Not Applicable

BUILDING STONE QUARRY PROJECT M/s. CHELAKKARA GRANITE ,KILLIMANGALAM , THRISSUR DIST. KERALA

BIODIVERSITY IMPACT ASSESMENT REPORT NOT APPLICABLE

“THE PROPOSAL IS NOT FOR INVESTIGATION/SURVEY AND ALSO DOESNOT INVOLVES USE OF MORE THAN 50HECTARE NP/WLS. THEREFORE BIODIVERSITY IMPACT ASSESMENT REPORT NOT APPLICABLE.”

However a summary of Environment & Biodiversity Baseline study, Impact Assesssment & Control Measures discussed below

CHAPTER- I ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE STUDY 1.0Air Environment The drilling , blasting and dislodging activities certainly capable of generating the respirable and non respirable dust during operation. To assess the ambient air quality status , monitoring stations were identified on the basis of Meteorology in the upwind and downwind direction as well as to represent the cross sectional scenario of the project site. Based on the production activity, the parameters chosen for assessment of air quality are Particulate Matter (PM in & PM2.5). Sulphur dioxide (SO2), and oxides of Nitrogen (NO,).

 Analysis of Baseline Concentrations ( Air) The Ambient Air Quality data were collected in the month of June-2019 from the four corners of the project site i.e., Nortern side boundary, Eastern side boundary, Southern side boundary & Westernside boundary.The data have been collected on 8 hourly basis for parameters of PM 10, PM2.5, SO2, Nox and the results area furnished below and also enclosed with this report.

SI LIMITS RESULTS NO. PARAMETER as per NAAQS NORTH SOUTH EAST WEST 1. PM 10 100 µg/m3 49.7 µg/m3 50.8 µg/m3 50.8 µg/m3 48.8 µg/m3 2. PM2.5 60 µg/m3 27.4 µg/m3 30.3 µg/m3 24.6 µg/m3 23.5 µg/m3 3 3 3 3 3. SO2 80 µg/m3 8.2 µg/m 6.6 µg/m 6.6 µg/m 6.4 µg/m 3 3 3 3 4. Nox 80 µg/m3 6.5 µg/m 4.6 µg/m 4.4 µg/m 5.5 µg/m BUILDING STONE QUARRY PROJECT M/s. CHELAKKARA GRANITE ,KILLIMANGALAM , THRISSUR DIST. KERALA

1.1 Water & Hydrogeology Environment The main source of water to the Killimangalam Village is from groundwater (open wells and bore wells) and rain water sources. The southwest monsoon is very active in Kerala during June to September and it is followed by NE monsoon commencing from October to December. Thrissur district receives an annual rainfall between 2180 mm and 3480 mm. The hard rock and lateritic aquifers constitute the major aquifers system of the district. Ground water occurs under phreatic semi-confined to confined conditions in the weathered and fractured portions of the crystalline formations. The studies carried out by CGWB indicate that the intersection of fractures are the most potential locations for ground water in the fractured crystalline rocks. The depth to water level in pre-monsoon period ranges from 1.4 to 12.9 m below ground level and in post- monsoon period between 0.59 m to 10.86 m below ground level. Generally this area has a relatively shallow ground water table. The chemical quality of ground water is generally good in both phreatic as well as deeper fractured rock aquifers (CGWD Report. 2007). The ground water level measured from the nearest well is about 12 m below the ground level. The ultimate depth of the working of the quarry is 40m MSL. Since the working is much above the general ground water table, it does not affect the ground water.

 Analysis of Baseline Concentrations ( Water) Ground water sample were collected from quarry pond water,Surface water- East side, Open well water- SW side & open well water — NE side for the analysis of physical, Chemical and biological parameters. A detailed Analysis report is enclosed. The analysis results of ground water are well within the guidelines of IS-10500 standards except for coli form bacteria and MPN coli form count. The analysis of parameters like Iron, Chloride, Sulphate, Nitrate and other parameters of the open well (Near quarry), open well water (South side), quarry water and surface water are found to be well within the prescribed limits.

1.2 Noise Environment The exposure to aggregate by mechanical stripping of soil and rock, extraction by digging, transportation of materials around the site and processing are likely sources of noise. This Noise generated from quarry activity and vibrations can seriously affect people in noise sensitive locations and interfere with their ability to relax, sleep or communicate, causing stress and annoyance. However, the survey was carried out at the North, South, East and West direction of the project site. The base line ambient noise quality at the project site and the surrounding areas where monitored which was recorded. In daytime, the noise level was measured BUILDING STONE QUARRY PROJECT M/s. CHELAKKARA GRANITE ,KILLIMANGALAM , THRISSUR DIST. KERALA at 4 locations, including Quarry / project site on during JUN-2019, the noise levels so observed were within the prescribed limits / standards with regard to CPCB Standards. The results of above Noise level are enclosed.

1.3 Biological Environment (A) Executive Summary Biodiversity is the shortened form of two words "biological" and "diversity." It refers to all the variety of life that can be found on Earth (plants. animals, fungi and micro-organisms) as well as to the communities that they form and the habitats in which they live. Biodiversity assessment of the area around M/s. Chelakkara Granite has been carried out with appropriate methodology. An observation in the land use show that the area was mainly covered by rubber plantation (Ilevea brasiliensis).Rubber tree dominated the plantations and other species dominated are Acacia (Acacia mangium) & Kashu mavu /Anacardium occidentale). Faunal diversity is observed to be not very rich with the occurrence of some common birds. amphibians, mammals and reptiles. The mining activity does not seem to have any deleterious effect on the biodiversity of the region.

(B) Aim of this report The assessment is conducted to develop a database on the floral and the faunal characteristic of the M/s. Chelakkara Granite. The report gives information regarding plants and animals around the mining site. The report also gives a rough idea about the abundance of flora and fauna around the mining site. Methodology For the preliminary data collection field survey in the site was conducted. Species list is developed after proper identification of the samples collected/ photographs taken and consulting relevant taxonomic literature. The assessment was focused on all taxonomic groups, such as plants. birds, fishes amphibians, insects, reptiles. (i) Flora: A detailed survey was carried out in the study area. Only a few number of flora were observed. Interviews were carried out with local people to collect information about the flora. Based on this a detailed list is prepared.

(ii) Fauna: Mammals: The mammals in the study area were listed along the frequency of occurrence for sighting, calls, scats / fecal matter, track marks or other indirect signs transects as well as quadrant.

Birds: The birds on the area were studied by frequency of occurrence for sighting. calls as well as other indirect signs and road kills along the sector. BUILDING STONE QUARRY PROJECT M/s. CHELAKKARA GRANITE ,KILLIMANGALAM , THRISSUR DIST. KERALA

Reptiles and Amphibians: The reptiles and amphibians were studied by direct sighting and indirect signs like molt as transect as well as quadrants.

( C) Biodiversity of the Study Area The site is fringed with by rubber plantation (Hevea brasiliensis), Acacia (Acacia mangium) & Kashu mavu (Anacardium occidentale). Butterflies, dragon flies and other insects 'were observed from the region. however their occurrence was sparse. Endemic Species A total of 32 plant species were identified in the study area. The identification of endemics is based on available literature (Ramesh et al., 1998, Ahmedullah and Nayar (1987) and Nayar et.al., 1996). There is no endemic species found in the study area. Table 1. List of plants recorded from the core and buffer zone.

BUILDING STONE QUARRY PROJECT M/s. CHELAKKARA GRANITE ,KILLIMANGALAM , THRISSUR DIST. KERALA

FAUNA DAMSELFLY AND DRAGONFLY

BUTTERFLIES The main butterflies present in the study area given in the table below:

BIRDS Birds diversity in this region is very less compared to other parts of Kerala, it may be due to the blasting in this area and also rubber plantation (Hevea Brasiliensis) does not provide food & shelter to the Birds. Some of the common birds in the study area are given in the table below.

REPTILES On the basis of field survey and communication with the local people, some of the common reptiles in this area are given below.

BUILDING STONE QUARRY PROJECT M/s. CHELAKKARA GRANITE ,KILLIMANGALAM , THRISSUR DIST. KERALA

MAMMALS On the basis of field survey and communication with the local people, some of the common Mammals in this area are given below.

(D) Socio Economics The major occupation of the Thrissur and adjacent Palakkad district is Cultivation, Household activity, Livestock, Forestry, Mining & Quarrying activities. The quarrying activity will benefit local villages in both directly and in-directly. Direct beneficiary will be those who get employed in Quarry as skilled and unskilled workers. a. Addressing concerns of local inhabitants like health, water, employment, resettlement / rehabilitation Proponent shall provide required Medical facility to all the employees at the quarry such as first aid, regular checkup, ambulance etc. In addition proponent also provides the medical checkup camps to the local villagers, supply of drinking water, and contribution of funds for social and cultural program. The proposed lease area extends over an area of 4.2649 Ha. There are no settlements within the lease hold area, hence there is no resettlement or rehabilitation of the same. b. Compensation for loss of land, crops and other adverse impacts on account of mining. Entire lease area belongs to lessee hence there is no compensation for loss of land. c. Biological reclamation /Eco-restoration Plan Around 2700 saplings will be planted in an area of 2.8234 ha. The main aim of the green belt development is to restore the ecosystem to its original form to a maximum possible extend by designing the green cover with the same native species.

Biological reclamation/ecological restoration for the mined areas by plantation of the species as per the time schedule suggested below:-

❖ First six month - Herbs and grass ❖ Next six month - Shrubs ❖ Next six months onwards – Trees BUILDING STONE QUARRY PROJECT M/s. CHELAKKARA GRANITE ,KILLIMANGALAM , THRISSUR DIST. KERALA

( E) CONCLUSION The floral and faunal diversity of the area is found to be low when compared to the diversity of the country sides of Kerala. The present study area do not possesses any specific group of ecological important assemblages. Majority of the surrounding area was planted by rubber plantation (Hevea brasiliensis, Acacia (Acacia mangium) & Kashu mavu (Anacardium occidentale) and also this region does not come under any conservation reserves. Ecological important plants were not observed in the buffer zone of the mine site. This region does not have any endangered, endemic or protected species therefore any development activity in the region does not have any direct bearing or significant influences in the ecosystem stability or biodiversity.

BUILDING STONE QUARRY PROJECT M/s. CHELAKKARA GRANITE ,KILLIMANGALAM , THRISSUR DIST. KERALA

CHAPTER- II ENVIRONMENT MANAGENT & CONTROL MEASURES

2.0 Site Management & Control Measures The Quarry Lease area is an undulated rocky terrain with thin layers of soil as substratim and shrubby growth of weeds. Since the quarry was operated earlier there is no cutting of large woody trees, the site is a rocky area with an outcrop of Charnockite (Commercially known as Granite) without extensive vegetation. The weeds and shrubby growth of plant are cleaned manually. The loose soil layer is removed and stored in the non-mining area .which will be used for plantation purpose. The boulder and the underneath rock bed consist of rock mass which is the mother rock where the extraction of products shall be undertaken.

The number of workers for the current production including the machinery operators and drivers is 19 (adult workers). The quarry shall not employ any children below 18 years. Also the workers are from nearby villages and no migrated laborers are employed for the current quarry operation. Thus settlement of migrated worker is not involved inside the Quarry Lease area, as the workers shall be daily waged laborers of the area. The main activity is drilling, excavation, storage and transportation of final product.

2.1 Drainage Management & Control Measures Before onset of monsoon, drains are cut along toe of the quarry faces to divert the surface run off. Garland drain is provided at the quarry top to regulate monsoon water and direct the same to the settling ponds / quarry pit to contain the quarry wash off and to avoid the same joining to the adjoining surface water bodies / water courses. It also helps to avert eventual collapses and damages to the quarry faces if any.

The quarry is currently designed to avoid surface water courses and drainage channels. Sources of contamination from the operation that could affect water quality include dust from blasting and refueling for equipment. Blast residues from explosives will be managed by ensuring that all material is ignited during the blasting process. Vehicle fuelling will be conducted at a centralized fuelling facility off site that has proper containment and spill response capability. Fuelling for non-moveable onsite equipment, such as generators, will take place in a secured area with approved spill containment.

BUILDING STONE QUARRY PROJECT M/s. CHELAKKARA GRANITE ,KILLIMANGALAM , THRISSUR DIST. KERALA

2.2 Dust Management & Control Measures The primary sources of dust at the Quarry are blasting and loading. Very little topsoil exists at the quarry site, and is not considered a primary source of dust. The management of dust will be accomplished by minimizing the creation of dust at source. Transport of material will be subject to speed limit restrictions and covered by tarpaulin sheets to help reduce dust.

2.3 Noise Environment Management & Control Measures The Noise is the environment attribute associated with the quarrying activity and operation of heavy machinery operation which causes vibration and noise. The quarrying operation will be restricted to only day time. To attenuate noise, various measures shall be taken up from the source point. The activity such as drilling shall be updated to latest technology which involves wet drilling technology and blasting will be carried out with controlled mechanism. Persons who are exposed to critical operation like drilling and operation of excavators are being provided with personal protective equipments (PPEs) as Occupational Safety Measures. Greenbelt will be developed, which will act as an acoustic barrier for noise transmission

2.4 Solid Waste Management & Control Measures The mine waste generated incidental to quarry operation will be partly used for leveling for road and civil construction works. It will be stacked at designated places during the quarry operations and will he utilized for back filling during mine closure.

2.5 Water Environment Management & Control Measures In the mining activity there is no utilization of water for the process / quarrying. The requirement is mainly for drinking and domestic purposes and that shall be met through bore well located within the quarry area and water required for dust suppression and plantation will be met through pit water which is accumulated within the existing pit.

It is proposed to construct two ponds and a check dam. One pond is for rain water harvesting cum silt arresting and the other for collection of decanted water.

Toilets shall be constructed which is of temporary structure. The domestic effluent of the Quarry workers, drivers, etc shall be treated in septic tank followed by soak pit as per the approved design by CPCB.

BUILDING STONE QUARRY PROJECT M/s. CHELAKKARA GRANITE ,KILLIMANGALAM , THRISSUR DIST. KERALA

2.6 Air Environment Management & Control Measures The pollutants released from the quarrying activity will be from the machineries (Heavy Earth Movers, Loaders, Rock breaker. etc) and movement of vehicles. For the purpose of the quarry activity, and to maintain a quality environment, selection of good condition vehicles and quarry operation shall be undertaken in a controlled mechanism; vehicular servicing shall be carried out regularly at frequent intervals so as to limit vehicular emission within the standard prescribed by Motor vehicle act.

The drilling activity generates comparatively more dust than other activity such as breaking and loading. Another common source of dust dispersal is from the haulage road. The movement of vehicles (dumper & tripper) to ferry the rock fragments is one of the source of dust. The improvement of haulage road is the main remedy to suppress dust during transportation. Water sprinklers are provided to check the dusty road in the mining area.

The effective area of plantation will be undertaken as1000/Ha and Type of species planted will be Bamboo. Rubbe,. Glyricidia, Mahagani. Bougainvillea and other local species with thick foliage to arrest dust dispersion due to movement of vehicles.

2.7 Occupational health and Safety Since the activity of the project involves drilling, rock breaking, loading and transportation, primary safety for the workers is the main concern of the project. Generally Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) shall be provided to all individuals inside the Quarry Lease area. The workers involved in the activity of drilling work, additional protective equipments shall be provided such as Thick Gloves. Goggles. ear plugs, thick boot wears, etc. The secondary safety of workers health shall also be given the same importance. Secondary health threat arises from disease causing vectors and untidy housekeeping. The workers' health can also be at risk from communicable diseases which may he seasonal or pandemic.

2.8 Environmental Management & Control Measures The entire quarry area is planned systematically and scientific method of mining with 5.0 bench ht and 5.0 m bench width. Once the reserves are exhausted the quarry pit will be reclaimed to the extent possible by suitable plantation. Some area of the pit will be retained as water pond with fencing around the quarry lease. Qualified Mines Manager will supervise mined area management. Mines Manager will identify the suitable personnel for implementation of Environmental Management Plan (EMP). BUILDING STONE QUARRY PROJECT M/s. CHELAKKARA GRANITE ,KILLIMANGALAM , THRISSUR DIST. KERALA

(A) Environment & Safety Measures  Mitigation measures will be taken in respect to non - compliance.  Review of the safety practices being followed and additional safety measures if necessary.  Identification of unsafe conditions/ practices prevailing in the area and mitigation measures, if any.  Arrangement of training to develop safety awareness among all staff including laborers.  Preparation of safety codes/ manuals of operations which will be distributed to workers.

(B)Occupational Health Measures An occupational health unit will be organized and the proposed measures will be adopted:  Periodic Medical Checkup program for all the workers.  Compulsory medical checkup program for risk group  Training for workers regarding occupational hazards.  Lung function test for workers exposed to dusts.  2.9 Environment Management Plan & Monitoring Programme An monitoring cell will be constituted for constant monitoring of environmental parameters like air, water, noise and soil to assess the status of environment and impacts on biodiversity during mine operations and other activities. The environmental monitoring cell will conduct routine monitoring as per the Environmet Management Plan given below to ensure the protection of environment from any degradation.

BUILDING STONE QUARRY PROJECT M/s. CHELAKKARA GRANITE ,KILLIMANGALAM , THRISSUR DIST. KERALA

2.10 Cost estimate – Environmental Control

Additionally 1% of the annual profit shall be given to concerned Panchayat for Biodiversity Managemment Commitee towards eco storation.

BUILDING STONE QUARRY PROJECT M/s. CHELAKKARA GRANITE ,KILLIMANGALAM , THRISSUR DIST. KERALA

Some of the aid provided by M/s. Chelakkara Granites under CER/CSR Activity furnished below.

BUILDING STONE QUARRY PROJECT M/s. CHELAKKARA GRANITE ,KILLIMANGALAM , THRISSUR DIST. KERALA

Also it is proposed to spend Rs. 8.5 Lakhs/Annum for various local developmental activities as mentioned in the table below.

2.11 CONCLUSION It is predicted that socio-economic impact due to this project will positively bring prosperity and improvements in physical and social infrastructure in the area. It will increase the chance of more employment to local people. There is no resettlement and rehabilitation involved in this project. Revenue of the state government and central government will be increased through collection of various taxes. The entire project area is devoid of any endangered flora and fauna. It is proposed to reclaim the land to a maximum possible extent by providing green belt in refilling and surrounding areas. In addition to this 10% of the total area is converted to water pond. Thus the proposed project is not likely to affect the environment or adjacent ecosystem adversely. ***********