13537698/- in seven years.

9. Whether proposal involves violation of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 or not. If yes, a detailed report on violation including action taken against the concerned officials: As reported by the DFO, Latehar Forest Division, there is no violation of F(C) Act.

10. Whether proposal involves rehabilitation of displaced persons. If yes, whether rehabilitation plan has been prepared by the State Government or not : Yes. As reported by the User agency (Part-I of D.P), the number of families to be displaced are 201 and number of SC & ST Families are 12 &161 respectively. The Rehabilitation Plan is enclosed as Annexure-V.

11. Reclamation plan: Enclosed as Annexure -IV .

Details and financial allocation: Enclosed as Annexure IV (A) .

12. Details on catchment and command area under the project: Not applicable.

Catchment area treatment plan to prevent siltation of reservoir: Not applicable. 13. Cost benefit ratio: As reported by the User agency, the cost benefit ratio is 1: 21.64.

14. Recommendations of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests/State Government: Recommended by PCCF/State Government.

15. Recommendations of Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Central) along with detailed reasons: Appended separately.

16. Conservator of Forests (Central) shall give detailed comments on whether there are any alternative routes/alignment for locating the project on the non-forest land: The mining project is site specific; hence alternative alignment is not possible.

17. Utility of the project: As per the report of the DFO, Latehar Forest Division, the proposal for diversion of forest land for coal block is important and unavoidable because coal reserve lies in these forest areas, so the project is site specific. The project will create tremendous opportunity of employment. The produce of this coal projects is to meet the captive requirement of the proposed Thermal Power Plant namely Sonahatu & Tiruldih TPP in & Saraikela – Kharsawan district. It will definitely enhance electric power production of Jharkhand and thus acute power crisis of this district will be improved.

Numbers of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes to be benefited by the project: As stated by the User agency, a total no of 931 SC/ST families in core (281 families) and buffer area (650 families) of the project will be benefited in terms of direct/indirect employment.

18. (a) Whether land being diverted has any socio-cultural/ religious value:

Not reported. (b) Whether any sacred grove or very old growth trees/forests exist in the areas proposed for diversion: Not reported.

(c) Whether the land under diversion forms part of any unique eco-system:

Not reported. 19. Situation with respect to any Protected Area: The nearest protected area is Palamu Tiger Reserve which is at a distance of about 55 kms from the site.

20. Any other information relating to the project:

a) There is a Nallah named Sukri which needs to be diverted along the lease boundary. The User agency was instructed to submit the diversion plan of the nallah.

b) Boundary pillars have been fixed but the details such as latitude & longitude and distance between pillars have not been mentioned there. The User agency has been instructed to complete the same as early as possible. The User agency has submitted an undertaking to erect the intervening pillars before stage-II clearance (Annexure-VI ). c) A vast tract of agriculture land will be lost due to mining. The User agency has assured that a major portion of reclaimed land will be used for agriculture. d) Topo-sheet & DGPS map are enclosed as Annexures–I&II respectively. e) F.R.A. Certificate has not been submitted. However, the User agency has submitted an undertaking to submit the same prior to Stage-II (Annexure-VI ).

12. Recommendation of the Addl. PCCF The instant proposal is for diversion of 159.064 ha of forest land for Tubed Coal Block in favour of Tubed Coal Mines Limited in Latehar District in the State of Jharkhand . On perusal of the records and the site inspection report of the Conservator of Forests (Central), the following observations are made: i. Greening of non mineralized zone along with transplanting: It is observed that 46,579 number of trees are affected out of which over 50% of the trees proposed to be affected are of young age group and are below 60 cm which can be saved from felling by transplanting as per the feasibility within the lease area, especially greening the non mineralized zone, safety zone, etc. ii. Transport system: The transport from the mine should be through closed conveyor system up to the railway siding and from there by train so that there is little disturbance on the road. Thus the ancillary problems like congestion, dust pollution, inconvenience to local population, etc. will be minimized. However, the trucks which may be used within the mines should be covered with tarpaulin. iii. Reclamation : It is impossible to replenish the minerals once mined out, however; the user agency should reclaim the derelict land by establishing self-sustaining vegetation cover with pre- determined end use. A successful biological reclamation restores the natural capital of flora and fauna and productivity of land, which have been previously destroyed through mining. The user agency should prepare a long term plan so that after the end of mining lease, the reclaimed land may be put to optimum productivity which may include agriculture, horticulture, afforestation, pisciculture and ecotourism. The User agency may be requested to provide pre and post mining land use plan before starting mining operation. iv. National Food Security: Almost all the coal mines have sufficient soil and sub-soil depth and it this is preserved properly and kept as sweet soil, keeping the biological productivity intact by provising green cover (i.e. planting grass and creepers) during time of storage, it would suffice for reclaiming major portion of mined out area, with a quality so as to have sustainable agriculture and part of the area for forestry and horticulture purposes. The coal mines always leave a water body which cane be used for drinking and irrigation. Considering the large areas under various mines, it would significantly contribute to the national food security of the nation. v. Top soil management: The user agency should keep topsoil separate from overburden, and the sub soil to ensure that the materials are used in the same order as it was removed. Generally, the upper part of the soil that is richest in organic matter is most valuable natural resource and ensure better growth of vegetation over dumps or for reclamation purpose. vi. Study on shale for utilization: During coal mining, substantial portion is obtained as shale which has also got good carbon content but left as waste adding to fire hazard. The user agency should be directed to provide adequate fund for a study regarding carbon percent, energy content, pyrite and methane content and porosity of the different seams of coal and economic uses of the shale and other potential energy sources. vii. Water bodies: The User agency should create more water bodies in different locations in the lease area after completion of mining activities. It would facilitate agricultural activity at appropriate zones inside the post mining lease boundary. viii. Protection of nallah: The user agency shall take adequate protection measures like construction of embankments of nallah to prevent soil erosion at project’s cost and the work should be done in consultation with the DFO, Latehar and other competent authority. ix. Environmental awareness programme : The user agency should arrange environmental awareness programme to create awareness among the employees as well as nearby people regarding better environmental management and its safeguards. There should be programs, weeks for the forests and wildlife, to be celebrated by the miners and other stakeholders, the wildlife lovers. Officials involved in the process should participate in such functions, and the idea of protection of precious natural resources like forest, wildlife, etc. should leave an indelible impact in the minds of the people so that people voluntarily and enthusiastically work for the protection and enrichment of the forests and wildlife of the region. x. CSR activities : The user agency should implement a corporate plan for the overall development of the people in the vicinity like providing quality education, skill development, creating employment opportunities & health care facilities. Sanitation aspect, literacy drive, etc. should also be taken care of by them. The user agency should provide training programme for the mining engineering students in the nearby areas and also engage them in research work so that the students will be benefited. The user agency should also support the economically backward students in their education in terms of providing study materials and stipends. The user agency should develop an integrated system of health and education including the promotion of traditional healing system and promote agriculture production by providing technical support and creating revolving fund to provide bridge capital during sowing season at a very low interest. Other mining industries within 5 km periphery of the mining lease should also join for this effort. The CSR activities undertaken by the user agency for the development of people should be uploaded in the website of the company in details. xi. Biodiversity survey: The user agency should arrange for a biodiversity survey with the help of BSI, ZSI or some other leading government universities/academic institutions. The copy of design parameters, field data and analyzed report may be given to the ERO for information. Appropriate action based on findings may be taken by the user agency to conserve the gene pool, sending yearly report to the Regional Office. With the above observations, the Addl. PCCF has recommended the proposal for diversion. 13. Other remarks: i. The State Government as recommended the proposal subject to general and standard conditions applicable to the project. ii. The Regional Office, Bhubaneswar has recommended the proposal with certain mitigative observations for the consideration of the Ministry. iii. The project proponent has submitted undertaking to bear the cost of CA and NPV. iv. The project proponent has not submitted the compliance to settlement of rights under the Scheduled Tribe and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. However, the project proponent has submitted an undertaking to submit the same after its completion.

In view of the above facts, if approved, the proposal may submit for the consideration of FAC in its forthcoming meeting. ****