JAN' 2020 Aa DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

JAN’ SVELC/DM/DRAFT/EIA 2020 aa

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT (VIOLATION)

FOr m/s. dhigvijay minerals Extent: 22.979 Ha Office Address Sri S. Venkateswara Rao Managing Partner 1st Floor, SVR Complex, M.M. Road, Ongole Prakasam District– 523003 Site Address Sy. No. 782 and 873, Gutupalli (V) Bethamcherla (M), Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh

Production Capacity Expansion from 23,654 MTPA to 115600MTPA Approved ToR Lr. No: SEIAA/AP/KNL/MIN/VIO/10/2018/729-278 Dated: 14.05.2019 Baseline Data Collected: March’2019 to May’2019 Sector: 01 – Mining of minerals, Cat –B1 (Violation)

PREPARED BY

H.O:Block-B, B-1, IDA, Autonagar -12, Vishakapatnam Ph: 0891-2755528, Fax: 0891-2755529, E-mail: [email protected] Ph: 9440338628 QCI NABET & NABL Accredited & Recognized by MOEF&CC, New Delhi.

UNDERTAKING

This is to certify that M/s. SV Enviro Labs & Consultants is a NABL Accredited, ISO

9001:2015 certified company and is recognised by Ministry of Environment and Forests under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Further, this Draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report is for M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals for the expansion of production from 23,654 to 1,15,600 TPA in an area of 22.979 Ha at

Sy.No: 782 & 873, Gutupalli (V), Bethamcherla Mandal, Kurnool District has been carried out by M/s. SV Enviro Labs & Consultants and the prescribed ToR’s issued by SEIAA, AP vide Lr. No: SEIAA/AP/KNL/MIN/VIO/10/2018/729-278 Dt: 14.05.2019 have been complied with and the data submitted in the draft EIA report is factually correct.

Thanks and Regards, M. Murali Krishna

Managing Partner January, 2020 DECLARATION BY EXPERTS CONTRIBUTING TO THE EIA

“Draft Environmental Impact Assessment for production Expansion of Iron ore from 23,654 MTPA to 1,15,600 MTPA in an area of 22.979 Ha at Sy. No: 782 & 873 of Gutupalli Village, Bethamcherla Mandal, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh by M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals.

I hereby certify that I was a part of the EIA team in the following capacity that developed the above EIA.

EIA Co-ordinator :

Name : Shaik Kasim Signature : Functional Area Experts:

S.No Functional Name of the Expert Category Involvement Signature and Date as per (Period and Areas NABET task**) 1. EIA Shaik Kasim A Mining Coordinator 2. AP * M. Murali Krishna A Air Pollution monitoring,

prevention & control

3. WP * V. Hemalatha A Water Pollution monitoring,

prevention & control

4. SHW * K. Anitha A Solid waste management

5. SE * Dr. B. Vijay A Socioeconomic studies Bhaskara Rao 6. EB * Dr. M. Tarakeswara A Ecology and Bio- diversity Naidu

7. HG * Dr. G.V.A A Hydrology

Ramakrishna 8. GEO * Dr. G.V.A Geology A Ramakrishna 9. SC * D. Sunder Rao A Soil conservation

M.Tarakeswara Naidu (TM) 10. AQ * M. Murali Krishna A Air quality modelling

11. NV * M. Murali Krishna A Noise and vibration

12. LU * Dr. G.V.A A Land use studies Ramakrishna

13. RH * Shaik Kasim A Risk and hazard V. Hemalatha (TM) study

*One TM against each FAE may be shown

** Please attach additional sheet if required

Declaration by the Head of the accredited consultant organization/ authorized person

I, M. Murali Krishna, hereby, confirm that the above mentioned experts prepared the Draft Environmental Impact Assessment for the Expansion production of Iron ore from 23,654 MTPA to 1,15,600 MTPA in an area of 22.979 Ha at Sy. No: 782 & 873 of Gutupalli Village, Bethamcherla Mandal, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh by M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals.

Signature:

Name: M. Murali Krishna

Designation: Managing Partner Name of the EIA consultant organization: SV Enviro Labs & Consultants

NABET Certificate No. & Issue Date: NABET/EIA/1720/RA0097Dt: 26.07.2018

INDEX

Sl.No. PARTICULARS PAGE NO. Chapter-1 Introduction 1.0 Introduction 1-1 1.1 Purpose of the report 1-1 1.2 Details of the project & identification of project proponent 1-2 1.3 Description of the Project 1-3 1.4 Project nature, size & location 1-4 1.5 Regulatory compliances & applicable laws/regulations 1-7 1.6 Environmental parameters in the study area 1-7 1.7 Generic structure of EIA document 1-7 1.8 Post environment clearance monitoring 1-8

Chapter-2 Project Description 2.0 General 2-1 2.1 Brief description of the project 2-1 2.2 Location details 2-1 2.2.1 Details about Project Site 2-2 2.3 Physiographic 2-6 2.4 Geology and exploration 2-6 2.4.1 Regional geology 2-6 2.4.2 Detailed geology 2-6 2.5 Reserves 2-8 2.6 Method of mining 2-10 2.6.1 Open cast mining 2-10 2.6.2 Processing of ROM and minerals reject 2-11 2.7 Year wise production for ensuing five period 2-12 2.8 Waste dump management 2-15 2.9 Conceptual plan 2-16 2.9.1 Land use 2-16 2.9.2 Progressive reclamation plan 2-17 2.10 Mining machinery 2-17 2.11 Site services 2-17 2.12 Employment potential 2-17

Chapter-3 Description Of The Environment 3.0 Introduction 3-1 3.1 Study area 3-1 3.2 Study period 3-1 3.3 Methodology of EIA study 3-1 3.4 Collection of baseline data 3-2 3.4.1 Micro meteorological data 3-2 3.4.2 Winds 3-3 3.5 Air environment 3-6 3.5.1 Selection of sampling locations 3-6 3.5.2 Methodology of sampling and analysis 3-6 3.5.3 Frequency of sampling 3-6 3.5.4 Existing ambient air quality 3-12 3.6 Water environment 3-13 3.6.1 Surface water & ground water quality assessment 3-13 3.6.2 Selection of sampling locations 3-13 3.6.3 Sampling techniques 3-14 3.6.4 Analytical techniques 3-15 3.6.5 Water sampling stations 3-17 3.6.6 Ground water quality of the study area 3-19 3.6.7 Summary of groundwater quality 3-20 3.6.8 Surface water quality of the study area 3-20 3.6.9 Surface water quality results are summarized below 3-22 3.7 Soil quality 3-22 3.7.1 Selection of sampling locations 3-22 3.7.2 Sampling and analytical techniques 3-22 3.7.3 Details of soil sampling locations 3-23 3.7.4 Soil analysis results in the study area 3-25 3.7.5 Summary of soil analysis data 3-26 3.7.6 Standard soil classification 3-27 3.8 Noise environment 3-28 3.8.1 Identification of sampling locations 3-28 3.8.2 Methodology 3-28 3.8.3 Noise monitoring locations 3-29 3.8.4 Description of locations 3-29 3.8.5 Noise levels in the study area 3-31 3.9 Geology and Hydrogeology 3-33 3.9.1 Physiographic 3-33 3.9.2 Drainage 3-33 3.9.3 Regional Geology 3-33 3.9.4 Geomorphology and geo-hydrology 3-34 3.9.5 Soil 3-36 3.9.6 Ground water prospects 3-36 3.10 Landuse/Land cover 3-37 3.10.1 Land use Pattern-Remote Sensing data 3-37 3.10.1.1 Satellite Data 3-37 3.10.1.2 Topographical Data 3-37 3.10.2 Methodology 3-37 3.10.3 Land use Map Analysis 3-38 3.10.4 Spatial Data from SOI Topographical Sheets 3-41 3.10.5 Contour Map and Elevations of Study Area 3-42 3.10.6 Topography (digital elevation model) 3-42 3.10.7 Land use land cover statistics of buffer zone 3-43 3.10.8 Prediction of Impacts during Construction Phase 3-50 3.10.8.1 Land environment 3-50 3.11 Biological environment 3-50 3.11.1 Objectives 3-51 3.11.2 Study area 3-51 3.11.3 Forest blocks in the study area 3-52 3.11.4 Methodology 3-52 3.11.5 Floral diversity 3-53 3.11.6 Faunal diversity 3-70 3.11.7 Aquatic ecology 3-72 3.12 Socio - economic environment 3-72

Chapter-4 Anticipated Environmental Impacts And Mitigation Measures 4.0 Introduction 4-1 4.1 Air quality 4-7 4.1.1 Quantitative estimation of impacts on air environment 4-7 4.1.2 Sources of dust emission 4-7 4.1.3 Emission details 4-8 4.1.4 Meteorological data 4-8 4.1.5 Assumptions made in the prediction of air pollution impacts 4-8 4.1.6 Summary of predicted ground level concentrations of particulate 4-9 matter 4.1.7 Air quality mitigation measures 4-9 4.2 Water environment 4-10 4.2.1 Impacts on surface water bodies and control measures 4-10 4.2.2 Rain water harvesting 4-11 4.2.3 Impacts on ground water table 4-11 4.3 Land environment 4-11 4.3.1 Solid waste generation 4-11 4.3.2 Soil Erosion 4-12 4.3.3 Impact due to land degradation 4-12 4.3.4 Program of Afforestation 4-13 4.3.5 Impact on land use and reclamation measures 4-13 4.3.6 Slope stability 4-14 4.4 Noise environment 4-14 4.4.1 Impact due to Noise and Vibration 4-14 4.4.2 Noise and Vibration Control Measures 4-15 4.5 Biological environment 4-16 4.5.1 Impacts on Biological Environment 4-16 4.5.2 Mitigation measures 4-16 4.5.3 Greenbelt development 4-17 4.6 Traffic analysis 4-18 4.6.1 Impact on road network 4-19 4.7 Socio-economic conditions 4-19 4.7.1 Impact on socio-economic conditions 4-19 4.7.2 Impact on Human Settlement 4-20 4.8 Impact on occupational health and safety 4-20

Chapter-5 Analysis Of Alternatives 5.0 General 5-1 5.1 Alternate Technology 5-1 5.2 Alternative Site 5-1

Chapter-6 Environmental Monitoring Programme 6.0 Environmental Monitoring 6-1 6.1 Monitoring around the Mine site 6-1 6.2 Post Project Monitoring programme 6-1 6.2.1 Environmental Monitoring 6-2 6.3 Monitoring schedule for environmental parameters 6-2 6.4 Implementation Schedule 6-2 6.5 Monitoring Equipment And Consumables 6-4

Chapter-7 Additional Studies 7.0 Public consultation 7-1 7.1 Risk assessment 7-1 7.1.1 Drilling risks 7-1 7.1.2 Failure of slope in the pit 7-2 7.1.3 Filling up the mine pit due to excessive rains 7-3 7.1.4 Accidents of heavy machinery 7-3 7.1.5 Disaster due to surface fire 7-3 7.2 Disaster management plan 7-4 7.3 Implementation of emp and monitoring system 7-5 7.3.1 General 7-5 7.3.2 Implementation 7-6 7.4 Activities to be monitored / inspected by EMC 7-6 7.4.1 Land erosion 7-6 7.4.2 Drainage 7-7 7.4.3 Revegetation and green belt development 7-7 7.4.4 Occupational health 7-7 7.4.5 Operation and maintenance 7-9

Chapter-8 Project Benefits 8.0 General 8-1 8.1 Employment 8-1 8.2 Occupational health 8-1 8.3 Improvements in physical and social infrastructure 8-1 8.3.1 Improvements in physical infrastructure 8-2 8.3.2 Improvements in social infrastructure 8-2 8.3.3 Prevention of illegal mining & contribution to the exchequer 8-2 8.3.4 Enhancement of green cover 8-3 8.4 Other tangible benefits 8-3

Chapter-9 Environmental Management Plan 9.0 Introduction 9-1 9.1 Corporate Environment Responsibility (CER): 9-4 9.2 Objectives of environmental management plan 9-4 9.3 Air quality management 9-5 9.3.1 Air pollution control measures 9-5 9.3.2 Controlling dust levels 9-6 9.4 Water quality management 9-6 9.5 Noise level monitoring 9-7 9.5.1 Parameters 9-7 9.5.2 Methodology 9-7 9.5.3 Noise quality management 9-7 9.5.4 Noise pollution control 9-8 9.6 Water consumption and waste water generation 9-8 9.7 Biological management plan 9-9 9.7.1 Tree plantation program 9-10 9.7.2 Mine drainage 9-10 9.8 Soil management 9-12 9.9 Land environment 9-12 9.9.1 Land use 9-12 9.9.1.1 Mine roads 9-13 9.9.1.2 Proposed mitigating measures 9-13 9.10 Socio-economic environment & safety 9-14 9.11 Biological management plan 9-14 9.11.1 Green belt development/afforestation plan 9-15 9.11.2 Criteria for selection of species 9-15 9.11.3 Design of green development 9-15 9.12 Occupational health and safety measures 9-16 9.12.1 Public health implication, occupational health survey program and 9-17 first aid 9.13 Project cost 9-18

Chapter-10 Summary & Conclusion 10.0 Summary and conclusions 10-1 10.1 Recommendation 10-1

Chapter-11 Remediation plan and the natural & community resource augmentation plan 11.0 Introduction 11-1 11.1 Background information of the project 11-1 11.2 Damage assessment 11-2 11.3 Nature and community augmentation plan 11-5 11.3.1 Environmental and social impact assessment 11-5 11.3.2 Soil contamination remediation 11-5 11.3.3 Air quality improvement 11-6 11.3.4 Water quality and quantity improvement 11-6 11.3.5 Noise and vibration control 11-6 11.3.6 Conservation of biodiversity 11-6 11.4 Corporate environment responsibility 11-6 11.5 Conclusion 11-8 11.6 Impact assessment 11-9 11.7 Remediation cost calculation 11-15

Chapter-12 Disclosure of Consultants 12.0 Disclosure of nabet accredited organisation for eia studies 12-1 12.1 About Sv Enviro Labs & Consultants (SVELC) 12-1 12.2 Services offered by Sv Enviro 12-1

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE NO. TITLE PAGE NO. Chapter -1:- Introduction 1.1 Description of project proponent 1-2

Chapter -2 :-Project Description 2.1 Details about the project site 2-2 2.2 Boundary coordinates 2-3 2.3 Reserves of iron ore under GI category 2-9 2.4 Year wise production during lapse period 2-14 2.5 Dump details 2-15 2.6 Land use details 2-16 2.7 Details mining machinery 2-17 2.8 Employment details 2-18

Chapter -3:-Description Of The Environment 3.1 Micro Meteorological Data at Site 3-4 3.2 Techniques and Detectable limits for ambient air quality 3-7 monitoring 3.3 Location of ambient air quality monitoring stations 3-7 3.4 Summary of Ambient Air Quality in the Study Area 3-9 3.5 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for water sampling 3-14 3.6 Analytical techniques for water analysis 3-15 3.7 Water sampling stations 3-17 3.8 Ground water quality results 3-19 3.9 Surface water quality of the study area 3-21 3.10 Analytical techniques for soil analysis 3-23 3.11 Soil Sampling Locations 3-23 3.12 Soil analysis results 3-25 3.13 Noise monitoring locations 3-29 3.14 Noise levels in the study area 3-31 3.15 Land use land covers statistics of buffer zone 3-49 3.16 Details of the forest blocks in the study area 3-52 3.17 Flora enumerated from Core zone of the proposed mining site 3-54 3.18 Flora enumerated from buffer zone of the proposed mining site 3-60 3.19 Checklist of fauna found in the study area 3-70 3.20 Population Distribution – Study Area 3-75 3.21 Literacy - Study Area 3-75 3.22 Employment – Study Area 3-76

Chapter -4:-Anticipated Environmental Impacts & Mitigation Measures 4.1 Expected Nature of Impacts 4-1 4.2 Identified/Predicted Environmental Impacts with & without 4-2 Mitigation Measures 4.3 Noise impact 4-14 4.4 Details of proposed plantation. 4-16 4.5 Selected list of plant species for Greenbelt development 4-18 4.6 Surrounding villages with their population 4-20

Chapter -6:- Environmental Monitoring Programme 6.1 Monitoring Schedule for Environmental Parameters 6-2 6.2 Implementation Schedule 6-3

Chapter -9:- Environmental Management Plan 9.1 EMP costing for the proposed project 9-2 9.2 Ambient Air Quality Standards 9-5 9.3 Air Pollution Control Measures 9-5 9.4 Fresh water requirement and wastewater generation 9-8 9.5 Details of Year Wise Tree Plantation Program 9-15

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE NO. TITLE PAGE NO. Chapter -1:- Introduction 1.1 Location of the Dhigvijay Minerals iron ore mine 1-6

Chapter -2 :-Project Description 2.1 Google map (10 km radius) 2-4 2.2 Topomap of 10 km radius 2-5

Chapter -3:-Description of the Environment 3.1 Wind rose diagram for the month of March 2019-May 3-5 2019 3.2 Location Ambient Air Quality Stations 3-8 3.3 Water sampling locations 3-18 3.4 Soil sampling locations 3-24 3.5 Noise monitoring locations 3-30 3.6 Geomorphology of Kurnool District 3-35 3.7 Ground water prospects in Kurnool District 3-36 3.8 Satellite Image of the 10 km radius of the M/s. Dhigvijay 3-40 Minerals 3.9 Flow chart of methodology 3-41 3.10 Roads and Built-up area within the 10 km radius 3-44 3.11 Map showing built-up area, forests and water bodies 3-45 3.12 Contour levels within the 10 km radius 3-46 3.13 Digital Elevation Map 3-47 3.14 The map showing water bodies within the 10 km radius 3-48 3.15 Graphical Presentation of Land Use Statistics 3-49

Chapter-7 Additional Studies 7.1 Organizational setup of EMC 7-5

Chapter -9:- Environmental Management Plan 9.1 Water balance 9-9

Chapter-11 Remediation plan and the natural & community resource augmentation plan 11.1 Worked out area of M/s Dhigvijay Minerals 11-4 11.2 Land use pattern of M/s Dhigvijay Minerals 11-4

Chapter -12: - Disclosure of Consultants 11.2 NABET Certificate 12-3 Annexures Annexure -I ToR Copy Annexure -II Mining Plan & Drawings Aneexure -III EC & CFO Copies Aneexure -IV EC Compliance Aneexure -V Affidavit Aneexure –VI Hydrogiological Study

APPROVED TERMS OF REFERENCE COMPLIANCE ToR Lr. No: SEIAA/AP/KNL/MIN/VIO/10/2018/729-278 Dated: 14.05.2019

S. No Standard Terms Of Reference TOR Compliance/Section No.

1 Year wise production details since 1994 The lease transfer permission was should be given, clearly stating the highest accorded to M/s. Dhigvijay production achieved in any one year prior to Minerals for Iron ore and Barytes 1994. It may also be categorically informed mining over an extent of 22.979 Ha whether there had been any increase in under Form-O from M/s. N. production after EIA Notification 1994 came Dakshinamurthy vide G.O. Ms.No. into force, w.r.t the highest production 312 Ind & Com. (M.I) Department achieved prior to 1994. dated 19.11.2008 and the lease deed execution was transferred in the name of M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals for the remaining lease period up to 23.04.2026 vide proceedings no. 7100/M4/2008 dated 22.12.2008. Year wise production details furnished in the Chapter II- Project description under section 2.7

2 A copy of the document in support of the fact The rightful lessee of the mine is that the Proponent is the rightful lessee of the M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals vide G.O. mine should be given. Ms.No. 312 Ind & Com. (M.I) Department dated 19.11.2008 and mine lease document is available in the approved mining plan attached as Annexure – II.

3 All documents including approved mine plan, While preparing EIA it has been EIA and Public Hearing should be compatible ensured that all the documents with one another in terms of the mine lease including approved mining plan, area, production levels, waste generation and EIA are compatible with one its management, mining technology etc. and another in terms of the mine lease should be in the name of the lessee. area, production levels, waste generation and its management, mining technology etc and are in the name of M/s. Dhigvijay minerals.

4 All corner coordinates of the mine lease area, All the corner coordinates of mine superimposed on a High Resolution Imagery/ lease are has been toposheet, topographic sheet, geomorphology marked/superimposed on topo and geology of the area should be provided. sheet. Such an Imagery of the proposed area should 10 km radius Topo map of 1:50,000 clearly show the land use and other ecological scale of the mine lease area is given features of the study area (core and buffer in Chapter II; Fig. 2.2. zone). Corner co-ordinates are superimposed on High resolution Google earth imagery is given in Chapter-II under Fig 2.1.

5 Information should be provided in Survey of Required topo sheet is provided at India Topo sheet in 1:50,000 scale indicating Fig:-2.2 in Chapter-II. geological map of the area, geomorphology of Important water bodies, streams, land forms of the area, existing minerals and rivers are shown in topo sheet mining history of the area, important water which is provided by Survey of bodies, streams and rivers and soil India. characteristics.

6 Details about the land proposed for mining The lease transfer permission was activities should be given with information as accorded to M/s. Dhigvijay to whether mining conforms to the land use Minerals for Iron ore and Barytes policy of the State; land diversion for mining mining over an extent of 22.979 Ha should have approval from State land use under Form-O from M/s. N. board or the concerned authority. Dakshinamurthy vide G.O. Ms.No. 312 Ind & Com. (M.I) Department dated 19.11.2008 and the lease deed execution was transferred in the name of M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals for the remaining lease period up to 23.04.2026 vide proceedings no. 7100/M4/2008 dated 22.12.2008.

Land diversion is not applicable.

7 It should be clearly stated whether the The project proponent is committed proponent Company has a well laid down to environmental safeguard and Environment Policy approved by its Board of sustainable development. Directors? If so, it may be spelt out in the EIA Environmental Monitoring Cell Report with description of the prescribed shall be established for reporting operating process/procedures to bring into environmental issues. The focus any infringement/deviation/ violation of Environmental policy is as follows: the environmental or forest norms/  Prevent Environmental conditions? The hierarchical system or pollution by continual administrative order of the Company to deal improvement in with the environmental issues and for environmental performance ensuring compliance with the EC conditions of the Environmental may also be given. The system of reporting of Management Plan. non compliances / violations of environmental  Comply with all the norms to the Board of Directors of the environmental legislations, Company and/or shareholders or stakeholders regulations under the EIA at large, may also be detailed in the EIA Notification 2006 & Report. subsequent amendments.  Promote environmental awareness amongst employees, local communities and interested parties through proactive communication and training. Training to employees in terms of Safety, Health & Environment through Mining association & Authorized Agency.

8. Issues relating to Mine Safety, including The method of mining is open cast subsidence study in case of underground semi mechanised. mining and slope study in case of open cast Subsidence study is not applicable mining, blasting study etc. should be detailed. as the mine is not underground The proposed safeguard measures in each mining. case should also be provided. Mining will be done during non- rainy period.

Safety measures:  The working pits will be under vigilance during the working and non working hours.

Detailed occupational health and safety is mentioned at Chapter -IV under section: 4.8.

9. The study area will comprise of 10 km zone During the plan period a quantity of around the mine lease from lease periphery 248934.9 m3 of ROM rejects, OB and the data contained in the EIA such as and Waste will be generated and waste generation etc. should be for the life of shall be dumped at SE part of the the mine lease period. lease area in non mineral area. The present dump area occupied 0.73 Ha and additional 0.69 Ha. is proposed for dumping the obtaining waste. After completion of plan period it covers 1.42 Ha. The life of the mine is 7 years. The detailed year wise production is mentioned in Chapter- II under section 2.7. 10 Land use of the study area delineating forest Land use/Land cover is exclusively area, agricultural land, grazing land, wildlife detailed in section 3.10 of Chapter- sanctuary, national park, migratory routes of III. fauna, water bodies, human settlements and Impacts on Land Use are mentioned other ecological features should be indicated. in section 4.3 of Chapter-IV. Land use plan of the mine lease area should be prepared to encompass preoperational, operational and post operational phases and submitted. Impact, if any, of change of land use should be given.

11. Details of the land for any Over Burden During the plan period a quantity of Dumps outside the mine lease, such as extent 248934.9 m3 of ROM rejects, OB of land area, distance from mine lease, its land and Waste will be generated and use, R&R issues, if any, should be given. shall be dumped at SE part of the lease area in non mineral area. The present dump area occupied 0.73 Ha and additional 0.69 Ha. is proposed for dumping the obtaining waste. After completion of plan period it covers 1.42 Ha. 12 A Certificate from the Competent Authority There is no involvement of forest in the State Forest Department should be land in the mine area, hence not provided, confirming the involvement of applicable. forest land, if any, in the project area. In the event of any contrary claim by the Project Proponent regarding the status of forests, the site may be inspected by the State Forest Department along with the Regional Office of the Ministry to ascertain the status of forests, based on which, the Certificate in this regard as mentioned above be issued. In all such cases, it would be desirable for representative of the State Forest Department to assist the Expert Appraisal Committees.

13 Status of forestry clearance for the broken up Not Applicable. area and virgin forestland involved in the Project including deposition of net present value (NPV) and compensatory Afforestation (CA) should be indicated. A copy of the forestry clearance should also be furnished.

14 Implementation status of recognition of forest Not Applicable. rights under the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 should be indicated.

15 The vegetation in the RF / PF areas in the Flora studies conducted in the core study area, with necessary details, should be and buffer zones and are covered in given. Chapter-III under section-3.11.

16 A study shall be got done to ascertain the Fauna studies conducted in the core impact of the Mining Project on wildlife of and buffer zone is covered in the study area and details furnished. Impact of Chapter-III under section-3.11. the project on the wildlife in the surrounding Mitigation measures on the and any other protected area and accordingly, biological environment are covered detailed mitigative measures required, should in Chapter-IX. be worked out with cost implications and submitted.

17 Location of National Parks, Sanctuaries, No national parks, wildlife Biosphere Reserves, Wildlife Corridors, sanctuaries, Tiger/Elephant reserves Ramsar site Tiger/Elephant Reserves/(existing exist in the core or buffer zone of as well as proposed), if any, within 10 km of the lease area. the mine lease should be clearly indicated, supported by a location map duly authenticated by Chief Wildlife Warden. Necessary clearance, as may be applicable to such projects due to proximity of the ecologically sensitive areas as mentioned above, should be obtained from the Standing Committee of National Board of Wildlife and copy furnished.

18 A detailed biological study of the study area Biological study is covered in [core zone and buffer zone (10 km radius of Chapter-III under section-3.11. the periphery of the mine lease)] shall be Tabular data of the species also carried out. Details of flora and fauna, mentioned in section 3.11 in endangered, endemic and RET Species duly Chapter-III. authenticated, separately for core and buffer zone should be furnished based on such primary field survey, clearly indicating the Schedule of the fauna present. In case of any scheduled-I fauna found in the study area, the necessary plan along with budgetary provisions for their conservation should be prepared in consultation with State Forest and Wildlife Department and details furnished. Necessary allocation of funds for implementing the same should be made as part of the project cost.

19 Proximity to Areas declared as 'Critically No critically polluted areas come Polluted' or the Project areas likely to come under the core zone or buffer zone under the 'Aravali Range', (attracting court of the lease area. restrictions for mining operations), should also be indicated and where so required, clearance certifications from the prescribed Authorities, such as the SPCB or State Mining Department should be secured and furnished to the effect that the proposed mining activities could be considered. 20 Similarly, for coastal Projects, A CRZ map No CRZ regulation is applicable. duly authenticated by one of the authorized agencies demarcating LTL. HTL, CRZ area, location of the mine lease w.r.t CRZ, coastal features such as mangroves, if any, should be furnished. (Note: The Mining Projects falling under CRZ would also need to obtain approval of the concerned Coastal Zone Management Authority).

21 R&R Plan/compensation details for the Not Applicable. Project Affected People (PAP) should be furnished. While preparing the R&R Plan, the relevant State/National Rehabilitation & Resettlement Policy should be kept in view. In respect of SCs /STs and other weaker sections of the society in the study area, a need based sample survey, family-wise, should be undertaken to assess their requirements, and action programmes prepared and submitted accordingly, integrating the sectoral programmes of line departments of the State Government. It may be clearly brought out whether the village(s) located in the mine lease area will be shifted or not. The issues relating to shifting of village(s) including their R&R and socio- economic aspects should be discussed in the Report.

22. One season (non-monsoon) [i.e. March-May Baseline data (Water quality, noise (Summer Season); October-December (post level, soil, flora and fauna, AAQ, monsoon season) ; December-February Meteorological data) for the period (winter season)]primary baseline data on of March’ 2019 to May’ 2019 is ambient air quality as per CPCB Notification collected within the study area and of 2009, water quality, noise level, soil and same is elaborated in chapter -III. flora and fauna shall be collected and the AAQ and other data so compiled presented date-wise in the EIA and EMP Report. Site- specific meteorological data should also be collected. The location of the monitoring stations should be such as to represent whole of the study area and justified keeping in view the pre-dominant downwind direction and location of sensitive receptors. There should be at least one monitoring station within 500 m of the mine lease in the predominant downwind direction. The mineralogical composition of PM10, particularly for free silica, should be given.

23. Air quality modelling should be carried out Detailed air quality for prediction of for prediction of impact of the project on the impacts is elaborated in chapter – air quality of the area. It should also take into IV under section: 4.1. account the impact of movement of vehicles There are no point sources proposed for transportation of mineral. The details of in the mine lease area. the model used and input parameters used for modelling should be provided. The air quality Vehicular movement will be contours may be shown on a location map restricted in terms of speed, hence clearly indicating the location of the site, the fugitive emissions will be location of sensitive receptors, if any, and the localised. habitation. The wind roses showing The wind rose is shown in chapter - predominant wind direction may also be III under Fig no: 3.1. indicated on the map.

24 The water requirement for the Project, its The total water requirement for availability and source should be furnished. A mine expansion is 23.0 KLD and detailed water balance should also be will be met through water tankers provided. Fresh water requirement for the from surrounding villages. Detailed project should be indicated. water balance is mentioned in chapter -IX under Fig 9.1

25. Necessary clearance from the Competent As we are not drawing any ground Authority for drawl of requisite quantity of water, hence clearance from ground water for the project should be provided. water board is not applicable.

26. Description of water conservation measures Water conservation measures are proposed to be adopted in the project should mentioned under section-9.3 in be given. Details of rainwater harvesting Chapter-IX. proposed in the project, if any, should be Rain water Harvesting is covered provided. under section 4.2.2 in Chapter-IV.

27 Impact of the Project on the water quality, Impacts on water quality are tabled both surface and groundwater, should be in Chapter-IV under Table-4.2 and assessed and necessary safeguard measures, if safeguard measures are covered any required, should be provided. under section 4.2.

28. Based on actual monitored data, it may clearly The mine workings will not be shown whether working will intersect intersect ground water as per groundwater. Necessary data and Approved Mining Plan. documentation in this regard may be provided. In case the working will intersect groundwater table, a detailed Hydro Geological Study should be undertaken and Report furnished. The Report inter-alia, shall include details of the aquifers present and impact of mining activities on these aquifers. Necessary permission from Central Ground Water Authority for working below ground water and for pumping of ground water should also be obtained and copy furnished.

29 Details of any stream, seasonal or otherwise, A Stream flowing within the mine passing through the lease area and lease from NW to SE. Three first modification / diversion proposed, if any, and order from this mine is connected to the impact of the same on the hydrology the above said stream. Necessary should be brought out. protective measures will be undertaken.

30 Information on site elevation, working depth, Site elevation is 493 m AMSL, groundwater table etc. Should be provided Workings of mine will be at 480 m both in AMSL and bgl. A schematic diagram RL to 506 m RL which is above the may also be provided for the same. water table.

31 A time bound Progressive Greenbelt Year-wise Green belt development Development Plan shall be prepared in a schedule is depicted in section 4.5.3 tabular form (indicating the linear and in chapter-IV. quantitative coverage, plant species and time Schedule of species for plantation is frame) and submitted, keeping in mind, the also shown in Table 4.5 in chapter- same will have to be executed up front on IV. commencement of the Project. Phase-wise plan of plantation and compensatory afforestation should be charted clearly indicating the area to be covered under plantation and the species to be planted. The details of plantation already done should be given. The plant species selected for green belt should have greater ecological value and should be of good utility value to the local population with emphasis on local and native species and the species which are tolerant to pollution.

32. Impact on local transport infrastructure due to Traffic analysis has been done in the Project should be indicated. Projected section 4.6 in chapter-IV. increase in truck traffic as a result of the Project in the present road network (including those outside the Project area) should be worked out, indicating whether it is capable of handling the incremental load. Arrangement for improving the infrastructure, if contemplated (including action to be taken by other agencies such as State Government) should be covered. Project Proponent shall conduct Impact of Transportation study as per Indian Road Congress Guidelines. 33. Details of the onsite shelter and facilities to be Temporary rest shelter and sanitary provided to the mine workers should be facilities provided in the mine lease included in the EIA Report. area. 34 Conceptual post mining land use and Conceptual post mining plan is Reclamation and Restoration of mined out explained in section 2.9 in chapter- areas (with plans and with adequate number II. of sections) should be given in the EIA report.

35 Occupational Health impacts of the Project Occupational Health Impacts are should be anticipated and the proposed mentioned in chapter-IV under preventive measures spelt out in detail. section 4.8. Details of pre-placement medical examination Whereas the preventive measures and periodical medical examination schedules are embedded in section-9.12 in should be incorporated in the EMP. The Chapter-IX. project specific occupational health mitigation measures with required facilities proposed in the mining area may be detailed.

36 Public health implications of the Project and Public Health Implications are related activities for the population in the discussed in section 9.12.1 in impact zone should be systematically chapter-IX. And the budget evaluated and the proposed remedial measures allocations are inscribed in Table - should be detailed along with budgetary 9.1. allocations.

37 Measures of socio economic significance and Measures on socio-economic influence to the local community proposed to conditions are mentioned in chapter be provided by the Project Proponent should -IV under section 4.7. be indicated. As far as possible, quantitative dimensions may be given with time frames for implementation.

38 Detailed environmental management plan Detailed Environmental (EMP) to mitigate the environmental impacts Management Plan and cost which, should inter-alia include the impacts of implication for EMP is mentioned change of land use, loss of agricultural and in Chapter -IX. grazing land, if any, occupational health impacts besides other impacts specific to the proposed Project.

39 Public Hearing points raised and commitment This Draft EIA is being submitting of the Project Proponent on the same along for conducting public hearing. Final with time bound Action Plan with budgetary EIA report will be submitted along provisions to implement the same should be with public hearing points. provided and also incorporated in the final EIA/EMP Report of the Project.

40 Details of litigation pending against the The mining work started without project, if any, with direction /order passed by prior EC, hence attracted under any Court of Law against the Project should violation. Court case will be be given. initiated and expansion mining activities will be initiated after court case was cleared and judgement copy received.

41 The cost of the Project (capital cost and Total project cost is Rs. 245.00 recurring cost) as well as the cost towards lakhs (Existing 15.0 Lakhs and implementation of EMP should be clearly Expansion project cost – 230 Lakhs) spelt out. EMP BUDGET  Capital Cost : 7.2 Lakhs  Recurring cost per annum : 9.2 Lakhs  Recurring cost for 5 years : 36.8 Lakhs Total EMP Cost for this ensuing scheme : 44.0 Lakhs Detailed EMP budget is given in Chapter IX 42 A Disaster management Plan shall be DMP is covered in section 7.2 in prepared and included in the EIA/EMP chapter-VII. Report.

43 Benefits of the Project if the Project is Project Benefits is covered in implemented should be spelt out. The benefits Chapter-VIII. of the Project shall clearly indicate environmental, social, economic, employment potential, etc.

Specific Terms of Reference: TOR Compliance/Section No. 1 The project proponent shall be required to Remediation plan and natural and submit a bank guarantee equivalent to the community resource augmentation amount of remediation plan and natural and plan was prepared along with community resource augmentation plan with damage assessment report is the SPCB prior to the grant of EC. The attached as independent Chapter quantum shall be recommended by the S E A C XI. and finalized by the regulatory authority. The Bank guarantee will be taken bank guarantee shall be released after successful implementation of the EMP, followed by recommendations of the SEAC and approval of the regulatory authority. 2 Assessment of ecological damage with respect Ecological Damage assessment is to air, water, land and other environmental prepared and is attached as attributes. The collection and analysis of data independent Chapter XI. Air, shall be done by an environmental laboratory water, land noise, soil data was duly notified under the Environment collected and analysed by an (Protection) Act, 1986, or an environmental accredited laboratory. Detailed in laboratory accredited by NABL, or a laboratory Chapter III of Draft EIA report. of a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) institution working in the field of environment. 3 Preparation of EMP comprising remediation Remediation plan and natural and plan and natural and community resource community resource augmentation augmentation plan corresponding to the plan corresponding to the ecological damage assessed and economic ecological damage was assessed benefits derived due to violation. which is detailed as independent Chapter XI 4 The remediation plan and the natural and Remediation plan and natural and community resource augmentation plan to be community resource augmentation prepared as an independent chapter in the EIA plan was prepared along with report by the accredited consultants. damage assessment report is attached as independent Chapter XI 5 Funds allocation for Corporate Environment The details of fund allocation and Responsibility (CER) shall be made as per activities for CER provided in Ministry's O.M. No. 22-65/ 2017-IA.III dated draft EIA report - Chapter IX May, 2018 for various activities therein. Environmental Management Plan. The details of fund allocation and activities for CER shall be incorporated in EIA/EMP report. 6 Detailed hydrological study to be carried out in A detail Geology and core and buffer zone of the project as Hydrogeology is furnished in the per recent GEC guidelines 2015. Chapter III - Description of Environment. 7 Submission of report in tabular form regarding Draft EIA is being submitted for issues raised during hearing and commitment conducting Public hearing. made by the PP. Minutes will be provided during Final EIA. 8 The project proponent shall give an Undertaking by the way of undertaking by way of affidavit to comply with affidavit which includes all the statutory requirements and judgment of commitment not to repeat any such Hon'ble Supreme Court dated the 2nd August violation in future is taken and 2017 in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 114 of 20 14 attached as Annexure V. in the matter of Common Cause versus Union of India and Ors. Before grant of ToR/ EC. The undertaking inter-alia includes commitment of the PP not to repeat any such violation in future. 9 In case of violation of above undertaking, the We will obey. ToR/Environmental Clearance shall be liable to be terminated forthwith. 10 The Environmental Clearance will not be Mine will not be operated till all operational till such time the Project the statutory requirements and Proponent complies with all the statutory judgment of Hon'ble Supreme requirements and judgment of Hon'ble Court dated the 2nd August 2017 in Supreme Court dated the 2nd August 2017 in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 114 of Writ Petition (Civil) No. 114 of 2014 in the 2014 is complied. matter of Common Cause versus Union of India and Ors. 11 State Government concerned shall ensure that Noted for compliance mining operation shall not commence till the entire compensation levied, if any, for illegal mining paid by the Project Proponent through their respective Department of Mining & Geology in strict compliance of judgment of Hon'ble Supreme Court dated the 2nd August 2017 in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 114 of 2014 in the matter of Common Ca use versus Union of India and Ors. 12 All the statuary Clearances/ Approvals/ Source of fresh water is water Permissions shall be obtained from various tankers. So, CGWA approval is Organizations/departments like not applicable for the project. CGWA/SGWA/APPCB etc before starting the project activity.

M/S DHIGVIJAYJAN’ MINERA LS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2020

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

FOr

m/s. dhigvijay minerals Extent: 22.979Ha

Site Address Sy. No. 782 and 873, Gutupalli (V) Bethamcherla (M), Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh

Production Capacity

Expansion from 23,654 MTPA to 115600MTPA

Approved ToR Lr. No: SEIAA/AP/KNL/MIN/VIO/10/2018/729-278 Dated: 14.05.2019 Baseline Data Collected: March’2019 to May’2019 Sector: 01 – Mining of minerals, Cat – B (Violation) 1

PREPARED BY

H.O: Block-B, B-1, IDA, Autonagar -12, Visakhapatnam Ph: 0891-2755528, Fax: 0891-2755529, E-mail: [email protected] Ph: 9440338628 QCI NABET & NABL Accredited & Recognized by MOE&F, New Delhi.

M/S DHIGVIJAY MINERALS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.0 INTRODUCTION The mine lease for Iron ore and Barytes in Sy.No. 782 & 873 of Gutupalli Village, Bethamcherla Mandal, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh State, for a period of 20 years was granted in the name of Sri N. Dakshina Murthy vide G.O. Ms.No. 58 Ind & Com. (M.I) Department dated 04.03.2006. The granted lease was executed in the name of Sri N. Dakshina Murthy on 24.04.2006 and the lease will be in force up to 23.04.2026 vide Proceedings No. 5706/M4/2005; dated 24.04.2006.

The mining plan was approved by Indian Bureau of Mines vide letter No. AP/KNL/MP/Fe-9/Hyd; dated 28.10.2005

The modified mining plan for mining Iron ore to the above said mine for two years (i.e., from 2009-10 & 2010-11) was approved by Indian Bureau of Mines vide letter No. AP/KNL/MP/Fe-26/Hyd; dated 29.03.2011

The review of mining plan for enhanced production of 1, 15,600 TPA was approved by IBM, Hyderabad vide letter no. AP/KNL/MP/Fe-26/Hyd Dated:01.05.2017.

In order to fulfill the further necessary requirements for obtaining the Environmental Clearance for this mining activity, the proponent has initiated steps to carryout required Draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study in and around the proposed mine lease area.

This assessment is performed to identify the likely Environmental Impacts and based on the findings; an effective Environmental Management Plan is in place as per the M/S DHIGVIJAY MINERALS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

EIA Notification 2006 general guidelines and the revised Model TOR outlined for Mining projects.

The standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) will be met and adhered to.

This study covers an area surrounding the project site with a radial distance of 10 km from the proposed mining lease area. The baseline monitoring was carried out during the Period of March’ 2019 to May’ 2019.

1.1 SALIENT FEATURES OF THE PROJECT SITE The mine lease area falls under the Topo sheet No. 57 I/3 bearing following details: Topo sheet No. : 57 I/3 Latitude : 15°26'31.44"N - 15°26'35.08"N Longitude : 78°04'05.17"E - 78°03'51.00"E

Details about Project site Nature of the project M/s Dhigvijay Minerals Mining of Iron ore Extent 22.979 Ha. Size of the Project Expansion from 23654 to 115600 MTPA LOCATION OF PROJECT District & State Kurnool & Andhra Pradesh Village & Mandal Gutupalli Village & Bethamcherla Mandal Land Availability 22.979 Ha. Nearest Village Hussainpuram village at a distance of 1.51 Kms Ownership Government waste land Toposheet No. 57 I/3 GENERAL CLIMATIC CONDITIONS Annual rainfall 621.7 mm Min and max temp. 17.8 C to 40.5 C Predominant wind West direction HISTORICAL / IMPORTANT PLACES Nearest human Hussainpuram village at a distance of 1.51 Kms settlement Nearest town Bethamcherla Mandal at a distance of 8.5 Kms M/S DHIGVIJAY MINERALS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Nearest railway Rangapuram Railway Station at 3.58 kms / station/Airport Kadapa Airport at a distance of 126.81 kms. Archaeological None within 10 km radius of the site /Historically Important Site Infrastructure Facilities Hospitals, schools and community facilities are available at Bethamcherla. Sanctuaries / National None within 10 km radius of the site parks Nearest Water Bodies A Stream flowing within the mine lease from NW to SE. Three first order streams from this mine is connected to the above said stream. Musalayya cheruvu – 5.24 kms – North Gunam Vagu – 7.83 kms – NE Lotu vagu – 5.22 kms – South Govardhanagiri Lake – 9.53 Kms – West Muchatla vagu – 6.80 kms - SE Nearest RF/PF Bethamcherla Reserve forest – 2.85Kms - NE North Dhone Reserve forest – 3.15Kms - West Lanjabanda Reserve forest – 4.69 Kms - NW Rangapuram Block A Reserve forest – 8.09 Kms – SE Rangapuram Block B Reserve forest – 8.92 Kms – SE Gulamalibad North Block RF – 8.71 kms - South

M/S DHIGVIJAY MINERALS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Google map (10 km radius)

Topo map (10 km radius) M/S DHIGVIJAY MINERALS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.2 DETAILS OF YEAR WISE PRODUCTION Production of Iron ore for 2017-18 to 2020-2021 will be carried out by open cast method with the help of excavator. Based on the market demand it is to proposed to raise 1, 15,600 tons of Iron ore per year during the plan period.

Year wise production during lapse period

ROM Year Total Volume (m3) Quantity Volume 51.69 % (MT)>45 Fe 1st 74588.08 38554.58 115663.74 2nd 72790.24 37625.28 112875.84 3rd 73519.68 38002.32 114006.96 4th 72530.64 37491.09 112473.27 TOTAL 293428.6 151673.3 455019.8 AVERAGE 73357.16 37918.32 113755

Reserves: In this Mining review period, only Proved category (111) reserve calculated in cross section method 779264 tons are considered and proposed for mining.

Total Mineable reserves -- 779264 MT The average production per year -- 115600 MTPA Anticipated life of the mine -- 6.74 say 7.0 years.

1.3 MINING PROCESS The mining activity will be carried out by other than fully Mechanized and open cast method with the help of Excavator/Loader, jackhammer drilling and blasting to get the target production of iron ore. Since there is a good demand for iron ore in the market; it is proposed to concentrate mining activity on iron ore in the market. Based on the reserves estimation the total reserves 779264 MT threshold of 55% Fe established. The requirement and demand in the market it is proposed to concentrate the mining activity on iron ore to a maximum increase in production up to 1,15,600 MTPA. The shifting of the blasted material from the workings pit to the surface and to the processing plant (crusher with screening – 40 TPH capacity) by tippers running on haul road. The loading of the material is being done by excavator. M/S DHIGVIJAY MINERALS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.4 EXTENT OF MECHANIZATION The operations will involve excavation by excavators, and directly loads into the tippers/ tractors. The same will be transporting to segregation/ stock yard and grade/quality wise segregation will be carried out by crushing and screening by manually.

Details of Mining Machinery

Machinery No’s Excavator 2 Tippers 2 Jack hammer drill 4 Water tanker 1 Compressor Crusher with 1 Screening Plant Dust Collector 1 Miscellaneous TOTAL --

1.5 PROPOSED MANPOWER By this project many people will be benefited for their livelihood and get employment in this remote area. Employment Details

S. No Category Existing Proposed Total 1 Mines manager cum mining 1 - 1 Engineer 2 Geologist 1 - 1 3 Mines mate 1 - 1 4 Drillers/operators 2 2 4 5 Skilled workers 2 8 10 6 Un-skilled workers 10 10 20 Total 17 20 37

M/S DHIGVIJAY MINERALS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.6 WATER SUPPLY Around 23 KLD of water will be required for the project activity for the existing and proposed production. Water requirement will be met through water tankers. Water is required in the mine for spraying on the roads and working faces to suppress the dust. Also a small quantity of drinking water is required.

1.7 BASELINE DATA The study area covers an area of 10km radius around the proposed mining site. The study includes detailed characterization of various Environmental components such as Air, Water, noise, Land and Socio-Economic within the study area.

OBJECTIVES OF STUDY AREA  To assess the existing base line data of Air, Water, Noise, Land and Socio- economic environment.  To evaluate the beneficial and adverse impacts of the proposed activity.  To prepare an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) detailing control technologies and measures to be adopted for minimizing the impacts and improving the Environmental Quality.  To predict the incremental levels of pollutants in the study area due to the proposed mining activity.  To prepare post mining programme for monitoring and regulating Environmental parameters.

1.7.1 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTINGS:

Air Environment:

To know the existing ambient air quality, Eight sampling stations with in Core and buffer zone were identified and monitored for pollutants like, Particulate Matter – 10

(PM10), Particulate Matter – 2.5 (PM2.5), SO2, NOx and Free silica. For this sampling

calibrated through samplers of PM2.5 & PM10 dust samplers.

The Ambient air quality measured at mine site and surrounding stations within the study zone showed the following maximum and minimum concentrations of the pollutants.

It may be seen that all the parameters i.e., PM 10, PM 2.5, SO2 and NOx, Free silica are well within the range of 24 hr average of National Ambient Air Quality Standards. M/S DHIGVIJAY MINERALS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Summary of Analysis of Ambient Air Quality in the Study Area

On the perusal of above summary of analysis of ambient air quality in the study are it is evident that all monitored values in various locations are well within the specified limits of CPCB. The results are summarized below:

3 PM10: The highest PM10 concentration 68.0µg/m was observed in the ambient air

was recorded at station A6 (Rangapuram) while the lowest PM10 concentration was found to be 33.7µg/m3at A8 (Shortriumvalasa Wind Park). All the monitored values 3 of PM10 are well below the specified limit of 100µg/m .

3 PM2.5: The highest PM2.5 concentration 32.7µg/m was observed in the ambient air

was recorded at station A6 (Rangapuram) while the lowest PM2.5concentration was found to be 13.4µg/m3 at A8 (Shortriumvalasa Wind Park). All the monitored values 3 of PM2.5 are well below the specified limit of 60 µg/m .

3 SO2: The highest SO2 concentration 11.6µg/m was observed in the ambient air was

recorded at station A6(Rangapuram) while the lowest SO2 concentration was found to 3 be 4.9µg/m at A8 (Shortriumvalasa Wind Park). All the monitored values of SO2 are well below the specified limit of 80 µg/m3.

NOx: The highest concentration 14.2µg/m3was observed in the ambient air was recorded at station A6 (Rangapuram) while the lowest NOx concentration was found to be 7.8µg/m3at A8 (Shortriumvalasa Wind Park). All the monitored values of NOx are well below the specified limit of 80µg/m3.

Free Silica

Free Silica found to be <3.5 µg/m3which is Minimum Detectable Limit in all AAQ locations as per the method of OSHA ID 0142.Permissible Exposure Limit as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is 50 µg/m3.

1.7.2 Noise Pollution: The Ambient noise levels monitored within the study zone show a minimum and maximum values of 48.4 Leq.dB (A) at location N8 (Shortriumvalasa Wind Park) and 58.6 Leq.dB (A) at location N6 (Rangapuram) at day time and at night time, 33.7 Leq.dB (A) at location N8 (Shortriumvalasa Wind Park) and 42.9 Leq.dB (A) at location N6 (Rangapuram). M/S DHIGVIJAY MINERALS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.7.3 Water Environment: Ground water samples are collected from eight locations and surface water from four locations. All these samples are free from colour and pollutants.

Summary of Ground water:  The pH limit fixed for drinking water samples as per IS:10500 is 6.5 to 8.5. During the study period, the pH of the groundwater was found varying between 7.2 and 7.4. The pH values for all the samples collected in the study area during study period were found to be within the acceptable limits.  The desirable limit for total dissolved solids as per IS:10500 are 500 mg/l here as the permissible limits in absence of alternate source is 2000 mg/l. In groundwater samples collected from the study area, the total dissolved solids (TDS) were found to be varying between 556mg/l and 731mg/l. The TDS of all the samples were below the permissible limit of 2000 mg/l.  The desirable limit for Chloride is 250 mg/l as per IS:10500 where as the permissible limit of the same is 1,000 mg/l. The Chloride levels in the groundwater samples collected in the study area were ranging from 138 – 198 mg/l  The desirable limit as per IS:10500 for hardness are 300 mg/l where as the permissible limit for the same is 600 mg/l. In the groundwater samples collected from the study area, the hardness was found to be varying from 149 mg/l to 231mg/l.  Fluoride is the other important parameter, which has the desirable limit of 1 mg/l and permissible limit of 1.5 mg/l. However, the optimum content of fluoride in the drinking water is 0.6 to 1.5 mg/l. In the groundwater samples of study area the fluoride values were found to be within a range of 0.44 mg/l to 0.69mg/l.  All the heavy metals in all samples were found to be below the permissible limits.

Summary of surface water:  pH of the surface water collected was neutral with pH ranging from 7.2 -7.4  TDS was found to be 261mg/l to 273mg/l. The tolerance limit of 1,500 mg/l as per IS:2296  Total hardness was found to be 126mg/l to 134mg/l  Presence of Nitrate was recorded as 1.9mg/l to 2.2mg/l  DO was observed as 6.1mg/l to 6.6mg/l M/S DHIGVIJAY MINERALS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 Total coliform in water was 610MPN/100ml to 630MPN/100ml The likely source of bacteriological contamination was due to the proximity to residential area  All the heavy metals were found to be within below detectable limits.

1.7.4 Land Environment: Soil survey was carried out at 5 locations to assess the soil characteristics which include both physical and chemical details. Land Use Pattern: The applied Quarry lease is plain land and surrounded by open lands.

1.7.5 FLORA & FAUNA: No endangered species are found in the study area. No schedule – I species are found within 10km radius from the proposed project site.

1.7.6 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT: The operation of the proposed mining expansion could result in elevation of living standards of the people in nearby villages as it will generate work for the unemployed and further will result in the upliftment of their socio-economic status. The Management of M/s Dhigvijay Minerals has proposed to give preference to local people for recruitment of personal for mining operation. Therefore the impact on socio-economic Environment could be beneficial.

1.8 RECLAMATION & REHABILITATION Since it is envisaged that the quarry life is about 7 years. After removal of mineral the benches below the surface level benches will be applied top soil and develop grass and plantation. Pit will be used as water reservoir/ponds.

1.9 PROJECT SCHEDULE AND COST ESTIMATES Existing Project Cost : 15.0 Lakhs Total Project Cost : 245.0 Lakhs

EMP BUDGET  Capital Cost : 7.2 Lakhs  Recurring cost per annum : 9.2 Lakhs  Recurring cost for 5 years : 36.8 Lakhs

Total EMP Cost for this ensuing scheme : 44.0 Lakhs M/S DHIGVIJAY MINERALS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.10 ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN The Environment Management Plan envisaged for this mining activity is described hereunder with a strong commitment to follow best environmental practices to reduce the negative implication to make this project a sustainable development endeavor. Environment Management Plan (EMP) is required to ensure sustainable development in the study area of the proposed Mine Lease Area.

Air Environment: Mitigation measures proposed to maintain the air quality are as follows:  Regular water sprinkling to suppress the dust on haul roads, service roads and mining face by truck mounted water tankers.

 Installation of dust collector is proposed.

 Grading of haul roads, service roads time to time, to remove the accumulated dusty material will be done.

 Development of Green belt all around Plant and along mining area boundary and plantation has been done on down wind side of the crusher.

 Periodical monitoring of air quality to take steps to control the pollutants.

Noise Environment There will be intermittent noise levels due to vehicular movement and trucks loading. However the impact of noise on the surrounding area is likely to be minimal and appropriate mitigation measures will be adopted accordingly.

Control Measures The Management Plan for controlling noise pollution is envisaged as follows.  Selection of suitable machinery and equipment,

 Proper mounting of equipment,

 Providing noise insulation/padding wherever practicable and

 Machinery will be fitted with properly designed noise acoustic silencers.

 Proper maintenance and periodic lubrication of noise generating parts of the machines.

 Provision of thick plantation in and around the mine is planned in order to reduce the noise and prevent it from reaching to surrounding habitation area. M/S DHIGVIJAY MINERALS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Water Environment There will not be any waste water generation except domestic waste water, therefore no post waste water monitoring required.

Water Pollution Management  To seasonal stream and run-off in the core zone, check dam is constructed and should be maintained to avoid any erosion and contamination.  The mine pit water collected due to rains will be utilized for water spraying on the haul roads and for watering plantation. This water will be harvested for utilization in plantation watering, spraying on the haulage roads and mineral and waste dumps.

1.11 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY The company management shall give preference to local people through both direct and indirect employment.

 It will provide ample opportunity to the locals to up-lift their living standards by organizing events that propagate mutual benefits to all, such as health camps, awareness campaigns, donations to poorer sections of society and downtrodden.

 Educational needs of the region will be improved by encouraging the workers to allow their children to attend schools.

 Sufficient funds shall be allocated for these and other emergency needs.

 Adequate supply of potable water to the workers will be made during the working hrs.

 The mines department will supervise the safe working of the contractor and their employees. The working personnel will be provided with face masks, ear plugs, safety helmets and goggles in order to reduce health hazards.

The proponent will provide all necessary provisions stipulated under the Mines Act. In addition a Safety committee will be formed and manned by equal participants from Management and Workers.

 Personnel Protection Equipment (PPE) will be issued to each worker. Other safety equipments shall be used according to the nature of job involved.

M/S DHIGVIJAY MINERALS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.12 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING Regular monitoring of various Environmental parameters shall be carried out to ascertain the following points,  Status of air, noise, water, land pollution within the mining activity and in its vicinity;  Generate data for predictive or corrective purpose in respect of environmental; and  To assess and monitor Environmental impacts periodically.

1.13 SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT  The management firmly believes in the concept of safety and environmentally sustainable growth. The authorities and staff are very much concern in Environmental issues.  The management is going to develop scientifically designed green belt around the premises to mitigate air and noise pollution impacts on the surroundings.  The management proposed to monitor ambient air as per APPCB guidelines.  All the employees will be provided with personnel protective equipment  The management will provide safety training to all employees periodically and regularly.

1.14 CONCLUSION  The management of M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals is committed to meet all stringent norms and to safe guard environment.

CHAPTER – I INTRODUCTION

M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-1 DRAFT EIA REPORT INTRODUCTION

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The primary use of iron ore is in the production of iron. Most of the iron produced is then used to make steel. Steel is used to make automobiles, locomotives, ships, beams used in buildings, furniture, paper clips, tools, reinforcing rods for concrete, bicycles, and thousands of other items. It is the most-used metal by both tonnage and purpose.

M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals, Iron ore mine is located at Survey No:782 & 873, Gutupalli (V), Bethamcherla (M), Kurnool Dist., Andhra Pradesh in an area of 22.979 Ha. The proponent proposed to expand the production from 23,654 MTPA to 1,15,600 MTPA of Iron ore.

The Iron ore has high market demand. Hence, an effort for increasing mineral production must be encouraged to ensure smooth supply of resource to match the pace of industrial development in the country.

The iron ore of this area will sold to the Iron & Steel Industries and Cement plants located in and around Andhra Pradesh state. The medium grade ore (>55% Fe) will be supplied to the Sponge Iron Industries and the mineral (>45% Fe) will be supplied to the Cement Industries as and when basis. There is no blending of different grades of ore is being practiced in this area.

1.1 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT

The proponent proposes to expand the production expansion from 23,654 MTPA to

1,15,600 MTPA of Iron ore. In general, the project is categorized as Category –B2 project as per Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification S.O. 1533 dated 14-09-2006. The Proponent proposes to obtain production expansion of Environmental Clearance under violation, as the mine has expanded its production beyond the permitted limit of production in EC and attracts violation as per the Amendment in Environmental Impact Assessment notification 2006, S.O.804 (E), dated 14.03.2017.

According to violation category, the project falls under category B1 and attracts Public Hearing and it necessitates obtaining the Environmental Clearance from State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA).

1-1

M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-1 DRAFT EIA REPORT INTRODUCTION

The mine management has initiated the process for obtaining EC from SEIAA, Andhra Pradesh. Presentation of ToR for Expansion has been made before the SEAC committee on 13.11.2019. ToR for expansion has been issued by SEIAA, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh vide Lr. No. SEIAA/AP/KNL/MIN/VIO/10/2018/729-278; dated 14.05.2019 attached as Annexure - I.

In order to ensure compliance for obtaining the Environmental Clearance for this mining activity, the proponent has initiated steps to carryout required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study in and around the mine lease area. The study was conducted within10 Km radius from the mine boundary. The baseline data collection involves the data of air quality, water status, land use, socioeconomic structure of the study area, existing flora, fauna, prevailing noise levels, along with the physiographical status and meteorological conditions of the area. The baseline monitoring was carried out in and around the mine area during the period of March ’19 to May’ 19.

The current report is based on the mining techniques, air emissions, waste water generation and discharge, and solid waste management. This assessment is performed as per the EIA Notification 2006 general & revised guidelines and TOR outlined for Mining projects and approved ToRs.

Effective plans to mitigate the adverse impacts and suggestive pollution control measures along with environmental management plan have been summarized. The standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) will be met and adhered to.

1.2 DETAILS OF THE PROJECT & IDENTIFICATION OF PROJECT PROPONENT M/s Dhigvijay Minerals, is the applicant for this mining project Table: 1.1 Description of Project Proponent Address of the lessee M/s Dhigvijay Minerals Mg. Partner: S. Venkateswara Rao 1st floor, S.V.R. Complex, MM Road, Ongole, Prakasam District.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-1 DRAFT EIA REPORT INTRODUCTION

Address of Mine M/s Dhigvijay Minerals Sy. No. 782 & 873 Gutupalli Village, Bethamcherla Mandal, Kurnool District -518217 Andhra Pradesh

1.3 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT The mine lease for Iron ore and Barytes in Sy.No. 782 & 873 of Gutupalli Village, Bethamcherla Mandal, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh State, for a period of 20 years was granted in the name of Sri N. Dakshina Murthy vide G.O. Ms.No. 58 Ind & Com. (M.I) Department dated 04.03.2006. The granted lease was executed in the name of Sri N. Dakshina Murthy on 24.04.2006 and the lease will be in force up to 23.04.2026 vide Proceedings No. 5706/M4/2005; dated 24.04.2006.

The mining plan was approved by Indian Bureau of Mines vide letter No. AP/KNL/MP/Fe-9/Hyd; dated 28.10.2005

Obtained Environmental Clearance for Iron ore mining with production capacity 23654 MTPA vide order No. SEIAA/AP/KNL-78/2012-4108 on 14.03.2012 for mining of Iron ore. Obtained CFO vide Order No: KNL-342/APPCB/ZO- KNL/CFO/2014-826; dated 18.10.2014 and subsequently renewed vide order No. ATP-174/APPCB/ZO-KNL/CFO/2017, Dated: 05.10.2017 attached as Annexure-III.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-1 DRAFT EIA REPORT INTRODUCTION

The review of mining plan for enhanced production of 1, 15,600 TPA was approved by IBM, Hyderabad vide letter no. AP/KNL/MP/Fe-26/Hyd Dated:01.05.2017.

The project is categorized as Category – B2 as per Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification S.O. 1533 (E) dated 14.09.2006 and amended Notification S.O. 3977 (E) dated 14.08.2018 and does not attract Public Hearing & necessitates obtaining the Environmental Clearance from State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA). But as per the latest National Green Tribunal (NGT) New Delhi issued orders in O.A. No. 186 of 2016 dated 130.9.2018 & in E.A. No. 55/2018 of O.A. No. 520/2016 dated 11.12.2018 & Office Memorandum F. No. L- 11011/175/2018-IA-II (M) dated: 12.12.2018 that projects with individual area or cluster area of mine leases from 5 to 25 Hectares falls under category B2 at par with category B1, attracts Public Hearing and necessitates obtaining the Environmental Clearance from State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA).

The mine proponent has exceed the production capacity with respect to obtained EC

order, the project attracts violation and necessitates to obtain EC under B1 category with public hearing. Presentation of TOR has been made before the SEAC committee on 30.03.2019. ToR for expansion has been issued by SEIAA, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh vide Lr. No. SEIAA/AP/KNL/MIN/VIO/10/2018/729-278; dated 14.05.2019. Baseline survey of existing environmental attributes are also conducted for a period of March ’19 to May’ 19, which helped in evaluating environmental impacts due to the proposed activities and in formulating a scientific Environmental Management Plan.

1.4 PROJECT NATURE, SIZE & LOCATION A. Nature The project is for mining of Iron ore in the lease area of 22.979 Ha of Government waste land. The method of mining is through open cast method by mechanized for the production of 115600 MTPA of Iron ore.

B. Size

The proposed expansion production from 23,654 MTPA to 1,15,600 MTPA of Iron ore and the estimated project cost is 245 Lakhs (existing 15.0 Lakhs and proposed 230 Lakhs). The anticipated life of mine will be 7.0 years as per targeted production and exploration.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-1 DRAFT EIA REPORT INTRODUCTION

Mineral Existing Expansion Total Iron Ore 23,654 MTPA 91,946 MTPA 1,15,600 MTPA

C. Location The mining area is located in Sy. No. 782 & 873, Gutupalli Village of Bethamcherla Mandal, Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. The location map is depicted in the Fig.1.1. The area is located at a distance of 39.18 kms from the district headquarters Kurnool.

The mine lease area falls under the Toposheet No. 57 I/3 bearing Toposheet details. Topo sheet No. : 57 I/3 Latitude : 15°26'31.44"N - 15°26'35.08"N Longitude : 78°04'05.17"E - 78°03'51.00"E

The nearest railway station is Rangapuram is at 3.58 kms from the mine lease area. The nearest airport is Kadapa Airport at 126.81 kms from the mining site.

D. Accessibility Road link The Mining lease area is connected by a gravel road from Kommurikottala Village. State and private transportation is available from Kommurikottala to Bethamcherla. Rail link The nearest railway station is Rangapuram is at 3.58 kms from the mine lease area. Air link The nearest airport is Kadapa Airport at 126.81 kms.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-1 DRAFT EIA REPORT INTRODUCTION

Fig 1.1. Location of Dhigvijay Minerals Iron ore mine

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-1 DRAFT EIA REPORT INTRODUCTION

1.5 REGULATORY COMPLIANCES & APPLICABLE LAWS/REGULATIONS a) Review of mining plan was approved by IBM, Hyderabad Regional office vide letter no. AP/KNL/MP/Fe-26/Hyd, dated:01.05.2017. b) Mine Safety. c) To obtain Environmental clearance from SEIAA, AP. d) NOC from Pollution control board for establishment and operation. e) Labour license.

1.6 ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS IN THE STUDY AREA Collection of Base line data is an Integral aspect of the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment report. Base line data reflects the present status of Environment before the initiation of any activity of the project. The possible effects due to the mine project are estimated and superimposed on the compiled baseline data subsequently to asses Environmental impacts. Project Environment assessment was conducted in the study area during March 2019 to May 2019. Studies were under taken to generate base line data of the following:- 1. MICRO-METEOROLOGICAL DATA. 2. AIR QUALITY – EXISTING AMBIENT AIR QUALITY 3. WATER ANALYSIS - GROUND WATER, SURFACE WATER 4. NOISE LEVELS 5. GEOLOGY 6. HYDROGEOLOGY 7. BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT 8. LAND ENVIRONMENT 9. LAND USE / LAND COVER 10. SOIL QUALITY 11. SOCIO – ECONOMIC STATUS SURROUNDING THE PROJECT SITE

1.7 GENERIC STRUCTURE OF EIA DOCUMENT In terms of the EIA notification of the MoEF&CC dated 14th September 2006 as amended Dec 2009, the generic structure of the EIA document should be as under: 1. Introduction 2. Project Description 3. Description of the Environment 1-7

M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-1 DRAFT EIA REPORT INTRODUCTION

4. Anticipated environmental Impact & Mitigation Measures 5. Analysis of alternatives (Technology and site) 6. Environmental Monitoring Programme 7. Additional Studies 8. Project Benefits 9. Environmental Management Plan 10. Summary & Conclusion 11. Disclosure of Consultants engaged

1.8 POST ENVIRONMENT CLEARANCE MONITORING: The project management is submitting a half yearly compliance report in respect of stipulated Environmental Clearance terms and conditions on 1st June and 1st December of each calendar year.

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CHAPTER – II

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-II DRAFT EIA REPORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.0 GENERAL Environmental Impact Assessment systematically examines both beneficial and adverse consequences of the mining activity and ensures that these impacts are taken into account during the project design. It is a decision making tool, which guides the decision makers in taking appropriate decisions for proposed projects. It aims predicting environmental impacts at an early stage of project planning and design, find ways and means to reduce adverse impacts, shape projects to suit the local environment and present the predictions and options to decision makers.

The Environmental Impact Assessment has been prepared in terms of EIA notification of MoEF&CC dated 14-9-2006, as amended on 1st Dec 2009, 4th April 2011and the EIA Guideline Manual for Mining of Minerals (Feb, 2010) of MoEF& CC, Govt. of India, approved ToR’s for seeking Environmental Clearance Expansion for M/s.

Dhigvijay Minerals over an extent of 22.979 Ha., falling under category “B1 (Violation)”.

2.1 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals was granted a mine lease for Iron ore over an extent of 22.979 Ha in Sy. No. 782 & 873 of Gutupalli Village, Bethamcherla Mandal, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh State, for a period of 20 years through transferred under Form-O from M/s. N. Dakshinamurthy to M/s.Dhigvijay minerals vide G.O. Ms.No. 312 Ind & Com. (M.I) Department dated 19.11.2008 and the lease deed execution was transferred in the name of M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals for the remaining lease period up to 23.04.2026 proceeding no. 7100/M4/2008 dated22.12.2008.

The present proposal is for expansion of the production from 23654 MTPA to 115600 MTPA of Iron ore through the approved review of mining plan vide Letter No. AP/KNL/MP/Fe-26/Hyd Dated: 01.05.2017.

2.2 LOCATION DETAILS The mining area is located in Gutupalli Village of Bethamcherla Mandal at Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh. The area is located at a distance of 39.18Km from the district headquarters of Kurnool.

The nearest railway station is Rangapuram which is at 3.58 km from the mine lease area. The nearest airport is Kadapa Airport at 126.81 km.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-II DRAFT EIA REPORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Table: 2.1 Details about the Project Site

Nature of the project M/s Dhigvijay Minerals Mining of Iron ore Extent 22.979 Ha. Size of the Project Expansion from 23654 to 115600 MTPA LOCATION OF PROJECT District & State Kurnool & Andhra Pradesh Village & Mandal Gutupalli Village & Bethamcherla Mandal Land Availability 22.979 Ha. Nearest Village Hussainpuram village at a distance of 1.51 Kms Ownership Government waste land Toposheet No. 57 I/3 GENERAL CLIMATIC CONDITIONS Annual rainfall 621.7 mm Min and max temp. 17.8 C to 40.5 C Predominant wind West direction HISTORICAL / IMPORTANT PLACES Nearest human Hussainpuram Village at a distance of 1.51 Kms settlement Nearest town Bethamcherla Mandal at a distance of 8.5 Kms Nearest railway Rangapuram Railway Station at 3.58 kms / station/Airport Kadapa Airport at a distance of 126.81 kms. Archaeological None within 10 km radius of the site /Historically Important Site Infrastructure Facilities Hospitals, schools and community facilities are available at Bethamcherla. Sanctuaries / National None within 10 km radius of the site parks Nearest Water Bodies A Stream flowing within the mine lease from NW to SE. Three first order from this mine is connected to the above said stream.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-II DRAFT EIA REPORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Musalayya cheruvu – 5.24 kms – North Gunam Vagu – 7.83 kms – NE Lotu vagu – 5.22 kms – South Govardhanagiri Lake – 9.53 Kms – West Muchatla vagu – 6.80 kms - SE Nearest RF/PF Bethamcherla Reserve forest – 2.85Kms - NE North Dhone Reserve forest – 3.15Kms - West Lanjabanda Reserve forest – 4.69 Kms - NW Rangapuram Block A Reserve forest – 8.09 Kms – SE Rangapuram Block B Reserve forest – 8.92 Kms – SE Gulamalibad North Block RF – 8.71 kms - South

Table: 2.2 Boundary Coordinates

Boundary Points North East A 15°26'31.44"N 78° 04'05.17"E B 15°26'16.52"N 78° 04'01.60"E C 15°26'17.01"N 78° 03'57.20"E D 15°26'20.65"N 78° 04'00.45"E E 15°26'22.36"N 78° 03'57.47"E F 15°26'24.35"N 78° 03'53.02"E G 15°26'23.91"N 78° 03'49.86"E H 15°26'22.61"N 78° 03'50.70"E I 15°26'19.93"N 78° 03'47.42"E J 15°26'25.39"N 78° 03'45.21"E K 15°26'29.43"N 78° 03'46.30"E L 15°26'31.11"N 78° 03'44.03"E M 15°26'31.17"N 78° 03'43.01"E N 15°26'33.52"N 78° 03'40.30"E O 15°26'34.85"N 78° 03'40.26"E P 15°26'36.32"N 78° 03'39.51"E Q 15°26'35.08"N 78° 03'51.00"E

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-II DRAFT EIA REPORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Fig. 2.1Google map (10 km radius)

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-II DRAFT EIA REPORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Fig. 2.2 Topomap of 10 km radius

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-II DRAFT EIA REPORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.3 PHYSIOGRAPHIC: The lease area is rugged with par of mound. It is elevated on Northwestern side and sloping towards southeast, west. There is about 42 meter relief from Northwest to Southwest (514-472 m R.L). The area is barren land consisting of no crops.

Mine Drainage: Sub dendritic there are no perennial water courses in and around the applied area within 500m radius. The rain water flows through the slopes of the area and joins to the seasonal water course, located in applied area. There are three first order streams passing in the mine, which are connected to the seasonal stream.

2.4 GEOLOGY AND EXPLORATION: 2.4.1 Regional Geology: The rock unites in this area belongs to Vempalli formation of Cuddapah super group. This formation comprises of Dolomite, Chert, Mudstone, Shale, Quartzite and Basic flows/Intrusive and thin veins/bands of iron ore.

The Stratigraphic succession in this region is given below Cheyair Series Pulivendla Quartzite Sand stone / Quartzite’s Ferruginous Shale’s ------Unconformity------Papaghni Series Vempalli formation Dolomite, Chert, Shale, Gulcheru Quartzite Quartzite ------Unconformity------

2.4.2 Detailed Geology: This area belongs to Vempalli and Pullivendla formation of Cuddapah super groups. The area is formed by Dolomite as older rock at lower levels and the Dolomites area followed by thin layers of Quartzite at higher levels belongs to Pullivendla formation. The top layer of Pullivendla formation consist of a thin layer of Sand Stone Quartzite in the mine

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-II DRAFT EIA REPORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION

area attained fairly good thickness in higher levels of the area. This Iron Ore formation is underlain by the Shales and Dolomite belongs to Vempalli formation. As regards to Barytes occurrence in the M.L. Area and its incidence in the form of lets with on Dolomite formation, this is due to recrystallisation on micro level. Further, it is not mappable and it could not be mined separately.

Sand Stone: The top soil is covered at places with very thin layer and is mostly in the area occupied by Iron ore with Shale. It is almost in negligible for calculation purpose. Thus a thin layer (0.2 to 0.3 m) of sand stone deposited and occupied over the area in some parts of Iron ore with Shale. The sand stone is equigranular, pinkish brown in colour medium hard capping as thin layers over the Iron ore with Shale. Sand stone observed NW side of the mine.

Ferruginous Quartzite: The higher altitude on the lease is covered by the Ferruginous Quartzite; it is massive and thick bedded in nature. The Fe% ranges from 43% to 58% forms as boulder formation in this area. The non-ferrous Quartzite shows light brown to white colour with medium to fine grained in nature.

Iron ore with Shale: The incidence of Iron ore is strata bound since this is associated with shale between the Dolomite & Quartzite and is exposed from 0.0m top 8m in the working pits. It is thin bedded, fine grained, medium hard, lumpy and shows dark brown to reddish brown

colour with cherry red steak. It has 44.75 to 59.5% of Fe and 4-8% SiO2.

Dolomite: It is underlying Iron ore and Quartzite at higher levels of the mine area. Due to its high

MgO (Avg. 19%) and low SiO2 (3.35%) having importance in the market.

Barytes: Barytes occurrences in the mine lease area and its incidence in the form of 1 vein let with in Dolomite formation which is due to recrystallisation on micro level at present it is not economical for mining.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-II DRAFT EIA REPORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.5 RESERVES A total of 8 cross sections (A-A’ – H-H’) have ben drawn across the exposed strike length. The drilled bore holes (core bore holes and DTH bore holes) have been projected on to the respective cross sections. The depth of ore body is extended from surface to the intercepted depth of the bore hole in the same has been placed under the G1 category scale exploration (section A-A’ – H-H’) the strike influence of the ore zone is restricted to an exposed length of the ore zone. The respective cross sectional area has been multiplied by the exposed strike length, i.e strike influence to get the volume. In turn the volume is multiplied by the bulk density to arrive the ore tonnage. A proved mineral reserve (111) is economically mineable part of measured mineral resources. A 51.69% iron ore lumps recovery, 12.24% mineral reject fines (waste) recovery and 36.06% waste generated as per recovery test.

Category UNFC Code Quantity in Grade million Tons A. Total Mineable Reserves Proved Mineable Reserve E1 111 779264 + 45% Fe Probable Mineable Reserve 121 and 122 B. Total Remaining Resources Proved Mineral Reserves E2 211 207719 + 45% Fe (Blocked Reserves) Prefeasibility Mineral 221 and 222 resource Measured Mineral resource 331 Indicated Mineral resource 332 Inferred Mineral resource 333 Reconnaissance Mineral 334 resource Total Reserves + Resources 986983

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-II DRAFT EIA REPORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Table 2.3: Reserves of Iron ore under G1 Category

Area (in m2) Volume (m3) ROM Iron Ore (+45% Intercalate Waste Iron ore & Ferruginous Quartzite + Iron d waste in in ROM waste ore with Shale) Lumps ROM ratio in recovery 51.69 % ROM Sectional OB/Sand Ferruginous Quartzite OB/ Waste ROM (above 51.69 % B.D Reserves 14.32 % Volume Influence Stone/ (Boulder bed) Iron ore Sand below 45 % 45 % Fe of ROM volume of waste (m) Quartzite with Shale Stone Fe grade grade) volume Length of Cross Below 45 Above in m3 in m3 in m3 in m3 MT in m3 in m3 Influence sectional % Fe grade 45 % Fe area (waste) grade 80 718.18 57454.56 29698.26 3.0 89094.79 8227.49 20718.11 5.1:4.9 80 165.53 nil 0 13242.72 0 0 0 0 0 80 1141.75 0 91339.76 47213.52 3.0 141640.57 13079.85 32937.12 5.1:4.9 80 117.50 149.72 0 9399.92 11977.2 0 0 0 0 0 80 246.66 0 19733.12 10200.05 3.0 30600.15 2825.78 7115.76 5.1:4.9 80 110.82 290.66 0 8865.36 23252.8 0 0 0 0 0 80 431.61 0 34528.8 17847.94 3.0 53543.81 4944.52 12451.09 5.1:4.9 80 126.09 nil 0 10087.12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 160 1871.67 299467.84 154794.93 3.0 464384.8 42883.79 107988.10 5.1:4.9 160 147.59 23614.24 0 0 0 TOTAL 65209 35230 502524 259755 779264 71961 181210

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-II DRAFT EIA REPORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Life of mine Total Mineable reserves -- 779264 MT The average production per year -- 115600 MTPA Anticipated life of the mine -- 6.74 say 7.0 years.

2.6 METHOD OF MINING: 2.6.1 Open cast Mining: The mining activity will be carried out by other than fully Mechanized and open cast method with the help of Excavator/Loader, jackhammer drilling and blasting to get the target production of iron ore. Since there is a good demand for iron ore in the market; it is proposed to concentrate mining activity on iron ore in the market. Based on the reserves estimation the total reserves 779264 MT threshold of 55% Fe established. The requirement and demand in the market it is proposed to concentrate the mining activity on iron ore to a maximum increase in production up to 1,15,600 MTPA. The shifting of the blasted material from the workings pit to the surface and to the processing plant (crusher with screening) by tippers running on haul road. The loading of the material is being done by excavator.

Most of the mineralized area is covered by the trail pits. Since the Iron ore is occurring along with Shale to a maximum thickness of 25 m from surface, the working will be carried in two benches of 3m to from the height with 600 slope. After drilling and blasting, the ROM material will be segregated as ore and waste by Excavator and loader. The mineral waste is mainly consisting of Ferruginous Quartzite & Shale.

The blasting will be carried out in this mine. The big boulders encountered during mining activity will be drilled by Jack hammer drilling and blasting wherever necessary. The top soil is very negligible quantity and maximum thickness at places is 0.1m. Further in some places Quartzite/Sand stone occurrence as capping having thickness 0.2 to 0.3 m. Top soil will be separated first and will be used for plantation along 7.5 m buffer zone. Then the Quartzite/Sand stone is removed with excavators and by using jack hammer drilling and blasting. The mineral waste is mainly consisting of Ferruginous Quartzite and Shale is in the form of yellow Ochre and Shale material. The Iron ore workings will start from Southeastern side of the area and then these workings will be advanced towards

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-II DRAFT EIA REPORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Northwestern side along strike direction. The Iron ore waste will be drawn with excavators and loaded into tippers and will be dumped in the earmarked dump area. The segregated Iron ore will be brought to Screening plant and separated sizes as lumps and mineral rejects.

Drilling: The jack hammer drill is attached to an air compressor. The jack hammer drilling is used for drilling the strata containing Iron ore and rock boulders. The drill rod with 33 mm dia. and 1.5m size (length) is fitted and drilled to a depth of 1.5 m depth to form a sub-bench and 1.5 m slice. Further 2nd time also drilled to a depth of 1.5 m depth to form total bench of 3 m height.

Blasting: The blast holes will be drilled to a depth of 1.5m to sub bench of 1.5m slice. Further 2nd time drilling to a depth of 1.5m will be done to achieve total 3.0m bench height by keeping burden and spacing at 1.0m and 1.5m respectively with the help of Jack hammer. Controlled blasting with non-electric delayed detonator will be carried out. The blasting will be carried out a private contractor who is holding a valid license.

2.6.2 Processing of ROM and Mineral Reject: The processing is carried out in stages. The excavated Iron ore material will be brought to plant through tippers and dumped at the crushing unit and screening plant. The crusher with hopper of 40 TPH capacity is installed within the mine area. The crusher will be used to crush + 40 mm to +100mm size of Iron ore Lumps. The Lumps from Hopper send to the crusher through conveyor belt. After crushing the crushed ore will be sent to the screener through conveyor belt where the Iron ore gets separated at screens of different sizes from 0mm and 5mm & 200mm. The over size of ore again will be send to crusher through conveyor belt for re-crushing. Again process will continue till obtaining the required.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-II DRAFT EIA REPORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Process Flow chart for the Crushing & Screening Plant Iron ore ROM Hopper

Feeder

Crusher

Screen

0mm-5mm 5mm-20mm 20mm-40mm above 40mm Above 40mm (over size) again feed into crusher and the process repeats.

2.7 YEAR WISE PRODUCTION FOR ENSUING FIVE YEARS PERIOD Production of Iron ore for 2017-18 to 2020-2021 will be carried out by open cast method with the help of excavator. Based on the market demand it is to proposed to raise 1, 15,600 tons of Iron ore per year and mineral waste about 35517 m3 per year during the plan period.

Year (2017-18): In this year the Iron ore production continues in the same direction of SE-NW. The total length covered during mining activity is 160m having average width of 100 m covering section G-G’ between the RLs 480.05mRL – 469.19mRL. The total length covered in B-B’ section between RLs 500.18 – 494mRL. The production of Iron ore will be 115663 .74 MT during 2017-18 and 36086 m3 of ROM waste will be raise by advancing working pit towards NW covering section B-B’, G-G’. During this year 33014.16 m3 of overburden will be generated. During this year 12067.36 m3 of waste will generate.

Year (2018-19): In this year the Iron ore production continues in the same direction of SE-NW. The total length covered during mining activity is 160m having average width of 100m covering section G-G’ between the RLs 477.04m RL – 468.4m RL producing 69628.17 MT of mineral. In A-A’ section the total length covered during mining activity is 80m having average width of 50 m covering section A-A’ between the RLs 504.76 m RL – 496.9 m RL for mineral producing 43247 MT and 13242.48 m3 of OB will be

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-II DRAFT EIA REPORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION

generate between RLs 503 to 507 m RL. In C-C’ section during this year 8589.28 m3 of OB and 21940.88 m3 of waste will generate between the RLs 497.2 to 493.9 m RL and RLs 495.43to 489.7 m RL respectively. The production of Iron ore will be 112875 tonnes during 2018-19 and 35216 m3 of waste will be raise by advancing working pit towards NW covering section A-A’, C-C’ and G-G’ area. During this year 21940.88 m3 of waste will be generated.

Year (2019-20): In this year the Iron ore production continues in the same direction of SE-NW. The total length covered during mining activity is 160m having average width of 100 m between 474 – 465.045mRL in G-G’ section and the production will be 114007 tons of mineral. The total length covered 80m length and 47m width between 494- 491mRL, in D-D’ section at NW part of the mine and generates 10721 m3 of over burden. The production of Iron ore will be 114007 MT during 2019-20 and 10721 m3 of OB will be raise by advancing working pit towards NW covering section D-D’ & G-G’.

Year (2020-21): In this year the Iron ore production continues in the same direction of SE-NW. The total length covering during mining activity is 160m having average width of 48m between 468-462m RL in G-G’ section and production will be 35728.13 tons of material. The total length covered during mining activity is 80mtrs having average width of 40m between RLs 489.44 - 483.9 in C-C’ section and the production will be 19785 tons of material and 6172.71 m3 of low grade waste will generate. The total length covered during mining activity is 80m length having average width of 73m between RLs 494 – 488m RL and production 55960.06 MT of material. The production of Iron ore will be 112473 MT during 2020-21 and 35039 cum of waste will be raise by excavating working pit towards NW covering section G-G’ & C-C and B-B’. During this year 7398 m3 of waste will be generated.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-II DRAFT EIA REPORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Table 2.4 Year wise production during lapse period

YEAR SECTION RLs ROM OVERBURDEN WASTE From To Total >45% Fe >45% Fe Intercalated Waste RL RL To Volume RL RL To Volume Volume (51.69%) (51.69%) Material (34.06%) From 3 From 3 3 3 (m ) (m ) (m ) (m3) (MT) (14.32%) (m ) (m3)

B-B’ 500.18 494 28246.96 14600.85 43802.56 4044.96 9620.91 502.36 500.55 9399.92 501.07 497.66 12067.36 2018 -

G-G’ 480.05 469.19 46341.12 23953.72 71861.17 6636.05 15783.79 483.55 477.84 23614.24 - - -

2017 TOTAL 74588.08 38554.58 115663.74 10681.01 25404.70 - - 33014.16 - - 12067.36 A-A’ 504.76 496.9 27889.12 14415.88 43247.66 3993.72 9499.03 503 507 13242.48 - - -

- C-C’ ------497.2 493.9 8589.28 495.43 489.7 21940.88 2019

2018 2018 G-G’ 477.04 468.4 44901.12 23209.38 69628.17 6429.84 15293.32 ------

TOTAL 72790.24 37625.28 112875 10423.56 24792.36 - - 21831.76 - - 21940.88 D-D’ ------494 491 10720.96 - - -

- G-G’ 474 465.04 73519.68 38002.32 114007 10528.02 25040.80 ------2020 2019 TOTAL 73519.68 38002.32 114007 10528.02 25040.80 - - 10720.96 - - - B-B’ 494 488 36731.84 18986.69 55960.06 5260.00 12510.86 ------

- C-C’ 489.44 483.9 12758.8 6295.02 19785.07 1827.06 4345.65 - - - 491.26 487.5 7398.96 2021

2020 2020 G-G’ 468 462 23040 11909.376 35728.13 3299.33 7847.42 ------

TOTAL 72530.64 37191.09 11473.26 10386.39 24703.94 - - - - - 7398.96

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-II DRAFT EIA REPORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.8 WASTE DUMP MANAGEMENT The nature of waste generated in this mine is top soil, ferruginous quartzites and sand stone. The subject area is a waste land and it is under mining activity since 2006. The top soil is very negligible in quantity and the available top soil will be used for plantation. There are 3 yards for stocking dump/overburden material & waste.

During the plan period a quantity of 248934.9 m3 of ROM rejects, OB and Waste will be generated and shall be dumped at SE part of the lease area in non mineral area. The present dump area occupied 0.73 Ha and additional 0.69 Ha. is proposed for dumping the obtaining waste. After completion of plan period it covers 1.42 Ha.

Table 2.5 Dump details

Year ROM REJECTS Intercalated OB Waste Total Waste material 3 3 3 (34.06 % of (m ) (m ) (m ) (14.32 % of ROM) (m3) ROM) (m3) 2nd 10681.01 25404.70 33014.16 12067.36 81167.2 3rd 10423.56 24792.36 21831.76 21940.88 78988.6 4th 10528.02 25040.80 10720.96 0 46289.8 5th 10386.39 24703.94 0 7398.96 42489.3 TOTAL 42018.98 99941.8 65566.88 41407.2 248934.9 AVERAGE 10504.75 24985.45 16391.72 10351.8 62233.72

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-II DRAFT EIA REPORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.9 CONCEPTUAL PLAN AS per geology of the area the iron ore is available depth up to 460 m RL. During the current plan period, the mining will be carried out along the strike of the deposit by producing about 115600 MTPA of iron ore. Since the iron ore is occurring along with Shale to a maximum thickness of 25 m from surface, the working will be carried in two slices of 3m to from the height with 600 slope. After drilling and blasting, the ROM material will be segregated as ore and waste by Excavator and loader. Thus the tentative anticipated life of mine shall be 7.0 years considering only the proved reserves and the conceptual period for the next five years shall be made.

2.9.1. Land use The land use at the end of the plan period (2017-18 to 2020-21) of the mining area is given below: Table 2.6: Land use details

S. No. Nature of Land Use Net area considered for calculation(Ha) 1. Area Under Mining 5.72 (2.95 – Existing + 2.77 - Proposed) 2. 7.5 m buffer area 2.03 3. Sorting & Grading area 0.54 4. Storage of ROM 0.82 (0.42 – Existing + 0.7 - Proposed) 5. Overburden/waste 1.42 (0.77 – Existing + 0.65 - Proposed) 6. Infrastructure 0.04 7. Roads 1.60 8. Green Belt 1.56 Existing 0.61 Proposed (within buffer) 0.95 9. Crusher and Screening plant 0.30 10. Unbroken area 9.899 Total 22.979

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-II DRAFT EIA REPORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.9.2 Progressive Reclamation Plan The mining activity will be carried out by other than fully Mechanized and open cast method with the help of Excavator/Loader, jackhammer drilling and blasting to get the target production of iron ore. Most of the mineralized area is covered by the trail pits. During 2015-16, a small area of 0.15 Ha. at NorthEastern side of the mine was back filled for the purpose of inspection path and plantation in safety zone. By the end of the 4th year plan period the total mined out land for mining and allied activities will be 12.15 Ha.

2.10 MINING MACHINERY Table 2.7 Details Mining Machinery

Machinery No’s Cost Excavator 2 80.0 Tippers 2 30.0 Jack hammer drill 4 1.0 Water tanker 1 15.0 Compressor 8.0 Crusher with 1 90.0 Screening Plant Dust Collector 1 5.0 Miscellaneous 1.0 TOTAL -- 230.0 Existing Project Cost : 15.0 Lakhs Total Project Cost : 245.0 Lakhs

2.11 SITE SERVICES The mine was provided with office facilities, rest shelter, first aid facility with drinking water within the mine area. Well maintained approach roads are developed. Good lighting system is established.

2.12 EMPLOYMENT POTENTIAL By this project many people will be benefited for their livelihood and get employment in this remote area. The lessee is proposing to employ full time mine manager and geologist as per Rule 42 of MCDR 1988.The following persons are employed to carryout/ supervise the day to day mining operations. 2 - 17

M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-II DRAFT EIA REPORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Table 2.8 Employment Details

S. No Category Existing Proposed Total 1 Mines manager cum mining Engineer 1 - 1 2 Geologist 1 - 1 3 Mines mate 1 - 1 4 Drillers/operators 2 2 4 5 Skilled workers 2 8 10 6 Un-skilled workers 10 10 20 Total 17 20 37

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CHAPTER – III DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT

CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

3.0 INTRODUCTION Collection of base line data is an integral aspect of the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment report. Baseline data reflects the present status of Environment before the initiation of any activity. The possible effects due to the proposed mine project are estimated and superimposed on the compiled baseline data subsequently to asses Environmental Impacts.

3.1 STUDY AREA Study area covers 10 Km radius from proposed mine site located at Survey No:782 & 873 of Guttupalli (V), Bethamcherla (M), Kurnool District. Andhra Pradesh.

3.2 STUDY PERIOD The baseline environmental quality represents the background scenario of various environmental components in the study area. As part of the Environmental Impact Assessment study, baseline environmental monitoring was carried out for the monthof March 2019 to May 2019.

3.3 METHODOLOGY OF EIA STUDY The various steps involved in Environmental Impact Assessment Study of the mine site are divided into following phases:  Identification of significant environmental parameters and assessing the existing status within the impact zone with respect to air, water, noise, soil and socio- economic components of environment. Following studies were carried out: . MICROMETEOROLOGICAL DATA . AIR QUALITY – EXISTING AMBIENT AIR QUALITY . WATER ANALYSIS - GROUND WATER, SURFACE WATER . NOISE LEVELS . GEOLOGY . HYDROGEOLOGY . FLORA AND FAUNA . LAND ENVIRONMENT . LAND USE / LAND COVER . SOIL CHARACTERISTICS and

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

. SOCIO – ECONOMIC STATUS SURROUNDING THE PROJECT SITE.

 Study of various mining activities of the proposed mine to identify the area leading to impact/change in environmental quality.  Quantification/prediction of impact for the identified activities and to study thelevel of impact on various environmental components.  Evaluation of impacts after superimposing the predicted/quantified scenario over the baseline scenario.  Formulation of Environmental Management Plan for implementation in the proposed project.

3.4 COLLECTION OF BASELINE DATA 3.4.1 Micro meteorological data Micrometeorological studies are simultaneously conducted with the ambient air quality monitoring. Meteorology plays an important role in the dispersion of pollutants. The meteorological data is very useful for interpretation of the base line information and for model study of air quality impacts also.

A temporary meteorological station was installed at project site. The station was installed at a height of 4 m above the ground level in such a way that there are no obstructions facilitating flow of wind, wind speed, wind direction, humidity and temperature are recorded on hourly basis.

Regional Meteorology: Climate: The climate of the region is manifested as hot and humid summer, moderately monsoon and mild winter seasons. It is governed by its location in the tropics and by the monsoon. The climate of the southeastern coast of the Bay of Bengal is characterized by the annually recurring seasonal monsoons, which divide the year in to four seasons as Indian Meteorological Department.

 The winter season of the year from December to February predominantly north winds and recorded coolest season of the year.  The summer season (Pre monsoon period) from March to May predominantly W and SW winds and is hottest part of the year. 3 - 2

CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

 The South-West monsoon tropical rainy season from June to September is characterized by predominantly South-west winds.  The Post monsoon period (North-East monsoon) from October to November when predominant winds are North-East and wind changes the direction from North-east to North-west or west when, cyclones are active in Bay-of-Bengal.

Temperature: The maximum temperature recorded is 43.4ºC in May and the minimum is 13.8ºC in January.

Relative Humidity: The relative humidity is comparatively high and fairly uniform throughout the year. The average relative humidity was maximum78% in Septemberand minimum37% recorded in May.

Rainfall: The region of Kurnool district receives an annual rainfall of 744 mm. The region also receives rain from the occasional low-pressure systems developing during the post monsoon and pre-monsoon season.

3.4.2 Winds A weather station was installed near the site for hourly monitoring of temperature, humidity & wind velocity for the month of March’2019 to May’2019. Summarized site specific data is given below:

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

Table 3.1 Micro Meteorological Data at Site Sl. No. Parameters Mar-19 Apr-19 May-19 1 Temperature (0C) Maximum 42.40 43.20 44.90 Minimum 23.80 28.10 30.70 Average 33.03 35.92 37.84 2 Relative Humidity (%) Maximum 82.50 64.50 61.20 Minimum 9.20 10.40 10.80 Average 35.49 30.92 29.02 3 Wind Speed (m/s) Maximum 5.53 4.97 6.39 Minimum 0.00 0.00 0.00 Average 1.74 1.32 1.74 4 Wind Direction (%) E 11.56 10.56 7.26 ENE 1.08 1.81 2.69 ESE 11.42 9.44 4.30 N 0.00 0.69 0.67 NE 0.67 1.25 1.21 NNE 0.00 0.14 0.40 NNW 0.00 0.56 0.40 NW 0.00 0.97 2.69 S 11.83 12.36 9.81 SE 28.09 18.06 10.62 SSE 9.68 10.42 4.97 SSW 2.02 7.50 2.55 SW 2.42 5.42 7.53 W 1.61 3.47 14.52 WNW 0.67 0.56 4.70 WSW 1.21 0.97 6.85 CALM 17.74 15.83 18.82 6 Rainfall (mm) Total 0.00 6.60 8.50 Maximum 0.00 2.70 5.00 Minimum 0.00 0.00 0.00 Monthly Average 0.00 0.22 0.27 No. of rainy days 0 6 8

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

Fig. 3.1 Wind Rose Diagram for the month of March 2019-May 2019

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

3.5 AIR ENVIRONMENT 3.5.1 Selection of Sampling Locations: To assess the baseline ambient air quality scientifically based on ambient air quality monitoring network was established. Air quality monitoring study was carried out during winter season (i.e. March’19 to May’19) within 10km radius of the project site. The ambient air quality monitoring stations were selected after a brief study based on the following considerations.

 Meteorological conditions  Topography of the study area  Predominant wind direction  Emission sources  Receptors sensitivity

Ambient Air Quality monitoring stations were set up at eight locations with due consideration to the above mentioned points. The locations of the sampling stations are given in the Table 3.3 and the same are also show in the Fig 3.2.

3.5.2 Methodology of Sampling and Analysis Air samples collected were tested for the following parameters

 PM10

 PM2.5

 Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)  Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx)  Free silica The sampling and analysis of ambient air quality parameters was carried out as per the procedures detailed in relevant parts of IS: 5182 (Indian Standards for Ambient Air Quality Test Methods). The methods used for determining the above mentioned parameters and furnished in the Table: 3.2

3.5.3 Frequency of Sampling: 24 hourly samples for PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx and Free silica were collected from each station, at a frequency of twice a week for the pre- monsoon season.

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

Table 3.2 Techniques and Detectable limits for Ambient Air Quality Monitoring S. No. Parameter Technique Technical Protocol Minimum Detectable Limit (g/m3) Respirable Dust Sampler 1 PM IS-5182 (Part-IV) 5.0 10 (Gravimetric method) Fine Particulate Sampler 40 CFR USEPA 2 PM 5.0 2.5 (Gravimetric method) Gravimetric Modified West and 3 Sulphur dioxide IS-5182 (Part-II) 4.0 Gaeke Oxides of 4 Jacob &Hochheiser IS-5182 (Part-VI) 4.0 Nitrogen OSHA (0142) Personal Respirable Dust (Occupational Safety 5 Free Silica 3.5 Sampler and Health Administration)

Table 3.3 Location of Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations Direction Distance Station from Latitude and Environmental S.No Location w.r.t Code Project Longitude Setting Project Site Site 1. 15°26'27.87"N Mine Area Project site A1 ------78° 3'53.51"E 2. 15°27'44.61"N Residential Area Tapasikonda A2 NW 2.6 78° 3'14.74"E 3. 15°27'38.38"N Residential Area Papasanikottala A3 NNE 2.3 78° 4'20.83"E 4. 15°26'44.82"N Residential Area Hussainpuram A4 WNW 1.9 78° 2'44.84"E 5. 15°25'38.35"N Residential Area Gutupalli A5 SW 2.3 78° 2'46.27"E 6. 15°24'32.53"N Residential Area Rangapuram A6 SE 3.3 78° 4'27.32"E 7. 15°26'2.26"N Residential Area Komurikottala A7 ESE 1.7 78° 4'55.73"E 8 Shortriumvalasa 15°27'39.82"N Residential Area A8 NW 4.4 Wind Park 78° 1'27.20"E

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

Fig: 3.2 Location Ambient Air Quality Stations

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

Table 3.4 Summary of Ambient Air Quality in the Study Area

Parameter PM10(µg/m3) PM2.5(µg/m3) SO2(µg/m3) NOx(µg/m3)

Monitoring

Station f

th th th th No.o samples Maximum Minimum Mean 98 percentile No.of samples Maximum Minimum Mean 98 percentile No.of samples Maximum Minimum Mean 98 percentile No.of samples Maximum Minimum Mean 98 percentile

A1 26 58.6 40.5 51.4 58.5 26 29.1 17.6 22.9 28.3 26 9.8 6.5 8.8 9.7 26 12.3 9.2 11.3 12.2

A2 26 62.0 42.0 54.4 61.5 26 31.9 19.6 25.4 31.3 26 11.2 7.4 9.7 11.0 26 13.6 10.3 12.4 13.4

A3 26 60.1 41.9 53.0 59.9 26 30.5 18.2 24.0 29.4 26 10.6 7.1 9.2 10.6 26 12.9 9.8 11.9 12.8

A4 26 53.8 34.9 46.9 53.4 26 26.4 14.2 20.0 25.7 26 8.5 5.4 7.4 8.5 26 10.9 8.2 9.8 10.8

A5 26 56.4 38.2 50.0 56.1 26 28.3 16.2 21.9 27.4 26 9.4 6.1 8.3 9.3 26 11.9 8.8 10.7 11.8

A6 26 68.0 46.0 58.0 67.0 26 32.7 20.9 27.0 32.3 26 11.6 7.9 10.1 11.5 26 14.2 10.9 12.8 14.0

A7 26 54.9 36.5 48.4 54.4 26 27.6 15.4 20.8 26.4 26 8.9 5.7 7.8 8.8 26 11.5 8.6 10.3 11.4

A8 26 52.1 33.7 45.5 51.8 26 24.2 13.4 18.8 23.9 26 8.1 4.9 7.0 8.0 26 10.5 7.8 9.4 10.4 NAAQS 100(µg/m3) 60(µg/m3) 80(µg/m3) 80(µg/m3)

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

GRAPHICAL PRESENTATION OF AMBIENT AIR QUALITY IN THE STUDY AREA

3 98 Percentile of PM10 (µg/m ) 120.0

100.0

80.0 67.0 61.5 58.5 59.9 56.1 60.0 53.4 54.4 51.8

40.0 oncentrations C

10 20.0 PM 0.0 A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 Sampling Locations

PM10 (µg/m3) NAAQS

3 98 Percentile of PM2.5 (µg/m ) 70.0

60.0

50.0

40.0 31.3 32.3 28.3 29.4 30.0 25.7 27.4 26.4 Concentrations 23.9 2.5 20.0 PM

10.0

0.0 A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 Sampling Locations PM2.5 (ug/m3) NAAQS

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

GRAPHICAL PRESENTATION OF AMBIENT AIR QUALITY IN THE STUDY AREA

98 Percentile of SO2 (µg/m3) 90.0 80.0 70.0 60.0 50.0

ncentrations 40.0 30.0

SO2 Co 20.0 11.0 11.5 9.7 10.6 8.5 9.3 8.8 8.0 10.0 0.0 A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 Sampling Locations SO2 (ug/m3) NAAQS

98 Percentile of NOx (µg/m3) 90.0 80.0 70.0 60.0 50.0 40.0 30.0 NOx ConcentrationsNOx 20.0 13.4 14.0 12.2 12.8 10.8 11.8 11.4 10.4 10.0 0.0 A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 Sampling Locations

NOx (ug/m3) NAAQS

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

3.5.4 Existing Ambient Air Quality On the perusal of above summary of analysis of ambient air quality in the study are it is evident that all monitored values in various locations are well within the specified limits of CPCB. The results are summarized below:

3 PM10: The highest PM10 concentration 68.0µg/m was observed in the ambient air

was recorded at station A6 while the lowest PM10 concentration was found to be 3 33.7µg/m at A8. All the monitored values of PM10 are well below the specified limit of 100µg/m3.

3 PM2.5: The highest PM2.5 concentration 32.7µg/m was observed in the ambient air

was recorded at station A6 while the lowest PM2.5concentration was found to be 3 13.4µg/m at A8. All the monitored values of PM2.5 are well below the specified limit of 60 µg/m3.

3 SO2: The highest SO2 concentration 11.6µg/m was observed in the ambient air was 3 recorded at station A6 while the lowest SO2 concentration was found to be 4.9µg/m 3 atA8. All the monitored values of SO2 are well below the specified limit of 80 µg/m .

NOx: The highest concentration 14.2µg/m3was observed in the ambient air was recorded at station A6 while the lowest NOx concentration was found to be 7.8µg/m3at A8. All the monitored values of NOx are well below the specified limit of 80µg/m3.

Free Silica Free Silica found to be <3.5 µg/m3which is Minimum Detectable Limit in all AAQ locations as per the method of OSHA ID 0142.Permissible Exposure Limit as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is 50 µg/m3.

Interpretation: Ambient air quality monitoring locations were selected maximum locations on downwind of project site as predominant wind direction of North East recorded on site specific meteorological data.

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

It was observed that, there was no impact of project on buffer zone villages as the concentration of ambient air quality parameters were higher in villages of study area compared to project site by local activities in respective villages in the study area. An over view of the above results indicate the ambient air quality in the study area were well within the prescribed limits of CPCB.

3.6 WATER ENVIRONMENT The water resources, both surface and groundwater play an important role in the development of the area. Likewise, the water resources of the area have been studied to establish the current status of water quality in the area. The parameters of prime importance were selected under physical, chemical inorganic, chemical organic and heavy metal groups. Water samples from ground and surface water sources were collected. The water samples were collected in pretreated sampling cans and transported to laboratory for analysis. Due care was taken during sampling & transportation of these samples.

3.6.1 Surface Water and Ground Water Quality Assessment In order to assess water quality impacts surface water and ground water samples are collected from the surrounding villages. The samples analyzed for various physical and chemical parameters to know the contamination levels as per the IS Standards. 1. Ground water quality --- IS 10500-2012 2. Surface/canal/sea water quality --- IS 2296

3.6.2 Selection of Sampling Locations Sampling locations were selected on basis of: a) Drainage pattern b) Location of residential areas respecting different activities c) Likely areas those can represent baseline conditions Samples for bacteriological analysis were collected in sterilized glass bottles. Selected physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters have been analyzed for projecting the existing water quality status in the study area. The samples were analyzed in accordance with “Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater Analysis” published by APHA.

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

3.6.3 Sampling Techniques Samples for chemical analysis were collected in polyethylene carboys. Samples

collected for metal content were acidified with 1 ml HNO3. Samples for bacteriological analysis were collected in sterilized glass bottles. Selected physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters have been analyzed for projecting the existing water quality status in the study area. Parameters like temperature, Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and pH were analyzed at the time of sample collection. The methodology for sample collection and preservation techniques was followed as per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) mentioned in Table 3.5.

Table 3.5 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) For Water Sampling Parameter Sample Collection Sample Storage/ Preservation Size pH Grab sampling 50 ml On site analysis Plastic /glass container Electrical Grab sampling 50 ml On site parameter Conductivity Plastic /glass container Total suspended solids Grab sampling 100 ml Refrigeration, Plastic /glass can be stored for 7 days container Total Dissolved Grab sampling 100 ml Refrigeration, Solids Plastic /glass can be stored for 7 days container BOD Grab sampling 500 ml Refrigeration, 48 hrs Plastic /glass container

Hardness Grab sampling 100 ml Add HNO3 to pH<2, Plastic /glass refrigeration; 6 months container Chlorides Grab sampling 50 ml Not required; 28 days

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

Parameter Sample Collection Sample Storage/ Preservation Size Plastic /glass container Sulphates Grab sampling 100 ml Refrigeration; 28 days Plastic /glass container Nitrates Plastic containers 100 ml Refrigeration; 48 hrs Fluorides Plastic containers 100 ml Not required; 28 days only Alkalinity Plastic/ glass 100 ml Refrigeration; 14 days containers

Ammonia Plastic/ glass 100 ml Add H2SO4 to pH>2, containers refrigeration, 28 days

Heavy Metals (As, Cd, Plastic/ Glass rinse 500 ml Filter, add HNO3 to

Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Pb with 1+1 HNO3 pH>2; Grab sample; 6 etc.) months Source: Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, Published By APHA (American Public Health Association) 23rd Edition 2017

3.6.4 Analytical Techniques The analytical techniques used for water analysis is given in the Table 3.6. Table 3.6 Analytical Techniques forWater Analysis Parameter Method pH APHA-4500-H+ Colour APHA-2120 C Odour IS: 3025, Part-4 Temperature APHA-2550 B Dissolved Oxygen APHA-4500 O Electrical conductivity APHA-2510 B Turbidity APHA-2130 B Chlorides APHA-4500 Cl-

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

Parameter Method Fluorides APHA-4500 F- Total dissolved solids APHA-2540 C Total suspended solids APHA-2540 D Total hardness APHA-2340 C -2 Sulphates APHA-4500 SO4 Arsenic APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3114 B/ APHA-3500 As Calcium APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3500 Ca Magnesium APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3500 Mg Sodium APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3500 Na Potassium APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3500 K Manganese APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3500 Mn Mercury APHA-3112 B/ APHA-3500 Hg Lead APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3500 Pb Copper APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3500 Cu Cadmium APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3500 Cd Iron APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3500 Fe Zinc APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3500 Zn Boron APHA-4500 B Coliform organisms APHA-9215 D Alkalinity APHA-2320 B COD APHA-5220 D Phenolic Compounds APHA-510 C Source: Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, Published By APHA (American Public Health Association) 23rd Edition 2017

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

3.6.5 Water Sampling Stations The locations of the water samples collected in the study area are furnished hereunder Table: 3.7 Water Sampling Stations Direction Distance from bearing Latitude & Source of Code Station Project Site w.r.t Longitude collection (km) Project Site 15°26'44.82"N GW1 Hussainpuram WNW 1.9 Ground water 78° 2'44.84"E 15°25'38.35"N GW2 Gutupalli SW 2.3 Ground water 78° 2'46.27"E 15°27'44.61"N GW3 Tapasikonda NW 2.6 Ground water 78° 3'14.74"E 15°24'32.53"N GW4 Rangapuram SE 3.3 Ground water 78° 4'27.32"E 15°26'2.26"N GW5 komurikottala ESE 1.7 Ground water 78° 4'55.73"E Balapalapalle 15°27'25.48"N GW6 NE 4.6 Ground water 78° 6'26.15"E H Kottala 15°26'32.91"N GW7 ENE 5.3 Ground water 78° 7'2.61"E 15°24'13.47"N GW8 Rehamanpuram SW 4.3 Ground water 78° 3'1.59"E 15°25'33.79"N SW1 Gutupalli cheruvu SW 2.9 Surface water 78° 2'24.55"E Papasanikottala 15°27'34.44"N SW2 NNE 2.0 Surface water Cheruvu 78° 4'17.33"E

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

Fig 3.3 Water Sampling Locations

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

3.6.6 Ground Water Quality of the Study Area The summarized analysis results of the ground water quality in the study area are given in the below table Table3.8 Ground water quality results S.No. PARAMETER UNIT GW1 GW2 GW3 GW4 GW5 GW6 GW7 GW8 IS:10500-Standards Acceptable Permissible 1. Color Hazen < 1 < 1 < 1 < 1 < 1 < 1 < 1 < 1 5 15 2. Temperature of Water 0C 25.9 25.1 24.8 26.3 25.5 25.8 26.1 25.3 - - 3. pH - 7.3 7.4 7.2 7.3 7.3 7.2 7.4 7.2 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 4. Turbidity NTU 0.96 1.1 0.92 0.82 0.74 0.82 0.81 0.86 1 5 5. Total Suspended Solids mg/l 6 4 8 7 5 8 6 9 - - 6. Total Dissolved Solids mg/l 637 571 556 597 634 669 692 731 500 2000 7. Total alkalinity (as CaCO3) mg/l 389 366 361 373 389 396 403 416 200 600 8. Total Hardness (as CaCO3) mg/l 178 161 149 171 182 191 216 231 300 600 9. Chlorides as Cl mg/l 162 144 138 151 163 175 183 198 250 1000 10. Calcium as Ca mg/l 55 43 41 49 52 61 69 76 75 200 11. Magnesium as Mg mg/l 15.8 13.2 12.2 13.9 15.6 16.9 18.2 19.1 30 100 12. Fluoride as F mg/l 0.56 0.49 0.44 0.52 0.49 0.57 0.66 0.69 1.0 1.5 13. Nitrates as NO3 mg/l 1.1 0.94 0.86 1 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.6 45 45 14. Sulphates as SO4 mg/l 64.8 57.6 55.2 60.4 65.2 70.0 73.2 79.2 200 400 15. Arsenic as As mg/l <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.01 0.05 16. Cadmium as Cd mg/l <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 0.003 0.003 17. Copper as Cu mg/l <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 0.05 1.5 18. Lead as Pb mg/l <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.01 0.01 19. Iron as Fe mg/l 0.15 0.13 0.16 0.14 0.12 0.18 0.13 0.16 0.3 0.3 20. Manganese as Mn mg/l <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 0.1 0.3 21. Zinc as Zn mg/l 0.15 0.11 0.1 0.12 0.13 0.16 0.18 0.2 5.0 15.0 22. Dissolved phosphates mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 - - 23. Phenolic Compounds as C6H5OH mg/l <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 0.002 24. Residual Chlorine mg/l <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 - - 25. E. Coli MPN/100 ml Not Not Not Not Not Not Not Not Shall not be Shall not be Detected Detected Detected Detected Detected Detected Detected Detected detectable detectable 26 Total Coliforms MPN/100 ml Shall not be Shall not be 39 31 28 36 39 44 45 48 detectable detectable ND - Not Detected

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3.6.7 Summary of Groundwater quality:  The pH limit fixed for drinking water samples as per IS:10500 is 6.5 to 8.5. During the study period, the pH of the groundwater was found varying between 7.2 and 7.4. The pH values for all the samples collected in the study area during study period were found to be within the acceptable limits.  The desirable limit for total dissolved solids as per IS:10500 are 500 mg/l here as the permissible limits in absence of alternate source is 2000 mg/l. In groundwater samples collected from the study area, the total dissolved solids (TDS) were found to be varying between 556mg/l and 731mg/l. The TDS of all the samples were below the permissible limit of 2000 mg/l.  The desirable limit for Chloride is 250 mg/l as per IS:10500 where as the permissible limit of the same is 1,000 mg/l. The Chloride levels in the groundwater samples collected in the study area were ranging from 138 – 198 mg/l  The desirable limit as per IS:10500 for hardness are 300 mg/l where as the permissible limit for the same is 600 mg/l. In the groundwater samples collected from the study area, the hardness was found to be varying from 149 mg/l to 231mg/l.  Fluoride is the other important parameter, which has the desirable limit of 1 mg/l and permissible limit of 1.5 mg/l. However, the optimum content of fluoride in the drinking water is 0.6 to 1.5 mg/l. In the groundwater samples of study area the fluoride values were found to be within a range of 0.44 mg/l to 0.69mg/l.  All the heavy metals in all samples were found to be below the permissible limits.

An overview of the results obtained reveals that none of parameters were found above the permissible limits of IS: 10500 Drinking Water Standards.

3.6.8. Surface Water Quality of the Study Area The water in the region (surface water) has been compared with respect to the Drinking water Quality Standards as IS: 10500 and IS: 2296. The summarized analysis of results of the surface water quality in the study area are given in the below table.

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Table 3.9 Surface Water Quality of the Study Area S.No. PARAMETER UNIT SW1 SW2 IS:2296 - Standards 1. Color Hazen <1 <1 - 2. Odour - Agreeable Agreeable - 3. Turbidity Ntu 1.3 1.5 - 4. pH - 7.2 7.4 6.50 – 8.50 5. Temperature 0C 26.1 25.4 - 6. Electrical Conductivity mmhos/cm 471 486 - 7. Total Dissolved Solids mg/l 261 273 1500 8. Total Suspended Solids mg/l 18 22 -

9. Total Alkalinity as CaCO3 mg/l 149 166 - 10. Total Hardness as mg/l 126 134 - 11. Calcium as Ca mg/l 24.1 29.6 - 12. Magnesium as Mg mg/l 12.4 11.6 - 13. Chloride as Cl mg/l 110 119 -

14. Sulphate as SO4 mg/l 24.2 27.6 -

15. Nitrate as NO3 mg/l 1.9 2.2 - 16. Iron as Fe mg/l <0.01 <0.01 - 17. Hexavalent Chromium as Cr6+ mg/l 0.05 <0.001 <0.001

18. Phenolic Compounds mg/l <0.001 <0.001 0.005 19. Cyanide as CN mg/l <0.002 <0.002 0.05 20. Zinc as Zn mg/l < 0.01 < 0.01 15 21. Lead as Pb mg/l <0.001 <0.001 0.01 22. Copper as Cu mg/l <0.05 <0.05 1.5 23. Aluminium as Al mg/l <0.005 <0.005 0.1 24. Manganese as Mn mg/l <0.05 <0.05 5.0 25. Mercury as Hg mg/l <0.001 <0.001 - 26. Arsenic as As mg/l <0.001 <0.001 - 27. Cadmium as Cd mg/l <0.002 <0.002 - 28. Dissolved Oxygen mg/l 6.6 6.1 5.0 min 29. Chemical Oxygen Demand mg/l 2.86 3.64 - 30. Biochemical Oxygen Demand mg/l 3.0 1.0 1.2

31. Total Kjheldhal Nitrogen mg/l < 1.0 < 1.0 - 32. Free Ammonical Nitrogen mg/l < 0.01 < 0.01 - 33. Oil & Grease mg/l < 0.1 < 0.1 - 34. E. Coli MPN/100 ml Absent Absent Absent 35. Total Coliforms MPN/100 ml 610 630 5000

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3.6.9. Surface water quality results are summarized below:  pH of the surface water collected was neutral with pH ranging from 7.2 -7.4  TDS was found to be 261mg/l to 273mg/l. The tolerance limit of 1,500 mg/l as per IS:2296  Total hardness was found to be 126mg/l to 134mg/l  Presence of Nitrate was recorded as 1.9mg/l to 2.2mg/l  DO was observed as 6.1mg/l to 6.6mg/l  Total coliform in water was 610MPN/100ml to 630MPN/100ml The likely source of bacteriological contamination was due to the proximity to residential area  All the heavy metals were found to be within below detectable limits.

3.7 SOIL QUALITY 3.7.1 Selection of sampling Locations For studying soil profile of the region, sampling locations were selected to assess the existing overall soil conditions around the project site. The study of the soil profile establishes the baseline characteristics and this will help in future for identifying the incremental concentrations if any, due to the proposed project. The sampling locations have been identified with following objectives. a) To determine the baseline soil characteristics of the study area b) To determine the impact of the project activities on soil characteristics

3.7.2 Sampling and Analytical Techniques Five sampling locations were selected to assess the existing soil conditions representing various land use conditions and geological features. At each location, soil samples were collected from three different depths viz. 30 cm, 60 cm and 90 cm below the surface and are homogenized. This is in line with IS: 2720 & Methods of Soil Analysis, Part-1, 2nd edition, 1986 of (American Society for Agronomy and Soil Science Society of America). The homogenized samples were analyzed for physical and chemical characteristics. The soil samples were collected and analyzed once in pre-monsoon season.

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The samples have been analyzed as per the established scientific methods for physico- chemical parameters. The heavy metals have been analyzed by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The methodology adopted for each parameter is described in Table 3.10 Table 3.10 Analytical Techniques for Soil Analysis Parameter Method (ASTM number) Textural classification Chart developed by Public Roads Administration pH pH meter (D 1293-84) Electrical conductivity Conductivity meter (D 1125-82) Nitrogen Kjeldahl distillation (D 3590-84) Phosphorus Molybdenum blue, colourimetric (D 515-82) Potassium Flame photometric (D 1428-82) Sodium Flame photometric (D 1428-82) Calcium IS:2720 Magnesium IS:2720 Chlorides Argentometric (D 512-81 Rev 85)

3.7.3 Details of Soil Sampling Locations The soil sampling locations and distance from project are mentioned in the below table 3.11. Table 3.11 Soil Sampling Locations Direction Bearing Distance from Latitude and Code Location w.r.t Project Project Site(km) Longitude Site 15°26'27.87"N S1 Project site ------78° 3'53.51"E 15°27'44.61"N S2 Tapasikonda NW 2.6 78° 3'14.74"E 15°25'38.35"N S3 Gutupalla SW 2.3 78° 2'46.27"E 15°26'2.26"N S4 komurikottala ESE 1.7 78° 4'55.73"E 15°24'32.53"N S5 Rangapuram SE 3.3 78° 4'27.32"E

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Fig 3.4 Soil Sampling Locations

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3.7.4. Soil Analysis Results in the Study Area The summarized analysis results of the soil samples in the study area are presented in the Table 3.12 Table 3.12 Soil Analysis Results S.No Parameter Unit S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 1. pH (1:5) Aq Extract -- 7.3 7.5 7.4 7.4 7.2 2. Conductivity  mhos 326 298 276 306 277 (1:5 Aq Extract) /cm 3. Texture (a) Sand 36.1 35.4 35.3 35.8 35.6 (b) Silt % 24.5 25.7 24.5 24.8 25.5 (c) Clay 39.4 38.9 40.2 39.4 38.9 3 4. Bulk Density gm/cm 1.1 1.0 1.2 1.1 1.1 5. Moisture Content % 7.8 7.8 7.4 7.2 7.6 6. Available Nitrogen as N kg/ha 56 48 45 55 45 7. Available Phosphorous as P kg/ha 35.2 33.6 29.6 34.8 32.9 8. Available Potassium as K kg/ha 116 106 96.2 111 101 9. Exchangeable Sodium as Na mg/kg 58 56 42 56 48 10. Exchangeable Calcium as Ca mg/kg 331 316 291 322 306 11. Exchangeable Magnesium as mg/kg 518 309 478 516 498 Mg

12. Water Soluble Chlorides as Cl mg/kg 326 311 299 328 311 13. Water Soluble Sulphates as SO4 mg/kg 59 53 46 58 49 14. Organic matter % 48 38 0.35 46 0.36 15. Organic Carbon % 0.26 0.19 0.16 0.25 0.20

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3.7.5 Summary of Soil Analysis Data The analytical results of the soil samples collected during the study period are summarized below.  The pH of the soil is an important property; vegetation cannot grow in low and high pH value soils. The normal range of pHin the soils are 6.0 to 8.5. The pH values in the study area are varying from 7.2 to 7.5 indicating that the soils are falling in neutral soil.

 Based on the electrical conductivity, the soils are classified into four groups (Normal, Critical for germination, Critical for growth of the sensitive crops, Injurious to most crops). The electrical conductivity in the study area is varying from 276 to 326 micro-mhos per centimeter (µmhos/cm). This is good for germination

 The other important parameters for characterization of soil for irrigation are the primary nutrients – Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (N, P, K) and the secondary nutrients - Calcium, Magnesium and Sulphur (Ca, Mg, S). The primary and secondary nutrient elements are known as major elements. This classification is based on their relative abundance, and not on their relative importance.

 Nitrogen encourages the vegetative development of plants by imparting a healthy green color to the leaves. The available Nitrogen as N in the study area is varying from 45 to 56kg/ha. This is good for crops when compared with soil standards.

 Phosphorus influences the vigour of plants and improves the quality of crops. In the study area available, Phosphorus was found in varying quantities of 29.6 to 35.2kg/ha. This is medium sufficient level when compared to soil standards.

 Potassium enhances the ability of the plants to resist diseases, insect attacks, cold and other adverse conditions. The available potassium in the study area varies between 96.2 to 116mg/kg. This is less level for crops.

 Organic Carbon in the study area ranges from 0.16 to 0.26%. This is an average sufficientlevel for crops.

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Based on the above results, the soils in the region are average fertile enough for cultivation of crops.

3.7.6 Standard Soil Classification S.No Soil Test Classification 1. pH <4.5 Extremely acidic 4.51- 5.50 Very strongly acidic 5.51-6.00 moderately acidic 6.01-6.50 slightly acidic 6.51-7.30 Neutral 7.31-7.80 slightly alkaline 7.81-8.50 moderately alkaline 8.51-9.0 strongly alkaline >9.00 very strongly alkaline 2. Electrical Conductivity (ppm) Upto 1.00 Average (1ppm = 640 µmhos) 1.01-2.00 harmful to germination 2.01-3.00 harmful to crops (sensitive to salts) 3. Organic Carbon Upto 0.2: very less 0.21-0.4: less 0.41-0.5 medium, 0.51-0.8: on an average sufficient 0.81-1.00: sufficient >1.0 more than sufficient 4. Nitrogen (Kg/ha) Upto 50 very less 51-100 less 101-150 good 151-300 Better >300 sufficient 5. Phosphorus (Kg/ha) Upto 15 very less 16-30 less

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31-50 medium 51-65 on an average sufficient 66-80 sufficient >80 more than sufficient 6. Potassium (Kg/ha) 0 -120 very less 120-180 less 181-240 medium 241-300 average 301-360 better >360 more than sufficient (Source: Hand Book of Agriculture, ICAR, New Delhi)

3.8 NOISE ENVIRONMENT 3.8.1 Identification of Sampling Locations Noise at different generating sources has identified based on the activities in the village area and the noise at sensitive areas. A detailed survey on noise environment was carried in and around the project site to study the levels of noise, as the high dB (A) levels may cause adverse effect on human beings and associated environment, including structures, domestic animals and natural ecological systems. The locations were identified keeping in view the land use pattern and environmental setting. Spot noise levels were measured using a precision noise level meter at project site and residential areas in all eight locations were covered with in study zone.

3.8.2 Methodology The monitoring was carried out at each location for a period of 24hrs, once in each season. The locations were identified keeping in view the land use pattern and environmental setting. The day levels of noise have been monitored during 6 am to 10 pm and the night levels during 10 pm to 6 am. The Ld, Ln and Ldn were calculated based on the hourly Leq values. Spot noise levels were measured using a precision noise level meter at residential areas and proposed project area, in all five locations which were

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covered with in study zone. The noise levels include vehicular movement and local activities. Noise levels were recorded for every 15minutes in a clock hour for a continuous 24-hour period at all locations.

3.8.3 Noise Monitoring Locations -The noise monitoring locations along with their distance from project are mentioned in the below Table 3.13.

Table 3.13 Noise Monitoring Locations Direction Distance Station from w.r.t Latitude and Environmental S.No Location Code Project Project Longitude Setting Site Site 15°26'27.87"N 1 Project site N1 ------Industrial Area 78° 3'53.51"E 15°27'44.61"N Residential 2 Tapasikonda N2 NW 2.6 78° 3'14.74"E Area 15°27'38.38"N Residential 3 Papasanikottala N3 NNE 2.3 78° 4'20.83"E Area 15°26'44.82"N Residential 4 Hussainpuram N4 WNW 1.9 78° 2'44.84"E Area 15°25'38.35"N Residential 5 Gutupalla N5 SW 2.3 78° 2'46.27"E Area 15°24'32.53"N Residential 6 Rangapuram N6 SE 3.3 78° 4'27.32"E Area 15°26'2.26"N Residential 7 komurikottala N7 ESE 1.7 78° 4'55.73"E Area Shortriumvalasa 15°27'39.82"N Residential 8 N8 NW 4.4 Wind Park 78° 1'27.20"E Area

3.8.4 Description of Locations: N1 – the location has been selected to assess noise levels in the proposed project site.N2, N3, N4, N5, N6, N7 and N8 – the locations have been selected to assess noise levels near to the project in residential areas with light Vehicular Movement.

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Fig 3.5Noise Monitoring Locations

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3.8.5 Noise Levels in the Study Area The noise level monitored during the study period is given in Table3.14 in the form of Lday, Lnight and Ldn compared with CPCB Standards. Table 3.14 Noise Levels in the Study Area

CPCB norms Environmental Leq dB(A) Leq dB(A) Location Code Leq dB(A) Setting day night Day Night N1 Project site 75 70 52.9 40.3 N2 Residential 55 45 55.5 42.3 N3 Residential 55 45 54.2 41.4 N4 Residential 55 45 49.5 37.4 N5 Residential 55 45 51.8 39.3 N6 Residential 55 45 58.6 42.9 N7 Residential 55 45 50.2 38.4 N8 Residential 55 45 48.4 33.7

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GRAPHICAL PRESENTATION OF AMBIENT NOISE LEVELS IN THE STUDY AREA

Equivalent Noise Day Time Leq dB(A) 80.0 70.0 58.6 55.5 60.0 52.9 54.2 51.8 49.5 50.2 48.4 ls 50.0 40.0 30.0 Noise Leve 20.0 10.0 0.0 N1 N2 N3 N4 N5 N6 N7 N8 Sampling Locations Leq Day Residential Industrial

Equivalent Noise NightTime Leq dB(A) 80.0 70.0 60.0 50.0 40.3 42.3 41.4 42.9 37.4 39.3 38.4 40.0 33.7 30.0 Noise Levels 20.0 10.0 0.0 N1 N2 N3 N4 N5 N6 N7 N8 Sampling Locations Leq Night Residential Industrial

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3.9 GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY 3.9.1 Physiographic The lease area is rugged with par of mound. It is elevated on Northwestern side and sloping towards southeast, west. There is about 42 mtr relief from Northwest to Southwest (514-472 m R.L). The area is barren land consisting of no crops. There are no perennial waster courses in and around this area.

3.9.2 Drainage Sub dendritic there are no perennial water courses in and around the applied area within 500m radius. The rain water flows through the slopes of the area and joins to the seasonal water course, located in applied area. There are three first order streams passing in the mine, which are connected to the seasonal stream.

3.9.3 Regional Geology The rock unites in this area belongs to Vempalli formation of Cuddapah super group. This formation comprises of Dolomite, Chert, Mudstone, Shale, Quartzite and Basic flows/Intrusive and thin veins/bands of iron ore.

Detailed Geology: This area belongs to Vempalli and Pullivendula formation of Cuddapah super groups. The area is formed by Dolomite as older rock at lower levels and the Dolomites area followed by thin layers of Quartzite at higher levels belongs to Pullivendula formation. The top layer of Pullivendula formation consist of a thin layer of Sand Stone Quartzite in the mine area attained fairly good thickness in higher levels of the area. This Iron Ore formation is underlain by the Shales and Dolomite belongs to Vempalli formation. As regards to Barytes occurrence in the M.L. Area and its incidence in the form of lets with

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on Dolomite formation, this is due to recrystallisation on micro level. Further, it is not mappable and it could not be mined separately.

Sand Stone: The top soil is covered at places with very thin layer and is mostly in the area occupied by Iron ore with Shale. It is almost in negligible for calculation purpose. Thus a thin layer (0.2 to 0.3 m) of sand stone is equigranular, pinkish brown in colour medium hard capping as thin layers over the Iron ore with Shale. Sand stone observed NW side of the mine.

Iron ore with Shale: The incidence of Iron ore is strata bound since this is associated with shale between the dolomite & Quartzite and is exposed from 0.0m top 8m in the working pit. It is thin bedded, fine grained, medium hard, lumpy and shows dark brown to reddish brown

colour with cherry red steak. It has 44.75 to 59.5% of Fe and 4-8% SiO2.

Dolomite: It is underlying Iron ore and Quartzite at higher levels of the mine area. Due to its high

MgO (Avg. 19%) and low SiO2 (3.35%) having importance in the market.

3.9.4 Geomorphology and Geo-hydrology The quality of groundwater varies from place to place depending on the geological environment, climate, drainage conditions and pollution. The groundwater in the western

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part of the district, where Archaean unclassified crystalline rocks are exposed, is generally neutral to alkaline with its value of pH ranging from 7.00 to 8.5. The chloride content here ranges from 28 to 525 ppm. The quality of groundwater in Cuddapah and Kurnool Formations is generally inferior in the central and eastern part of the district. The total dissolved solids in many places exceed 1000 ppm. Water is generally alkaline in nature with pH from 7.3 to 8.4. The chloride content ranges from 40 to 230 ppm. Saline zones exist in parts of Nandyal and Allagadda taluks where chloride content is more than 500 ppm. The district has been demarcated into several zones in respect of the availability of groundwater resources. Pattikonda and Devanakonda areas in the gneissic terrain, and Nandivargam and Uyyalavada in the sedimentary terrain are excellent in terms of groundwater yield potential (1-10lps). Kosigi Nandavaram Emmiganuru Kurnool, Velugodu , Nandyal and Allagadda areas are also good locations of moderate groundwater potential (1-5lps) (Ref: Kurnool DSR).

Fig 3.6 Geomorphology of Kurnool District

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3.9.5 Soil Kurnool District is rich in regur and red ferruginous soils which constitute about 60 and 40 per cent, respectively. They are further classified as clay, loamy and sandy soils. The black cotton soils are predominant in the Mandals of Pattikonda, Nandyal, Allagadda, Koilkuntla, Nandikotkur and Adoni. In the Eastern part of the district, red soil of a poor quality largely predominates. These soils, although generally poor in fertility, yield a very good crop with a minimum rainfall. The crops mainly raised are Jowar, cotton and pulses. Regur soil of superior quality is available in the central section together with Kurnool and Pattikonda Mandals. It responds well for paddy and Bengal gram. The availability of alluvial soil is quite small and is confined to a few villages near the confluence of the Bhavanasi and Krishna Rivers. It generally suits for raising mustard, wheat and black gram which are valuable products.

3.9.6 Ground water Prospects Kadapa/Kurnool developments comprise the most part shales, quartzites, limestones/dolomites. Ground water happens in submerged table conditions in weathered segment of the arrangement and the thickness of the weathered portion is around 10 m bgl. Ground water is developed in weathered elixir through vast distance across burrowed wells (6m). The water levels were brought down and the yields from burrowed wells diminished and once in a while went away in the dry spell years.

Fig. 3.7 Ground water prospects in Kurnool District

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3.10 LAND USE/LAND COVER 3.10.1 Land use Pattern-Remote Sensing data

The basic purpose of land use pattern and classification in an EIA study is to identify the manner in which different parts of land area is utilized or not utilized. Remote sensing data provides reliable accurate baseline information for land use mapping as it is a rapid method of acquiring up-to-date information of over a large geological area.

Studies on land use aspects of eco-system play an imperative role in identifying susceptible issues and to take appropriate action to uphold ecological equilibrium in the region. The main objective of this section is to provide a baseline status of the study area covering 10 km radius around the proposed plant site so that temporal changes due to the Mining activities on the surroundings can be assessed in future.

The objectives of Land use Pattern are to:

 Determine the present Land use pattern  Analyze the impacts on Land use due to the proposed plant site in the study area Study area with proposed unit as epicenter 10 km radius from the core area of 5.45 Ha boundaries is considered for land use study.

3.10.1.1 Satellite Data The Satellite IRS P-6 LISSIV images are obtained from National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) Hyderabad. The latitude and longitudes as observed in the site by GPS are 15°26'27.51"N, 78° 3'52.65"E. The satellite image of 10 km radius is presented in Fig. 3.8.

3.10.1.2. Topographical Data Topographical maps of Survey of India (SOI) were obtained for land use study as well to develop contour and drainages pattern of area from D44A3,D43F15,D44A2.

3.10.2. Methodology The overall methodology (Fig.3.9) adopted and followed to achieve the objectives of the present study involves the following:

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 Collection of source data of Survey of India (SOI) toposheets. These are the main inputs for the preparation of essential layers

 Satellite data of IRS P-6 LISSIV sensor is geometrically corrected and enhanced using principal component method and nearest neighborhood resampling technique

 Preparation of basic themes like layout map, transport & settlement map and contour map from the source data. Then updating of layout map, transport map and drainage map from the satellite image by visual interpretation

 Essential maps (related to natural resources) like Land use / Land cover map are prepared by visual interpretation of the satellite imagery. Visual interpretation is carried out based on the image characteristics like tone, size, shape, pattern, texture, location, association, background etc. in conjunction with existing maps/ literature

 Preliminary quality check and necessary corrections are carried out for all the maps prepared

All the maps prepared are converted into soft copy by digitization of contours and drainages. In that process editing, labeling, mosaicking, quality checking, data integration etc. are done, finally Land use areas are measured in Sq.km.

3.10.3. Land use Map Analysis Land use Map Analysis carried out based on the image color, texture, Tone etc. Following steps are used to analyze the Land use pattern of project site:  Collection of scanned toposheets and Geo-reference the scanned image using the available coordinates

 Collection of IRS LISS IV images and made fused and blended the images for color combinations using Image interpreter-Utilities and Layer stack option available in ERDAS

 Identification Area of interest (AOI) and made a buffer of 10 km radius.

 Enhance the Fused and blended LISS IV image using the Spatial, Radiometric and Temporal options in ERDAS 3 - 38

CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

 Rectified the LISS IV image using Geo-referencing technique, Toposheet to get UTM coordinate system

 Subset the LISS images and Toposheet using 10 km buffer AOI

 Automatic classifications done for LISS IV images using maximum iterations and number of options in unsupervised classification options

 Created the signature file by selecting the more samples of different features with AOI on Unsupervised classification image

 Visual interpretation and supervised classification mixed with recoding practice

 Verified through the QC / QA and finalized the data.

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

Fig 3.8: Satellite Image of the 10 km radius of the M/s Dhigvijay Minerals

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

Fig 3.9 Flow Chart of Methodology

3.10.4. Spatial Data from SOI Topographical Sheets Creating a GIS spatial database is a complex operation, and is the heart of the entire work; it involves data capture, verification and structuring processes. Raw geographical data are available in many different analogue and digital form such as toposheets, aerial photographs, satellite imageries and tables. Out of all these sources, the source of toposheets is of much concern to natural resource scientist and an environmentalist.

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

In the present study, the essential maps generated from SOI topographical maps. Using the topographical maps, the drainage map and contour Map were also developed. The maps are prepared to a certain scale and with attributes complying with the requirement of terms of reference (ToR). The location of entities on the earth’s surface is then specified by means of an agreed co-ordinate system. For most GIS, the common frame of co-ordinate system used for the study is UTM co-ordinates system. All the maps are first Geo-referenced. The same procedure is also applied on remote sensing data before it is used to prepare the Essential maps.

There is a road network connecting built-up areas. As the terrain conditions are alluvial type soil and site elevation bit undulations also there is a drainage network around the site location, there is no chance of flooding. Hence risk factors are less. No Bird sanctuaries located in the study area.

3.10.5. Contour Map and Elevations of Study Area The contours in Toposheet have been digitized in the GIS environment and assigned the respective elevation values in meters with reference to the mean sea level. Using the SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) data, the elevation values has been verified. Thereafter final contour map has been prepared with combination of Toposheet and SRTM ith contour interval of 10 m. Project site contours vary from 465m to 491m above MSL and the study area contours vary from 360 m to 550 m above MSL. From the project site the No high range hill area were observed towards North West direction and the lowest contours were observed in South west direction. While the remaining areas showed variations with respect to contours. Contour Map and Elevations of Study Area is presented inFig. 3.12.

3.10.6. Topography (Digital Elevation Model) A digital elevation model (DEM) is a digital representation of ground surface topography or terrain (Fig.3.4.10). It is also widely known as a digital terrain model (DTM). A DEM can be represented as a raster (a grid of squares, also known as a height map when representing elevation) or as a triangular irregular network. The proposed plant location is shown in that Relief map. For the relief study of the area very higher quality SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) and DEM is downloaded. These DEMs of the Terra represents elevation at a 30 m resolution. 3 - 42

CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

3.10.7. Land use land cover statistics of buffer zone Map showing the Land Use Land Cover classification in the study area is presented in Fig.3.11 it is clearly that the area is covered with Agricultural Fallow around 29 % respectively of the total area. which is taken up for non-cultivation but is temporarily allowed to rest, un-cropped for one or more season, but not less than one year. Thus, total non-cultivable land is 29 %.Other class is Around the Agricultural Fallow edges the Settlement (Built-up area) is located and occupies around 8 %, and Roads 7 % of the total study area. It is an area of human habitation developed due to non- agricultural use and that has a cover of buildings, transport and communication, utilities in association with water, vegetation and vacant lands.

The open scrub is 13 % respectively in the total study area. The proposed project is on open scrub with bit undulations terrain and does not have any significant impact on the surrounding villages and habitation. The water bodies cover 6% of the total area..Forest area covering around 25% .These area have a very prominent signature and can be seen as almost Dark blue and light blue in the satellite image. The statistical break-up of the land use classes of buffer zone are presented inTable 3.15 and depicted in Fig. 3.15.

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

Fig 3.10 Roads and Built-up area within the 10 km radius

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

Fig 3.11 Map showing built-up area, forests and water bodies

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

Fig 3.12 Contour levels within the 10 km radius

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

Fig 3.13 Digital Elevation Map

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

Fig 3.14 Map showing water bodies within the 10 km radius

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

Landuse statistics WaterBodies

Open scrub

6% BuiltUp 29% 13%

8% Forest

10% Roads 3% 25% 7% Railways

Fair dense scrub

Agricultural Fallow

Fig. 3.15 Graphical Presentation of Land Use Statistics

Table 3.15 Land Use Land Covers Statistics of Buffer Zone

SL No LULC_Class Area (Ha) Area (%) 1 WaterBodies 1800.00 6% 2 Open scrub 4100.00 13% 3 BuiltUp 2400.00 8% 4 Forest 7800.00 25% 5 Roads 2200.00 7% 6 Railways 1100.00 3% 7 Fair dense scrub 3100.00 10% 8 Agricultural Fallow 9100.00 29% Total 31600.00 100%

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

3.10.8 Prediction of Impacts during Construction Phase 3.10.8.1Land Environment Any activity will lead to permanent change in land use pattern at the site as a direct impact. No major changes in land use pattern will occur due to the project activities.

The construction activities will result in loss of topsoil and earthen material to some extent in the plant premises. However, it is proposed to use the soil and earthen material in existing greenbelt development. No solid or hazardous waste will be generated during construction thus no impact on soil environment is likely. There is no adverse impacts on soil in the surrounding area are anticipated.

3.11. BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT Study of biological environment is one of the important aspects for the Environmental Impact Assessment, in view of the need for conservation of Environmental quality and biodiversity of particular geographical area. Ecological systems show complex interrelationship between biotic and abiotic components including dependence, competition and mutualism. Biotic components comprises of plant and animal communities which interact not only within and between themselves but also with the abiotic components viz. physical and chemical components of the environment.

Generally, biological communities are the good indicators of climatic and edaphic factors. Studies on biological aspects of ecosystems are important in Environmental Impact Assessment for safety of natural flora and fauna. Information on the important of environmental stress on the community structure serves as an inexpensive and efficient early warning system to check the damage to a particular ecosystem. The biological environment includes mainly terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

The animal and plant communities exist in their natural habitats in well organized manner. Their natural settings can be disturbed by any externally induced anthropological activities or by naturally induced calamities or disaster. So, once this setting is disturbed, it becomes practically impossible or takes a longer time to come to its original state. Plants and animals are more susceptible to environmental stress. A

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

change in the composition of biotic communities reflected by a change in the distribution pattern of natural species of flora and fauna existing in the ecosystem. The sensitivity of animal and plant species to the changes occurring in their existing ecosystem can therefore, be used for monitoring Environmental Impact Assessment studies of any project.

3.11.1 Objectives (i) Assess and document the flora in the project location and status its environmental conditions (ii) Assess and document the fauna in the project location and its environs

3.11.2 Study area This area once covered by scrub forests, are very much exposed due to biotic factors and the present condition is highly eroded and is primarily responsible for the development of thorny-scrub vegetation. According to Champion and Seth, these forests are Tropical dry forests. The most abundant tree species are Carissa spinarum, Cleistanthus collinus, Randia dumetorum, Dichrostachys cinerea, Eugenia bracteata and Bauhinia racemosa. But the entire ground was covered by Veteveria zizanioides and Cymbopogon coloratus which act as fuse to spread the fire and fuel to support the fire. There are no ecologically sensitive areas such as Biosphere reserves, National Parks, and Wildlife sanctuaries within a distance of 10 km radius from the proposed project.

The project site is covered with small herbaceous and shrub species. Entire area is covered with terrestrial vegetation is without any forest or agriculture land and it was devoid of any ecologically sensitive biological resources. There are no threatened floral and faunal species in the core zone. Some spaces are allotted to raise the greenbelt plantation in the core area in which Neem and Eucalyptus plantation developed.

The buffer zone of the project, there are few large trees such as Neem, Borassus flabellifer and Acacia nilotica, Ziziphus horrida, Prosopis juliflora, Prosopis spicigera, Balanites aegyptiaca, Phoenix sylvestris, Calotropis procera, Carissa spinarum and

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

Cassia auriculata were most abundant. In addition to the shrubs mentioned above, there are few perennial climbers such as Pergularia daemia, Sarcostemma acidum and Cassytha filiformis present in the core area.

The faunal composition generally with arboreal and semi arboreal base animals. Some very common small animals like rats, snakes, skinks and lizards are generally found here. In aves, Mynas, white headed babblers, sparrows, black drango and Indian robin are present.

Except for perennial crops of banana there was hardly any cultivation during the summer season. But during the rainy season all seasonal crops of Paddy, Jowar, Sorghum, Maize, Sunflower, Cotton, Chillies, Tomato, Groundnut, Red gram, Green gram, Black gram, Chickpea and Onion. There are plantations like Teak, Mango and Eucalyptus are grown in the study area.

3.11.3 Forest blocks in study area The details of forest blocks in study area are presented below in the Table 3.16. Small plantations agro forestrycould also be seen in the buffer zone of the project (Eucalyptus globulus and Tectona grandis). Table 3.16. Details of the forest blocks in the study area

S.No Details of forest blocks Direction 1 Bethamcherla reserved Fprest NE 2 Lanjabanda Reserved Forest NW 3 North Done Reserved Forest W & SW 4 Rangapuram Reserved Forest S & SE

3.11.4 Methodology Flora Vegetation and plant species composition observed and documented during field visit in and around the mining site in the month of March to May. Besides primary surveys in the mining sites, published literature and various floras were consulted to prepare an inventory of plant species growing at project sites. The vegetation of the study area is

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

highly degraded and some areas consisting water bodies. The plant diversity is classified into various plant groups such as tree, shrubs, herbs, climbers, sedges and grasses. The plant diversity survey in the project area was undertaken during the summer season with the objectives of preparing a checklist of flora in the study area. The list included total plant diversity belonging to various groups such as agricultural crops, vegetable crops, and horticultural crops, natural and aquatic flora. Fauna Information pertaining to the existence of migratory corridors and breeding habitats of endangered and threatened fauna were assessed based on the information provided by the local inhabitants and forest department personnel. The conservation status of each faunal species recorded from the project areas were ascertained as per schedules of Indian wildlife (protection) Act, 1972 and IUCN -Red Data Book (RDB).The survey of faunal elements of core and buffer zone were assessed as per the following sampling techniques:

Taxa Sampling techniques Butterflies Random walk, Opportunistic observations Amphibians Visual encounter survey (Search) Reptiles Visual encounter survey (Search) Birds Random walk, Opportunistic observations Mammals Tracks and Signs Fishes Landings

3.11.5 Floral diversity The core zone of the study area is mine lease area. As the core area comprised thorny- scrub vegetation owing to dry and hot summer season. The lease area is having very few tree species. Apart from few tree species some grasses and shrubs observed. The species which are observed nearby lease area are Cleistanthus collinus, Randia dumetorum, Azadirachta indica, Dichrostachys cinerea, Tephrosia purpurea, Calotropis gigantea, Acacia nilotica, Cleome viscosa and Ziziphus oenoplea. The list of plant species in core are given in Table 3.17.

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

Table 3.17. Flora enumerated from Core zone of the proposed mining site S.No. Botanical name Vernacular name Family Habit 1 Acacia auriculiformis Benth. Mimosaceae Tree 2 Acacia leucophloea (Roxb.) Wild. Tella tumma Mimosaceae Tree 3 Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile Nallathumma Mimosaceae Tree 4 Acacia pennata (L.) Willd. Guba korintha Mimosaceae Climber 5 Acalypha ciliata Wall. Euphorbiaceae Herb 6 Acalypha indica L. Muripindi Euphorbiaceae Herb 7 Achyranthes aspera L. Duchena Amaranthaceae Herb 8 Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. Pindikura Amaranthaceae Herb 9 Alangium salvifolium(L.f.) Uduga Alangiaceae Tree 10 Albizia chinensis (Osbeck.) Merr. Nallaregi Mimosaceae Tree 11 Allophyllus serratus (Roxb.) Kurz Guvva gutti Sapindaceae Shrub 12 Alternanthera tenella Colla Mullu ponnaganti Amaranthaceae Herb 13 Alysicarpus monilifer (L.) DC. Amera Fabaceae Herb 14 Amaranthus spinosus L. Mullathotakura Amaranthacea Herb 15 Anisomeles indica (L.) Kuntze Chinna ranaberi Lamiaceae Shrub 16 Apluda mutica L. Adavikorregaddi Poaceae Grass 17 Argemone mexicana L. Bhrama dandi Papavaraceae Herb 18 Argyreia hirsuta Arn. Adavi gummadi Convolvulaceae Climber 19 Aristida adscensionis L. Katle gaddi Poaceae Grass 20 Aristida setacea Trin. & Rupr. Cheepurugaddi Poaceae Grass 21 Asparagus racemosus (Kunth) Satavari Liliaceae Shrub Jessop 22 Asystasia gangetica (L.) Acanthaceae Herb T.Anderson 23 Azadirachta indica A.Juss. Vepa Meliaceae Tree 24 Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile Gara, Ingalukke Balanitaceae Shrub 25 Barleria prionitis L. Neelagorinta Acanthaceae Herb 26 Bauhinia purpurea L. Peddari Caesalpiniaceae Tree 27 Bauhinia racemosa Lam. Are Caesalpiniaceae Tree 28 Bauhinia vahlii Wight & Arn. Adda teega Caesalpiniaceae Climber 29 Benkara malabarica (Lam.) Tiven. Pedda manga Rubiaceae Shrub 30 Boerhavia erecta L. Kanne komali Nyctaginaceae Herb 31 Borassus flabellifer L. Thati Arecaceae Tree 32 Brachiaria mutica (Forssk.) Stapf Paragaddi Poaceae Grass 33 Brachiaria reptans (L.) Poaceae Grass C.A.Gardner & C.E.Hubb 34 Bridelia monoica (Lour.) Merr. Balli chettu Euphorbiaceae Tree 3 - 54

CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

35 Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. Modugu chettu Fabaceae Tree 36 Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw. Caesalpiniaceae Shrub 37 Calotropis gigantea (L.) Dryand. Jilledu Asclepiadaceae Shrub 38 Calotropis procera (Aiton) Jilledu Asclepiadaceae Climber Dryand. 39 Canavalia virosa (Roxb.) Wight & Tammakaya Fabaceae Climber Arn. 40 Capparis divaricata Lam. Nallabalasi Capparaceae Tree 41 Capparis sepiaria L. Nalla uppi Capparaceae Climber 42 Capparis zeylanica L. Aridonda Capparaceae Climber 43 Carissa spinarum L. Vaka Apocynaceae Climber 44 Cassia auriculata L. Tangedu Caesalpiniaceae Shrub 45 Cassia fistula L. Rela Caesalpiniaceae Tree 46 Cassia occidentalis L. Kasintha Caesalpiniaceae Shrub 47 Cassia siamea Lam. Seemathangedu Caesalpiniaceae Tree 48 Catunaregam spinosa (Thunb.) Manga Rubiaceae Shrub Tirveng. 49 Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. Buruga Bombacaceae Tree 50 Celosia argentea L. Gurumu Amaranthaceae Herb 51 Chloris barbata Sw. Uppugaddi Poaceae Grass 52 Chrysopogon orientalis (Desv.) Peddapala Poaceae Grass A.Camus 53 Cissus quandrangularis L. Nalleru Vitaceae Climber 54 Cissus vitiginea L. Adavidraksha Vitaceae Shrub 55 Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. Eriipucha Cucurbitaceae Climber 56 Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck Rutaceae Tree 57 Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck Nimma Rutaceae Tree 58 Cleome viscosa L. Kukkavaminta Cleomaceae Herb 59 Clerodendrum inerme (L.) Gaertn. Nillavuppi Verbenaceae Shrub 60 Cleistanthus collinus (Roxb.) Kodisa Euphorbiaceae Tree Benth. Ex Hook.f. 61 Coldenia procumbens L. Hamsapadu Boraginaceae Herb 62 Combretum albidum G. Don yada teega Combretaceae Climber 63 Commelina benghalensis L. Yennadri Commelinaceae Sedge 64 Commiphora caudata (Wight & Kondaregu Burseraceae Tree Arn.) Engler 65 Corchorus trilocularis L. Bankitutturu Tiliaceae Herb 66 Crotalaria medicaginea var. Fabaceae Herb neglecta (Wight & Arn.) Baker

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

67 Crotalaria verrucosa L. Giligicha Fabaceae Herb 68 Croton bonplandianus Baill. Galivana mokka Euphorbiaceae Herb 69 Cryptolepis buchanani Roem. & Adavipalateega Apocynaceae Climber Schult. 70 Cucumis melo L. Mula maddu Cucurbitaceae Climber 71 Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. Passiteega Convolvulaceae Climber 72 Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf Nimmagaddi Poaceae Grass 73 Cymbopogon coloratus (Hook.f.) Bodha gaddi Poaceae Grass Stapf 74 Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Gariki Poaceae Grass 75 Cyperus alopecuroides Rottb. Cyperaceae Sedge 76 Cyperus pangorei Rottb. Cyperaceae Sedge 77 Cyperus rotundus L. Thunga Cyperaceae Sedge 78 Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Crow foot grass Poaceae Grass Willd. 79 Dalbergia paniculata Roxb. Pachari Fabaceae Tree 80 Datura stramonium L. Umetha Solanaceae Shrub 81 Delonix regia (Hook.f.) Raf. Sunkesula Caesalpiniaceae Tree 82 Dichanthium annulatum (Forssk.) Sheda grass Poaceae Herb Stapf 83 Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight Veluthuru Mimosaceae Tree & Arn. 84 Digera muricata (L.) Mart. Chenchalakura Amaranthaceae Herb 85 Digitaria ciliaris (Lam.) Roem. & Poaceae Grass Schult. 86 Diospyros chloroxylon Roxb. Erragatha Ebenaceae Tree 87 Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. Tuniki Ebenaceae Tree 88 Dodonaea viscosa (L.) Jacq. Bandedu Sapindaceae Shrub 89 Dolichandrone falcata (Wall. Ex Chittoddi Bignoniaceae Tree DC) Seem. 90 Ecbolium viride (Forssk.) Alston Pachavadambaramu Acanthaceae Herb 91 Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Pedda windu Poaceae Herb P.Beauv. 92 Echinops echinatus Roxb. Mulla banthi Asteraceae Herb 93 Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. Guntagalagara Asteraceae Herb 94 Ehretia laevis(Rottler ex G.Don) Tellapisini Boraginaceae Shrub Roxb. 95 Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC. ex DC. Asteraceae Herb 96 Eragrostis amabilis (L.) Wight & Udaragaddi Poaceae Grass Arn.

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

97 Eragrostis minor Host Goobbai gaddi Poaceae Grass 98 Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Nilagiri Myrtaceae Tree 99 Eugenia bracteata (Willd.) Roxb. Kundinedu Myrtaceae Shrub Ex DC. 100 Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. Kampurotta Asteraceae Shrub King & H. Rob. 101 Euphorbia antiquorum L. Bontha jemudu Euphorbiaceae Herb 102 Euphorbia nivulia Buch.-Ham. Aku jemudu Euphorbiaceae Herb 103 Euphorbia heterophylla L. Wild Poinsettia Euphorbiaceae Herb 104 Euphorbia hirta L. Reddivari nanubalu Euphorbiaceae Herb 105 Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. Vishnukrantha Convolvulaceae Herb 106 Evolvulus nummularius (L.) L. Convolvulaceae Herb 107 Ficus benghalensis L. Marri chettu Moraceae Tree 108 Ficus hispida L.f. Bodda chettu Moraceae Tree 109 Flacourtia indica(Burm.f.) Merr. Kanru Flacourtiaceae Tree 110 Flemingia semialata Roxb. Fabaceae Shrub 111 Galactia tenuiflora (Willd.) Wight Fabaceae Herb & Arn. 112 Gardenia gummifera L.f. Bikki Rubiaceae Tree 113 Glinus lotoides L. Chadarasikoora Molluginaceae Herb 114 Gloriosa superba L. Adavi nabhi Liliaceae Herb 115 Glycosmis mauritiana (Lam.) Golugu Rutaceae Shrub Tanaka 116 Gmelina arborea Roxb. ex Sm. Gummidi teku Verbenaceae Tree 117 Gmelina asiatica L. Chiru gummudu Verbenaceae Shrub 118 Gomphrena globosa L. Globe Amaranth Amaranthaceae Herb 119 Grewia hirsuta Vahl Jaani chettu Tiliaceae Shrub 120 Grewia tiliifolia Vahl Pedda jana Tiliaceae Tree 121 Hedyotis corymbosaL. Rubiaceae Herb 122 Hedyotis umbellata L. Rubiaceae Herb 123 Helicteres isora L. Nulitada Tiliaceae Shrub 124 Heliotropium indicum L. Nagadanti Boraginaceae Herb 125 Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. ex Sugandipala Periplocaceae Climber Schult. 126 Heteropogon contortus (L.) Kaseri gaddi Poaceae Grass P.Beauv. ex Roem. & Schult. 127 Hibiscus micranthus L.f. Nityamalli Malvaceae Herb 128 Holarrhena pubescensWall. ex Tedlapala Apocynaceae Shrub G.Don 129 Holoptelea integrifolia(Roxb.) Nemaliadugu Ulmaceae Tree 3 - 57

CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

Planch. 130 Hugonia mystax L. Pisangi Linaceae Climber 131 Hybanthus enneaspermus (L.) Ratnapurusha Violaceae Herb F.Muell. 132 Hygrophila auriculata(Schumach.) Neetigobbi Acanthaceae Herb Heine 133 Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. Sirnatulasi Lamiaceae Shrub 134 Ichnocarpus fruitiscens (L.) R.Br. Nalla teega Apocynaceae Climber 135 Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch. Darbhagaddi Poaceae Grass 136 Indigofera aspalathoides DC. Fabaceae Herb 137 Indigofera cassioides DC Cheragadam Fabaceae Herb 138 Ipomoea aquatica Forssk. Thootikura Convolvulaceae Climber 139 Iseilema laxum Hack. Errachengali gaddi Poaceae Grass 140 Ixora pavetta Lam. Rubiaceae Shrub 141 Jasminum grandiflorum L. Jaji Oleaceae Climber 142 Jatropha gossypifolia L. Nepalam Euphorbiaceae Tree 143 Justicia prostrata Gamble Acanthaceae Herb 144 Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Gempena Anacardiacae Shrub merr. 145 Lantana camara L. 146 Lepidagathis cristata Willd. Suryakantha Acanthaceae Herb 147 Leucaena leucocephala (lam.) de Subabul Mimosaceae Tree Wit 148 Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link Thummi Lamiaceae Herb 149 Ludwigia perennis L. Lavangakaya Onagraceae Herb 150 Madhuca indica J.F. Gmel. Ippa Sapotaceae Tree 151 Malvastrum coromandelianum (L.) Malvaceae Herb Garcke 152 Mangifera indica L. Mamidi Anacardiacae Tree 153 Melochia corchorifolia L. Sithakura Sterculiaceae Herb 154 Merremia emarginata (Burm. f.) Elikajemudu Convolvulaceae Climber Hallier f. 155 Merremia tridentata (L.) Hallier f. Convolvulaceae Climber 156 Mimosa pudica L. Attipatti Mimosaceae Herb 157 Mimosa rubicaulis Lam. pariki kampa Mimosaceae Shrub 158 Mimusops elengi L. Pogada Sapotaceae Tree 159 Mollugo nudicaulis Lam. Peddaparipata Molluginaceae Herb 160 Mollugo oppositifolia L. Chayuntarashi Molluginaceae Herb 161 Mollugo pentaphylla L. Verrichatarasi Molluginaceae Herb

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

162 Morinda coreia Buch.-Ham Thogaru Rubiaceae Tree 163 Moringa oleifera Lam. Munaga Moringaceae Tree 164 Mukia maderaspatana (L.) Pottibudamu Cucurbitaceae Climber M.Roem. 165 Ocimum tenuiflorum L. Tulasi Lamiaceae Shrub 166 Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw. Nagajemudu Cactaceae Shrub 167 Oxystelma esculentum (L. f.) Sm. Palakikura Asclepiadaceae Climber 168 Panicum psilopodium Trin. Poaceae Grass 169 Parthenium hysterophorus L. Congress weed Asteraceae Herb 170 Paspalidium flavidum (Retz.) Udagaddi Poaceae Grass A.Camus 171 Passiflora foetida L. Tellajumiki Passifloraceae Climber 172 Pavonia zeylanica (L.) Cav. Karubenda Malvaceae Herb 173 Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Dustaputeega Asclepiadaceae Climber Chiov. 174 Phoenix sylvestris (L.) Roxb. Eetha Arecaceae Tree 175 Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene Mosalipappu Verbenaceae Shrub 176 Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Naleusiri Euphorbiaceae Herb Thonn. 177 Phyllanthus emblica L. Usiri Euphorbiaceae Tree 178 Phyllanthus maderaspatensis L. Nalla uisirika Euphorbiaceae Herb 179 Plumeria alba L. Nuruvaralu Apocynaceae Tree 180 Polygala arvensis Willd. Polygalaceae Herb 181 Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre Kanuga Fabaceae Tree 182 Portulaca oleracea L. Pappukura Portulacaceae Herb 183 Portulaca quadrifida L. Sanna pappukura Portulacaceae Herb 184 Prosopis juliflora(Sw.) DC. Sarkaru tumma Mimosaceae Tree 185 Pupalia lappacea (L.) Juss. Antreetha Amaranthaceae Herb 186 Randia dumetorum (Retz.) Lam. Manga Rubiaceae Shrub 187 Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC. Nela alumu Fabaceae Climber 188 Rivea hypocrateriformis Choisy Boddi teega Convolvulaceae Climber 189 Sarcostemma acidum (Roxb.) Pandiri jamudu Asclepiadaceae Climber Voigt 190 Scoparia dulcis L. Scrophulariaceae Herb 191 Scutia myrtina (Burm.f.) Kurz Nallakorintha Rhamnaceae Climber 192 Sebastiania chamaelea (L.) Euphorbiaceae Herb Müll.Arg. 193 Securinega leucopyrus (Willd.) Challamunta Euphorbiaceae Shrub Muell.-Arg.

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

194 Sida acuta Burm.f. Chittemu Malvaceae Herb 195 Sida cordata (Burm.f.) Chirubenda Malvaceae Herb Borss.Waalk. 196 Streblus aspera Lour. Baranika Moraceae Tree 197 Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Neredu Myrtaceae Tree 198 Tectona grandis L.f. Teku Verbenaceae Tree 199 Tephrosia procumbens (Ham.) Vempali Fabaceae Herb Benth. 200 Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. Vempali Fabaceae Herb 201 Toddalia asiatica (L.) lam. Konda mirapa Rutaceae Climber 202 Tragia involucrata L. Duradagondi Euphorbiaceae Herb 203 Trianthema portulacastrum L. Galijeru Aizoaceae Herb 204 Tribulus terrestris L. Palleru Zygophyllaceae Herb 205 Trichodesma indicum (L.) Lehm. Guvvagutti Boraginaceae Herb 206 Tridax procumbens (L.) L. Gaddichamanti Asteraceae Herb 207 Triumfetta rotundifolia Lam. Banki thuturu Tiliaceae Herb 208 Urena lobata L. Nallabenda Malvaceae Herb 209 Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less. Sahadevi Asteraceae Herb 210 Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz. Lythraceae Shrub 211 Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R.Br. Ankudu Apocynaceae Tree 212 Ziziphus mauritiana Mill. Regu Rhamnaceae Tree 213 Ziziphus oenoplia(L.) Miller Parimi Rhamnaceae Climber 214 Ziziphus rugosa Lam. Gacha Rhamnaceae Tree

The structure and composition of vegetation in the buffer zone was studied by visual observations during the site visit. The buffer zone of 10km radius area composed hilly area, agriculture fields, barren lands, plantations and human habitation. No parks and sanctuaries exist within 10 km of the lease area. The list of plant species in core are given in Table 3.18. Table 3.18. Flora enumerated from buffer zone of the proposed mining site S.No. Botanical name Vernacular name Family Habit 1 Abrus precatorius L. Gurivinda Fabaceae Climber 2 Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet Tutturabenda Malvaceae Shrub 3 Acacia auriculiformis Benth. Mimosaceae Tree 4 Acacia caesia (L.) Will. Korintha Mimosaceae Climber 5 Acacia chundra (Rottler) Willd. Sundra Mimosaceae Tree 6 Acacia leucophloea (Roxb.) Wild. Tella tumma Mimosaceae Tree 7 Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile Nallathumma Mimosaceae Tree

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

8 Acacia pennata (L.) Willd. Guba korintha Mimosaceae Climber 9 Acalypha ciliata Wall. Euphorbiaceae Herb 10 Acalypha indica L. Muripindi Euphorbiaceae Herb 11 Achyranthes aspera L. Duchena Amaranthaceae Herb 12 Actiniopteris radiata (Koenig ex Mayurasiki Pteridaceae Fern Sw.) Link 13 Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa Maredu Rutaceae Tree 14 Aerva javanica (Burm.f.) Juss. Ex Amaranthacea Herb Schult. 15 Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. Pindikura Amaranthaceae Herb 16 Aeschynomene aspera Willd. Jilugu Fabaceae Shrub 17 Aganosma heynei (Spreng.) ined. Paalamalle Apocynaceae Climber 18 Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L. Sahadevi Asteraceae Herb 19 Alangium salvifolium(L.f.) Uduga Alangiaceae Tree 20 Albizia amara (Roxb.) B.Boivin Chikreni Mimosaceae Tree 21 Albizia chinensis (Osbeck.) Merr. Nallaregi Mimosaceae Tree 22 Albizia lebbeck L. (Benth.) Dirisena Mimosaceae Tree 23 Allamanda cathartica L. Apocynaceae Tree 24 Allophyllus serratus (Roxb.) Kurz Guvva gutti Sapindaceae Shrub 25 Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. Katabanda Liliaceae Herb 26 Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. Yedakulapala Apocynaceae Herb 27 Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Br. Ponnagantikura Amaranthacea Herb Ex DC 28 Alternanthera tenella Colla Mullu ponnaganti Amaranthaceae Herb 29 Alysicarpus monilifer (L.) DC. Amera Fabaceae Herb 30 Amaranthus spinosus L. Mullathotakura Amaranthacea Herb 31 Amaranthus viridis L. Thotakura Amaranthaceae Herb 32 Ammannia baccifera L. Agnivendramu Lythraceae Herb 33 Anacardium occidentale L. Jeedi Anacardiacae Tree 34 Andrographis echioides (L.) Nees Acanthaceae Herb 35 Anisomeles indica (L.) Kuntze Chinna ranaberi Lamiaceae Shrub 36 Annona reticulata L. Ramaphalamu Annonaceae Shrub 37 Annona squamosa L. Sitaphalamu Annonaceae Tree 38 Anogeissus latifolia (Roxb. Ex DC) Sirumanu Combretaceae Tree Wall. Ex Bedd. 39 Apluda mutica L. Adavikorregaddi Poaceae Grass 40 Argemone mexicana L. Bhrama dandi Papavaraceae Herb 41 Argyreia hirsuta Arn. Adavi gummadi Convolvulaceae Climber 42 Aristida adscensionis L. Katle gaddi Poaceae Grass 43 Aristida setacea Trin. & Rupr. Cheepurugaddi Poaceae Grass 3 - 61

CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

44 Artabotrys hexapetalus (L.f.) Tiga sampangi Annonaceae Shrub Bhandari 45 Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. Panasa Moraceae Tree 46 Asparagus racemosus Willd. Pilliteegalu Asparagaceae Climber 47 Asparagus racemosus (Kunth) Satavari Liliaceae Shrub Jessop 48 Asystasia gangetica (L.) Acanthaceae Herb T.Anderson 49 Azadirachta indica A.Juss. Vepa Meliaceae Tree 50 Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile Gara, Ingalukke Balanitaceae Shrub 51 Barleria prionitis L. Neelagorinta Acanthaceae Herb 52 Bauhinia purpurea L. Peddari Caesalpiniaceae Tree 53 Bauhinia racemosa Lam. Are Caesalpiniaceae Tree 54 Bauhinia vahlii Wight & Arn. Adda teega Caesalpiniaceae Climber 55 Benkara malabarica (Lam.) Tiven. Pedda manga Rubiaceae Shrub 56 Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC Pulichinta Oxalidaceae Herb 57 Blumea mollis (D.Don) Merr Kukkapogaku Asteraceae Herb 58 Blumea virens DC. Kondapogaku Asteraceae Herb 59 Boerhavia diffusa L. Atikamamidi Nyctaginaceae Herb 60 Boerhavia erecta L. Kanne komali Nyctaginaceae Herb 61 Bombax ceiba L. Buruga Bombacaceae Tree 62 Borassus flabellifer L. Thati Arecaceae Tree 63 Brachiaria mutica (Forssk.) Stapf Paragaddi Poaceae Grass 64 Brachiaria reptans (L.) Poaceae Grass C.A.Gardner & C.E.Hubb 65 Bridelia monoica (Lour.) Merr. Balli chettu Euphorbiaceae Tree 66 Bridelia montana (Roxb.) Willd. Pariki Euphorbiaceae Tree 67 Bridelia retusa (L.) A.Juss. Kora maddi Euphorbiaceae Tree 68 Buchanania lanzan Spreng. Morli Anacardiaceae Tree 69 Bucida ramosa(M.Gómez) Alwan Adurugaddi Combretaceae Tree & Stace 70 Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. Modugu chettu Fabaceae Tree 71 Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. Gachapodha Caesalpiniaceae Shrub 72 Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw. Caesalpiniaceae Shrub 73 Calotropis gigantea (L.) Dryand. Jilledu Asclepiadaceae Shrub 74 Calotropis procera (Aiton) Jilledu Asclepiadaceae Climber Dryand. 75 Canavalia virosa (Roxb.) Wight & Tammakaya Fabaceae Climber Arn.

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

76 Canna indica L. Metta thamara Cannaceae Herb 77 Capparis divaricata Lam. Nallabalasi Capparaceae Tree 78 Capparis sepiaria L. Nalla uppi Capparaceae Climber 79 Capparis zeylanica L. Aridonda Capparaceae Climber 80 Carissa spinarum L. Vaka Apocynaceae Climber 81 Cassia auriculata L. Tangedu Caesalpiniaceae Shrub 82 Cassia fistula L. Rela Caesalpiniaceae Tree 83 Cassia occidentalis L. Kasintha Caesalpiniaceae Shrub 84 Cassia siamea Lam. Seemathangedu Caesalpiniaceae Tree 85 Cassia uniflora Mill. Rtagarisa Caesalpiniaceae Herb 86 Casuarina equisetefolia L. Casurina Casuarinaceae Tree 87 Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don Billaganneru Apocynaceae Shrub 88 Catunaregam spinosa (Thunb.) Manga Rubiaceae Shrub Tirveng. 89 Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. Buruga Bombacaceae Tree 90 Celosia argentea L. Gurumu Amaranthaceae Herb 91 Chloris barbata Sw. Uppugaddi Poaceae Grass 92 Chrysopogon orientalis (Desv.) Peddapala Poaceae Grass A.Camus 93 Cissus quandrangularis L. Nalleru Vitaceae Climber 94 Cissus vitiginea L. Adavidraksha Vitaceae Shrub 95 Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. Eriipucha Cucurbitaceae Climber 96 Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck Rutaceae Tree 97 Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck Nimma Rutaceae Tree 98 Cleome viscosa L. Kukkavaminta Cleomaceae Herb 99 Clerodendrum inerme (L.) Gaertn. Nillavuppi Verbenaceae Shrub 100 Cleistanthus collinus (Roxb.) Kodisa Euphorbiaceae Tree Benth. Ex Hook.f. 101 Clitoria ternatea L. Shankupuspi Fabaceae Climber 102 Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt Kakidonda Cucurbitaceae Climber 103 Cocculus hirsutus (L.) W.Theob. Dusaratiga Menispermaceae Climber 104 Cocos nucifera L. Kobbari Arecaceae Tree 105 Coldenia procumbens L. Hamsapadu Boraginaceae Herb 106 Combretum albidum G. Don yada teega Combretaceae Climber 107 Commelina benghalensis L. Yennadri Commelinaceae Sedge 108 Commiphora caudata (Wight & Kondaregu Burseraceae Tree Arn.) Engler 109 Corchorus trilocularis L. Bankitutturu Tiliaceae Herb

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

110 Crossandra infundibuliformis (L.) Vadambaralu Acanthaceae Herb Nees 111 Crotalaria angulata Mill. Fabaceae Herb 112 Crotalaria hebecarpa (DC.) Rudd Fabaceae Herb 113 Crotalaria medicaginea var. Fabaceae Herb neglecta (Wight & Arn.) Baker 114 Crotalaria verrucosa L. Giligicha Fabaceae Herb 115 Croton bonplandianus Baill. Galivana mokka Euphorbiaceae Herb 116 Cryptolepis buchanani Roem. & Adavipalateega Apocynaceae Climber Schult. 117 Cucumis melo L. Mula maddu Cucurbitaceae Climber 118 Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. Passiteega Convolvulaceae Climber 119 Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf Nimmagaddi Poaceae Grass 120 Cymbopogon coloratus (Hook.f.) Bodha gaddi Poaceae Grass Stapf 121 Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Gariki Poaceae Grass 122 Cyperus alopecuroides Rottb. Cyperaceae Sedge 123 Cyperus arenarius Retz. Cyperaceae Sedge 124 Cyperus castaneus Willd. Cyperaceae Sedge 125 Cyperus exaltatus Retz. Cyperaceae Sedge 126 Cyperus pangorei Rottb. Cyperaceae Sedge 127 Cyperus rotundus L. Thunga Cyperaceae Sedge 128 Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Crow foot grass Poaceae Grass Willd. 129 Dalbergia paniculata Roxb. Pachari Fabaceae Tree 130 Datura stramonium L. Umetha Solanaceae Shrub 131 Delonix regia (Hook.f.) Raf. Sunkesula Caesalpiniaceae Tree 132 Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Sanna veduru Poaceae Herb Nees 133 Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f.) Badanika Loranthaceae Herb Ettingsh. 134 Dentella repens (L.) J.R.Forst. & Rubiaceae Herb G.Forst. 135 Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC Muntamandu Fabaceae Herb 136 Dichanthium annulatum (Forssk.) Sheda grass Poaceae Herb Stapf 137 Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight Veluthuru Mimosaceae Tree & Arn. 138 Digera muricata (L.) Mart. Chenchalakura Amaranthaceae Herb

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

139 Digitaria ciliaris (Lam.) Roem. & Poaceae Grass Schult. 140 Diospyros chloroxylon Roxb. Erragatha Ebenaceae Tree 141 Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. Tuniki Ebenaceae Tree 142 Dodonaea viscosa (L.) Jacq. Bandedu Sapindaceae Shrub 143 Dolichandrone falcata (Wall. Ex Chittoddi Bignoniaceae Tree DC) Seem. 144 Ecbolium viride (Forssk.) Alston Pachavadambaramu Acanthaceae Herb

145 Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Pedda windu Poaceae Herb P.Beauv. 146 Echinops echinatus Roxb. Mulla banthi Asteraceae Herb 147 Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. Guntagalagara Asteraceae Herb 148 Ehretia laevis(Rottler ex G.Don) Tellapisini Boraginaceae Shrub Roxb. 149 Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC. ex DC. Asteraceae Herb 150 Eragrostis amabilis (L.) Wight & Udaragaddi Poaceae Grass Arn. 151 Eragrostis minor Host Goobbai gaddi Poaceae Grass 152 Eragrostis tenella (L.) P.Beauv. ex Chinna garaiki Poaceae Grass Roem. & Schult. gaddi 153 Eranthemum pulchellum Andrews. Vaadambaramu Acanthaceae Herb 154 Erythrina variegata L. Baaditha Fabaceae Tree 155 Erythroxylum monogynum Roxb. Dedaraku Erythroxylaceae Tree 156 Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Nilagiri Myrtaceae Tree 157 Eugenia bracteata (Willd.) Roxb. Kundinedu Myrtaceae Shrub Ex DC. 158 Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. Kampurotta Asteraceae Shrub King & H. Rob. 159 Euphorbia antiquorum L. Bontha jemudu Euphorbiaceae Herb 160 Euphorbia nivulia Buch.-Ham. Aku jemudu Euphorbiaceae Herb 161 Euphorbia heterophylla L. Wild Poinsettia Euphorbiaceae Herb 162 Euphorbia hirta L. Reddivari nanubalu Euphorbiaceae Herb 163 Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. Vishnukrantha Convolvulaceae Herb 164 Evolvulus nummularius (L.) L. Convolvulaceae Herb 165 Ficus benghalensis L. Marri chettu Moraceae Tree 166 Ficus hispida L.f. Bodda chettu Moraceae Tree 167 Ficus racemosa L. Medi Moraceae Tree 168 Ficus religiosa L. Ravi chettuy Moraceae Tree 169 Fimbristylis ferruginea (L.) Vahl Cyperaceae Sedge 3 - 65

CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

170 Flacourtia indica(Burm.f.) Merr. Kanru Flacourtiaceae Tree 171 Flemingia semialata Roxb. Fabaceae Shrub 172 Galactia tenuiflora (Willd.) Wight Fabaceae Herb & Arn. 173 Gardenia gummifera L.f. Bikki Rubiaceae Tree 174 Glinus lotoides L. Chadarasikoora Molluginaceae Herb 175 Gloriosa superba L. Adavi nabhi Liliaceae Herb 176 Glycosmis mauritiana (Lam.) Golugu Rutaceae Shrub Tanaka 177 Gmelina arborea Roxb. ex Sm. Gummidi teku Verbenaceae Tree 178 Gmelina asiatica L. Chiru gummudu Verbenaceae Shrub 179 Gomphrena globosa L. Globe Amaranth Amaranthaceae Herb 180 Grewia hirsuta Vahl Jaani chettu Tiliaceae Shrub 181 Grewia tiliifolia Vahl Pedda jana Tiliaceae Tree 182 Grewia rhamnifolia Heyne ex Roth Bampudu Tiliaceae Shrub 183 Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R. Br. Podapathri Asclepiadaceae Climber Ex Sm. 184 Hardwickia binata Roxb. Yepi Caesalpiniaceae Tree 185 Hedyotis corymbosaL. Rubiaceae Herb 186 Hedyotis umbellata L. Rubiaceae Herb 187 Helicteres isora L. Nulitada Tiliaceae Shrub 188 Heliotropium indicum L. Nagadanti Boraginaceae Herb 189 Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. ex Sugandipala Periplocaceae Climber Schult. 190 Heteropogon contortus (L.) Kaseri gaddi Poaceae Grass P.Beauv. ex Roem. & Schult. 191 Hibiscus micranthus L.f. Nityamalli Malvaceae Herb 192 Holarrhena pubescensWall. ex Tedlapala Apocynaceae Shrub G.Don 193 Holoptelea integrifolia(Roxb.) Nemaliadugu Ulmaceae Tree Planch. 194 Hugonia mystax L. Pisangi Linaceae Climber 195 Hybanthus enneaspermus (L.) Ratnapurusha Violaceae Herb F.Muell. 196 Hygrophila auriculata(Schumach.) Neetigobbi Acanthaceae Herb Heine 197 Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. Sirnatulasi Lamiaceae Shrub 198 Ichnocarpus fruitiscens (L.) R.Br. Nalla teega Apocynaceae Climber 199 Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch. Darbhagaddi Poaceae Grass 200 Indigofera aspalathoides DC. Fabaceae Herb

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

201 Indigofera cassioides DC Cheragadam Fabaceae Herb 202 Ipomoea aquatica Forssk. Thootikura Convolvulaceae Climber 203 Iseilema laxum Hack. Errachengali gaddi Poaceae Grass

204 Ixora pavetta Lam. Rubiaceae Shrub 205 Jasminum grandiflorum L. Jaji Oleaceae Climber 206 Jatropha gossypifolia L. Nepalam Euphorbiaceae Tree 207 Justicia prostrata Gamble Acanthaceae Herb 208 Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Gempena Anacardiacae Shrub merr. 209 Lantana camara L. 210 Lepidagathis cristata Willd. Suryakantha Acanthaceae Herb 211 Leucaena leucocephala (lam.) de Subabul Mimosaceae Tree Wit 212 Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link Thummi Lamiaceae Herb 213 Ludwigia perennis L. Lavangakaya Onagraceae Herb 214 Madhuca indica J.F. Gmel. Ippa Sapotaceae Tree 215 Malvastrum coromandelianum (L.) Malvaceae Herb Garcke 216 Mangifera indica L. Mamidi Anacardiacae Tree 217 Manilkara zapota (L.) P.Royen Sapota Sapotaceae Tree 218 Maytenus emarginata (Willd.) Danthi Rubiaceae Shrub Ding Hou 219 Melia azedirach L. Thuraka Vepa Meliaceae Tree 220 Melochia corchorifolia L. Sithakura Sterculiaceae Herb 221 Merremia emarginata (Burm. f.) Elikajemudu Convolvulaceae Climber Hallier f. 222 Merremia tridentata (L.) Hallier f. Convolvulaceae Climber 223 Michelia champaca L. Sampangi Magnoliaceae Tree 224 Mimosa pudica L. Attipatti Mimosaceae Herb 225 Mimosa rubicaulis Lam. pariki kampa Mimosaceae Shrub 226 Mimusops elengi L. Pogada Sapotaceae Tree 227 Mollugo nudicaulis Lam. Peddaparipata Molluginaceae Herb 228 Mollugo oppositifolia L. Chayuntarashi Molluginaceae Herb 229 Mollugo pentaphylla L. Verrichatarasi Molluginaceae Herb 230 Morinda coreia Buch.-Ham Thogaru Rubiaceae Tree 231 Moringa oleifera Lam. Munaga Moringaceae Tree 232 Mukia maderaspatana (L.) Pottibudamu Cucurbitaceae Climber M.Roem.

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

233 Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. Karivapaku Rutaceae Tree 234 Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Kadambam Rubiaceae Tree Bosser 235 Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. Parijathamu Oleaceae Shrub 236 Ochna obtusata DC. Tammi Ochnaceae Shrub 237 Ocimum basilicum L. Vibhudi Lamiaceae Herb 238 Ocimum tenuiflorum L. Tulasi Lamiaceae Shrub 239 Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw. Nagajemudu Cactaceae Shrub 240 Oxystelma esculentum (L. f.) Sm. Palakikura Asclepiadaceae Climber 241 Panicum psilopodium Trin. Poaceae Grass 242 Parthenium hysterophorus L. Congress weed Asteraceae Herb 243 Paspalidium flavidum (Retz.) Udagaddi Poaceae Grass A.Camus 244 Passiflora foetida L. Tellajumiki Passifloraceae Climber 245 Pavonia zeylanica (L.) Cav. Karubenda Malvaceae Herb 246 Peltophorum pterocarpum (DC.) Kondachinta Caesalpiniaceae Tree K.Heyne 247 Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Dustaputeega Asclepiadaceae Climber Chiov. 248 Phoenix sylvestris (L.) Roxb. Eetha Arecaceae Tree 249 Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene Mosalipappu Verbenaceae Shrub 250 Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Naleusiri Euphorbiaceae Herb Thonn. 251 Phyllanthus emblica L. Usiri Euphorbiaceae Tree 252 Phyllanthus maderaspatensis L. Nalla uisirika Euphorbiaceae Herb 253 Phyllanthus virgatus G.Forst. Euphorbiaceae Herb 254 Physalis minima L. Buddabudasa Solanaceae Herb 255 Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Seemachinta Mimosaceae Tree Benth. 256 Plumeria alba L. Nuruvaralu Apocynaceae Tree 257 Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) Naramamidi Annonaceae Tree Thwaites 258 Polygala arvensis Willd. Polygalaceae Herb 259 Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre Kanuga Fabaceae Tree 260 Portulaca oleracea L. Pappukura Portulacaceae Herb 261 Portulaca quadrifida L. Sanna pappukura Portulacaceae Herb 262 Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. Sarkaru tumma Mimosaceae Tree 263 Pupalia lappacea (L.) Juss. Antreetha Amaranthaceae Herb 264 Randia dumetorum (Retz.) Lam. Manga Rubiaceae Shrub

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

265 Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC. Nela alumu Fabaceae Climber 266 Rivea hypocrateriformis Choisy Boddi teega Convolvulaceae Climber 267 Rungia repens (L.) Nees Acanthaceae Herb 268 Salvadora persica L. Gogu Salvadoraceae Shrub 269 Samanea saman (jacq.) Merr. Nidrabhangi Mimosaceae Tree 270 Sapindus emarginatus Vahl Kunkudu Sapindaceae Tree 271 Sarcostemma acidum (Roxb.) Pandiri jamudu Asclepiadaceae Climber Voigt 272 Scoparia dulcis L. Scrophulariaceae Herb 273 Scutia myrtina (Burm.f.) Kurz Nallakorintha Rhamnaceae Climber 274 Sebastiania chamaelea (L.) Euphorbiaceae Herb Müll.Arg. 275 Securinega leucopyrus (Willd.) Challamunta Euphorbiaceae Shrub Muell.-Arg. 276 Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr. Avishapulu Fabaceae Tree 277 Sida acuta Burm.f. Chittemu Malvaceae Herb 278 Sida cordata (Burm.f.) Chirubenda Malvaceae Herb Borss.Waalk. 279 Solanum surattense Burm. f. Nelavakudu Solanaceae Herb 280 Spermacoce hispida L. Madanaku Rubiaceae Herb 281 Sphaeranthus indicus L. Bodasaram Asteraceae Herb 282 Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Verbenaceae Herb Vahl 283 Streblus aspera Lour. Baranika Moraceae Tree 284 Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Neredu Myrtaceae Tree 285 Tamarindus indica L. Chinta Caesalpiniaceae Tree 286 Tarenna asiatica (L.) Kuntze ex K. Papidi Rubiaceae Shrub Schum. 287 Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth Swarnaganneru Bignoniaceae Shrub 288 Tectona grandis L.f. Teku Verbenaceae Tree 289 Tephrosia procumbens (Ham.) Vempali Fabaceae Herb Benth. 290 Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. Vempali Fabaceae Herb 291 Terminalia arjuna(Roxb.) Wight & Tella maddi Combretaceae Tree Arn 292 Terminalia catappa L. Badam chettu Combretaceae Tree 293 Tiliocora acuminata (Lam.) Bandi teega Menispermaceae Climber Hook.f. & Thoms. 294 Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Tippateega Menispermaceae Climber Miers

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CHAPTER –III M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. DESCRIPTION OF DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENT

295 Toddalia asiatica (L.) lam. Konda mirapa Rutaceae Climber 296 Tragia involucrata L. Duradagondi Euphorbiaceae Herb 297 Trianthema portulacastrum L. Galijeru Aizoaceae Herb 298 Tribulus terrestris L. Palleru Zygophyllaceae Herb 299 Trichodesma indicum (L.) Lehm. Guvvagutti Boraginaceae Herb 300 Tridax procumbens (L.) L. Gaddichamanti Asteraceae Herb 301 Triumfetta rotundifolia Lam. Banki thuturu Tiliaceae Herb 302 Typha angustifolia L. Typa gaddi Poaceae Grass 303 Urena lobata L. Nallabenda Malvaceae Herb 304 Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less. Sahadevi Asteraceae Herb 305 Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash Vattivellu Poaceae Grass 306 Vitex negundo L. Vavili Verbenaceae Shrub 307 Wattakaka volubilis (L. f.) Stapf Paalateega Asclepiadaceae Climber 308 Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz. Lythraceae Shrub 309 Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R.Br. Ankudu Apocynaceae Tree 310 Zaleya decandra (L.) Burm.f. Aizoaceae Herb 311 Ziziphus mauritiana Mill. Regu Rhamnaceae Tree 312 Ziziphus oenoplia(L.) Miller Parimi Rhamnaceae Climber 313 Ziziphus rugosa Lam. Gacha Rhamnaceae Tree

3.11.6 Faunal diversity Additionally reference of relevant literatures (published/unpublished) and dialogues with local people were also varied out to consolidate the presence of faunal distribution in the area Systematic account of the fauna along with birds in the study area with the status of occurrence is given in the Table 3.19. Table 3.19. Checklist of fauna found in the study area S.No. Scientific name Common name Vernacular Schedule name Mammals 1 Petaurista philippensis Brown flying Chettu udutha IV squirrel 2 Varanus indicus Common Mongoose Mungisa IV 3 Vulpes bengalensis Bengal fox Guntanakka IV 4 Bandikota indica Bandicoot Rat Pandikokku IV 5 Rattus rattus House rat Yeluka IV 6 Rattus nitidus Indian field rat Yeluka IV 7 Pteropus giganteus Indian flying fox Gabbilamu IV

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8 Lepus nigricollis Indian hare Kundelu IV 9 Canis aureus Jackal Nakka IV 10 Hystix indica Poprcupine Mullapandi IV 11 Funambulus pennant Northern palm Udutha IV squirrel 12 Sus scrofa Wild boar Adavipandi III Reptiles 13 Bangarus caeruleus Common Krait Katlapamu IV 14 Daboia russelli Russell's viper Ralthapinajri Notlisted 15 Ptyas mucosa Ratsnake Jerripothu IV 16 Ahaetulla nasuta Tree snake Pachari pamu IV 17 Typhlops porrectus Blind snake Guddipamu IV 18 Varanus monitor Monitor Liazard Udumu I 19 Hemidactylus frenatus Wall Lizard Balli IV 20 Calotes versicolor Garden lizard Thonda IV Aves 21 Ardeola grayi Pond heron Guddi konga IV 22 Apus apus Common swift IV 23 Dicrurus macrocercus Black drongo kathiripitta IV 24 Coracias benghalensis Indian roller Palapitta IV 25 Merops orientalis Green bee-eater Passeriki IV 26 Turoides striatus Jungle babbler Chataka pakshi IV 27 Corvus splendens Crow Kaki Notlisted 28 Corvus macrorhynchos Jungle crow Adavikaki Notlisted 29 Cuculus canorus Cuckoo Kokila IV 30 Streptopelia decactao Ring Dove Kapothamu IV 31 Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret Konga Notlisted 32 Egretta garzetta Little Egret Konga Notlisted 33 Eudynamus scolopaceus Koel Kokila IV 34 Lonchura striata White rumped munia Gorapitta IV 35 Sturnus pagodarum Brahminy starling Goruvanka Notlisted 36 Acridotheres tristis Common myna Myna Notlisted 37 Glaucidium radiatum Jungle Owlet Adavigudlaguba IV 38 Athene brama Spotted Owlet Gudlaguba IV 39 Psittacula eupatria Parakeet Chiluka Notlisted 40 Francolinus Grey partridge Chakoramu Notlisted pondicerianus 41 Columba livia Rock Dove Pavuramu IV 42 Saxocoloides fulicata Indian Robin Kalchuri IV

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43 Apus affinis Little Swift Babila Notlisted 44 Milvus migrans Common kite Gradda IV 45 Haliastur indicus Brahminy kite Brahmini gradda IV 46 Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow Vanakovela Notlisted Amphibians 47 Rana hexadactyla Ordinary frog Kappa Notlisted 48 Bufo melanosticatus South Indian Toad Boduru Kappa Notlisted 49 Hyla arborea Tree frog Notlisted 50 Rana tigrina Tiger frog Kappa Notlisted Butterflies 51 Neptis hylas Common Sailor IV 52 Junonia rithya Blue pansy IV 53 Preais iphita Chocolate pansy IV 54 Junonia hierta Yellow pansy IV 55 Aethriamanta brevipennis

Based on the data collected and the survey conducted on endangered/threatened/endemic plant/animal species were found in the study area (core and buffer zones). The Indian Wildlife (protection) Act 1972 notified list of fauna coming under the Schedule-I. During faunal survey no Schedule-I species have reported from the study area. 3.11.7 Aquatic Ecology As there are no perennial rivers or reservoirs, all surface water bodies have dried up and hence no aquatic organisms could be noticed during the summer season. A survey of literature and the records of BSI and ZSI do not indicate the presence of any aquatic threatened species in the area. The study site is not a habitat for any commercial fisheries. Only small fish are caught by villagers from drying tanks, seasonal streams and other water bodies.

3.12 SOCIO - ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT Overview This report presents the socio-economic impact assessment (SIA), as part of the EIA for the proposed Project. The socio-economic baseline focuses on demographic

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patterns of socio economic conditions and livelihood profile and infrastructure facilities in the study area. Based on the data that is collected in this section, the socio economic impact assessment will envisage and evaluate any potential impacts of the proposed project on the local community, livelihoods and other social systems.

The key aims and objectives of the socio-economic study included:  To provide an accurate representation of the social, economic and cultural conditions in preposed project location -  To identify the potential socio-economic positive and negative impacts of the proposed project;  To develop attainable mitigation measures to enhance positive impacts and reduce or avoid negative impacts; and  To develop management and monitoring measures to be implemented throughout the life of the project.

The socio-economic baseline has been prepared on the basis of a review of available secondary sources of information as well as select primary consultations in the vicinity of the project area. In addition, a sample survey of 42 people were participated from various demographical aspects to know the socio economic livelihood, awareness of the project and community perceptions about the proposed project and other related information. Demographic characteristics of the study area falling within 10 km radius of the mine lease area have been compiled to assess the pre-project socio-economic status. Secondary data has been collected from various government agencies i.e., chief planning officer, Kurnool district and other government departments of forestry, irrigation etc., and Mandal Development Offices of the relevant government departments. Census data was complied and presented as follows.

District Profile Kurnool district comprises 3 Revenue divisions namely Kurnool, Nandyal and Adoni, which cover 54 Revenue Mandals, 53 Mandal Parishads, One Municipal Corporation, 3 Municipalities, 899 Gram Panchayats (Notified-7, Non-notified 862), 920 Revenue Villages and 615 Hamlet villages that exist for easy administration. Municipal 3 - 73

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Corporation serves particularly head quarters of Kurnool for taking administration close to society.

District Population details: In 2011, Kurnool had population of 4,053,463 of which male and female were 2,039,227 and 2,014,236 respectively. There was change of 14.85 percent in the population compared to population as per 2001. With regard to Density, shows that is 230 people per sq. km. Average literacy rate of this area is 59.97 compared to 53.22 of 2001. If things are looked out at gender wise, male and female literacy were 70.10 and 49.78 respectively. With regards to Sex Ratio in Kurnool, it stood at 988 per 1000 male compared to 2001 census figure of 965. Child sex ratio is 938 girls per 1000 boys. Data regarding child under 0-6. There were total 506,239,. Of total 506,239 male and female were 261,217

Demography of the study area: The study area falls under the following mandals; Veldurthi, Bethamcherla and Banaganapalle mandals in Kurnool district. Study area comprises of 15 revenue villages and 12 hamlets.

Population Distribution The population distribution of the study area is presented in Table 3.20. The total population of the area is 106227 consisting of 53537 males and 52690 females. The population of the scheduled castes is 26083 consists of 13138 males and 12945 females, while the scheduled tribe population is 2605 consists of 1333 males and 1272 females, which is 24.55% and 2.45 % of the total population respectively.

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Table 3.20 - Population Distribution – Study Area

Category KM 3-5 5-7 7-10 Total

Total Population 13410 61730 31087 106227 Total Population – Male 6774 31070 15693 53537 Total Population – Female 6636 30660 15394 52690 Population <6 years 1737 8002 4078 13817 Male <6 years 881 4152 2038 7071 Females < 6years 856 3850 2040 6746 Scheduled Caste Population - Total 2721 16111 7251 26083 Male – SC 1362 8134 3642 13138 Female – SC 1359 7977 3609 12945 Scheduled Tribe Population Total 38 1160 1407 2605 Male – ST 18 587 728 1333 Female – ST 20 573 679 1272 http://censusindia.gov.in/pca/cdb_pca_census/Houselisting-housing-AP.html

Literacy Census operations consider a person who is above six years old and who can write and read as literate. Table 3.21 presents literacy levels in the study area. The population below six years old is 13817 consisting of 7071 males and 6746 females, which is 13.01 % of the study area population. It may be observed that the literacy levels among females in general are low compared to the literacy levels among males.

Table 3.21 Literacy - Study Area kms Category 3-5 5-7 7-10 Total Total Population 13410 61730 31087 106227 Total Population – Male 6774 31070 15693 53537 Total Population – Female 6636 30660 15394 52690 Population <6 years 1737 8002 4078 13817 Male <6 years 881 4152 2038 7071 Females < 6years 856 3850 2040 6746 Total Literates 7056 31098 15356 53510 Male –Literates 4271 18893 9370 32534 Female – Literates 2785 12205 5986 20976 Total Illiterates 6354 30632 15731 52717 Source: http://censusindia.gov.in/pca/cdb_pca_census/Houselisting-housing-AP.html 3 - 75

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The percentage of literacy level in the study area among males is 70.02 and 45.66 among females. It may be observed that the literacy level among females is comparatively less than males.

Occupation in the study area Work is defined as participation in any economically productive activity - Physical/mental. The work force is classified into three categories: a) main workers, b) marginal workers and c) non-workers. It can be observed that a majority of the study area population (43.83%) falls in the non worker category and the marginal workers from about 7.82% of the total population. The male female difference is also significant in all the regions and in all the categories. There are few females among the workers where as there are more non workers and marginal workers among females. The main workers are further classified into; Total cultivators: those who engage a single worker or his family member to cultivate land for payment in money, kind or share; Agricultural labor: those who work in other’s lands for wages; Livestock, forestry, fishing and allied activities; Workers involved in mining and quarrying; Workers involved in manufacturing and processing industries in the house hold industries, Non house hold industries, construction workers, workers in trade and commerce, Workers involved in transport, storage and communication and other services: government employees, teachers, priests, artists etc. Table 3.22 presents the main workers distribution among study area population.

Table 3.22 Employment – Study Area Category KM 3-5 5-7 7-10 Total Total Population 13410 61730 31087 106227 Total Population – Male 6774 31070 15693 53537 Total Population – Female 6636 30660 15394 52690 Total Workers 7720 34914 17028 59662 Total Workers – Male 4163 18928 9415 32506 Total Workers – Female 3557 15986 7613 27156 Total Main Workers 5217 30680 15455 51352 Main workers – Male 3195 17322 8845 29362 Main Workers – Female 2022 13358 6610 21990 Total Marginal Workers 2503 4234 1573 8310

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Marginal Workers – Male 968 1606 570 3144 Marginal Workers – Female 1535 2628 1003 5166 Total Non Workers 5690 26816 14059 46565 Non Workers – Male 2611 12142 6278 21031 Non Workers – Female 3079 14674 7781 25534 http://censusindia.gov.in/pca/cdb_pca_census/Houselisting-housing-AP.html

It may be observed that over 24.37% of the study area population is involved in cultivation or agriculture labor, followed by other services to the tune of 11.79% reflecting on the proximity to Bethamcherla which is the administrative center and mining area. Significant differences are observed among the male and female workers, Female workers are found to be less among all categories of workers.

Infrastructure in the study area Sustainable development of any area is dependent not only the population but also on the availability of infrastructure which leads to better living standards. The infrastructure facilities are essential in providing education, awareness, health, communication, potable water, transport etc. The standards of living are the sum of the availability of the infrastructure to the subject community, wide variations in terms of income, economic conditions and patterns of spending.

The infrastructure facilities available in the impact zone are reflecting the rural nature of the entire study area. I. Educational Facilities The educational facilities available in the rural areas are meager, despite the proximity to urban area of Bethamcherla. There are 40 primary schools, 16 middle schools and 7 high schools in the study area. There is no junior college within the impact area. The higher educational need of the population is met by Kurnool town.

II. Health facilities The medical and health facilities available in the rural area of the impact zone are inadequate; there are 2 Primary Health Centre, 6 Primary Health Sub Centre and no child welfare centers and 3 Registered Private Medical Practitioners centers in the

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entire area. While the urban area has a number of health facilities including a teaching hospital. The health needs of the population in this area are met by quacks and other semi qualified persons.

III. Availability of Potable Water The entire population in this area is dependent on ground water for drinking purposes.

IV. Transport and Communication Transport is essentially provided by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC). Most of the study area has excellent road network in all the villages, which has kacha roads. APSRTC bus facility is available for all the villages. However it is observed that a number of private transport vehicles are observed in the area connecting them to Kurnool.

V. Sources of Energy and Availability The primary source of energy in the study area is electricity, and the entire study area has electricity for agriculture and domestic purpose. The Kurnool area has LPG facility for their cooking purpose. A significant number of people in the urban area are also dependent on Kerosene for cooking purposes, which is contingent on the vagaries of public distribution system. A majority of the rural area is mostly dependent on LPG gas, dried cow dung cakes, wood from roadside trees for their domestic energy needs.

VI. Post and Telegraph facilities There are 21 post offices in the area and no post and Telegraph office in the study area. Phone facilities however are extended to most of the villages.

Community Perceptions and Need Assessment The primary data collection was subsequently undertaken during process. This included the collection of baseline demographic and socio-economic information through a standardized survey focusing on household composition, education levels, general health status, livelihood strategies, employment, and income and expenditure. In light of potential resettlement requirements, the survey took the form of a census in villages of 10 km radius. 3 - 78

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A primary survey was conducted on data of 42 participants among the local communities of the study area to know the community perception and impact of the proposed project. In this connection, data has been collected by using convenient sampling. This survey mainly collected the socioeconomic information of the participants, such as; Name, age, gender, education, income source etc. To know the impact of the present study, we focused on five major domains, namely; economical, social & cultural, health & wellbeing, economical, personal & psychological and heath & public infrastructure aspects to assess that significant impact differences about this proposed project. This study was carried on population living in the 10 villages. The hamlets covered within 10 KM of core and buffer areas.

Profile of Respondents Overall Outcome of the primary survey: As a part of primary survey, socio economic functional area expert raised different questions related to proposed project and impact due to project. The data is process to bring out the positive as well as negative impacts due to this proposed project as we discussed

Economical impact It was observed from the nature of the proposed project the proposed project generates direct and indirect economy in various levels. It can be said that during process, it is estimated manpower should be needed to this project. In this connection, human resource will be required on contract and regular bases in technical and non technical areas. Once the mining work stared, it is approximately estimated a total of 37 workers will be required (see table No. 2.11) for the proposed project.

The proposed project is surrounded with different villages, whereas most of these workers are likely to be from the project area, because the surrounding villages are having human resource with skilled, semi skilled people and unskilled. These people might be recruited as technical back ground like; technicians, service providers, tipper driver, machine operators, supervisors in this project. The uneducated human beings 3 - 79

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will be useful as labor and helpers. Hence, there would be more economical flow and the people who are in the middle and low poverty line can be come out through employability due to this project. An influx of population into the project area, including contracted construction teams, will increase the demand for goods and services. Increases in income-earning opportunities will also increase spending potential, providing opportunities for supply of such services, indirectly increasing the overall wealth of the area. The employers will contribute to the provident fund, ESI and provide facilities as per the relevant labor act. The proposed mining activity will contribute to the growth of the area, which in turn generates employment, and improve the infrastructure facilities of the area by strengthening the same economically.

Social & Cultural impacts: This domain focused on impact of social and cultural within the study area. It was also observed from the survey; there will not be any out migration from proposed project. But, a very less people might be stayed due to employability form outside study area. Other than there is no rehabilitation plan. With regard to cultural aspect, it can be said that people were positively responded towards this project. Hence, It can be said that people may not be have break ups with cohesion, may not have any differences in social and cultural norms due to this project.

Health & wellbeing impacts: This domain focused on health and welling with this project and impact in various levels In general, the mining site loaded with tipper, and drilling machines any other vehicles may temporarily generate ambient noise and fugitive, dust from roads. Noise and air quality studies are included in the full EIA and associated impacts need to refer to the social environment. But, the proposed site is situated far away to the community livings. Hence, it can be concluded there would be any negative impact on communities with this project. Another side, the wellbeing of the local people will be developed in the form of direct and indirect employment.

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Public infrastructure & Services It is estimated that the proposed project would be caused for Improvement in communication, transport, education, community development and medical facilities. The infrastructure development, extension of new roads for smooth transportation of vehicle, increase of private services due to the activity, frequent health camps will be campaigned for local people. By increasing of connectivity, people have more opportunities to enrich their business in various sectors.

Personal and psychological Impact It is observed from personal and psychological context, most of the respondents have positive attitude towards this project. Participants felt that have more economical and infrastructure benefits due to this project. And another words, it come to known people have thought of expression towards encouraging new industries. Hence, this could be more helpful to the coming generations, in context of education, business and employment aspect.

Need Assessment Primary consultations identified certain key expectations that are also indicative of the local community’s attitude towards industrial development in the study area:

 Some of the respondent said the employment will be useful to skilled and semi skilled people.

 There are many primary and secondary Govt. school in this schools. Majority of the schools are lacking with infrastructure and other amenities and people also expecting financial assistance for poor students.

 Addition to civic amenities such as drinking water , extinction of roads

 Few the respondents said that health camps and periodical health check to the old and women from poor families will be helpful.

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CHAPTER – IV ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & MITIGATION MEASURES

CHAPTER-IV M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & DRAFT EIA REPORT MITIGATION MEASURES

4.0 INTRODUCTION The mining activity is likely to make significant changes in land use and land pattern. This activity may alter existing Environmental conditions, biological attributes, existing ecosystem and associated biodiversity. The mining projects have positive as well as negative impacts on Environment.

Impact prediction is a very important phenomenon in evaluating the environmentally potential adverse impacts for any mining project. The impact prediction is always carried out under worst possible conditions so as to mitigate or to eliminate the Environmental hazards. These predictions thus calculated are superimposed over the baseline data (the quality of Environment in the vicinity of the project site) so as to calculate the net impact on the Environment after the project comes into production.

In this chapter, considering the Environmental baseline scenario as enlisted in Chapter -III and the mining activity described in Chapter-II, it is attempted to predict the likely impacts, their extent on various parameters and likely mitigation measures to be adopted.

Table 4.1 Expected Nature of Impacts

ASPECT IMPACT Fugitive dust, Effects on air quality, ecology due to increase in

Air emissions. PM10 & PM2.5, SO2, NOX and Free silica levels during the mining activity. Noise emissions & Effects on community noise environment of the Vibrations. region due to increase in day night equivalent noise levels. Transportation Impact on existing infrastructure.

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Table 4.2 Identified/Predicted Environmental Impacts with & without Mitigation Measures S. Description Activity Effect Impact without Mitigation measure Impact after Remarks No mitigation proposed mitigation measure 1 Air Pollution Excavation Fugitive dust High Covered aprons with Low Localized effect effecting ambient nose masks will be which can be air quality & health provided to the work mitigated effects force. Crushing & Fugitive dust High Installation of dust Low Localized effect Screening effecting ambient collector and closed which can be air quality & health conveyor belt mitigated Developed green belt on effects down wind direction Transport Fugitive dust High Vehicles covered with Low. Localized effect effecting air quality tarpaulin. which can be & health effect. Water sprinkling on the mitigated. haulage road. Reduction of vehicular speed to 25KMPH. Haul road compaction and grading at periodic intervals.

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Green belt development on either side of the haulage road Final material Fugitive dust High Covered aprons with Low Localized effect Loading & effecting air quality nose masks will be which can be Dispatch. & health effect provided to the work mitigated force. Vehicles covered with tarpaulin. Water sprinkling on the haulage road Reduction of vehicular speed to 25KMPH. Haul road compaction and grading at periodic intervals. Green belt development on either side of the haulage roads. 2 Water Run off from Siltation of the High Mining activity will be Low Negligible effect Pollution & surroundings surrounding area. above water table. which can be

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CHAPTER-IV M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & DRAFT EIA REPORT MITIGATION MEASURES

Soil erosion into ML area mitigated Damage to water Loss of natural High Garland drain, contour Low Minimized course within water course and trenches and check through mine area deterioration of dams will be provided. mitigation water quality Rain water will be measures collected through garland drains into siltation ponds and water will be used/released after proper desiltation. At the end of mine life the formed pit will be used for water harvesting structure. 3 Noise Operation of Increase in Ambient Medium Selection of suitable Low Localized effect Pollution Excavator & noise levels machinery and which can be transport equipment. mitigated machinery Proper mounting of Health effects equipment Providing noise

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CHAPTER-IV M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & DRAFT EIA REPORT MITIGATION MEASURES

insulation/ rubber padding for blasting wherever practicable Machinery will be fitted with properly designed noise acoustic silencers. Proper maintenance and periodic lubrication of noise generating parts of the machines. Green belt development 4 Biological & Operational The mine area Low Greenbelt development Negligible Negligible effect Socio- activities of mine having scrub with preference to which can be economic species which locally adapted species. mitigated aspect consists of mainly Diospyros sps, Ziziphus and Carissa sps. No significant effect as either core or buffer

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CHAPTER-IV M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & DRAFT EIA REPORT MITIGATION MEASURES

zone are not ecologically sensitive Positive socio -- Medical/first aid Positive -- economic effect. facilities Employment opportunities. Water supply communication strengthening Green belt development with saplings along the safety zone of ML area. 5 Occupational Operational Pulmonary health High Provision of Low Medical/ Life Health & activities of mine effects predicted appropriate PPE viz., insurance & Safety and other minor nose masks, hand Workman accidents. gloves, shoes, helmet, compensation ear plugs, uniforms procedures will First aid/Medical check be followed. facilities

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CHAPTER-IV M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & DRAFT EIA REPORT MITIGATION MEASURES

4.1 AIR QUALITY The impact on air quality due to expansion of production to about 1,15,600 MTPA from initial production capacity of 23654 MTPA is limited to the mining lease area. The mine has minimal overburden and hence no developmental works to expose the mineral are involved. The impact zone of Iron ore mining is mainly within the mining lease area. The dust generation during the loading operations will be nil. The major dust emission is from transportation. The mine is in operation at its rated capacity and the baseline ambient air quality values monitored during winter season reflects the emissions in the area. The impact due to transport of material has been considered to estimate the contribution of dust levels to the existing ambient air quality by the mine. The mining activity taking into account the total material handling of Iron ore is 113754.75 (Average) MTPA.

4.1.1 Quantitative estimation of impacts on air environment AERMOD Model with the following options has been employed to predict the ground level concentrations due to emissions from mine. 1. Area being rural, rural dispersion parameters is considered. 2. Predictions have been carried out to estimate concentration values over radial distance of 10 km around the sources. 3. Polar receptor network has been considered. 4. Emission rates from the point sources and area sources were considered as constant during the entire period. 5. The ground level concentrations computed were as is basis without any consideration of decay coefficient. 6. Calm winds recorded during the study period were also taken into consideration. 7. Site specific meteorological data to estimate ground level concentrations for period of March-19 to May - 19.

4.1.2 Sources of dust emission Mining will be carried out by opencast method mainly involve excavation by excavators and directly loads into trucks. Based on the various operations involved in the production, the various emission sources at each stage have been identified as given below.

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CHAPTER-IV M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & DRAFT EIA REPORT MITIGATION MEASURES

a. Area sources b. Line sources Area Sources: Drilling, blasting & excavation by excavators, crushing & screening of material in processing unit and directly load into the tippers/tractors operations of the mine are considered as area sources. Line Sources: Transportation from mining pit to processing unit, processing unit to stock pile and stock pile to end users is considered as line sources.

4.1.3. Emission details All the emissions discussed above are quantified for material handling of 1,15,600 (Max) MTPA. The existing baseline concentrations are already covered in the baseline scenario. Operational hours and activity rate have been considered for estimation of emissions from point and area sources. For line source, apart from operational hours and activity rate, moisture and silt content of the haulage road have been considered.

4.1.4. Meteorological data The meteorological data recorded continuously during the months of March’19 to May’19 on hourly basis on wind speed, wind direction and temperature has been processed to extract the 24 – hourly meteorological data.

4.1.5 Assumptions made in the prediction of air pollution impacts For the purpose of computation of rise in the ground level concentrations due to mining operations, the following assumptions have been considered.

Mining operations are carried out for a period of 8-10 hours a day and hence it is not a continuous source of emission. And other operations may not be simultaneous and continuous. However, for the prediction of worst case concentration, the sources mentioned in the above are assumed to be under simultaneous and continuous operation for 8-hours.

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CHAPTER-IV M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & DRAFT EIA REPORT MITIGATION MEASURES

4.1.6. Summary of predicted ground level concentrations of particulate matter By using the above-mentioned inputs, ground level concentrations due to the mining activities have been estimated to know the incremental rise and distance of impact in the study area.

The major activity being transport from the working pit to the stock pile and stock pile to end users, the dust levels are distributed all along the transport route from the mine.

The maximum concentration of PM10 is about 1.3 µg/m3 at 50 m from source and hence the air pollution impact on the surrounding is negligible.

4.1.7. Air Quality Mitigation Measures Preventing dispersal of air borne dust The main constitute of air pollutants from this mine is suspended particulate matter. The following mitigation measures will be brought into practice for maintaining emissions within permissible limits. 1. There will be crushing & screening activities in site and for control of emissions dust collectors will be provided. 2. Controlled blasting techniques with delayed detonators is being employed. Small quantities of explosives will be used for blasting. The blasted blocks (temporary) are wetted by spraying water. 3. Wet drilling is adopted. 4. Avoiding blasting during high windy periods, night times and temperature inversion periods. 5. Effective water sprinkling at the time of mining operation i.e., excavation and loading. 6. Development of green belt within the buffer zone area and plantation is developed on down wind direction of the processing unit 7. Material should be transported by truck which will be covered by tarpaulin. 8. Haul roads and approach roads should be graded to minimize dust suspension. 9. Sprinkling of water over unpaved/haul roads.

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CHAPTER-IV M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & DRAFT EIA REPORT MITIGATION MEASURES

10. Regular air monitoring will be taken so that necessary steps can be practiced to control emissions

Controlling gaseous emissions Since the mining activities are not expected to generate considerable quantities of gaseous

emissions such as NOx and SO2, hence there is no need of any special measures. However, the following measures shall be implemented during operation as precautionary measures.  Dust collector system  Controlled blasting techniques will be employed.  Water sprinkling arrangements such as specially fabricated tankers mounted on tipper are deployed at mine site to control the fugitive dust generation from the haulage roads.  The vehicles and machinery will be maintained in good condition so that emission of gaseous constituents will be minimized.  Periodical monitoring of air quality will be done to take steps for controlling the pollutant emissions.

4.2 WATER ENVIRONMENT 4.2.1 Impacts on surface water bodies and control measures The operation of Iron ore mining activity the water will be used for drinking/domestic purpose and dust suppression/plantation purpose. Hence, no impact on the quality of surface and ground water is expected. Whereas the core zone will ultimately fall in safe zone, there is no possibility of any changes in the water quality. The chemical analysis of water samples collected reveal that there is no significant change in the constituents and surface water and ground water in the nearby mining areas have remained suitable for all purposes and all constituents within the water standards of IS-10500-2004.

The total water requirement is about 23.0 KLD for various activities such as,  Green-belt watering  Dust suppression  Domestic use. No disposal of mine water is proposed in this project.

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CHAPTER-IV M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & DRAFT EIA REPORT MITIGATION MEASURES

The water requirement will be met from tankers and streams running nearby, no bore well is proposed. The mining operations will be carried out throughout the year avoiding rainy days.

4.2.2 Rain water harvesting During mining operations the rain water stored in the mine pit area is pumped out to carry out excavation operations without hindrance. Garland drains will be provided to collect rain water and will be allowed to siltation pond for proper sedimentation. At the end of mine life, rain water collected in pit will be allowed to soak into the ground for recharging the ground water table.

4.2.3. Impacts on ground water table Normally the ground water table is available at a depth of 45 m in rainy seasons and 60m depth in summer from the bore well that was drilled in nearby agricultural fields. Workings of mine will be at 480 m RL to 506 m RL which is above the water table. There are no chances for ground water intersection in mine workings at a depth of 6m.

4.3 LAND ENVIRONMENT Land environment is divided into the following three components  Solid waste management  Soil Erosion  Reclamation of degraded areas  Afforestation /Plantation/ Greenbelt development

4.3.1. Solid waste generation During the plan period a quantity of 248934.9 m3 of ROM rejects, OB and Waste will be generated and shall be dumped at SE part of the lease area in non mineral area. The present dump area occupied 0.77 Ha and additional 0.65 Ha. is proposed for dumping the obtaining waste. After completion of plan period it covers 1.42 Ha.

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CHAPTER-IV M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & DRAFT EIA REPORT MITIGATION MEASURES

4.3.2 Soil Erosion: The mine activity will expose out the loose earthy material which leads to soil erosion through runoff or wind action. This may cause in deposition of silt in low-lying water bodies. This effects can be controlled by following the below suggested conservation practices.  Regular water sprinkling is carried out during mining activities.  After removal of mineral the top benches will be applied with top soil and grasses and plantation will be developed.  Plantation development (plants with soil binding capacity) on plain area is encouraged.

Construction of garland drains should be done to avoid siltation of nearby water source

4.3.3 i) Impact due to land degradation The project covers a total ML area of 22.979 hectares of Govt. waste land. During the ensuing scheme period an area of 3.26 hectares of land will be mined out in addition to the earlier broken area of 2.46 Ha., whereas a total of 5.72 hectares of land will be degraded till the end of the scheme period. 7.5 m buffer zone present in the mine area is left undisturbed during mine activities. Green belt is developed in some parts of mine area covering to an extent of 0.61 Ha. & along approach road and it is proposed to develop plantation in an area of 0.95 Ha. within buffer area.

ii) Land reclamation Control Measures There is no major adverse impact of opencast mining activity which is mining of Iron ore. Since the land degradation is minimal and restricted only to the mining area and the facilities within the mine lease boundary.

iii) Reclamation of land affected due to mining activities. The Proponent must take steps to keep the granted lease area under disturbance at any stage to the minimum. This can be achieved by ensuring reclamation during excavation.

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CHAPTER-IV M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & DRAFT EIA REPORT MITIGATION MEASURES

Since it is envisaged that the quarry will be operate for at least for 7 years, no back filling is proposed during the scheme period. At the end of mine life, the waste generated during mine operation will be used for backfilling the pit to some extent. After removal of mineral the benches below the surface level the top benches will be applied with top soil and developed with grass and plantation. The pits created will be used as rain water reservoir.

iv) Soil conservation measures and Top soil management It is planned to reclaim the mine out land by backfilling which will commence after expiring lease period.

v) Maintenance of road The road for movement of trucks to the mine will be kept in good condition during the reclamation/afforestation period till the mine is fully reclaimed and afforested. The material required for planting and growth of plants and trees, measures, water etc. can be transported to the site by trucks.

4.3.4 Program of Afforestation The proponent has already developed green belt in an area of 0.61 Ha and proposed to develop green belt during the ensuing scheme period in an area of 0.95 Ha will be planted by 950 no. of saplings along the safety zone of the area.

4.3.5 Impact on land use and reclamation measures Open cast mining activity may alter the landscape of the lease area and also some disturbance to the surface features of the surrounding areas. The total mine lease area is about 22.979 Ha. During the ensuing scheme period an area of 5.72 Ha of land will be mined out. The mined out area will be reclaimed by partially refilled by waste generated. It can be used for Indigenous plantation at the end of the mining activity. The details of land use at the end of the plan period (2017-18 to 2020-21) of the mining area are given below:

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CHAPTER-IV M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & DRAFT EIA REPORT MITIGATION MEASURES

4.3.6 Slope stability During the planning period, the individual benches will be kept nearly vertical. Rock being stable ultimate final pit slope will be kept at 60° with the horizontal by maintaining height and width of benches of 6m.

The slope of dumps has been initially planned at the angle of repose of dump material. However, as to attain final position, the slopes will be terraced and proper vegetation will be laid which will cause lowering of the slope as well as binding of the soil, preventing any slope failure.

4.4 NOISE ENVIRONMENT 4.4.1 Impact due to Noise and Vibration At mines, noise is generated by mine operations, movement of machinery and transportation by vehicles, etc. The noise level in the working environment are compared with the standards prescribed by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA-USA) which has been adopted and enforced by the Govt. of India through model rules framed under Factories Act, 1980 and CPCB 2000 norms. The summary of the permissible exposures in case of continuous noise as per above rules is given below: Table No 4.3 Noise impact Total time of exposure Sound pressure Remarks per day in hour dB(A) 1 2 ---- 8.0 90 No exposure in excess of 115 dB(A) is permissible 6.0 92 -- 4.0 95 For any period of exposure falling in 3.0 97 between any figure and lower figure 2.0 100 as indicated in column (1), the 1 ½ 102 permissible sound is to be determined 1 105 by extrapolation or proportionate

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CHAPTER-IV M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & DRAFT EIA REPORT MITIGATION MEASURES

¾ 107 scale. ½ 110 ¼ 115

Noise at lower levels (sound pressure) is quite acceptable and does not have any bad effect on human beings, but when it is abnormally high- it incurs some maleficent effects. For the operations, the noise is expected to be generated from machineries used for this project. During the mining the noise pollution can take place due to external transport machinery as dumper/tractor etc.

4.4.2 Noise and Vibration Control Measures The ambient noise level monitoring carried out has revealed that the ambient noise levels are well within the prescribed limits. However, the following measures will further tend to abate the noise level and vibration:  A thick tree plantation.  Regular preventive maintenance of machinery and the transport vehicles.  Provision of silencers, to module the noise generated by the machines, where required.  Equipments with permissible noise level will be procured.  Provision of Protective Devices like ear muffs/ear plugs will be provided to workmen.

Control of ground vibrations  During blasting, proper blast pattern should be adopted. The latest technology delay blasting should be adopted to reduce the impact on the ground vibration and noise generation during blasting operations.  Shock tube initiation system with sequential blasting should be adopted.  Charge weights per delay should be properly adopted so that the peak particle velocity will be maintained as per the DGMS requirement.

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CHAPTER-IV M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & DRAFT EIA REPORT MITIGATION MEASURES

4.5 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT 4.5.1. Impacts on Biological Environment Mining activities generally result in the deforestation, land degradation, water, air and noise pollution which directly or indirectly affect the faunal and floral status of the project area. However, occurrence and magnitude of these impacts are entirely dependent upon the project location, mode of operation and technology involved. Impact prediction is the main footstep in impact evaluation and identifies project actions that are likely to bring significant changes in the project environment. The present study was carried out to predict the likely impacts of the existing Iron ore mine of M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals at Gutupalli village surrounding environment with special reference to biological attributes covering habitats/ecosystems and associated biodiversity. The existing mining activities will include removal of some scattered herbaceous species of Diospyros sps, Lantana camara, Indigofera sps, Cyperus sps and other thorny species. Although impacts on key habitat elements will occur on a local scale, but on a regional scale they would not be critical for the life cycle needs of the species observed or expected. Moreover the successive reclamation of mined out areas, following completion of mining activities, will replace habitat resources for fauna species in this locality over a longer time. Existing roads will be used; new roads will not be constructed to reduce impact on flora. Wild life is not commonly found in the lease area and its immediate environs because of lack of vegetal cover and surface water. Except domestic animals, wild animals commonly observed are reptiles, fox, and some birds.

4.5.2. Mitigation Measures Keeping all in mind the mitigations have been suggested under environmental management plan. With the understanding of the role of plant species as bio-filter to control air pollution, appropriate plant species (mainly tree species) have been suggested conceding the area/site requirements and needed performance of specific species. The details of year wise proposed plantation program are given in Table 4.4. Table 4.4 Details of proposed plantation. Year No. of plants Area (Ha) 2nd 250 2500 3rd 250 2500

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CHAPTER-IV M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & DRAFT EIA REPORT MITIGATION MEASURES

4th 250 2500 5th 200 2000

In order to compensate the loss of vegetation cover, it is suggested to carry out afforestation program mainly in mine lease area earmarked for plantation program in different phases. This habitat improvement program would ensure the faunal species to re-colonize and improve the abundance status in the core zone. In order to improve the fodder availability some of the grass species suggested growing within the plantation area proposed by the proponent as silvopastural adaptation in the initial phase. Wherever mining is completed, within that area (preferably flat terrain) some grass species can also grow simply sowing grass seeds in pellet form after ploughing at sub-surface level before the onset of monsoon season in phase manner. This can provide fodder for the local livestock and thereby reduce grazing pressure in the nearby areas.

4.5.3. Greenbelt Development Development of the green belt is one of the most sensitive issues and shall be done with due care. Selection of proper locally grown species in addition to checking of their growth rate, quality, thickness of canopy cover, etc. shall be duly done as it helps in abatement of fugitive noise, reduce the pollution level, thus making the place worth dwelling for the diversified species flora. The plant species suitable for green belt development need to be selected based on the flowing criteria.

 Native plant species will be preferred  Fast growing plants will be planted  Plants having thick canopy cover will be used  Preferably perennial and evergreen species will be selected  Plants having large leaf area index will be considered  Road sides will be planted with local vegetation

While making choice of plant species for cultivation in green belts, weightage has to be given to the natural factor of bio-climate. It is also presumed that the selected plants will be grown as per normal horticultural or forestry practices.

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CHAPTER-IV M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & DRAFT EIA REPORT MITIGATION MEASURES

Trees are important sinks for air pollutants. Trees absorb noise and by enhancing the green cover, improve the ecology and aesthetics and affect the local micrometeorology. Trees also have major long-term impacts on soil quality and the ground water table. By using suitable plant species, green belts can be developed in strategic zones to provide protection from emitted and noise.

In view of this, the list of species to be planted in the green belt area is illustrated below. The suitable variety/species shall be finalized in consultation with local forest officer and horticultural experts. Mixed plantation shall be done keeping optimum spacing between the saplings.

Table 4.5 Selected lists of plant species for Greenbelt development SI. No. Botanical name Family 1 Albizia odoratissima Mimosaceae 2 Azadirachta indica Meliaceae 3 Dalbergia sissoo Fabaceae 4 Feronia elephanta Rutaceae 5 Ficus benghalensis Moraceae 6 Ficus religiosa Moraceae 7 Hardwickia binata Fabaceae 8 Mangifera indica Anacariaceae 9 Polyalthia longifolia Annonaceae 10 Pongamia pinnata Fabaceae 11 Sapindus emarginatus Sapindaceae 12 Syzygium cumini Myrtaceae

4.6 Traffic analysis During mine operation : 1,15,600 MTPA Daily quantity : 385.33 MTPD Truck Capacity : 20 Tons No. of trucks deployed/day : 19.26 or 19 trips

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CHAPTER-IV M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & DRAFT EIA REPORT MITIGATION MEASURES

4.6.1 Impact on road network Following control measures will implemented for traffic management.  Usage of project vehicles will be restricted near sensitive zones such as schools, settlements etc.  Vehicular movement will be restricted to specific routes.  Adequate training on traffic and road safety operations will be provided to the drivers.  Routine maintenance vehicles will be ensured to prevent any abnormal emissions and high noise generation.  Road network within site and nearby site will be developed.  The entry and exit points carefully designed to avoid any disturbance to traffic and will have enough buffer zone before merging into the main roads. However mine is operational since last long and no issue related with traffic congestion.  Signal for speed limit will be placed and are maintained.

4.7 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS 4.7.1 Impact on socio-economic conditions No displacement of people is envisaged from the ML area. The acquired ML area involves 22.979 Ha. So there is no loss of agricultural land. The surrounding inhabitants are mainly agricultural oriented. Unemployment and under-employment are the main problems of inhabitants. Communication facilities are already present in the village and first aid facility, rest shelters and other facilities will be provided by the proponent as Corporate Social Responsibility which will be positively benefited the local population. Other beneficial impacts can be:  Increase in employment opportunities.  Enhance the capabilities of education.  Growth in service sectors.  Increase in consumer prices of indigenous produce and services, land prices, house rent rates and labor cost.  Improvement in socio-cultural Environment of the study area.  Improvement in transport, communication, health and educational services.

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CHAPTER-IV M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & DRAFT EIA REPORT MITIGATION MEASURES

The overall impact on the Socio economic Environment will be beneficial.

4.7.2 Impact on Human Settlement The area is surrounded by few small villages and towns where some people are working as daily labor. The main occupation of the local people is Cultivation and cattle rearing. The details of the villages, location, distance and population are given in the following table.

Table 4.6 Surrounding villages with their population S. No Village Direction Distance Population Nos. 1. Gutupalli SW 2.5 1200 2. Tapasikonda NNE 2.25 560 3. Hussainpuram W 2.0 480 4. Kumurikottala E 2.1 860 5. Rangapuram SSE 3.5 2500

4.8 IMPACT ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY During the high windy days in summer the sand could be the problems for eyes like itching and watering of eyes. Siderosis is an occupational lung disease also known as Iron Ore pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation of dust or fumes containing iron or oxides of iron particles.

Dust in air can be a health hazard leading to respiratory issues such as asthma and irritating the lungs and bronchial passages.

For mitigating the aspects following measures will be implemented:  Regular water sprinkling on haul roads.  Dust mask will be provided to the workers,  Periodical medical examinations will be carried out for the workers as per norms,  Medical records will be maintained,  Medical facilities to the workers,  Any early symptom of diseases, if observed, such workers will be taken off in the dusty atmosphere and suitably employed elsewhere,

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CHAPTER-IV M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & DRAFT EIA REPORT MITIGATION MEASURES

 Personal Protective Equipments will be provided to the workers,  Good quality water will be provided to the workers and proper test for water quality to be carried out regularly.  A well equipped first aid facility will be available in ML area,  Safety of the employee during operations, maintenance of mining equipments will be taken care as per Mine Regulations 1961.  Effective communication system like mobile phones, land line phones, e-mail etc. facilities will be available at the mine site.  Uniforms will be provided to the workers and they will be allowed to go home after changing clothes.

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CHAPTER – V ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 HA. CHAPTER-V DRAFT EIA REPORT ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

5.0 GENERAL The analysis of alternative is the process of comparing potential impacts and mitigation options of a series of alternative location, technologies, operation to identify optimal alternatives.

5.1. Alternate Technology M/s Dhigvijay Minerals located at Survey No: 782 & 873, Gutupalli (V), Bethemcherla (M), Kurnool Dist., Andhra Pradesh in an area of 22.979 Ha, proposed to expand Iron ore production capacity from 23,654 MTPA to 1,15,600 MTPA. The area is situated at a distance of 2.27 km from Gutupalli village and nearest 1.51 km from Hussainpuram Village.

5.2. Alternative Site The mineral is site specific, hence there are no alternative sites considered. Mining activities are carried out based on local geology and availability of the mineral.

Mining work will be carried out by open cast mechanized method. No necessity for the alternative analysis of the technology was observed as the technology/process mentioned for mining of the product is best suitable.

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CHAPTER –VI ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME

CHAPTER-VI M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING DRAFT EIA REPORT PROGRAMME

6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING Monitoring of various Environmental parameters will be carried out on a regular basis to ascertain the following:  State of pollution within the mine and in its vicinity.  Generate data for predictive or corrective purpose in respect of pollution.  Examine the efficiency of pollution control systems installed in the ML area.  To assess and monitor environmental impacts. Monitoring of Environmental attributes will be taken up once in a quarterly in the air, water, soil and vegetation at the above indicated locations.

The following monitoring program has been proposed to monitor various Environmental components.

6.1 MONITORING AROUND THE MINE SITE a. Meteorology The Management will assign the third party which is recognized by MoEF&CC to monitor the weather conditions of the mine site and the surroundings as per the schedule and will maintain the log books. b. Ambient air quality monitoring Ambient air quality will be monitored in the mine site and in the surrounding villages through a third party as per the guidelines. c. Ground water monitoring Ground water levels for physical and chemical parameters will be monitored in and around the mine site premises during the pre and post monsoon seasons. d. Wastewater sampling The wastewater sample will be collected regularly for analysis.

6.2 POST PROJECT MONITORING PROGRAMME In order to maintain the environmental quality within the standards, regular monitoring of various environmental components is necessary.

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CHAPTER-VI M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING DRAFT EIA REPORT PROGRAMME

The proponent will allocate Rs. 1.5 lakhs per annual budget towards environmental monitoring initiatives.

6.2.1 Environmental Monitoring Regular monitoring of various Environmental parameters shall be carried out to ascertain the following points,  Status of air, noise, water, land pollution within the mining activity and in its vicinity;  Generate data for predictive or corrective purpose in respect of pollution; and  To assess and monitor Environmental impacts periodically.

6.3 MONITORING SCHEDULE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS Table 6.1 Monitoring Schedule for Environmental Parameters S. No Particulars Monitoring IMP. Monitoring Frequency Parameters 1. Water and Waste Water Quality Once in a month a. Sanitary Effluents Pre monsoon and pH,TDS,BOD,COD b. Ground Water Quality Post monsoon season pH,TDS,BOD,COD 2. Air Quality

a. Ambient Air Quality Quarterly PM10, PM2.5,SO2,

Monitoring at mine site & and NOX other sampling locations given in the report 3. Noise levels in and around Mine site Quarterly Noise levels - Day and Night in dB(A)

6.4 IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE The mitigation measures suggested above should be implemented so as to reduce the impact on environment due to the operations of the mining activities. In order to facilitate easy implementation, the mitigation measures are phased as per the priority of implementation. The implementation schedule is given as below. (Table 6.2)

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CHAPTER-VI M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING DRAFT EIA REPORT PROGRAMME

Table 6.2 Implementation Schedule Sl. Recommendations Time Immediate Progressive Discretion of the No. Requirement Management 1 Air pollution Before * -- -- control measures commissioning of respective units 2 Water pollution Before * -- -- control measures percolation/see page and dewatering starts 3 Noise control Along with the * -- -- measures commissioning of the mine project 4 Ecological Stage wise * * -- preservation and implementation Up gradation 5 Land Stage wise * * -- reclamation/Soil implementation waste management 6 Socio-economic As per the CSR -- * * measures proposals of the company and the need of the local residents Note (*) indicates implementation of recommendations

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CHAPTER-VI M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING DRAFT EIA REPORT PROGRAMME

6.5 MONITORING EQUIPMENT AND CONSUMABLES 1. Handy samplers 2. Respirable Dust Sampler / Fine Particulate Sampler 3. Meteorological station

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CHAPTER –VII ADDITIONAL STUDIES

M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-VII DRAFT EIA REPORT ADDITIONAL STUDIES

7.0 PUBLIC CONSULTATION As per the EIA Notification 2006, amendment 2009 the project does not attract Public Hearing as the mine extent is less 25 Ha. However, according to violation category of the

project falls under category B1 and attracts Public Hearing as per MoEF & CC Notification S.O.804 (E) dated 14.03.2017, public consultation is mandatory to seek the opinion of the people regarding the project through public hearing organized by the State Pollution Control Board.

The present Draft EIA is being submitted for conducting Public Hearing and will submit compliance for points raised during Public hearing along with minutes in Final EIA.

7.1 RISK ASSESSMENT Risk analysis provides identification of the risks/accidents and to take necessary steps to prevent it happening. The main objective of preparing a disaster management plan includes;

 To identify the potential hazardous areas so that necessary design safety measures can be adopted to minimize the probability of accidents.  To identify the potential areas of Environmental disaster, this can be prevented by proper design of the installations and their control operations.  To manage emergency situations or a disastrous event, if any, from the mining operations.

It begins with the identification of probable hazardous events at an operational area and categorization as per the predetermined criteria. Risk assessment should be done on the basis of past accident analysis at similar projects, previous judgments and expertise in the field of risk analysis especially in accident analysis.

7.1.1 Drilling Risks Drilling is common operation for mining Iron ore, which is hard mineral. The main hazards involved are as follows:  Drill falling from the edge of a bench

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-VII DRAFT EIA REPORT ADDITIONAL STUDIES

 Dust created during the drilling operations  Noise produced during drilling

The risk will occur during the drilling of the first line of holes parallel with the working edge of the bench. Measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of falling off the edge of the bench is to provide suitable portable rail fencing which can be erected between the drill and the edge of the bench and direction by the supervisor from guidance of the driller.

Control measures for Dust and Noise produced during drilling are discussed in detail in Chapter IV.

7.1.2 Failure of Slope in the Pit In open pit mining, mineral deposits are mined from the ground surface and downward. Consequently, pit slopes are formed as the mineral is being extracted. The issues concerned with slope stability in the open cast mines have come to forefront in the mining operations due to increasing pit depth.

The pit slopes must thus be inclined at some angle to prevent failure of the rock mass. This angle is governed by the geo-mechanical conditions at the specific mine and represent an upper bound to the overall slope angle. The actual slope angles used in the mine depend upon (i) the presence of haulage roads, or ramps, necessary for the transportation of the blasted ore from the pit (ii) possible blast damage (iii) mineral grades, and (iv) economical constraints.

During the planning period, the individual benches will be kept nearly vertical. Rock being stable ultimate final pit slope will be kept at 60° by maintaining bench height of 3 m and bench width will be maintained more than bench height.

Besides determining factor of safety, the slopes shall be monitored at regular intervals by using real time slope stability radar system to monitor for any possible failure. The well developed drainage system over the lease area should ensure that storm water does not accumulate in the lease area and therefore hydrostatic pressure remains at a low level.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-VII DRAFT EIA REPORT ADDITIONAL STUDIES

7.1.3 Filling up the mine pit due to excessive rains Filling up the mine pit due to excessive rains in the worked out area is a remote possibility. Normally there will be sufficient warning time before such an incident takes place, harming equipment and human life. However, as a precautionary measure, interceptor ditches along the outer boundary of the pit area constructed to control inflow of runoff into the mine pits. Water that collects in the mine pit from rainfall will be coursed out from the pits, through garland drains by using 10 HP pump.

7.1.4 Accidents of heavy machinery Most of the accidents during transfer of product, trucks and other vehicles are often attributed to mechanical failures, in which the factor of human errors cannot be ruled out. Regular maintenance and testing of all mine equipment as per manufacturers guide lines can largely eliminate accidents of heavy machinery. Competent drivers will be employed to minimize accidents during transportation. To avoid falling mineral from the moving vehicles, closed trucks are deployed or the material will be covered with tarpaulin.

7.1.5 Disaster due to Surface Fire There could be fire accidents due to diesel fuel getting into contact of naked flames, machinery developing excessive heat due to imperfect lubrication of bearings etc.

Proper maintenance of equipment is proposed to avoid catching of fire. Project proponent will be having wireless communication system for quick passing of information for any assistance in case of any emergency. Fire extinguishers should be kept at accessible distance from cause sources. A competent person shall examine all equipments, material and arrangement provided for firefighting at least once in a month and record of the examination shall be maintained in a register. A competent person shall at least once in 3 months examine every fire extinguisher.

Training will be imparted to the employees about emergency preparedness. Mock drills will also be conducted at regular interval to handle the emergency situation. Refresher awareness programs will also be planned among the employees.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-VII DRAFT EIA REPORT ADDITIONAL STUDIES

Risk analysis involves systematic identification and assessment of major damage potential credible risk scenarios to help management to make objective decisions on hazard reduction or avoidance measures meeting regulatory requirements and develop a structured management framework for an effective Disaster Management Plan (DMP) including emergency preparedness and contingency plans.

7.2 DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN A disaster is a catastrophic event in which personnel working in the affected area are immediately planed into a chaotic situation, which demands their immediate rescue, medical and social case to restore normalcy. It creates a major emergency in mining area requiring an Emergency response in accordance with a Mine Disaster Management Plan formulated by the management.

A detailed DMP for handling emergencies includes;  Identification and assessment of major credible risk scenarios anticipated at a particular workplace/activity (Slope failure, fly rock fragments, fires, etc.)  Setting up an Emergency response organization identified key personnel at the mine with assigned duties and responsibilities for incident response and emergency response.  Emergency actions plan with implementation procedures by emergency response personnel for each scenario after emergency warning.  Details of safety measures to prevent accident and disaster.  Emergency notification by sending warning messages to identified agencies for liaison and stake holders.  Setting up a permanent organization for completion of emergency and restoration of normalcy by complying with health, safety, and environmental laws and regulations  Disaster management plan for safe mining.  Supplementary response plans under mutual aid

Any other stipulations made by regulatory agencies for handling emergency situations that may arise either from natural or manmade.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-VII DRAFT EIA REPORT ADDITIONAL STUDIES

7.3 IMPLEMENTATION OF EMP AND MONITORING SYSTEM

7.3.1 General Various measures have been proposed to implement for mitigating the adverse impacts due to mining on the environment in the area. A separate wing “Environmental Management Cell (EMC)” will be formed to look after the inspection / monitoring requirements. The mine management will undertake the control measures in coordination with the State Forest Department, Regional APPCB and Environmental consultant. The management of EMC shall be made an integral part of the major activities of mining.

Mines Manager

Geologist (Incharge of Supervisor Mine monitoring and Supervision& APPCB/ MoEF works)

Dust Suppression Mate

Helpers Fig.7.1 Organizational setup of EMC

Important records to be maintained by EMC are:  Field monitoring results for air, water, meteorology  Inspection records of slope failure, land erosion, drainage, Socio-economic development.  Format to record / monitor plantation measures.  Nursery records

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-VII DRAFT EIA REPORT ADDITIONAL STUDIES

 Environmental and related standards / norms  Records pertaining to statutory consents, approvals  Periodic medical examination (PME) records.  Records pertaining to laboratory equipment maintenance and calibration.  Complaints register (environmental pollution).  Records on water and electricity consumption.  Periodic progress records  Environmental audit records  Records of annual budgetary requirement and allocation for pollution control.

7.3.2 Implementation The following system shall be followed to see that the environmental scheme is implemented as per schedule. a) A separate wing will be created to see that the engineering measures such as construction of garland drains and retention walls are taken up, wherever necessary. b) A crew attends for afforestation measures on a regular basis for culturing, manuring and watering. c) On an annual/quarterly basis, the quality of air, water, noise and soil will be monitored to understand the status vis-à-vis the baseline data. This will enable the management for taking up any corrective measures, if required. The frequency of sampling will be as prescribed by the MOEF guidelines issued in this regard.

7.4 ACTIVITIES TO BE MONITORED / INSPECTED BY EMC 7.4.1 Land erosion The mine activity will expose out the loose earthy material which leads to soil erosion through rain water runoff or wind action. This phenomenon should be monitored regularly and necessary actions should be implemented. Garland drains will be constructed around the mine area to avoid siltation of nearby lands/water bodies. Check dam is provided for the seasonal stream which is flowing within mine area. These constructed drains should be regularly inspected and desiltation works should be taken up by the proponent.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-VII DRAFT EIA REPORT ADDITIONAL STUDIES

7.4.2 Drainage Normally the ground water table is available at a depth of 45 m in rainy seasons and 60m depth in summer from the bore well that was drilled in nearby agricultural fields. Workings of mine will be at 480 m RL to 506 m RL which is above the water table. There are no chances for ground water intersection in mine workings at a depth of 6m.

Garland drains are constructed for dump and mine area to collect rain water into a siltation pond. Check dam is provided for the seasonal stream which is flowing within mine area. The collected water will be used for green belt development and water sprinkling.

The effectiveness of drainage system depends upon proper cleaning of all drains and sumps. Any blockage due to silting or accumulation of loose materials will be checked on regular basis. Stone pitching, Check dam, brick mounds etc on drains shall also be monitored.

7.4.3 Re-vegetation and green belt development Green belt has been developed within 0.61 hectares during previous mining years and it is proposed to develop green belt in an area of 0.95 hectares within buffer area. Planned schedule for green belt development will be checked after every year and improvement required will be implemented. Post plantation status will be regularly checked in every season. Phase wise development in the areas of plantation including rate of growth, survival rate etc. will be recorded systematically.

7.4.4 Occupational health The workers engaged in mining of Iron Ore are at risk of exposure to iron ore dust which invariably contains silica. While exposure to respirable silica can cause silicosis, excessive exposure to iron ore dust can lead to Siderosis. Siderosis is an occupational lung disease also known as Iron Ore pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation of dust or fumes containing iron or oxides of iron particles.

Since it is opencast mining, health problems due to dust may be expected at various locations (excavation, crushing, screening & loading) during excavation of Iron ore. 7 - 7

M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-VII DRAFT EIA REPORT ADDITIONAL STUDIES

Control measures such as installation of dust collectors will be implemented at source areas by the proponent.

Monitoring: The efficiency of installed dust controlling equipments, closed conveyor belt and water sprinkling system should be monitored on regular basis. Measurements to determine employee ceiling exposure can be taken during period of maximum expected air borne concentrations.

Safety measures followed by the work force during mineral production (like usage of PPE) should be monitored by the mine supervisor/management.

Control Measures: Location of dust generation: 1. Mining area 2. Crushing & Screening plant 3. Loading & Transportation

It is advisable to use dust collectors at source points and water sprinkling on haul roads to suppress the dust generated, so that the work men will not get expose to the dust.

Precautions:  By using various PPEs, the chances of occupational health disease will be lowered.  Periodical medical checkups for lungs functioning and breathing.  First aid will be given for in case of emergency.  Each group of mine worker will undergo regular medical checkup at regular intervals by specialist doctors.  Persons not wearing protective equipment and clothing should be restricted from areas of spills until clean up has been completed.  The workmen especially who are literate should be sent for first aid training conducted by the group vocational training centre to maintain by the DGMS (Director General of Mine Safety). 7 - 8

M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-VII DRAFT EIA REPORT ADDITIONAL STUDIES

7.4.5 Operation and Maintenance: The problem of occupational health in the operation and maintenance phase is primarily due to dust and noise which could affect the workers from respiratory and hearing problems. The necessary personal protective equipments will be given to all the workers. The working personal will be given to all the workers. The working personnel will be given the following appropriate personnel protective equipments.

 Safety helmets  Face shield  Plain goggles with cut type filters on both ends.  Goggles with cut type filters on both sides and blue color glasses  Cylindrical type earplug  Ear muffs  Dust mask  Self contained breathing apparatus  Leather apron  Safety belt  Leather hand gloves  Safety shoes with steel toe  Work force at screening should be employed on shift basis.

Full-fledged hospital facilities will be available round the clock for attending emergency arising out of accidents, if any. All working personnel will be medically examined at least once in every year.

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CHAPTER –VIII PROJECT BENEFITS

M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-VIII DRAFT EIA REPORT PROJECT BENEFITS

8.0 GENERAL The surrounding inhabitants are mainly agriculture oriented and daily labour. Unemployment and under employment are the main problems of the inhabitants. No displacement or evacuation of human settlement has been anticipated during mining operation.

The following paragraphs will discuss the benefits that are obtained from this mining activity.

8.1 EMPLOYMENT The expansion project will generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for the local people. The mine will create employment for a total of approximately 37 persons including skilled as well as semi-skilled staff directly. Additionally, certain works like security will be outsourced on contract. The secondary employment in the form of providing services to the employed manpower will also be developed in the neighboring villages.

8.2 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH Each group of mine workers undergo regular medical checkup at regular intervals by specialist doctors. The occupational activities are agricultural and employment in mines will be on daily wages. The mining activity will provide employment to local people which will increase socio-economic status of the area.

8.3 IMPROVEMENTS IN PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE The expansion of the existing project will enhance the socio-economic activities in the adjoining areas. This will result in following benefits:-

 Improvements in physical infrastructure.  Improvements in social infrastructure.  Increase in employment potential  Prevention of illegal mining.  During and post-mining enhancement of green cover.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-VIII DRAFT EIA REPORT PROJECT BENEFITS

8.3.1 Improvements in Physical Infrastructure Although the mining area is well connected with important places in the vicinity however, the production expansion commencement of the existing project will improve the physical infrastructure of the adjoining areas. This will include the following:-

 Improved road communication due to opening of the project.  Strengthening of existing community facilities through the Community Development Programme.  Creation of community assets (infrastructure) like provision for drinking water, village roads/ linked roads, dispensary & health centre, community centre, market place etc.  Awareness program and community activities, like health camps, medical aids, family welfare programs, immunization camp sports & cultural activities, plantation etc.

8.3.2 Improvements in Social Infrastructure The project activity shall create awareness with the local people for preferring permanent services than seasonal agricultural activities. The activities will help them to analyze the importance of education. With the increased amount of income, people can send their children for higher education/professional courses. There will be some obvious changes in various environmental parameters due to mining activity. There will also be positive impact in socio-economic area due to increased economic activities, creation of new employment opportunities, infrastructural development and better educational and health facilities. Lessee will also undertake awareness program and community activities like health camps, medical aids, family welfare camps, awareness program etc.

8.3.3 Prevention of Illegal Mining & Contribution to the Exchequer Since the mine areas will be leased out to successful allottees, mining operation in the state will get legalized and it will fetch income to the state exchequer. The proponent will take due care to avoid illegal mining within the mine lease area. The production will be as per approved mining plan after obtaining statutory clearances from respective authorities.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-VIII DRAFT EIA REPORT PROJECT BENEFITS

Fencing around the mine area is provided by the management to protect the mine from unlawful entry.

8.3.4 Enhancement of Green Cover Plantation/Afforestation will be done as per program i.e. along the road sides and near civic amenities. Post plantation, the area will be regularly monitored in every season for evaluation of success rate. For selection of plant species local people will also be involved. The management will provide free saplings of fruit and other trees, etc. to local during rain for plantation.

8.4 OTHER TANGIBLE BENEFITS The mining project is likely to have other tangible benefits as given below.  Indirect employment opportunities to local people in contractual works like transportation, sanitation, for supply of goods and services to the project and other community services.  Market and business establishment facilities will also increase.  Improvement in communication, transport, education, community development and medical facilities.  Overall change in employment and income opportunity.  The State Government will also be benefit directly from the mining project, through increased revenue from royalties, excise duty.

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CHAPTER –IX ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS –22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-IX DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

9.0 INTRODUCTION Any types of development project exert certain benefits and adverse impacts on the surroundings. The major objective and benefit of utilizing Environmental Impact Assessment in project planning stage itself, is to prevent avoidable losses of Environmental resources and values as a result of Environmental Management Plan. Environmental Management Plan includes protection/mitigation/enhancement measures as well as suggesting post project monitoring program. Environmental Management Plan may often suggest additional project operations that have to be incorporated in the conventional operation.

Any development in the study area needs to be with judicious utilization of non- renewable resources of the study area and within the limits of permissible assimilative capacity. The assimilative capacity of the study area is the maximum amount of pollution load that can be discharged in the environment without affecting the designated use and is governed by dilution, dispersion, and removal due to physio-chemical and biological processes. The Environment Management Plan (EMP) is required to ensure sustainable development in the study area of the proposed Mine Area.

It has been evaluated that the study area has not been affected adversely as there are no major polluting industries in the study area and likely to get economical fillip. Environmental Management Plan aims at the preservation of ecosystem by considering the pollution abatement facilities at the site inception.

Fully conscious towards Environmental responsibility the proponent mainly focuses, apart from other relevant concerns, on the following important aspects,

a) Dust suppression measures by water sprinkling and b) Proper maintenance of vehicles and equipment.

The different Environmental components that are identified in the assessment chapter are dealt hereunder with necessary Environmental Management Plan.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS –22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-IX DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Applicable Regulations Following Regulations & policies with the amendments thereof need to be taken into consideration under comprehensive Environmental Management Systems (EMS) programme as an integral part of the mine operation:  The Mines Act, 1952  The Mines and Mineral (regulation and Development) Act, 1957.  Mineral conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), 1988.  Mines Rules, 1955 for Health and Safety of Mining workers.  Section 21 of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.  Section 25 and 26 of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.  Gazette Notifications of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as and when notified for pollution prevention and control.  Applicable State Acts and Rules for Mining.  Directives of Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) in their Consent Letters and Notifications.  EP Act 2006

Table 9.1 EMP costing for the proposed project

Recurring Capital Cost per S.No Details Cost (in Remarks annum Lakhs) (Lakhs) Replaceable once Nose masks (Rs. 25/- each) -- 0.2 in a week Sprinkling system 10.5 Required daily on KLD (Rs. 1250/- for 1 tank -- 2.5 250 working days of capacity 10KL)

1 Air Pollution Required daily on Wet Drilling 5.0 KLD -- 1.0 250 working days

Checking system Dust collectors elements on regular maintenance (1000/- -- 0.2 basis, replacing any month) defective elements.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS –22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-IX DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Graded road Construction -- 0.1 Garland drains (approx top Drains construction width 2m, bottom width 0.5 0.1 around the mine Water 1m & height 1m) Rs. 250/- 2 site Pollution per sq.m & RWH Cleaning twice in a Construction of Septic tank -- 0.15 year Regular maintenance of Noise machinery (2000/- per -- 0.2 3 Pollution month) Ear muffs (Rs. 75/- each) -- 0.1 Thrice in a year Replaceable twice First aid kits 0.2 0.1 for every year Fire extinguishers 0.2 0.05 PPE for all workers (hand gloves Rs. 30 /- each, Occupational -- 1.0 helmets 500/- and Safety 4 Safety and shoes 1500/- each) Health Carried out once in Regular health checkups -- 0.4 a year Training and awareness programs on risk factors 0.3 0.1 during emergencies Ambient air, water quality, Environmental 5 Noise studies and -- 1.5 Monitoring Vibration studies

Green belt Plantation in 0.95 Ha. 950 plants with 6 6.0 1.5 development 80% survival rate

TOTAL 7.2 9.2 TOTAL EMP BUDGET 16.4

EMP BUDGET

 Capital Cost : 7.2 Lakhs  Recurring cost per annum : 9.2 Lakhs 9 - 3

M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS –22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-IX DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

 Recurring cost for 5 years : 36.8 Lakhs

Total EMP Cost for this ensuing scheme : 44.0 Lakhs

9.1 CORPORATE ENVIRONMENT RESPONSIBILITY (CER): The proponent will follow Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER) as per O.M. File No. 22-65/2017-IA.III dated: 01.05.2018. The following measures will be taken to maintain a clean and sustainable environment in and around the plant:  Integrate sound environmental practices in all its activities.  Promote development of innovate environment friendly processes  Improve employee commitment and responsibility towards environment protection  Promote environmentally responsible behaviour amongst contractual workforce and suppliers.

The tentative CER activities proposed to be taken up are as following,

Corporate Environment Responsibility (CER) – Proposed  Development of Infrastructure facilities in nearby schools  Health camps  Roads repairs in nearby villages  Development of greenbelt in surrounding areas

9.2 OBJECTIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN Overall objectives of EMP are: Prevention: Measures aimed at impeding the occurrence of negative environmental impact and/or preventing such as occurrence having harmful environmental impacts.

Preservation: Preventing any future actions that might adversely affect as environmental resource or attribute.

Minimization: Limiting or reducing the degree, extent, magnitude or duration of adverse impacts.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS –22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-IX DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

9.3 AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT The proposed mining activity would result in the increase of PM concentrations due to fugitive dust. Frequent water sprinkling in the vicinity would be undertaken and will be continued as there is possibility for dust generation due to truck mobility. It will be ensured that vehicles are properly maintained to comply with exhaust emission requirements. Table 9.2. Ambient Air Quality Standards Concentration Microgram's per Meter Cube

PM10 PM2.5 SO2 NOX 100 60 80 80

Mitigative measures suggested for air pollution control are based on the baseline ambient air quality monitoring data. From the point of view of maintenance of an acceptable ambient air quality in the region, it is desirable that air quality should be monitored on a regular basis to check it vis-à-vis the standards prescribed by CPCB and in case of non- compliance, appropriate mitigative measures shall be adopted.

As per the results of ambient air quality monitoring data, the background concentrations

of PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOX are within the stipulated CPCB standards.

9.3.1 Air Pollution Control Measures Dust is the major pollutant generated from the mining operations. Dust would be generated during mining, crushing & screening, handling and transportation of the material. The Environmental control measures are proposed to control the fugitive dust releases during the Iron ore production are given in the below table.

Table 9.3 Air Pollution Control Measures S.No Dust Source Control measure Mineral  Regular water spraying in working areas.

Exploration,  Installation of dust collector for screening unit 1 Crushing and  Closed conveyor belt is recommended to reduce dust

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS –22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-IX DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Screening emissions  Green belt is developed on down wind direction of the crusher & screening plant.  Compaction, gradation and drainage on both sides. 2 Haul Road  Proper maintenance.  Regular water spraying.  No overloading of trucks. Truck  Trucks to be covered with tarpaulin while transporting 3 Movement Iron ore.  Enforcing speed limit.  Proper charge per delay shall be regulated.  Stemming column shall be more than the burden to 4 Blasting area avoid blown out shots.  Each blast would be is carefully planned, supervised executed and observed by expert staff

In addition the following measures will be undertaken  Development of Green belt all along mine area boundary.  Periodical monitoring of air quality to take steps to control the pollutants.  Regular water sprinkling to suppress the dust on haul roads, service roads and mining face by truck mounted water tankers.  PPE will be provided to the workforce.

9.3.2 Controlling of other Levels

The other emissions are mainly SO2, NOx and the source would be from vehicles. But, these emissions are very minimal. This will be controlled by proper maintenance and servicing of vehicles.

9.4 WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT There will not be any waste water generation except domestic waste water, therefore no post waste water monitoring required.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS –22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-IX DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Water Pollution Management  In anticipation of seasonal streams and run-off in the core zone, channels and bunds would be constructed and maintained to avoid any erosion and contamination.  The mine pit water collected due to rains will be utilized for water spraying on the haul roads and for watering plantation.  Check dam is provided for the seasonal stream present in the mine area.

9.5 NOISE LEVEL MONITORING There will be intermittent noise levels due to vehicular movement and trucks loading. No mining activities are planned during night time. A thick greenbelt will be developed all around the mine boundary to act as noise attenuator. The Management Plan for controlling noise pollution is envisaged as follows.  Selection of suitable machinery and equipment,  Proper mounting of equipment,  Providing noise insulation/padding wherever practicable and  Machinery will be fitted with properly designed noise acoustic silencers.  Proper maintenance and periodic lubrication of noise generating parts of the machines.  Provision of thick plantation in and around the mine is planned in order to reduce the noise and prevent it from reaching to surrounding habitation area

9.5.1 Parameters The noise level recordings are measured in dB (A) Leq values, where dB (A) denotes the time weighted average of the level of sound in decibels on scale A, which is relatable to human hearing.

9.5.2 Methodology Precision integrated sound level meters are being used for monitoring of Leq noise levels in dB (A) scale at the work place and also in the surrounding villages.

9.5.3 Noise Quality Management The following measures shall be implemented

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS –22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-IX DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

 Proper lubrication, fitting of effective silencers and good maintenance.  Provision of personnel hearing protective equipment to all workers likely to be exposed to noise.  Restricting duty hours of operators likely to be exposed to higher noise levels.  The maintenance of natural vegetation as well as afforestation in the lease shall serve as acoustic barriers.

9.5.4 Noise Pollution Control The ambient noise level monitoring is carried out in and around the proposed mine shows that ambient noise levels are well within the stipulated limits of CPCB. Noise generation may be for an instant, intermittent or for continuous periods, with low to high decibels. Periodic inspection and checks of the risk prone areas and equipments have to be conducted. To control noise pollution during the proposed mining operations following steps will be practiced.  Proper selection of machinery  Proper and timely maintenance of mining and plant machinery  Limiting of speed of haulage vehicles/tippers

9.6 WATER CONSUMPTION AND WASTE WATER GENERATION Around 23.0 KLD of water will be required for the project activity through the existing and proposed. Water requirement will be met through water tankers. Water is required in the mine for spraying on the roads and working faces to suppress the dust and also for use in the garage. Also a small quantity of drinking water is required. Existing and Proposed Fresh water requirements & waste water generation as follows:

Table 9.4. Fresh water requirements & waste water generation

S. No Description Existing Proposed Total 1 Domestic 0.5 KLD 1.0 KLD 1.5 KLD 2 Dust suppression 1.5 KLD 9.0 KLD 10.5 KLD 3 Green Belt 2.0 KLD 4.0 KLD 6.0 KLD

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS –22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-IX DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

4 Wet Drilling -- 5.0 KLD 5.0 KLD Total 4.0 KLD 19.0 KLD 23.0 KLD

Wastewater Generation

Purpose Existing Proposed Total Point of Disposal

Domestic 0.4 KLD 0.8 KLD 1.2 KLD Septic tank followed by soak pit Dust Suppression ------Green belt ------development TOTAL 0.4 KLD 0.8 KLD 1.2 KLD

23.0 KLD (Water tankers)

23.0 KLD

Dust Green Belt Wet Domestic

Suppression (6.0 KLD) Drilling purpose (10.5 KLD) (5.0 KLD) (1.5 KLD)

Septic Tank No outflow No outflow No outflow (Soak pit)

Fig 9.1 Water balance

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS –22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-IX DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

9.7 BIOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT Trees are very suitable for detecting, recognizing and monitoring air pollution effects. Monitoring of biological effects of air pollutant by the use of plants as indicators has been applied on local, regional and national scale. Trees function as sinks of air pollutants, besides their bio esthetical values, owing to its large surface area. Annual need of oxygen for one person is met by 150 sq.m of leaf surface. So it is necessary to develop green belt in and around the polluted site with suitable species to combat the air pollution effectively. The plantation scheme covers the following areas.  Plantation around peripheral portion of mine and other structures.  Gardens, parks and haul road plantation.  Plantation by way of reclamation/rehabilitation of mined out blocks.

9.7.1 Tree Plantation Program The main aim of plantation of mined out areas is to stabilize the land, to protect it from erosion and provide an aesthetic landscape. The proponent has already developed green belt with Eucalyptus, Neem and Teak trees in an area of 0.61 Ha and proposed to develop green belt during the ensuing scheme period in an area of 0.95 Ha will be planted by 950 no. of saplings along the safety zone of the area.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS –22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-IX DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

9.7.2 Mine drainage Normally the ground water table is available at a depth of 45m in rainy season and 60m depth in summer from the bore well that was drilled for agricultural in adjacent area. Workings are exacted to be at 480mRL to 50mRL which is above the water table. There are no changes for ground water or surface accumulation in the mine workings at a depth of 6m.

During the plan period the maximum depth will be 462 RL in pit No.1 at the end of the 2020-21 period. The maximum depth is 483 RL during 2017-18. The maximum depth will be 484 RL in pit no.2 at the end of 2020-21. The minimum depth is 497 RL during 2018-19. The minimum depth is 503 RL in pit no.3 during 2017-18 and reach maximum depth of 488 RL at the end of 2021.

The mine area shows sub-dendritic drainage. The area is gentle slope towards North Eastern side and the maximum contour level is 508 RL and minimum contour level is 476 RL recorded. There is a natural seasonal drain passing through the mine and a check dam was provided to avoid disturbance. Garland drains are designed around dumps area situated Eastern side of the mine and in mine slopes. Siltation pond will be constructed to arrest silt from runoff.

Check dam for stream passing through the mine

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS –22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-IX DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

9.8 SOIL MANAGEMENT Top Soil Management The top soil will be preserved within the lease area and the same will be used for plantation, roads, filling ditches and reclamation whenever necessary.

Waste Management There are three dumping locations in the mine area for over burden and for waste material in 1.42 hectares. After completion of the present plan period, additional area of 0.54 Ha. will be required. During the present plan period there is no proposal for reclamation because the mine is still in development stage. A small quantity has been utilized for backfilling for inspection path along the western boundary. Retaining walls proposed around dump area during this plan period.

9.9 LAND ENVIRONMENT The project covers a total ML area of 22.979 hectares of Govt. waste land. During the ensuing scheme period an area of 2.77 hectares of land will be mined out in addition to the earlier broken area of 2.95 Ha., whereas a total of 5.72 hectares of land will be degraded till the end of the scheme period. 7.5 m buffer zone present in the mine area is left undisturbed during mine activities. Green belt is developed in some parts of mine area covering to an extent of 0.61 Ha. and proposed to develop plantation in an area of 0.95 Ha. within buffer area.

The remaining area shall be put to use in the future basing on the demand for Iron ore. The core zone landscape can be improved by tree plantation, shrub growth etc., which are outlined separately under eco-restoration.

9.9.1 Land use The land management plays an important role in reducing the adverse impacts caused by surface mining operation. Land management is required in the key areas like land use scheme with the ML area, calendar plan, mine bench advancement to arrest indiscriminate degradation of landform, top soil preservation, soil erosion control and the

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS –22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-IX DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

restoration of the mine pit. On each of these prime areas of land management, the following schemes are proposed.

9.9.1.1 Mine roads Roads for haulage and access to different locations would be laid as per the statutory regulations stipulated in the Metalliferrous Mines Regulations, 1961. Some of the basic features of laying the haul roads at the Mine Lease Area as required from environmental and safety angle cover the following:  The road layout would be generally followed as per scheme shown in mine general layout. The main haul road and feeder roads would be generally of 6m wide keeping provisions for road side plantation.  The corners and bends would be made in such a way as to offer the vehicle operator, a clear visibility of at least 30m along the road. The alignment of haul roads and feeder roads may require alteration with the progress of mining work.

9.9.2 Proposed Mitigating Measures The land management plays an important role in reducing the adverse impacts caused by surface mining operation. Land management is required in the key areas like land use scheme with the mine area, calendar plan, mine bench advancement to arrest indiscriminate degradation of landform, top soil preservation, soil erosion control and the restoration of the mine pit.

Land restoration: Since it is envisaged that the quarry will be in operation for at least 7 years, so, no back filling is proposed during the lease period. After removal of mineral, benches will be formed below the surface level and the top of the benches will be applied with top soil and developed with grasses and plantation. Fast growing trees and other native shrubs would be planted to stabilize the reclaimed land and prevent wind erosion of solid particles.

Backfilling is proposed to some extent with the stored/preserved waste. The pits formed will be used as rain water harvesting structures. While reclaiming the mined out area, the 9 - 13

M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS –22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-IX DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

original land form cannot be fully restored. This would be beneficial in two aspects, namely (i) it may recharge the spring table by seepage of water through cracks and joints and (ii) the impounded water reservoir can be utilized for development of afforestation and irrigation source to nearby agricultural fields.

9.10 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT & SAFETY The company management shall give preference to local people through both direct and indirect employment.  It will provide ample opportunity to the locals to up-lift their living standards by organizing events that propagate mutual benefits to all, such as health camps, awareness campaigns, donations to poorer sections of society and downtrodden.  Educational needs of the region will be improved by encouraging the workers to allow their children to attend schools.  Sufficient funds shall be allocated for these and other emergency needs.  Adequate supply of potable water to the workers will be made during the working hrs.  The mines department will supervise the safe working of the contractor and their employees. The working personnel will be provided with face masks, ear plugs, safety helmets and goggles in order to reduce health hazards.

The proponent will provide all necessary provisions stipulated under the Mines Act. In addition a Safety committee will be formed and manned by equal participants from Management and Workers.

Personnel Protection Equipment (PPE) will be issued to each worker. Other safety equipments shall be used according to the nature of job involved.

9.11 BIOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT PLAN The mining activity will have low impact on shrubs in the mine lease area and in order to minimize the impacts, it is proposed to reclaim the entire mined out area with indigenous plant species as early as possible. Plantation programme is proposed to be carried out in and around the mine lease area so that the natural habitat is restored.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS –22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-IX DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

9.11.1 Green Belt Development/Afforestation Plan The proponent has already developed green belt in an area of 0.61 Ha and proposed to develop green belt during the ensuing scheme period in an area of 0.95 Ha will be planted by 950 no. of saplings along the safety zone of the area. The year wise program of tree plantation is being given in below table: Table 9.5 Details of Year Wise Tree Plantation Program

Year Area (Ha) Type of saplings No. of saplings II 2500 250 Anacardium, III 2500 250 Casuarina, IV 2500 250 Azadirachta and V 2000 200 Pongamia Total 9500 950

9.11.2 Criteria for Selection of Species Species to be selected should fulfill the following specific requirements of the area - Availability of seed material - Tolerance to specific conditions or alternatively wide adapts ability to eco- physiological conditions. - Rapid growth - Capacity to endure water stress and climatic extremes after initial establishment - Differences in height, growth habits - Pleasing appearance - Providing shade - Ability of fixing atmospheric Nitrogen - Improving waste lands.

9.11.3 Design of Green Development The greenbelt shall be developed around the mine to act as a sink for pollutants, attenuation of noise levels and improvement in aesthetic quality of the plant. The following criteria shall be adopted in the design of greenbelt:

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS –22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-IX DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

1. Generally fast growing trees should be planted as otherwise it will take many years for other types of trees to attain their full height. 2. Trees will be planted along the road side in such a way that there is no direct line of sight when viewed from a point outside the foliage perimeter. 3. Trees growing up to 10 m or more in height with thick perennial foliage should be planted around the plant. 4. Trees shall be planted staggered in each row (minimum three rows encircling the perimeter of the plant). 5. Tree trunk being free foliage up to a height of 2 to 3 m, it is advisable to grow shrubs in front of trees to give coverage to the open portion. 6. Greenbelt will be developed all around the mine area with a width of 10 m. 7. Greenbelt will be developed around the mine except wherever buildings and other structures.

9.12 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY MEASURES Mining profession involves exposure of workers to open area & dusty environment requiring assessment of likely impacts on the health aspects. Workers are prone to be affected by respiratory and pulmonary diseases, apart from health hazards related to water pollution, noise and vibrations. Health impact assessment will be undertaken by studying the nature of the mining activities and its impact. The proponent will appoint a doctor well versed with occupational health surveillance to meet the medical needs of the employees. The employees will be subjected to medical examination on an annual basis. The medical histories of all the employees shall be maintained in a standard format. These medical histories over a period will show if there is occupation related deterioration in the employees’ health. The budget allocated for occupational health & safety measures is Rs1.65 lakhs per annum.

Fugitive dust, noise and fines, may affect the health of workers, safety of employees during operation will be taken care of as per Mine Regulations Act, 1961. To avoid any adverse effects on the health of workers due to dust and noise sufficient measures have been provided in the mining project. These may include:

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS –22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-IX DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

 It should be ensured that all employees are adequately trained and qualified to perform their duties. Visitors must be familiarized with the safety precautions of the mine.  One occupational health and safety officer will be employed by the mine.  Provision of rest shelters for mine workers with amenities like drinking water, fans, toilets etc.  Provision of personal protection devices to the workers.  Dust suppression of haul road.  First aid facilities within lease area.  Height, slope shall be developed as per the approved mining plan.  Regular medical examination shall be conducted for the employees.  Working benches shall be developed as per approved mining plan.

9.12.1 Public Health Implication, Occupational Health Survey Program and First Aid: According to ILO and WHO, occupational health should aim at the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social well being of workers in all occupations; the prevention amongst workers of departures from health caused by their working conditions; the protection of workers in their employment from risks resulting from factors adverse to health. In brief, as applicable for M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals, any employee should not have any health risk due to its assigned occupation and should not lose the productivity of the employee on health ground. So far and as per the health checkups conducted, none of the employees have any abnormal findings. Rest other occupational ailments are not alarming and medical treatment as well as counseling will be provided to all employees periodically.

An occupational health survey program includes:

 Preliminary screening of all the employees for their baseline health condition.  Medical evaluation of workers condition before joining to the duty.  Educating the workers w.r.t. the safety conditions & occupational health diseases.  Refresher Training will be provided on malaria eradication, HIV & health effects on exposure to mineral dust.

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS –22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-IX DRAFT EIA REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

 Regular health checkups for all the workers will be conducted.  Data base will be created for individual worker and will be updated regularly to compare the health status.  Ergonomic Program Manager will take care of all the needs of OH & S.  Doctor specialized in Occupational Health will be appointed for special needs.

Mine Safety Mine Safety is a statutory requirement which is fully complied at M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals. Mining area will be fenced off to prevent falling down of man and animals. Fuels: No fuel is required for minerals processing. Only diesel oil is required for operation of mining machineries and mine vehicles. The average monthly consumption is around 20 KL diesel oil.

9.13 PROJECT COST Cost Estimates of the Project Existing Project cost is around Rs. 15.0 lakhs

The Total cost of the project for expansion Rs. 230.0 Lakhs

TOTAL Project cost Rs. 245.0 Lakhs

EMP BUDGET

 Capital Cost : 7.2 Lakhs  Recurring cost per annum : 9.2 Lakhs  Recurring cost for 5 years : 36.8 Lakhs

Total EMP Cost for this ensuing scheme : 44.0 Lakhs

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CHAPTER –X SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-X DRAFT EIA REPORT SUMMARY & CONCLUSIONS

10.0 SUMMARY & CONCLUSION M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals was granted a quarry lease for Iron ore over an extent of 22.979 Hectares in Sy. No. 782 & 873, of Gutupalli Village, Bethamcherla Mandal, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh.

The project is for expansion of Environmental Clearance. However, initially the TOR application for the same was submitted to SEAC, Andhra Pradesh and was considered in the SEAC meeting held on 30.03.2019. Obtained ToR vide Lr. No: SEIAA/AP/KNL/MIN/VIO/10/2018/729-278 Dt: 14.05.2019.

The lease area is located in Survey of India, Toposheet No: 57 I/3 at geological cordinates of 15°26'31.44"N - 15°26'35.08"N Latitude and 78°04'05.17"E - 78°03'51.00"E Longitude in Gutupalli Village, Bethamcherla Mandal, Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh.

10.1 RECOMMENDATIONS The regular medical check-up of workers is to be carried out. The general environmental awareness is given to the local workers. Regular maintenance of vehicle is carried out. Slogans of Environment, health & safety are recommended for display in local language. Hence significantly there is no likely impact is envisaged due to mining activity. The management must keenly celebrate the importance of World Environment Day to create awareness amongst the workers. Conservation of soil and water must be emphasized not only at works but also at their own place. With implementation of Environment Management Plan and providing continual improvement the mine may be accorded environmental clearance.

 Adequate measures will be taken for control of noise at source.  Intensive green belt will be developed all around mining premises.  Control of dust emissions.

Consequently,  This project aims at keeping the key industries within the country well supplied with an essential raw material

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M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-X DRAFT EIA REPORT SUMMARY & CONCLUSIONS

 Does not give rise to any adverse biophysical or socio-economic impacts  No rehabilitation required  No afforestation required  The project has significant positive aspects such as generation of employment  Acceptable impact on environmental parameters

The EMP should be implemented by senior qualified environmental personnel who have competency and credibility to interpret the requirements of the EIA and EMP. A detailed record of all activities related to environmental and social management should be retained for review. The audit findings should be made available to the relevant environmental and local authorities.

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CHAPTER –XI REMEDIATION PLAN AND THE NATURAL & COMMUNITY RESOURCE AUGMENTATION PLAN

CHAPTER-XI REMEDIATION PLAN AND THE M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. NATURAL & COMMUNITY RESOURCE DRAFT EIA REPORT AUGMENTATION PLAN

11.0 INTRODUCTION:

M/s Dhigvijay Minerals was granted Iron ore mine over an extent of 22.979 Ha located in Sy.No.782 & 873 of Gutupalli Village, Bethamcherla Mandal, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. The mine lease area falls under the Toposheet 57 I/3 between the geological coordinates of 15°26'31.44"N - 15°26'35.08"N latitudes and 78°04'05.17"E - 78°03'51.00"E longitudes.

11.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION OF THE PROJECT:

The lease transfer permission was accorded to M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals for Iron ore and Barytes mining over an extent of 22.979 Ha under Form-O from M/s. N. Dakshinamurthy vide G.O. Ms.No. 312 Ind & Com. (M.I) Department dated 19.11.2008 and the lease deed execution was transferred in the name of M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals for the remaining lease period up to 23.04.2026 vide proceedings no. 7100/M4/2008 dated22.12.2008. Obtained Environmental Clearance for Iron ore mining with production capacity 23654 MTPA vide order No. SEIAA/AP/KNL-78/2012-4108 on 14.03.2012 for mining of Iron ore. Obtained CFO vide Order No: KNL-342/APPCB/ZO-KNL/CFO/2014-826; dated 18.10.2014 and subsequently renewed vide order No. ATP-174/APPCB/ZO-KNL/CFO/2017, Dated: 05.10.2017.

M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals has started mining operations in the year 2008 for the extraction of Iron ore. Presently the mine proposes for expansion of production capacity from 23654 MTPA to 115600 MTPA..

As per MoEF&CC, 804 (E) 14.03.2017 “the project comes under violation, as it has expanded its production when compared to the production capacity of the obtained EC under EIA Notification–2006”.

Past Performance Record:

The mining operations started in the year 2008 for the extraction of Iron ore and presently performing its workings as per obtained EC capacity. The mining operations will increase its production after obtaining all necessary permissions. 11 -1

CHAPTER-XI REMEDIATION PLAN AND THE M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. NATURAL & COMMUNITY RESOURCE DRAFT EIA REPORT AUGMENTATION PLAN

Out of the total mine i.e., 22.979 Ha., 2.95 Ha area is kept under mining and 0.30 Ha. is used for crusher & screening plant establishment. The total buffer zone area for the mine is 2.03 Ha, and the area is left undisturbed with native species. The environmental protection measures undertaken during the period is as below:  Water sprinkling on the mining quarry, haul road and loading unloading points.  Restricted vehicular speed to 25 KMPH to reduce dust suspension.  Provided safety slopes for the mined pits.  Gradations of haul roads were done to avoid fugitive emissions.  Check dam is provided for season stream passing in the mine area  Garland drains and siltation pond were constructed.

11.2 DAMAGE ASSESSMENT: The Assessment of ecological damage is with respect to Air, Water, Land and other Environmental Attributes.

For M/s Dhigvijay Minerals, there is one seasonal stream and three first order streams flowing from the mine site. Garland drains and siltation ponds were constructed to collect rain water. The collected rain water will be used for water sprinkling and watering the plants and excess water will released to nearby agricultural fields/ water bodies. The mining activity will not intersect with mine activity with the ground water table.

During mining operation runoff is collected in pit and used for mining operations like wetting of haul roads & approach roads and green belt development within the quarry lease area. Total worked out area during the operation period is about 2.95 Ha.

However, in general Major environmental impacts arising from mining activities include: 1. Water accessibility and quality 2. Air quality 3. Land disturbance 4. Waste generation 5. Biodiversity loss

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CHAPTER-XI REMEDIATION PLAN AND THE M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. NATURAL & COMMUNITY RESOURCE DRAFT EIA REPORT AUGMENTATION PLAN

6. Nuisance and disturbance

The social impacts are: 1. Housing displacements 2. Resettlement 3. Employment 4. Health and Safety 5. Ecosystem services

During the ensuring scheme period approximately a worked out area of 22.979 Ha utilized for mining, Roads, and 7.5 m buffer zone. The mine management has developed green belt to an extent of 0.61 Ha. with Tectona grandis, Azadirachta indica and Eucalyptus species within mine area and along the approach road. In this ensuing mining period, it is proposed to develop green belt within buffer area to an extent of 0.95 Ha. The main aim of plantation of mined out areas is to stabilize the land, to protect it from erosion and provide an aesthetic landscape. It is proposed during the ensuring scheme period, Green belt will be planted with 950 no. of saplings along the approach roads and within buffer area.

However, the analysis of air, water, soil, noise and biological environment attributes carried out by accredited NABL Laboratory during Post-monsoon season (i.e. March’ 2019 to May’ 2019) within 10 km radius of the project site. The summary of analysis of ambient air quality, water, soil, noise in the study area prove that all monitored values from the sampling locations are well within the specified limits of CPCB, IS: 10500 Drinking water standards and standard soil classification.

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CHAPTER-XI REMEDIATION PLAN AND THE M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. NATURAL & COMMUNITY RESOURCE DRAFT EIA REPORT AUGMENTATION PLAN

Fig.11.1: Worked out area of M/s Dhigvijay Minerals

Fig. 11.2: Land use pattern of M/s Dhigvijay Minerals

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CHAPTER-XI REMEDIATION PLAN AND THE M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. NATURAL & COMMUNITY RESOURCE DRAFT EIA REPORT AUGMENTATION PLAN

11.3 NATURE AND COMMUNITY AUGMENTATION PLAN: Protection of environmental quality with respect of pure air, water and soil is important for Environmental sustainability. A reduced carbon foot print initiative with plants could help reducing the impacts of mining to environmental components. The vegetated mine acts as sink for carbon dioxide which improves the aesthetic environment and ecology. The remediation follows: 1. Environmental and Social Impact Assessment 2. Soil Contamination Remediation 3. Air Quality Improvement 4. Water Quality and Quantity Improvement 5. Noise and Vibration Control 6. Conservation of Biodiversity 7. Socio-economic development

11.3.1 Environmental and Social Impact Assessment: To ensure the sustainability in mining, ESIA can play both short-term and long-term goals to minimise the environmental and social impacts. The key scopes of ESIA are:  To identify appropriate measures to mitigating the potential negative impacts of mining.  To enhance the benefits via suitable policies and regulations.

11.3.2 Soil Contamination Remediation: Mitigation for soil impacts includes the use of best management practices during operational phases and a reclamation plan for re-establishment of viable soils and vegetation at closure. In this Iron ore mine there is no top soil, the mineral is exposed in this site. To conserve the soil sustainability, green belt should be maintained around the mine area within the buffer zone. Organic amendments and bio-fertilizer accelerates the vegetation with native plant species.

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CHAPTER-XI REMEDIATION PLAN AND THE M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. NATURAL & COMMUNITY RESOURCE DRAFT EIA REPORT AUGMENTATION PLAN

11.3.3 Air Quality Improvement: For dust attenuation, role of native plant species was studied and it was delineated that the broad leaved native dry deciduous tree species have great potential to reduce dust in mining areas. Vehicular movement indicated that maximum dust is generated from the haul road. Effective greenbelt development has to be developed in different tiers for preventing the dust out of core and buffer zone of mine area.

11.3.4 Water Quality and Quantity Improvement: Use of best management practices (BMPs) for site clearing to minimize erosion and sedimentation is one of the best tools for water impact reduction. The runoff will be collected within the mined pits and the collected water is used for dust suppression and green belt development. There will be no damage to the ground water as the mine operations will not release any liquid effluent. The ground water resources can be improved by rain water harvesting, plantation with appropriate plant species and mine water utilization.

11.3.5 Noise and Vibration Control: In the present mine noise can be expected from the mine operations and movements of vehicles and it is estimated that the noise levels are within the prescribed limits. Disturbance from noise could be alleviated using vegetation as a biological tool. The plants are good attenuators of noise both in the mining areas.

11.3.6 Conservation of Biodiversity: Mitigation measures for habitat and biodiversity impacts include minimizing the footprint, translocation of native plant species to ecosystem reconstruction sites, conservation of plant micro reserves and larger areas, and reclamation.

11.4 CORPORATE ENVIRONMENT RESPONSIBILITY: M/s Dhigvijay Minerals will follow Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER) as per O.M. File No. 22-65/2017-IA.III dated: 01.05.2018.

The following measures will be taken to maintain a clean and sustainable environment in and around the mine: 11 -6

CHAPTER-XI REMEDIATION PLAN AND THE M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. NATURAL & COMMUNITY RESOURCE DRAFT EIA REPORT AUGMENTATION PLAN

 Integrate sound environmental practices in all its activities.  Promote development of innovate environment friendly processes  Improve employee commitment and responsibility towards environment protection  Promote environmentally responsible behaviour amongst contractual workforce and suppliers. EMP costing for the proposed project

Required daily on 1 Air Pollution Wet Drilling 5.0 KLD -- 1.0 250 working days

Checking system Dust collectors elements on regular maintenance (1000/- -- 0.2 basis, replacing any month) defective elements. Graded road Construction -- 0.1 Garland drains (approx top Drains construction width 2m, bottom width 0.5 0.1 around the mine Water 1m & height 1m) Rs. 250/- 2 site Pollution per sq.m & RWH Cleaning twice in a Construction of Septic tank -- 0.15 year Regular maintenance of Noise machinery (2000/- per -- 0.2 3 Pollution month) Ear muffs (Rs. 75/- each) -- 0.1 Thrice in a year Replaceable twice 4 Occupational First aid kits 0.2 0.1 Safety and for every year

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CHAPTER-XI REMEDIATION PLAN AND THE M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. NATURAL & COMMUNITY RESOURCE DRAFT EIA REPORT AUGMENTATION PLAN

Health Fire extinguishers 0.2 0.05 PPE for all workers (hand gloves Rs. 30 /- each, -- 1.0 helmets 500/- and Safety shoes 1500/- each) Carried out once in Regular health checkups -- 0.4 a year Training and awareness programs on risk factors 0.2 0.1 during emergencies Ambient air, water quality, Environmental 5 Noise studies and -- 1.5 Monitoring Vibration studies Green belt Plantation in 0.95 Ha. 950 plants with 6 6.1 1.5 development 80% survival rate TOTAL 7.2 9.2 TOTAL EMP BUDGET 16.4

EMP budget for the ensuing scheme (capital + recurring * 4 years) is 44.0 Lakhs.

11.5 CONCLUSION: M/s Dhigvijay Minerals also marking efforts to reduce the environmental and social impacts of mining and minimize the footprint of their activities throughout the mining cycle, including planning for post-closure restoration. Mine leases can become more environment friendly and socially sustainable by integrating practices that reduce the environmental impact of mining operations and implementing Corporate Environment Responsibility. The mitigation of mine impacted environmental and social issues warrant a corrective action supported by appropriate post-closure management strategies. By managing environmental impacts, the long-term viability of mining operations can be secured, which in turn, addresses the social issues. It also provides the opportunity to produce goods and services in mining and at the same time ensures a sustainable and healthier ecosystem services. The strategic management and assessment of social and environment impacts also ensures favour from the government and policy makers for economic benefits to stakeholders.

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CHAPTER-XI REMEDIATION PLAN AND THE M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. NATURAL & COMMUNITY RESOURCE DRAFT EIA REPORT AUGMENTATION PLAN

For the above Assessment with respect to Environmental attributes, the report briefly describes the basis of unit calculation of remediation work i.e., Calculation of bank Guarantee for Remediation works and Resource Augmentation works enclosed as part-II.

PART-II

CALCULATION OF BANK GUARANTEE FOR REMEDIATION WORKS AND RESOURCE AUGMENTATION WORKS

11.6 IMPACT ASSESSMENT

This part of the report briefly describes the basis of arriving at the standard costs for different works. The rates that have been approved by different Governmental bodies are much lesser than that of these rates, probably due to their past dated rates. The present rates are arrived at by the available market prices in general. The variation if any may be 10% either side.

Remediation cost: The dictionary meaning of the word remediation is "the action of remedying something, in particular of reversing or stopping environmental damage". Before arriving at the formation of ‘Unit costs’ the areas where the environmental protection works are needed are enumerated.

a. The compensation to loss of greenery due to feeling of trees and clearing the area for quarrying. b. The compensation to the loss of rain water, that could have incurred due to poor/zero planning of tapping the resources and streamlining them, c. The cost of providing a proper fencing or wall around the boundary, whose failure can create un-safe conditions of working, d. Cost of water sprinkling for dust suppression, on roads used by the lessee which otherwise do not belong to him, e. Cost of providing boulder wall or trench as the case may be for arresting rolling boulders,

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CHAPTER-XI REMEDIATION PLAN AND THE M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. NATURAL & COMMUNITY RESOURCE DRAFT EIA REPORT AUGMENTATION PLAN

f. Cost of providing a trench around the waste dump which can arrest the muddy waters and allow clear waters outside.

Resource augmentation: To plan augmentation of resources that were otherwise existing or getting supported from the virgin land of lease are to be considered. The community resources are ‘Grazing Lands’, ‘Water tanks’, ‘Ground water’, ‘Gardens, Parks’ etc. The quarry operations could have affected the ground water resources seriously. This area requires augmentation of water resource that is generally used by the local community.

EC Conditions and Environmental protection: The EC issued to any operation consists of some conditions either general or specific in nature. These are meant for protection of environment and for community resource protection and augmentation. The cue for preparing this report is taken from the most commonly imposed conditions by PCB. Some are enumerated below and the cue taken from different conditions and the action proposed and covered is given below.

Sl Condition generally Possible damage to Challenge Possible remedy specified by Authority environment or persons if not complied with

A Specific conditions

1 Air pollution: Green belt There will be more The proponent has In addition it is proposed should be developed dust to the developed to develop greenbelt in along the boundary of surroundings. greenbelt within 0.95 Ha. within buffer the Mining lease area in mine area area. and also in back filled covering an extent and reclaimed areas of 0.61 Ha. and with tall growing native also along the species in consultation approach road. with the local The area

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CHAPTER-XI REMEDIATION PLAN AND THE M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. NATURAL & COMMUNITY RESOURCE DRAFT EIA REPORT AUGMENTATION PLAN

agricultural department. developed with plantation will not be sufficient for this mine

2 Effective safe guard Heavy dust could Availability of To add the cost of measures such as have damaged the water to some sprinkling in the regular water health of the persons extent. remediation cost. sprinkling shall be working and also the carried out in critical atmosphere would areas prone to have become dust pollution. laden.

3 The proponent shall take The hearing ability Nil The proponent has to precautions against of the persons provide suitable PPE for noise arising out of working could have ear protection and the mining operations and reduced if these are cost of the same is to be shall be abated or not complied with. included in the EMP controlled at the source submitted for quarry so as to keep it within operations. the permissible limits.

4 Garland drains and Non construction of Hardness of Garland drains and Siltation ponds of garland drains would ground and slope siltation pond has been appropriate size should have given way for conditions constructed within mine be constructed for the water to go waste area. To continue in working pit to arrest and the water that future by construction of flow of silt and goes out could have garland drains for the sediment. The water so polluted the water proposed dumps and also

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CHAPTER-XI REMEDIATION PLAN AND THE M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. NATURAL & COMMUNITY RESOURCE DRAFT EIA REPORT AUGMENTATION PLAN

collected should be sources. The ground compensate for the water utilized for watering the water contamination lost in terms of the mine area roads, green is also possible. 'applicable cess' for the belt development etc. water not conserved The drains should be properly. This amount is regularly desilted, to be added in particularly after remediation cost. monsoon, and maintained properly.

5 Solid waste:

Topsoil: Wherever top Loss of fertile soil Most of the No compensation could soil exists and is to be topsoil in the be planned as the excavated for mining quarry areas are information on topsoil

operations, it shall be non-fertile, or the quality is not available. removed and stacked content of fertile

separately and top material is less.

Overburden Haphazard dumping Nil Proposed to construct the management causes loss of land garland drain and silt flowing into circumscribing the lowest the local waters. portion of the proposed dump where there is possibility of water coming down

Construction of Non provision of Nil The cost of retaining wall retaining wall retaining walls could is included in the have allowed the remediation costs. boulders in the

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CHAPTER-XI REMEDIATION PLAN AND THE M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. NATURAL & COMMUNITY RESOURCE DRAFT EIA REPORT AUGMENTATION PLAN

surrounding lands if the land is sloping

The proponent shall DGMS permission is Nil Proposes to apply for obtain all other mandatory for safety 106(2(b)) and register in mandatory clearances and environmental ‘Shram Suvidha’ from respective protection. departments

METHOD OF MINING AND POSSIBLE POLLUTANTS FOR WHICH REMEDIATION IS TO BE CONSIDERED & UNIT COST CALCULATIONS

1. Details of Mining methodology and possible pollutants from the operations: The present case pertains to Iron ore Mining. The general method of operations is through contour mining method as most of the Iron ore deposits are hilly in nature. The operations involve making an approach road to reach the top of the hill, formation of benches at suitable take off points, drilling and blasting of free face, shifting the generated material to the stock yard or to the customer, shifting waste if any to the waste dump. In most of the cases of iron ore Mining there is waste material. The waste material can be intercalated also. All the operations are environmentally damaging works only. For these operations excavators, jackhammers or track drills, and tippers are used. In some cases there are crushing operations also which generate huge dust.

2. Loss of greenery due to mining operations: The greenery is to be provided on the buffer zone as per the conditions of EC. Apart from this when the bench preparation is taken up there can be loss of initially existing greenery all over the leased land. For this purpose the buffer zone area of the lease is arrived at initially. This area is supposed to have been utilized for plantation. As per the standards 1 Ha (10000 square meters) of area can be used for planting 1000 number of trees. This amounts to 10 square meters per plantation. With this standard the number of plants to be planted is arrived at.

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CHAPTER-XI REMEDIATION PLAN AND THE M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. NATURAL & COMMUNITY RESOURCE DRAFT EIA REPORT AUGMENTATION PLAN

The tree density that originally existed in the lease area is approximately taken from the available ‘Topo Sheets’. If the area was densely populated with trees, the loss per hectare is taken as ‘10’. If the area was moderately populated with trees, the loss of trees per hectare is taken as ‘8’ per hectare. Thus the loss of trees due to initial mining operations is arrived at. The sum of the trees to be planted on buffer zone and the initial tree loss is taken as total trees to be planted. The cost of the plantation is part of the remediation cost, which is part of the bank guarantee.

3. Transport route span from quarry to the nearest out going road for dispatch of mineral: This part of the road on which the trucks move is not a part of the lease area. Since the lessee is using this road, the responsibility of suppressing the dust on this road lies with the lessee. The total road length is taken into consideration within 500 m boundary. The road width is taken as ‘3’ meters which is most common. This width multiplied with the span of road gives the area to be wetted. Thus the cost for sprinkling is part of the bank guarantee to be provided. In the present case there is 250 meters of outside road that the lessee is using.

4. Construction of trench for water collection in the downward-slope portion on the ground: The trench dug in the downward portion of the lease area (within lease area) will allow water to collect and the pure water is let out. The cost of trenching forms a part of the bank guarantee. This cost is applicable only for hilly deposits.

5. Construction of trench around the waste dump: This trench will arrest the boulders that may roll from the dump and also prevents muddy water that can directly enter local water regime from the waste dump catchment. This cost is also taken as a part of the bank guarantee.

6. Construction of fencing: This cost is applicable only for the ground level quarries. The fencing has been provided all around the quarry to prevent inadvertent entry of persons and accidental entry of stray animals. This cost is also taken into consideration.

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CHAPTER-XI REMEDIATION PLAN AND THE M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. NATURAL & COMMUNITY RESOURCE DRAFT EIA REPORT AUGMENTATION PLAN

7. Water regime loss: The water regime loss is taken into account as the mining operations without proper planning to manage water flow properly could have caused loss of recharge of the ground water. For this purpose the total area taken in meter square multiplied with the highest rain fall of the previous 10 years gives the water addition to the local regime. This is taken for 10 years in kilo liters. Out of this water natural ground infiltration and evapouration is taken collectively as 40% for hard grounds, 60% for permissible grounds and 80% for sandy soils. In the same manner the water that could have naturally entered into the local course (Without any attempts of lessee) is taken as 40% for hard ground, 20% for permissible grounds, and nil for sandy soils. Thus in every case around 20% of water is lost due to poor catchment water management due to the lessee. This cost is added as the bank guarantee amount which will be used for community resource (Ground water) augmentation purposes. The cost is taken as Rs.1.50 per kilo liter of water which is the cess vale that is imposed by existing standards.

11.7 REMEDIATION COST CALCULATION:

Cost of Plantation: The cost of each plant is taken as Rs.100/-. The cost of pitting is taken as Rs.20/- per plant. The cost of guard that protects plant is taken as Rs.180/- per plant. This part of the cost comes to Rs.300/- per plant. Coming to watering of plants daily consumption of water per plant is taken as 5 liters. For a period of 9 months this comes to 1350 liters per plant. This is equal to (1350/7500) 0.2 tankers. Cost of each tanker of water is taken as Rs.1250/-. Thus the cost of water per plant per year is 1250 x 0.2 = Rs.250/-. For two years this comes to Rs.500/- and this adds up to the initial cost of Rs.300/-. Thus the total cost of plantation works out to be (300 + 500) Rs.800/-. This cost includes watch and ward also.

Total lease area is 229790 square meters. The extent of buffer zone is 20300 square meters. The number of plants to be planted in lieu of the buffer zone plantation is 20300/10 = 2030 numbers. The tree density of the initial status of the leased land is taken as ‘8’ trees per hectare. Thus for the given lease area the number of tree loss is arrived at as 22.979 x 8 = 184 numbers. Thus the total number of trees to be planted is 2030 + 184 = 2214 numbers. But the

11 -15

CHAPTER-XI REMEDIATION PLAN AND THE M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. NATURAL & COMMUNITY RESOURCE DRAFT EIA REPORT AUGMENTATION PLAN

proponent has already developed plantation in an extent of 0.61 Ha. within mine area and along the approach road with approximately 1264 plants. Thus total number of plants consider for future development is 950 plants. The cost of plantation for one plant is arrived at as Rs.800/- (See above). Thus the bank value to be provided for plantation is equal to No. of plants x Rs.800. this comes to 950 x 800 = Rs. 760000/-. Thus for plantation the remediation cost is Rs.760000/-

Cost of trenching and De-silting/Boulder wall construction: The cost of trenching is taken on the basis of machine hours needed for preparing the trench. A standard excavator of 200 range is sufficient for trenching. The present rent per excavator per hour is Rs.3500/- including manpower cost and diesel cost. The material that an excavator can excavate in hard ground is around 50 cubic meters. Although an excavator can excavate around 300 tons per hour, the reduced quantum is owing to the difficulty of digging on ground and the dimensions which are less. This machine associated with at least 2 tippers in one hour to haul the given material. The cost of tippers with diesel per hour is around Rs.500/-. Thus for hauling one cubic meter trench works out to be (3500 + 500)/ 50 = 80/-. The total cost of trenching is arrived with a basic cost of Rs.80/- per cubic meter of material to be handled. In the present case the total coverage of boulder wall and the trench around the down slope of the quarry comes to 562 meters which costs 562 x 80 = Rs.44960/-.

In addition to this a trench is to be formed around the waste dump. The total waste planning is 100000 cum. For this with a height of 30 meters of dump we need 3333 sq meters area. This area gives around 300 linear meters. Thus the cost of the trench comes to 300 x 80 =

Rs.24000/-. Thus the total cost under this head is 44960 + 24000 = 68960/-

Calculation of loss to water regime due to quarrying: The present area is 22.979 hectares. The average rain fall is taken as maximum of 1.1 m per annum. The total rain catchment is 229790 x 1.1 = 252769 cubic meters. As explained above 20% of the water quantity is taken as mis-managed quantity i.e., 50553 cum. The cess is taken as Rs.0.5/- kilo liter of water. Thus the cost of water loss per year is arrived at as Rs. 25276/- and for 10 years it is Rs. 252760/-

11 -16

CHAPTER-XI REMEDIATION PLAN AND THE M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. NATURAL & COMMUNITY RESOURCE DRAFT EIA REPORT AUGMENTATION PLAN

Cost of fencing: The cost of fencing of substantial nature includes, the cost of pillar grouting, the cost of fence, and labour involved. The cost of fence per square meter is around Rs.50/-. For a linear meter with a height of 2 meters the cost of fence material is Rs.100. The span of pillars is taken as 3 meters. Each pillar cost is taken as Rs.50/-. Thus for a distance of 30 meters the cost of fencing comes to ( 60 x 50) + (10 x 50) = 3500/-. Thus for a linear meter the cost of fencing is around Rs.117/-. This calculation includes the cost of labour and machine if used including the watch and ward. However in the present case the cost of fencing need not be included as the deposit is hilly.

Cost for water sprinkling on roads: The consumption of water for only outside the lease area roads is considered. The total area to be wetted is 750 sqm. As per standards one square meter of area needs 1 liter for wetting. Thus taking around 3 trips of water sprinkling per day a square meter of area needs 3 liters of water. For the given area of 750 square meters we need 3 x 750 = 2250 liters of water per day. For 9 months of period (leaving aside the rainy season) we need to sprinkle 230 days (deducting 40 days of holidays and Sundays). With this basis the water consumption is 230 x 2250 = 517500 liters. Taking a standard tanker of 7500 liters we need 517500 / 7500 = 69 tankers of water. The cost of each tanker is taken as Rs.200/-. Thus the cost of water sprinkling is arrived at as 69 x 200 = Rs.13800/-

VALUE OF BANK GUARANTEE BEING SUBMITED

Sl Remediation work Value in Rs. 1 Plantation 760000 2 Boulder wall & trench 68960 3 Cost of fencing 0 4 Cost of sprinkling 13800 5 Cost of water regime 252760 Total 1095520

As per the above calculation an amount of Rs. 1095520/- will be submitted as bank guarantee.

11 -17

CHAPTER –XII DISCLOSURE OF CONSULTANTS

M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-XII DRAFT EIA REPORT DISCLOSURE OF CONSULTANTS

12.0 Disclosure of NABET accredited organization for EIA studies This chapter provides the overview of the consultants engaged in EIA studies.

12.1 About SV Enviro Labs & Consultants (SVELC) Pioneered its way in the mid 90’s in Yanam, the Evergreen Union Territory of Puducherry, to cater quality service in the area of environmental pollution. The laboratory serves have been set up in an extent of 7500 sft in the city of destiny Visakhapatnam. To provide Analytical expertise in the field of Environmental Engineering. Our technical expertise is one among the best in the country, providing economical & sound environmental and safety solutions. SVELC is an ISO 9001:2008 company and is accredited by:  ISO 9001:2008  ISO 14001: 2004  Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Govt. of India, New Delhi  National Accreditation Board for Education & Training (NABET) registered Environmental consultants by Quality Council of India (QCI).  National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) in the field of testing  OSHAS 18001: 2007

12.2 Services offered by SV Enviro Environmental:  Environmental Impact Assessments  Environmental Management Plan  Environmental Audits preparation  Solid and hazardous waste management  Risk assessment and disaster management plans  Occupational health and safety studies  Socio-economic studies  Marine impact assessment

12 -1

M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-XII DRAFT EIA REPORT DISCLOSURE OF CONSULTANTS

 Rehabilitation and resettlement studies

Analysis:  Environmental monitoring for air, water, soil, noise, ecology, hazardous waste, etc  Industrial emission source monitoring  Offshore sampling and analysis of marine water and sediments  Analysis of water, wastewater, soil, solid waste, hazardous waste, lube oils, etc  Noise quality monitoring  Work zone source emission analysis

The firm has been engaged in the work of Environmental Impact Assessment studies for category – A & B projects, preparation of Environmental management plans (EMP) for the last 10 years for the purpose of obtaining clearance from Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change.

12 -2

M/S. DHIGVIJAY MINERALS – 22.979 Ha. CHAPTER-XII DRAFT EIA REPORT DISCLOSURE OF CONSULTANTS

Fig: 12.1 – NABET Certificate

12 -3

ANNEXURES

ANNEXURE – I

TOR COPY

Statc Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) Andhra Pradesh Ministrv of Environment. Forests & Climate Change. Government of India =; I D.No.33-26-14 Di2. Near Sunrise Hospital. pushpa Hotel Centre. Chalamavari Street. Kasturibaioet. Viiavawada-520010 By Speed Post Lr No. SEIAA/AP/KNL/MIN/VIO/1 0/20 I 8/729 - z-l9,- Dt: 14.05.2019 Ito Sri S. Venkateswara Rao, Mg. Partner M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals, 1sl Fr ' l '' Floor, S.V.R Complex, M.M. Road, Oneole -523002. ' Andhra Pradesh.

Sir. Sub: SEIAA, A.P. - 22.979 Ha. Iron ore Mine of M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals at Sy.No. 782 and 873, Gutupalli Village. Bethamcherla Mandal, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh - Violation case - Standard Terms of Reference (TOR) with Specific Terms of Reference - Issued - Reg. Ref: 1. Your TOR application received through online on 28.07.201i (IA/AP/MIN/6702112017) by MoEF&CC and then forwarded to SEIAA, A.P. on 01.06.2018 (SIA/AP/MIN/27067/2018) as a violation case 2. Discussion on Violation cases during the SEAC in its meetings held 08.04.2018, 12.05.2018,23.06.2018 & 23.07.2018 and the SEIAA in its meetings held 24.04.20 18, 02.06.20 I 8 & 02.07 .20 18 3. Notorised affrdavit along with letter submitted through online on 24.10.2018 4. SEAC meeting held on 29.10.2018 & SEIAA meeting held on 13.11.2018 5. T.O. letter dt.04.12.2018. 6. The project proponent letter dt. 19.03.2019. **r. In continuation of the above, it is to inform that your application was examined by the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) in its meeting held on 30.03.2019. The project proponent and their consultant M/s. S.V. Enviro Labs & Consttltants have attended the meeting.

2. The Committee noted that this is an existing Iron Ore mine. The mining lease was granted by the Director oJ Mines & Geology, Ibrahimpatnam on 24.04.2006 The mining lease was granted vide Govt. of A.P., Ind. & Com. (MI) Department, G.O Ms. No 58 dated 04.03.2006 for the period o/ 20 years (24.04.2006 to 23.04.2026). The mining plan was 'approved by Regional Controller of Mines, IBM, Hyderabad Regional Olfice, vide letter .dated 01.05.2017 for a period o/ 4 years ( 2017-1 8 to 2020-21). 3. The Project Proponent submitted the application at MoEF&CC (IA/AP/MIN/6702I /2017) on 28.07.2017 for consideration oJ environmental clearance for expansion and the same was transfeted from MoEF&CC to SEIAA, A.P. throttgh online on 01.06.2018 (SIA/AP/MIN/27067/2018), as a violation case Jbr consideration oJ mining proposal involving violation of EIA Notilication 2006 uncler the provisions oJ S.O.B04 (E) ctater!: t4.03.2017and irs amendment noti\ica!ion dared 8"' March 20t8. The project proponent ntbmitted the Notorised afiidavit through online on 24.10.2018.

P.T.O 4. The Committee after detailed deliberations on the proposal in the terms of the provisiotts of the MoEF&CC NotiJication S.O.No.B)4 ( E) dated l4th March 2017, confirmed the case to be of violation of the EIA Notification, 2006 and recommended for issue of Standard Terms of Reference (TOR) along with the following SpectJic Terms of Reference and to conduct the pubtic hearing, for undertaking EIA and preparation of Environmental Management Plan (EMP) by this Iron ore Mine .for production of - Iron ore - 1.15.600 TPA.

Further the committee recommended to address a letter to A.P.Pollution Control Board to take action against this mine under Section 19 ofE (P) Act,|986.

Specific Terms of Reference: i. The project proponent shall be required to submit a bank guarantee equivalent to the amount of remediation plan and natural and community resource augmentation plan with the SPCB prior to the grant of EC. The quantum shall be recommended by the SEAC and finalized by the regulatory authority. The bank guarantee shall be released after successful implementation of the EMP, followed by recommendations of the SEAC and approval of the regulatory authority.

11. Assessment of ecological damage with respect to air, water, land and other environmental attributes. The collection and analysis of data shall be done by an environmental laboratory duly notified under the Environment ' (Protection) Act, 1986, or an environmental laboratory accredited by NABL, or a laboratory of a Council of Scientific and hdustrial Research (CSIR) ' institution working in the field of environment.

ll1. Preparation of EMP comprising remediation plan and natural and community resource augmentation plan corresponding to the ecological damage assessed and economic benefits derived due to violation.

The remediation plan and the natural and community rcsource augmentalion plan to be prepared as an independent chapter in the EIA report by the accredited consultants.

v. Funds allocation for Corporate Environment Responsibility (CER) shall be made as per Ministry's O.M. No. 22-65/ 2011-IA.III dated May, 2018 for various activitics thcrein. The details offund allocation and activities for CER shall be incoroorated in EIA,{EMP report.

vi. Detailed hydrological study to be carried out in core and buffer zone of the project as per recent GEC guidelines 2015.

vii. Submission of report in tabular form regarding issues raised during hearing and. commitment made by the PP.

viii. The project proponent shall give an undertaking by way of affidavit to comply with all the statutory requirements and judgment of Hon'ble Supreme Court dated the 2nd August 2017 in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 114 of 20 14 in the matter of Common Cause versus Union of India and Ors. Before grant of'ToW EC. The undertaking inter-alia includes commitment of the PP not to repeat any such violation in future.

ix. In case of violation ofabove undertaking, the ToR/Environmental Clearance shall be liable to be terminated forthwith.

x. The Environmental clearance will not be operational till such time the project Proponent complies with all the statutory requirements and judgment of Hon'ble Supreme Court dated the 2nd August 2017 in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 114 of 2014 in the matter of Common Cause versus Union of India and Ors. state Govemment concerned shall ensure that mining operation shall not commence till the entire compensation levied, if any, for illegal mining paid by the project Proponent through their respective Department of Mining & Geology in strict compliance of judgment of Hon'ble Supreme Court dated the 2nd August 20i7 in writ Petition (civil) No. 114 of 2014 in the matter of common cause versus Union of India and Ors.

xl1. All the Statuary clearances/Approvals/Permissions shall be obtained from various organisations/Departments like GGWA/SGWA/APPCB etc before startins the project activity

xl11. Pit reuse to be presented

xlv. Compliance for earlier EC report to be presented

6. The issue was placed before the SEIAA, A.p., meeting held on 17.04.2019 and the Authority agreed with recommendation of the SEAC, A.p.

7. In view of the above, you :re requested to prepare EIA report based on the standard rerms of Reference (ToR) along with aforementioned additional specific Terms of Reference and to conduct the public hearing and then submit to the sEAC, A.P., for appraisal. The Terms of the reference (ToR) is valid for a period of three years.

Yours faithfully, /rul- MEMBER SECRETARY. PpPna'*' Copy to :

1. The Member Secretary, A. p. pollution control Board, yijayawada for information. 2' The Director, Mines & Geology Dept, Gort., of Andhra pradesh., D.No. 7-104, B-Block, 5ft & 6rh floors, Sri Anjaneya Towers, Ibrahimpatnam, Vijayawada- 521456.

ANNEXURE – I MINING PLAN &

DRAWINGS

ANNEXURE – III

EC & CFO COPIES

REGD.POST WITH ACK.DUE Order No. SEIAA/AP/KNL -7812012- h lOe Dtz 14.03.2012. Sub: SEIAA, A.P. - lWs. Dhigvijaya Minerals, Sy. No. 7g2 & 873, Gutupalli (V),' Bethamcherla (M), Kurnool District - Environmental Clearance - Issued -h"g. This I. has reference to your application submitted vide lr. dt. 19.01.2012 inthis regard, seeking Environmental Clearance for the proposed Iron Ore Mine in favour of M/s.- Dhigvijaya Minerals, sy. No. 782 & 873, Gutupatli (v), Bethamcherla (M), Kurnool District. The nearest human habitation viz., Hussainpuftrm (V) exists at a distance of 2.3 km from the mine lease area. It is noted that Bethamcherla RF and North Dhone RF exists within the study area of lgkm around the mine lease area. It was noted that the capital investment of the project is ns. 15.0 lakhs and the production capacity is as follows:

Mining of Iron Ore: 23,654 TpA.

is il. It an opencast m]ne. After breaking the mineral into required size by hand tools, it is directly loaded into the trucks. No beneficiation of the ore / mineral is proposed. It is reported that the life of the Mine is estimated as 13.1 years. The total mine lease area is 22.979 Ha.

u. The State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) examined the application, in its meeting(s) held on 09.02-2012. project The is exempted from the process of public hearing as the mining le-ase area is less than 25 Ha., in accordance with the guidelines approved by itt" Spne, .{p fo. processing the applications of mining projects. Based on the information hr-irh"d, presentation made by the proponent and the consultant IWs. pragathi Labs & Consultant, pr.t. Ltd., Secunderabad; the Committee considered the project proposal and recommended for issue oi Environmental Clearance. The State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), in its meeting held on 22.02.2012 examined the proposal and the recommendations of igAC. ii was decided to issue prior Environmental Clearance to the project. The SEIAA, A.p hereby accords Environmental Clearance to the project as mentioned at Para no. I under the provisions of the EIA Notification 2006 and its subsequent amendments issued under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 subject to implementation of the following specifrc and general conditions:

A. Specific Conditions:

a) Air Pollution:-

i. The crushed and screened ore shall directly be transported to the consumers. No beneficiation shall be done at the mining site.

ii. Greenbelt of width 5.0m shall be developed along the boundary of mining lease area with tall growing trees, with the native species in consultation with the local DFO.

iii. Fugitive dust emissions from all the sources should be controlled regularly. Water spraying arrangement on haul roads, loading and unloading and at transfer points should be piovided and properly maintained.

iv. The proponent shall take appropriate measures to ensure that the GLC shall comply with the revised NAAQ norns notified by MoE&F, GoI on 16.11.2009.

v. The following measures are to be implemented to reduce air pollution during transportation of mineral:-

o Roads shall be graded to mitigate the dust emission. o Crusher platform will be covered with GI sheets to arrest any dust emission. o Over filling of tippers and consequent spillage on the roads shall be avoided. The trucks shall be covered with tarpaulin.

Page I of4 o Water shall be sprinkled at regular interval on the main haul road and other service roads by water sprinklers to suppress dust.

vi. The following meuxures are to be implemented to reduce Noise pollution:-

earmuffs etc.

of 25 kmph to prevent undue noise from empty trucks.

vii. Measures should be taken to comply with the provisions laid under Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) (Amendment) Rules, 2010; dt. 11.01.2010 issued by the MoE&F, GOI to control noise to the prescribed levels. Workers engaged in operations of HEMM, etc should be provided with ear plugs/muffs. b) Water Pollution:-

i. The source of water is bore well. Total water requirement is 4.0 KLD. Out of that, 1.5 KLD is used for dust suppression;2.0 KLD is used for Development of green belt; 0.5 KLD is used for domestic purpose. Wastewater generated from the domestic section is to be disposed into septic tank followed by soak pit.

ii. Garland drain and siltation ponds of appropriate size should be constructed for the working pit to arrest flow of silt and sediment. The water so collected should be utilized for watering the mine area, roads, green belt development etc. The drains should be regularly desilted, particularly after monsoon, and maintained properly.

iii. Regular monitoring of ground water level and quality should be carried out by establishing a network of existing wells by the project proponent in and around project area in consultation with Regional Director, CGWB, Southem Region, Hyderabad. Data thus collected should be sent at regular interval to MoEF, CGWA and CGWB, Southem, Region, Hyderabad.

iv. Suitable conservation measures to augment gtoundwater resources in the area shall be planned and implemented in consultation with Regional Director, CGWB, Southern Region, Hyderabad. Suitable measures should be taken for rainwater harvesting.

v. Permission from the competent authority should be obtained for drawl of ground water required for this project.

c) Solid Waste :-

i. Topsoil, if any, shall be stacked properly with proper slope with adequate measures and should be used for plantation purpose.

ii. The following measures are to be adopted to control erosion of dumps:-

the slopes.

iii. Waste oils, used oils generated from the EM machines, mining operations, if any, shall be disposed as per the Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling, and transboundary movement) Rules, 2008 and its amendments thereof to the recyclers authorized by APPCB.

B. General Conditions:

i. This order is valid for a period of 13 years. It was reported that the life of the mine is l3.l years.

ii. "Consent for Establishmenf'shall be obtained from Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board under Air and Water Act before the start of any mining work at site.

Page2 of 4 iii. No change in mining technology and scope of working should be made without pnor approval of the SEIAA, A.P.

lv. The proponent shall submit half-yearly compliance reports in respect of the terms and conditions stipulated in this order & monitoring reports in hard and soft copies to the SEIAA and Ministry's Regional office, Bangalore on lst June and lst December of each calendar year.

v. Four ambient air quality-monitoring stations should be established in the core zone as well as in the buffer zone for monitoring. Location of the stations should be decided based on the meteorological data, topographical features and environmentally and ecologically sensitive targets and frequency of monitoring should be undertaken in consultation with the State Pollution Control Board.

vi. Data on ambient air quality should be regularly submiued to the Ministry including its Regional Offrce located at Bangalore and the State Pollution Control Board/ Central Pollution Control Board once in six months.

vii. Personnel working in dusty areas should wear protective respiratory devices and they should also be provided with adequate training and information on safety and health aspects. viii. The project proponent shall ensure that no natural watercourse and/or water resources shall be obstructed due to any mining operations. Necessary safeguard measures to protect the first order streams originating from the mine lease shall be taken.

ix. Occupational health surveillance progftlm of the workers should be undertaken periodically to observe any contractions due to exposure to dust and take corrective measures, if needed.

x. A separate environmental management cell with suitable qualified personnel should be setup under the control of a Senior Executive, who will report directly to the Head of the Organization.

xi. The funds earmarked for environmental protection measures (Capital cost Rs.2.0 lakhs per annum should be kept in separate account and should not be diverted for other purpose. Year wise expenditure should be reported to the Ministry and its Regional Office located at Bangalore.

xii. Officials from the Regional Offrce of MoE&F, Bangalore who would be monitoring the impiementation of environmental safeguards should be given full co-operation, facilities and documents ldataby the project proponents during their inspection. A complete set of all the documents shall be submitted to the CCF, Regional Office, MoE&F, Bangalore.

xiii. A copy of clearance letter shall be marked to concerned Panchayat /local NGO, if any, from whom suggestion / representation has been received while processing the proposal.

xiv. State Pollution Control Board should display a copy of the clearance letter at the Regional Offrce, District Industry Center and Collector's Office /Tehsildar's Office for 30 days.

xv. The project authorities should advertise at least in two local newspapers widely circulated, ott" of *hich shall be in the vernacular language of the locality concerned, within 7 days of the issue of the clearance letter informing that the project has been accorded environmental clearance and a copy of the clearance letter is available with the State Pollution Control Board and SEIAA, A.P.

xvi. The SEIAA or any other competent authority may alter/modifu the above conditions or stipulate any further condition in the interest of environment protection.

xvii. The proponent shall obtain all other mandatory clearances from respective departments'

xviii. Environmental clearance is subject to final order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in the matter of Goa Foundation Vs. Union of India in Writ Petition (Civil) No.460 of 2004 as may be applicable to this Project.

Page 3 of4 xix. Any appeal against this Environmental Clearance shall lie with the National Environmeat Appellate Authority, if prefened, within a period of 30 days as prescribed under Section l1 of the National Environment Appellate Act, 1997.

xx. Concealing the factual data or failure to comply with any of the conditions mentioned above may result in withdrawal of this clearance and attract action under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, I 986.

xxi. The SEIAA may revoke or suspend the order, if implementation of any of the above conditions is not satisfactory. The SEIAA reserves the right to alter/modifu the above conditions or stipulate any further condition in the interest of environment protection.

xxii. The above conditions will be enforced inter-ali4 under the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, l974,the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Public Liability Insurance Ac! 1991 along with their amendments and rules.

sd/- sd/- sd/- MEMBER SECRETARY MEMBER CHAIRMAN, sErAA, A.P. SEIAA, A.P. SEIAA, A.P.

Sri. S. Venkateswara Rao, Mg. Partner, lWs. Dhigvij aya Minerals, l" floor, SVR Complex, MM Road, ONGOLE - 523002. Ph:9848152909.

tn.c.F.B.Oil Wk/ft\ gfxton Er\rvrRoNMENrAL bxcrxrcnR (Ec)

Page 4 of4 ."l-,ei-;r,- ANDHRA PRADESH POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD zONAL OFFICE: KURNOOL iiffitlff \l,t 1"tI Floor,Frvvr' errqrr^qShankar Shopping Gomplex' Krishna Nagar Main Road phone:08518'238g12 e-mail: [email protected]

BY REGD POST WITH ACK. DUE

CONSENT ORDER

Order No.KNL - 342IAPPCB/ZO-KNL/GFO/2014- 896 Date: 18.10.2014

(Consent Order for Existing/New or altered discharge of sewage and/or trade effluents/outlet under Section 25126 of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and amendments thereof and Operation of the plant under section 21122 of Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and amendments thereof.

CONSENT is hereby granted under section 25126 of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and under section 21122 of Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and orders made thereunder to

M/s Dhigvijay Minerals (22.979 Ha), Sy.No.782 & 873, Gutupalli(V), Betamcherla(M), Kurnool Dist

(hereinafter referred to as 'the Applicant') authorizing to operate the industrial plant, to discharge the effluents from the outlets and the quantity of Emissions per hour from the chimneys as detailed below.

i) Outlets for discharqe of effluents:

Outlet Outlet Description Max Daily Point of Disposal No. Discharqe (KLD) 1. Domestic effluents 1.0 Septic tank followed by soak pit

ii) Emissions from chimneys:

Chimney Description of Ghimney Quantity of Emissions No. Emissions at standards peak flow

This order is subject to the provisions of 'the Acts' and 'the Rules' and orders made thereunder and further subject to the terms and conditions incorporated in the schedule A&B enclosed to this order. Thls Conaent is valid for manufacture the follolring products along w6h quantities only

S.No. Product Capacity 1. Mining of lro4 ore. 23,654 TPA (Mine Lease Area - 22.919 Hal

This consent order shall be varid for a period ending with the 30.0g.20i2.

JOINT CHIEF AL ENGINEER KURNOOL Egcl:SchedulesA&8. WTo M/s Dhigvijay Minerals (22.979 Ha lron Ore mine), C/o Sri S.Venkateswara Rao, ld Floor, S.V.R. Complex, M.M.Road, Ongole, Prakasam Dist. - 523 002. SGHEDULE. A 1. The applicant shall make applications through online for renewal of consent (under Water and Air Acts) atleast 120 days before the date of expiry of this order, along with prescribed fee under Water and Air Acts for obtaining consent of the Board along with detailed compliance to the conditions stipulated in the CFO. 2. Any person aggrieved by an order made by the State Board under Section 25, Section26, Section2T of Water Act, 1974 or Section 21of Air Act, 1981 may within thirty days from the date on which the order is communicated to him, prefer an appeal as per Andhra Pradesh Water Rules, 1976 and Air Rules 1982, to such authority (hereinafter referred to as the Appellate Authority) constituted under Section 28 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Section 31 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. 3. All other conditions stipulated in the Schedule - A of the earlier Consent Order No.KNL-342lAPPCB|ZO-KNL/CFO|2O13-92 d1.03.05.2013 remains same. The industry shall ensure consistent compliance of each conditions of Schedule - A. SCHEDULE . B Special Conditions 1. The project authority shall take steps to reduce water consumption to the extent possible and consumption shall not exceed the quantities mentioned below Sl No Purpose Quantity 1 Dust Suooression 2.0 KLD 2 Green belt 1.0 KLD 3 Domestic 1.0 KLD TOTAL 4.0 KLD 2. The project authority shall file the water Cess returns in Form-l as required under section (5) of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977 on or before the Sth of every calendar month, showing the quantity of water consumed in the previous month along with water meter readings. The industry shall remit water Cess as per the assessment orders as and when issued by Board. 3. The project authority should comply with the National ambient air quality standards as per MoEF, GOI notification dated . 18.11.2009 along the premises of the factory as prescribed below. S.No Parameters Standards in ug/m3 1 Particulate Matter(PM1 0) 100 2 Particulate Matter (PM2,5) 60 3 s02 80 4 NOx 80 Noise Levels: Day time (6 AM to 10 PM) - 75 dB (A) Night time (10 PM to 6 AM) - 70 dB (A). 4. The project authority shall not increase the mining capacity beyond the permitted capacity mentioned in this order, without obtaining CFE/CFO of the Board. 5. The applicant shall put up two black boards of size 6 ft by 4 ft. at the main entrance to their plant. One board shall contain' the specific CFE and CFO conditions, in sufficiently large font size so that it can be read easily from a distance of 10 ft to a normal eye, and other board shall carry, again in sufficiently large font size so as to be able to read from a distance of 10 ft, the latest Water, Air, Noise and solid waste monitoring data as well as the maximum vulnerable zone. 6. The project authority shall not manufacture any extra products or extra capacities without obtaining CFE/CFO of the Board. project 7. The authority shall carry out only semi-mechanized open casting mining and shall carryout Mining of iron ore in an area of 22.979 Ha only. project 8. The authority shall use nori electrical delay detonators and shock tube initiative system for blasting. 9. The project authority shall alopt wet drilling method and use pneumatic/hydraulic drilling machine with inbuilt dust extraction cum collection system to contiol dust emissions. 10. Fugitive dust emissions from all the sources should be controlled regularly.-loading The industry shall provide water spraying arrangement on haul roads, and unloading and at transfer points for dust suppressions. 11. The project authority shall deploy water tanker exclusively and shall carryout water sprinkling regularly in the mine haulage roads for dust suppression. 12.The project authority shall lay concrete/construction of pucca/tar roads for connecting mine area and nearest road.

13. The Project authority shall provide ambient air quality stations and submit the analysis reports to the Board regularly. 14. The project authority shall take appropriate measures to ensure that the ground level concentrations shall comply with revised National Ambient Quality Norms notified by MoE&F. Gol on 16.11.2009. 15. The project authority shall implement the following measures to reduce the air pollution during the transportation of the mineral. . Road shall be graded to mitigate the dust emissions. o Overfilling of tippers and consequent spillage on the roads shall be avoided. The trucks shall be covered with tarpaulin. o Water shall be sprinkled at regular interval on the main haul road and other service roads to suppress the dust. 16. The project authority shall implement the following measures to reduce the noise pollution.

r The proper and regular maintenance of the vehicles and other equipment. o Limiting time exposure of workers to the excessive noise. Worker employed shall be provided with protection equipment and ear muffs. . Speed of the trucks entering or leaving the mine is to be limited to the moderate speed of 2SKMPH to prevent undue noise from empty trucks. 17.The prolect authority shall take measures to comply with the provisions laid down under Noise pollution (Regulation and Control) Amendment Rules, 2010 dated 11.01.2010 issued by MoE&F, Gol to control the noise to the prescribed levels. 18. The project authority shall provide ear plugs / muffs for the workers engaged in the operations of HEMM, etc., 19. The mine shall earmark separate area for overburden dump yard & collect solid waste i.e., overburden (top soil and waste material) properly. The topsoil shall be stacked properly with proper slope with adequate measures and should be used for plantation purpose. 20. The over burden and waste material shall be dumped in the dump yard within the quarry lease area only. Under no circumstances, the project authority shall dump the overburden soil outside the quarry lease area. The Board is constrained to revoke the CFO issued by the Board in case overburden soil is dumped outside and also if complaints were received from the.surreundings without any further notice. 21.The project authority shall adopt the following measures to control erosion of dumps: o Retention/toe walls shall be provided at the foot of the dumps o Worked out slopes are to be stabilized by planting appropriate shrub / grass species on the slopes. o Garland drain around the dump for diversion of storm water. The garland drain shall be routed through siltation pond of adequate size. 22. Suitable conservation measures to augment ground water resources in the area shall be plant and implemented in consultation with Regional Director, CGWB, Southern Region, Hyderabad. Suitable measures shall be taken for rainwater harvesting. 23. No change in mining technology and scope of working should be made without prior approval from the Board. No further expansion or modification in the mine shall be carried out without prior approval from the Board. 24.The project authority shall develop greenbelt with tall growing trees with wide leaf area in the mine lease area. 25. The project authority shall ear mark the funds as stipulated in EC for environmental protection measures and the funds should kept in separate account and should not = be diverted for other purposes. Year wise expenditure should be reported to the Ministry of Environment & Forest, Gol and its Regional office, located at Bangalore. 26. The project authority shall provide septic tank followed by soak pit for disposal of domestic effluents. 27 . The project authority shall comply with all the directions issued by the Board from time to time. 28. Concealing the factual data or submission of false information / fabricated data and ' failure to comply with any of the conditions mentioned in this order may result in withdrawal of this order and attract action under the provisions of relevant pollution controlActs. 29. The Board reserves its right to modify above conditions or stipulate any further conditions in the interest of environment protection. 30. The conditions stipulated in this order are without prejudice to the rights and contentions of this Board in any Hon'ble Court of Law.

JOINT CHIEF ENVI AL ENGINEER ZONAL O KURNOOL ro A- M/s Dhigvijay Minerals (22.979 Ha lron Ore mine), C/o Sri S.Venkateswara Rao, 1"t Floor, S.V.R. Comptex, M.M.Road, Ongole, Prakasam Dist. - 523 002. ANDHRA PRADESH POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD s$ryfr/\q&rf ZONAL OFFICE: KURNOOL 1'' Floor, Shankar Shopping Complex, Krishna Nagar Main Road

Phone : 085 1 8- 236912, e-mail: [email protected]

OrderNo.ATP-174IAPPCB/ZO-KNLiCFO/2017- .Date:05.10.2017

AUTO RENEWAL OF CONSENT ORDER FOR OPERATION

ln response to your application dt.26.09.2017 for Auto Renewal of Consent Order, the Board hereby extends validity period of Consent order issued vide order No. KNL- 342lAPPCBIZO-KNL/CFO/2014- 826, dated 18.10.2014 with validity upto 30.09.2017 for further period of a (FOUR) years i.e, upto 30 0-9.2-021 under sections 25126 ol the Waler (Prevention and Control of Pollulion) Acl, 1974 and 21 of the Air (Prevention and Control of

- Pollution) Act, 1981 . '1. All other conditions mentioned in Schedule A & B of the CFO order issued by the Board vide order dated 18.10.2014 remain same. 2. The Project Authority shall comply with the standards issued by l\ilinistry of Environment and Forest & Climate Change / CPCB from time to tlme. 3. The Project Authority shall submit the compliance report on all the stipulated conditions of Consent for Operation (CFO) order to RO, Kurnool for every six months i.e. on 1"' January and l "tJuly of the year.

For A.P. Pollution Control Board To M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals, ( Mine lease area - 22.979 Ha) Sy.No.782 & 873, Gutupalli (V), Betamcherla (M), Kurnool Dist

Correspondence address: M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals, ( Mine lease area - 22.979 Hal C/o Sri S.Venkateswara Rao, 1"t Floor, S.V.R. Complex, M.M. Road, Ongole, Prakasam Dist. - 523 002.

ANNEXURE – IV EC COMPLIANCE

COMPLIANCE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE

M/s. DHIGVIJAYA MINERALS COMPLIANCE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE ORDER NO: SEIAA/AP/KNL-78/2012-4108 DT: 14.03.2012 SPECIFIC CONDITIONS

S. No CONDITION COMPLIANCE 1 A) Air Pollution: The crushed and screened ore shall directly The crushed and screened ore are directly be transported to the consumers. No transporting to the consumers. No beneficiation is beneficiation shall be done at the mining carrying out at mine site. site.

2 Greenbelt of width 5.0m shall be developed Greenbelt of width 5.0m is developed along the along the boundary of mining lease area boundary of mining lease area. Present green belt with the growing trees, with the native occupies 0.61 Hec. species in consultation with the local DFO.

3 Fugitive dust emissions from all the sources Water is being sprinkled to control fugitive should be controlled regularly. Water emissions at haul roads, mining areas through spraying arrangement on haul roads, loading tankers and unloading and at transfer points should

be provided and properly maintained.

4 The proponent shall take appropriate We are taking all measures to comply the GLC measures to ensure that the GLC shall with the NAAQ norms notified by MoE&F, GoI comply with the revised NAAQ norms on 16.11.2009. AAQ monitoring is done through notified by MoE&F, GoI on 16.11.2009. by a third party which is recognized by MoEF.

5 The following measures are to be Provided graded roads implemented to reduce air pollution during Water sprinkling is being practiced to reduce air transportation of minerals:- pollution during transportation of minerals  Roads shall be graded to mitigate the dust emission.  Water shall be sprinkled at regular interval on the main haul road and other service roads by water sprinklers to suppress dust.

6 The following measures are to be implemented to reduce Noise pollution:-

 Proper and regular maintenance of Appropriate measures like development of green vehicles and other equipment belt, proper maintenance of vehicles etc were  Limiting time exposure of workers to taken to reduce noise pollution. excessive noise  The workers employed shall be Speed of the vehicles restricted below 25 KMPH. provided with protection equipment PPEs are provided to workers. and earmuffs etc.  Speed of trucks entering or leaving the mine is to be limited to moderate speed of 25 kmph to prevent undue noise from empty trucks. 7 Measures should be taken to comply with We are complying with the provisions laid under the provisions laid under noise pollution noise pollution issued by the MoE&F, GOI to (Regulation and control) (Amendment) control noise to the prescribed levels. Rules, 2010; dt. 11.01.2010 issued by the MoE&F, GOI to control noise to the prescribed levels. Workers engaged in operations of HEMM, etc should be provided with ear plugs/muffs. b) Water Pollution:-

1. The source of water is bore wells. The total We are using only 4.0 KLD of water through water requirement is 4.0 KLD. Out of that tankers and the waste water generated from the 1.5 KLD is used for dust suppression. 2.0 domestic section is disposing into septic tank KLD is used for development of green belt; followed by soak pit. 0.5 KLD is used for domestic purpose. Wastewater generated from the domestic section is to be disposed into septic tank followed by soak pit.

2. Garland drain and siltation ponds of We have already constructed garland drain and appropriate size should be constructed for the siltation ponds to arrest flow of silt in to low working pit to arrest flow of silt and laying areas. sediment. The water so collected should be

utilized for watering the mine area, roads, greenbelt development etc. the drains should be regularly desilted, particularly after monsoon, and maintained properly.

3. Regular monitoring of ground water level Regular monitoring of ground water level and and quality should be carried out by quality is being carried out by the project establishing a network of existing wells by proponent in and around project area. the project proponent in and around project area in consultation with Regional Director, CGWB, southern Region, Hyderabad. Data thus collected should be sent at regular interval to MoEF, CGWA and CGWB, Southern, Region, Hyderabad. 4. Suitable conservation measures to augment Necessary measures are taken for rainwater ground water resources in the area shall be harvesting. planned and implemented in consultation

with Regional Director, CGWB, Southern Region, Hyderabad. Suitable measures should be taken for rainwater harvesting.

5. Permission from the competent authority The Source of water is tankers, hence no should be obtained for drawl of ground water permissions from the competent authority is if any required for this project. required. c) Solid Waste:

1. Topsoil, if any, shall be stacked properly Top soil is utilized for raising the plantation in the with proper slope with adequate measures buffer zone. and should be used for plantation purpose. 2. The following measures are to be adopted to We adopted retention wall construction for part of control erosion of dumps:- area. Presently practicing stabilization of slopes and plantation will be planned at the time of mine  Retention/toe walls shall be provided closure. at the foot of the dumps.  Worked out slopes are to be stabilized by planting appropriate

shrub/grass species on the slopes.

3. Waste oils, used oils generated from the EM The waste oil generated is using for lubricating machines, mining operations, if any, shall be the machinery. disposed as per the Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling, and transboundary movement) Rules, 2008 and its amendments thereof to the recyclers authorized by APPCB.

GENERAL CONDITIONS S.No CONDITION COMPLIANCE

1 This order is valid for a period of 13 Years. It Noted. was reported that the life of the mine 133 Years. 2 “Consent for Establishment” shall be obtained We have obtained CFE and CFO O.NO. KNL- from Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control board 342/APPCB/ZO-KNL/CFO/2012-38 dt. under Air & Water Act before the start of any 018.04.2012 and also obtained CFO renewal vide mining work at site. Order No: ATP-174/APPCB/ZO-KNL/ CFO/2017; dated 05.10.2017 3 No change in mining technology and scope of We will take prior approval from SEIAA, AP if any working should be made without prior changes or enhancement in the production approval of the SEIAA, A.P.

4 The proponent shall submit the half-yearly We are submitting the compliance report to the compliance reports in respect of the terms and SEIAA and Ministry’s Regional office, Chennai. conditions stipulated in this order & monitoring reports shall be uploaded in the website of the project periodically. It shall simultaneously be submitted in hard and soft copies to the SEIAA and Ministry’s Regional Office, Bangalore on 1st June and 1st December of each calendar year.

5 Four ambient air quality monitoring stations We are monitoring ambient air quality by a third should be established in the core zone as well party which is recognized by MoEF and submitting as in the buffer zone for monitoring, location it to the State Pollution Control Board regularly. of the stations should be decided based on the metrological data, topographical features and environmentally and ecologically sensitive targets and frequency of monitoring should be undertaken in consultation with the State Pollution Control Board.

6 Data on ambient air quality should be regularly We are submitting ambient air quality reports to the submitted to the Ministry including its Ministry’s Regional office, Chennai once in six Regional Office located at Bangalore and the months. State Pollution Control Board/ Central Pollution Control Board once in six months.

7 Personnel working in dusty areas should wear PPE are provided to the mine workers and protective respiratory devices and they should supervised such that all necessary safety measures also be provided with adequate training and are being followed by the work force. information on safety and health aspects. We are regularly conducting seminars and training programmes on safety and health aspects to the workers.

8 The project proponent shall ensure that no We are taking safeguard measures to protect the natural watercourse and/or water resources seasonal stream and first order streams originating shall be obstructed due to any mining from the mine lease. Check dam is provided for the operations. Necessary safeguard measures to protect the first order streams originating from existing seasonal stream. the mine lease shall be taken.

9 Occupational health surveillance program of We are conducting occupational health surveillance the workers should be undertaken periodically campaigns for the workers regularly. to observe any contractions due to exposure to dust and take corrective measures, if needed. 10 A separate environmental management cell Our project having a separate environmental with suitable qualified personnel should be set- management cell headed by Mines Manager up under the control of a Senior Executive, followed by Head of the Organization. who will report directly to the Head of the Organization. 11 The funds earmarked for environmental We are utilizing earmarked funds for protection measures (Capital cost of Rs.2.0 Environmental protection measures and for lakhs/annum & Recurring Cost of Rs.0.50 implementing the systems. lakhs/annum) should be kept to separate Now onwards we will maintain separate account. account and should not be diverted for other purpose. Year wise expenditure should be reported to the Ministry and its Regional Office located at Bangalore. 12 Official from the Regional Office of MoE&F, We will give full co-operation, and provide Bangalore who would be monitoring the documents to the Regional officials during their implementation of environmental safeguards inspection. should be given full co-operation, facilities and documents/data by the project proponents during their inspection. A complete set of all the documents shall be submitted to the CCF, Regional Office to MoE&F, Bangalore. 13 A copy of clearance letter shall be marked to A copy of EC was given to Panchayat and local concerned Panchayat/local NGO, if any from NGO. whom suggestion/ representation has been received while processing the proposal. 14 State Pollution Control Board should display a Noted copy of the clearance letter at the Regional office, District industry Centre and Collector’s Office / Tehsildar’s Office for 30 days. 15 The project authorities should advertise at least We already advertised in two local news papers as in two local newspapers widely circulated, one per your directions. of which shall be in the vernacular language of the locality concerned, within 7 days of the issue of the clearance letter informing that the project has been accorded environmental clearance and a copy of the clearance letter is available with the State Pollution Control Board and SEIAA, A.P. 16 The SEIAA or any other competent authority We will obey may alter/ modify the above conditions or stipulate any further condition in the interest of environment protection.

17 The proponent shall obtain all other mandatory Obtained clearances from respective departments. 18 Environmental clearance is subject to final Noted. order of the Hon’ble supreme Court of India in the matter of Goa Foundation Vs. Union of India in Writ petition (civil) No. 460 of 2004 as may be applicable to this project. 19 Any appeal against this Environmental We are following the rules and regulations clearance shall lie with the National Green stipulated by board authorities. tribunal, if preferred, within a period of 30 days as prescribed under section 16 of the National Green tribunal, Act, 2010. 20 Concealing the factual data or failure to We are following the rules and regulations comply with any of the conditions mentioned stipulated from board authorities. above may result in withdrawal of this clearance and attract action under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 21 The SEIAA may revoke or suspended the Noted. order, if implementation of any of the above conditions is not satisfactory. The SEIAA reserves the right to alter/modify the above conditions or stipulate any further condition in the interest of environmental protection. 22 The above conditions will be enforced inter- We are following the rules and regulations alia, under the provisions of the Water stipulated by board authorities. (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 along with their amendments and rules.

ANNEXURE – V AFFIDAVIT

ANNEXURE – VI HYDROGEOLOGY

STUDY

M/s DHIGVIJAY MINERALS; Extent –22.979Ha.

A REPORT ON THE HYDROGEOLOGICAL AND HYDROLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF M/s DHIGVIJAY MINERALS, IRON ORE MINE IN SURVEY NO 782 & 873 OF GUTUPALLI VILLAGE BETHAMCHERLA MANDAL, KURNOOL DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH

SUBMITTED TO

M/S DHIGVIJAY MINERALS EXTENT: 22.979 Ha. KURNOOLDISTRICT

PREPARED BY

DR. V. VENKATESWARA RAO PROFESSOR (RETD.), GEO-ENGINEERING, A.U QCI-NABET ACCREDITED FAE IN GEOLOGY & HYDROGEOLOGY PLOT-119, SECTOR-4, MVP COLONY, VISAKHAPATNAM & SV ENVIRO LABS & CONSULTANTS VISAKHAPATNAM

M/s DHIGVIJAY MINERALS; Extent –22.979Ha.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER DESCRIPTION Page No I INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Objective 4 1.2 Scope of the Study 3 1.3 Methodology of Study 5 1.4 Location and Communication 5 1.5 Land Utilization 6 1.6 Soils and Crop Pattern 8 1.7 Demographics 9 II GEOMORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES 10 2.1 Physiography 10 2.2 Drainage 13 III HYDROMETEOROLOGY 15 3.1 Climate 15 3.2 Temperature 15 3.3 Rainfall 16 3.4 Water quality of the study area 18 IV HYDROLOGY AND SURFACE WATER UTILIZATION 25 V GEOLOGY 29 VI HYDRO-GEOLOGICAL ASPECTS 31 6.1 Ground water Occurrence 33 6.2 Water Level Fluctuation 33 6.3 Percolation/Recharge factor for mine area 35 VII GROUND WATER RESOURCES ASSESSMENT – GEC 2015 36 7.1 Norms Of Groundwater Estimation Committee – 2015 36 7.2 Rainfall Recharge 36 VIII IMPACT OF MINING IN GROUNDWATER REGIME 39 IX CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMMENDATIONS 41

M/s DHIGVIJAY MINERALS; Extent –22.979Ha.

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1: Study area of Bethamcherla Mandal, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

Figure 1.2: Map showing land use within 10 km Radius of mine area.

Figure 2.1: Geomorphological map for the Kurnool District

Figure 2.2: Contour map for the mine area with 10 km radius.

Figure 2.3: Drainage map within the radius of 10 kms for Mine area.

Figure 3.1: Google map showing sampling stations.

Figure 4.1: Drainage and river basins of Kurnool District

Figure: 6.1 Hydrogeology –Kurnool district.

Figure 9.1 Proposed Operational planning and Dump management for Sri B. Ramesh

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1: Land use and land covers statistics of buffer zone.

Table 1.2: Land utilization of Bethamcherla mandal.

Table 1.3: Bethamcherla mandal demographics.

Table 3.1: Maximum and minimum temperature in 0C for 2016-2017.

Table 3.2: Rainfall data for Bethamcherla Mandal and Kurnool District.

Table 3.3: Water sampling stations.

Table 3.4: Ground water quality results.

Table 3.5: Surface Water Quality of the Study Area.

Table 4.1: Minor irrigation Sources 2017-18.

Table 6.1: Month-wise ground water levels and rainfall data for Kurnool district from 2016-17 to 2017-18.

Table 6.2: Groundwater levels recorded by Piezometer (in bgl).

M/s DHIGVIJAY MINERALS; Extent –22.979Ha.

A REPORT ON THE HYDROGEOLOGICAL AND HYDROLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF M/s DHIGVIJAY MINERALS, IRON ORE MINE SURVEY NO 782 & 873 OF GUTUPALLIVILLAGE,BETHAMCHERLA MANDAL, KURNOOL DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH

I INTRODUCTION:

M/s Dhigvijay Minerals was granted transfer of Quarry Lease for Iron ore mining over an

extent of 22.979 Hectares in Sy.No.782 & 873 of Gutupalli Village, Bethamcherla

Mandal, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh vide G.O.Ms. No. 312 by Industries and

Commerce (M.III) Department, Dated: 19.11.2008. The lease deed execution was

transferred in the name of M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals for the remaining lease period up to

23.04.2026 vide proceedings no. 7100/M4/2008 dated22.12.2008.

Obtained Environmental Clearance for Iron ore mining with production capacity 23654

MTPA vide order No. SEIAA/AP/KNL-78/2012-4108 on 14.03.2012 for mining of Iron

ore. Obtained CFO vide Order No: KNL-342/APPCB/ZO-KNL/CFO/2014-826; dated

18.10.2014 and subsequently renewed vide order No. ATP-174/APPCB/ZO-

KNL/CFO/2017, Dated: 05.10.2017.

The mine proponent has exceed the production capacity with respect to obtained EC

order, the project attracts violation, as per MoEF & CC Notification S.O. 804 (E)

14.03.2017 and necessitates to obtain EC under B1 category with public hearing.

Presentation of TOR has been made before the SEAC committee on 30.03.2019. ToR for

expansion has been issued by SEIAA, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh vide Lr. No.

SEIAA/AP/KNL/MIN/VIO/10/2018/729-278; dated 14.05.2019.

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M/s DHIGVIJAY MINERALS; Extent –22.979Ha.

The present study on Hydrogeological and hydrological conditions of core and buffer

zone for Iron ore mine of M/s. Dhigvijay Minerals, was conducted lead by Dr. V.

Venkateswara Rao, Consultant, Hydrogeology (FAE), Professor(Retd.), Andhra

University along with SV Enviro Labs & Consultants team to fulfill the requirement

mentioned in Specific Terms of Reference vide Lr. No.

SEIAA/AP/KNL/MIN/VIO/10/2018/729-278; dated 14.05.2019. In this connection,

detailed hydrological study is carried out in core and buffer zone of the project as per

recent GEC guidelines 2015.

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M/s DHIGVIJAY MINERALS; Extent –22.979Ha.

Figure 1.1: Study area in Bethamcherla Mandal, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh

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M/s DHIGVIJAY MINERALS; Extent –22.979Ha.

1.1 OBJECTIVES:  To study the land forms and drainage pattern with special reference to ground water regime.  To study ground water conditions in the area  To study the impact of mining activity on ground water regime.  To study the characteristics of environmental hydrology and their vulnerability to mining activity.

1.2 SCOPE OF STUDY:

 To map and characterize the drainage network from the SOI toposheets.  To observe the hydrogeomorphological features from the available recent remote sensing data from google earth.  Collection, collation and compilation of hydro-geological information with special reference to ground water storage, sub-surface geology, hydrochemical behavior, climate characteristics. The data need to be processed for presentation and prediction of future behavior activity in the region.  To study hydrological aspects of existing streams, tanks etc on mining.  To decipher the impact of mining, the mining implications may be critically compared and evaluated vis-a-vis the hydro-geology of the area.  Design mitigation plans to preserve pre-mining hydrological conditions in the area.

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M/s DHIGVIJAY MINERALS; Extent –22.979Ha.

1.3 METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY:

M/s Dhigvijay Minerals proposes Iron ore production expansion to a maximum production of 15600MTPA from 23654 MTPA through open cast semi mechanized method. In any open cast mining, it is probable for intersection of ground water storage of surrounding area with mining activity due to regular inflow or seepage in mining areas. The magnitude of impact shall depend upon size of mining project and the hydrogeological conditions prevailed in the area. It is prior importance to evaluate the hydrogeological conditions, storage of water in aquifers, etc for preparation of mitigation plan to control negative impacts caused by mining activities.

To achieve the above objectives, geology of the area and the subsurface lithological conditions were interpreted based on the exploratory drilling data and geological studies carried by Geological Survey of India, Central Ground Water Board, State Groundwater & Audit Department and other agencies. Well inventory conducted to ascertain the status of weathered zone thickness and occurrence of groundwater in the core and buffer zones. The seasonal fluctuation of water level in response to groundwater recharge due to rainfall has been estimated based on the Andhra Pradesh state hydrograph network stations and field observations.

Groundwater resources and its utilization have been worked out as per norms prescribed by the Ground Water Estimation Committee (GEC-2015), Government of India.

The impact of mining on the ground water storage has been estimated based on the field data analysis and interpretation.

1.4 LOCATION AND COMMUNICATION:

The M/s Dhigvijay Minerals Iron ore mining area is located in Gutupalli village of Bethamcherla Mandal at Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh. The area is located at a distance of 39.18Km from the district headquarters of Kurnool.

The mine lease area falls under the Topo sheet No. : 57 I/3 Latitude : 15°26'31.44"N - 15°26'35.08"N

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M/s DHIGVIJAY MINERALS; Extent –22.979Ha.

Longitude : 78°04'05.17"E - 78°03'51.00"E The nearest railway station is Rangapuram which is at 3.58 km from the mine lease area. The nearest airport is Kadapa Airport at 126.81 km.

1.5 LAND UTILIZATION:

Land use/ Land cover (LULC) pattern of any region is an outcome of various physical and cultural factors and their utilization by man in time and space.

The lease area (22.979 Ha.) for Iron ore mining was granted to M/s Dhiigvijay Minerals is of very small extent in Gutupalli Village (5045 Ha.) of Bethamcherla Mandal.

Land Use Land Cover Statistics of Mine Buffer Zone: The core and buffer area of the mine is covered with Agricultural Fallow land around 29% of the total area which is taken up for cultivation but is temporarily allowed to rest, un-cropped for one or more season, but not less than one year. Other class Around the Agricultural land edges is the Settlement (Built-up area) is located and occupies around 8%, and Roads & Railways 10 % of the total study area. It is an area of human habitation developed due to non-agricultural use and that has a cover of buildings, transport and communication, utilities in association with water, vegetation and vacant lands. Dense scrub area is 10%. The existing mine is in mined out area and does not have any significant impact on the surrounding villages and habitation. The water bodies cover 6 % of the total area. The water bodies cover Lotu vagu, Gunnam vagu and Muchatla vagu etc. Forest area is covering around 25 % and open scrub is 6% respectively. These area have a very prominent signature and can be seen as almost Dark blue and light blue in the satellite image. The statistical break-up of the land use classes of buffer zone are presented in Table 1.1 and depicted in Fig. 1.2.

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Table 1.1: Land use and Land Covers Statistics of Buffer Zone

S. No LU LC Class Area (Ha) Area (%) WaterBodies 1800.00 6% 1 Open scrub 4100.00 13% 2 BuiltUp 2400.00 8% 3 Forest 7800.00 25% 4 Roads 2200.00 7% 5 Railways 1100.00 3% 6 Fair dense scrub 3100.00 10% 7 Agricultural Fallow 9100.00 29% 8 Total 31600.00 100%

Landuse statistics WaterBodies

Open scrub

6% BuiltUp 29% 13%

8% Forest

10% Roads 3% 25% 7% Railways

Fair dense scrub

Agricultural Fallow

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Figure 1.2: Map showing Land use within 10 Km Radius of mine area

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Land Use Land Cover of Bethamcherla Mandal, Kurnool.

The total Geographical area of the district is 17.658 lakh Hect. During the year2016-17 the area covered by forest is 3.406 lakh Hects. which forms 19.29% to the total geographical area. The net area sown is 8.51 lakh Hects, forming 48.20% to the total geographical area. The total cropped area in the district is 9.53 lakhs Hects. The area sown more than once during the year is 1.02 lakh Hects.

Land utilization of Bethamcherla Mandal during 2017-2018 is given below.

Table 1.2: Land utilization of Bethamcherla mandal S.No Category Area in Ha. Percentage % 1 Total Geographical area 29525 2 Forest area 2383 8.10% 3 Barren & uncultivable area 6496 22.0% 4 Land up to Non Agricultural uses 2123 7.20% 5 Cultivable waste 770 2.60% 6 Permanent Pastures & other grazing 101 0.30% area 7 Mis. Tree crops & groves not 0 0.0% included in net area sown 8 Other fallows 2892 9.80% 9 Current fallows 956 3.20% 10 Net Area sown 13804 46.80% a. Total cropped area 15998 54.20% b. Area sown more than once 2194 7.40% 11 Fish & Prawn culture 0 0.00% * Source: Hand Book of Statistics, Chief Planning Officer, Kurnool District 2018.

1.6 SOILS AND CROP PATTERN: Kurnool District is rich in regur and red ferruginous soils which constitute about 60and 40 per cent, respectively. They are further classified as clay, loamy and sandy soils. The black cotton soils are predominant in the Mandals of Pattikonda, Nandyal, Allagadda,

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Koilkuntla, Nandikotkur and Adoni. In the Eastern part of the district, red soil of a poor quality largely predominates. These soils, although generally poor in fertility, yield a very good crop with a minimum rainfall. The crops mainly raised are Jowar, cotton and pulses. Regur soil of superior quality is available in the central section together with Kurnool and Pattikonda Mandals. It responds well for paddy and Bengal gram. The availability of alluvial soil is quite small and is confined to a few villages near the confluence of the Bhavanasi and Krishna Rivers. It generally suits for raising mustard, wheat and black gram which are valuable products. The gross cropped area of the district is 9.53 lakh Hects. Out of which 2.45 lakh Hects. are irrigated through canals, tanks, wells and other sources during 2017-18.

1.7 DEMOGRAPHICS:

There are 11 villages present in Bethamcherla Mandal. Out of which, all 11 villages are inhabited. The population of Bethamcherla Mandal is in given below table.

Table 1.3: Bethamcherla Mandal demographics S.No. Category Value 1 No. of villages inhabited 11 2 No. of villages un-inhabited 0 3 Population in Bethamcherla 88726 Mandal 4 Density of population in 301 persons/Sq. km Bethamcherla Mandal 5 Population of Gutupalli 5155 Village * Source: Hand Book of Statistics, Chief Planning Officer, Kurnool District 2018.

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II GEOMORPHOLOGY 2.1 PHSIOGRAPHY The lease area is rugged with par of mound. Maximum elevation is on Northwest corner (494m) and sloping towards southeast, west. Lower level is 462m at the centre of the east border. General slope of the area is from west to east. There is about 32 meter relief from Northwest to Southwest (494-462 m R.L). The area is barren land consisting of sparse thorn bushes. no crops are observed in the leased site.

Nallamalas and Erramalas are the two important mountain ranges in the districtrunning in parallel from North to South. The Erramalas divide the district into two welldefined tracts from East to West. Between Erramalas and Nallamalas lies the Easternpart of the district comprises Nandikotkur, Pagidyala, Kothapalli, Pamulapadu, Atmakur,Velgodu, J.Bunglow, Midthur, BandiAtmakur, Gadivemula, Nandyal, Mahanandi,Panyam, Banaganapalli, Owk, Koilakuntla, Rudravaram and Chagalamarri Mandals.This tract is crossed by the crest of Krishna and Pennar, watershed at the North part of thePagidyala mandal at about 1000 above the sea level. From this height, the ground slopesto the South along the river Kundu till it traverses into Pennar valley. Major part of itstract is predominantly black cotton soils.

The western tract comprises Pathikonda, Tuggali, Maddikera, Devanakonda, Gonegandla, Dhone, Peapully, Veldurthy, Bethamcherla, Krishnagiri, Kurnool, Orvakal, Kallur, Kodumur, C.Belagal, Gudur, Yemmiganur, Nandavaram, Mantralayam, Adoni,Peddakadubur, Kosigi, Kowthalam, Alur, Aspari, Holagunda, Halaharvi, Chippagiri Mandals. The terrain here slopes from South to North and it is drained by the river Hundri which joins the river Tungabhadra at Kurnool.

Geomorphology and Geology of the Kurnool District The important feature of the geology of the area is the large ENE-WSW trending, easterly plunging, asymmetric Gani Kalava anticline. The vempalle Dolomite and the Tadpatri shale form an in lier, exposed mainly in the core of the anticline and along parts of the northern limb. The Tadpatri shale hosts sporadic copper mineralization. The Banganapalle Sandstone and Limestone and the Panem Quartzite are exposed along both

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the limbs and in the fold closure to the east. The Kalava fault, which is a long ENE-WSW trending fault, runs along the northern limb of the fold. To the south of this fault but having the same trend there is another fault called the Chenakapalle fault.

The northern limb of the anticline is steep, with dips ranging from 30°/N to nearly vertical, while the southern limb has gentler dips(20°/S). The dip at the fold closure is 15°/E. The area of the Kalava fault is underlain by the Kundair Formation. However due to thick soil cover, it is not exposed immediately north of the fault. The only exposures of this Formation are seen in a few well sections and stream cuttings near the village Gani.

Figure 2.1: Geomorphological map for the Kurnool District

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Figure 2.2: Contour map for the mine area with 10 km radius

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2.2 DRAINAGE The principal rivers flowing in the district are Tungabhadra (its tributary, the Hundri) Krishna and Kunderu. Tungabhadra rises in the Western Ghats and after forming part of Northern boundary for some distance, separates Kurnool with Mahabubnagar while flowing in an Eastern direction and receives Hundri; thereby both these rivers fall into the river Krishna at Kundli sangam about 29 Km from Kurnool after winding Northwards. The river Hundri, a tributary of Tungabhadra rises in the fields of Maddikera in Maddikera Mandal receives a stream from Erramalas at Laddagiri in Kodumur Mandal and joins Tungabhadra at Kurnool. It drains much of Maddikera, Pattikonda, Deverakonda, Gonegandla, Kodumur and Kallur Mandals. This is a turbid stream with sudden rise and fall. The Kunderu also called Kumudavathi rises on the Western side of Erramalas, winds its way intoKunderu valley and flows in Southern direction collecting drainage all along its course from both sides. It flows through Orvakal, Midthur, Gadivemula, Nandyal, Gospadu, Koilkuntla, Dornipadu and Chagalamarri Mandals and then enters YSR district

As the mine area is rugged with par mound and elevated on North western side gently sloping towards South east. First order drainage originated will flow from NW to SE direction. A seasonal stream is flowing through this mine to which first order streams joins. The drainage pattern of the study area is observed to be sub dendritic. There are no water bodies within the mine area and no major rivers flowing within buffer of 10kms radius area of the mine. There are no remarkable streams around and only one rivulet depression within leased area of the mine. Radial drainage is observed from around the mine area and flow away towards north and south direction. The water bodies present within 10km radius consists of number of Gunam vagu, Lotu vagu, Muchatla vagu, Musalayya cheruvu and Govardhanagiri lake as shown in drainage map fig. 2.2.

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Figure 2.3: Drainage map within the radius of 10 kms for Mine area

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III HYDROMETEOROLOGY 3.1 CLIMATE:

The Climate of the district is normally good and healthy. The climate of the District may be described as semi arid with annual rain fall ranging from 40-60 cm and the daily temperature varying from 18 to 430C.January, February and March months are usually pleasant with moderate winds from South-East. April and May are hottest months of the year, during these months the wind shifts to Southwest with increased force and brings welcome showers by the end of May. During the succeeding four months the wind blows from Western side in Major parts of the district and brings fair quantum of rainfall. By the end of September the wind is light and pleasant forecasting the onset of Northeast monsoon. In November and December the weather is fine, Rainfall is rare and wind is light with occurrence of heavy dew. District normal rainfall of the year is 670.5 mm. During 2017-18 the rainfall received is 678.9mm.

3.2 TEMPERATURE: At hinterland, temperature variations throughout the year can be very high and the diurnal range of temperature varies from place to place. Inland areas warm up greatly during the afternoon while the sun is shining down, but they also cool down quickly at night after sunset.

The variation in temperatures over the years 2017 to 2018 were given in table 3.1.

Table 3.1: Maximum and Minimum Temperature in 0C for 2016-2017 Mean Maximum Temperature Mean Minimum Temperature S.No. Month inOC inOC Normal 2016 2017 Normal 2016 2017

1 January 31.7 32.6 32.3 17.9 19.2 18.8 2 February 34.8 36.4 35.8 20.3 22.8 20.3

3 March 38.2 39.3 38.5 23.8 26.1 24.4

4 April 40.1 42.7 42.4 26.7 29.5 28.3

5 May 40.5 40.2 41.8 27.5 28.0 29.0 6 June 36.2 34.2 35.9 25.5 25.1 26.2 7 July 33.6 32.7 34.7 24.5 24.6 25.5

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8 August 32.5 33.2 33.0 23.9 24.9 24.6

9 September 32.9 30.6 33.3 23.8 23.9 24.8

10 October 32.5 33.6 32.9 22.8 22.4 23.6 11 November 31.2 33.0 32.7 20.1 19.9 21.8

12 December 30.5 31.5 31.7 17.8 18.4 18.5 * Source: Hand Book of Statistics Kurnool 2018.

3.3 RAINFALL

The Normal annual rainfall for the district is 670.3mm. The district mostly gets rainfall during both the monsoon seasons of Southwest and North East. The normal rainfall during South-west monsoon months, June to September amounts to 68%of the annual rainfall and that during North East monsoon months of October to December constitutes 22 percent of the annual rainfall. August(135 mm), September (125.7 MM) are the heavy rainfall months in the year. The rainfall data is presented in table 3.2.

Table 3.2 Rainfall data for Bethamcherla Mandal and Kurnool District. S.No. Year Rainfall in mm Bethamcherla Kurnool Normal Rainfall 621.7 670.5 1 2010-11 -- 809.8 2 2011-12 -- 515.6 3 2012-13 686.2 616.2 4 2013-14 602.3 771.7 5 2014-15 559.4 477.4 6 2015-16 480.4 479.0 7 2016-17 470.0 530.8 8 2017-18 816.2 678.9 * Source: Hand Book of Statistics Kurnool District.

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Seasonal Rainfall of 2017-2018 for Bethamcherla Mandal and Kurnool District

SEASON BETHAMCHERLAMANDAL KURNOOLDISTRICT Normal Actual Normal Actual Jun’17 61.2 54.1 77.2 101.0

Jul’17 96.6 28.4 117.2 55.6 West West - Aug’17 115.8 201.5 135.0 157.3

Monsoon Sep’17 118.4 164.3 125.7 161.4 South Total 392.0 448.3 455.1 475.3 Oct’17 139.0 282.2 114.5 153.6

East East Nov’17 26.2 0.3 27.6 1.7 - Dec’17 6.4 0.0 7.5 0.0 Monsoon North Total 171.6 282.5 149.6 155.3

Jan’18 1.5 0.0 2.7 0.0 Feb’18 0.9 0.0 1.9 0.3

Winter Total 2.4 0.0 4.6 0.3 March’18 3.0 0.3 5.7 2.8

April’18 18.9 20.7 17.0 12.5 May’18 33.8 64.4 38.5 32.7 Period

Hot Weather Weather Hot Total 55.7 85.4 61.2 48.0 Grand Total 621.7 816.2 670.5 678.9

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3.4 WATER QUALITY OF THE STUDY AREA

The water resources, both surface and groundwater play an important role in the development of the area. Likewise, the water resources of the area have been studied to establish the current status of water quality in the area. The parameters of prime importance were selected under physical, chemical inorganic, chemical organic and heavy metal groups. Water samples from ground and surface water sources were collected. The water samples were collected in pretreated sampling cans and transported to laboratory for analysis. Due care was taken during sampling & transportation of these samples.

Sampling locations were selected on basis of: a) Drainage pattern b) Location of residential areas respecting different activities c) Likely areas those can represent baseline conditions

Samples for bacteriological analysis were collected in sterilized glass bottles. Selected physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters have been analyzed for projecting the existing water quality status in the study area.

Ground water samples were collected from 8 locations and surface water samples were collected from 2 locations. The locations of the water samples collected in the study area are furnished in the table 3.4.

Table: 3.3 Water Sampling Stations

Direction Distance from bearing Latitude & Source of Station Project Site Code w.r.t Longitude collection (km) Project Site

15°26'44.82"N GW1 Hussainpuram WNW 1.9 Ground water 78° 2'44.84"E

15°25'38.35"N GW2 Gutupalli SW 2.3 Ground water 78° 2'46.27"E

15°27'44.61"N GW3 Tapasikonda NW 2.6 Ground water 78° 3'14.74"E

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15°24'32.53"N GW4 Rangapuram SE 3.3 Ground water 78° 4'27.32"E

15°26'2.26"N GW5 komurikottala ESE 1.7 Ground water 78° 4'55.73"E

Balapalapalle 15°27'25.48"N GW6 NE 4.6 Ground water 78° 6'26.15"E

H Kottala 15°26'32.91"N GW7 ENE 5.3 Ground water 78° 7'2.61"E

15°24'13.47"N GW8 Rehamanpuram SW 4.3 Ground water 78° 3'1.59"E

15°25'33.79"N SW1 Gutupalli cheruvu SW 2.9 Surface water 78° 2'24.55"E

Papasanikottala 15°27'34.44"N SW2 NNE 2.0 Surface water Cheruvu 78° 4'17.33"E

Figure 3.1: Google map Showing sampling stations

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The collected samples were analyzed in accordance with “Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater Analysis” published by APHA.

3.4.1 Ground Water Quality of the Study Area  The pH limit fixed for drinking water samples as per IS:10500 is 6.5 to 8.5. During the study period, the pH of the groundwater was found varying between 7.2 and7.4. The pH values for all the samples collected in the study area during study period werefound to be within the acceptable limits.  The desirable limit for total dissolved solids as per IS:10500 is 500 milligrams per litre (mg/l) whereas the permissible limits in absence of alternate source is 2000mg/l. In groundwater samples collected from the study area, the total dissolved solids (TDS) were found to be varying between 556 mg/l and 731mg/l. The TDS of all the samples were below the permissible limit of 2000 mg/l.  The desirable limit for Chloride is 250 mg/l as per IS: 10500 whereas the permissible limit of the same is 1,000mg/l. The Chloride levels in the groundwater samples collected in the study area were ranging from 138 – 198 mg/l  The desirable limit as per IS:10500 for hardness is 300 mg/l where as the permissible limit for the same is 600 mg/l. In the groundwater samples collected from the study area, the hardness was found to be varying from 149 mg/l to 231 mg/l.  Fluoride is the other important parameter, which has the desirable limit of 1 mg/l and permissible limit of 1.5mg/l. However, the optimum content of fluoride in the drinking water is 0.6 to 1.5 mg/l. In the groundwater samples of study area the fluoride values were found to be within a range of 0.44mg/l to 0.69mg/l.  All the heavy metals in all samples were found to be below the permissible limits. An overview of the results obtained reveals that none of parameters were found above the permissible limits of IS: 10500 Drinking Water Standards.

The summarized analysis results of the ground water quality in the study area are given in the table 3.4.

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Table: 3.4 Ground water quality results

S.No. PARAMETER UNIT GW1 GW2 GW3 GW4 GW5 GW6 GW7 GW8 IS:10500-Standards Acceptable Permissible 1. Color Hazen < 1 < 1 < 1 < 1 < 1 < 1 < 1 < 1 5 15 2. Temperature of Water 0C 25.9 25.1 24.8 26.3 25.5 25.8 26.1 25.3 - - 3. pH - 7.3 7.4 7.2 7.3 7.3 7.2 7.4 7.2 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 4. Turbidity NTU 0.96 1.1 0.92 0.82 0.74 0.82 0.81 0.86 1 5 5. Total Suspended Solids mg/l 6 4 8 7 5 8 6 9 - - 6. Total Dissolved Solids mg/l 637 571 556 597 634 669 692 731 500 2000

7. Total alkalinity (as CaCO3) mg/l 389 366 361 373 389 396 403 416 200 600

8. Total Hardness (as CaCO3) mg/l 178 161 149 171 182 191 216 231 300 600 9. Chlorides as Cl mg/l 162 144 138 151 163 175 183 198 250 1000 10. Calcium as Ca mg/l 55 43 41 49 52 61 69 76 75 200 11. Magnesium as Mg mg/l 15.8 13.2 12.2 13.9 15.6 16.9 18.2 19.1 30 100 12. Fluoride as F mg/l 0.56 0.49 0.44 0.52 0.49 0.57 0.66 0.69 1.0 1.5

13. Nitrates as NO3 mg/l 1.1 0.94 0.86 1 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.6 45 45

14. Sulphates as SO4 mg/l 64.8 57.6 55.2 60.4 65.2 70.0 73.2 79.2 200 400 15. Arsenic as As mg/l <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.01 0.05 16. Cadmium as Cd mg/l <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 0.003 0.003 17. Copper as Cu mg/l <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 0.05 1.5 18. Lead as Pb mg/l <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.01 0.01 19. Iron as Fe mg/l 0.15 0.13 0.16 0.14 0.12 0.18 0.13 0.16 0.3 0.3

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20. Manganese as Mn mg/l <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 0.1 0.3 21. Zinc as Zn mg/l 0.15 0.11 0.1 0.12 0.13 0.16 0.18 0.2 5.0 15.0 22. Dissolved phosphates mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 - - 23. Phenolic Compounds as mg/l 0.001 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 C6H5OH 24. Residual Chlorine mg/l <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 - - 25. E. Coli MPN/100 ml Shall not Shall not be ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND be detectabl detectable e 26 Total Coliforms MPN/100 ml Shall not Shall not be 39 31 28 36 39 44 45 48 be detectabl detectable e

Note: ND - Not Detected

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3.4.2 Surface Water Quality of the Study Area

 The pH limit fixed for drinking water samples as pH of the surface water collected was neutral with pH ranging from 7.2 -7.4  TDS was found to be 261mg/l to 273mg/l. The tolerance limit of 1,500 mg/l as per IS:2296  Total hardness was found to be 126mg/l to 134mg/l  Presence of Nitrate was recorded as 1.9mg/l to 2.2mg/l  DO was observed as 6.1mg/l to 6.6mg/l  Total coliform in water was 610MPN/100ml to 630MPN/100ml The likely source of bacteriological contamination was due to the proximity to residential area  All the heavy metals were found to be within below detectable limits.

An overview of the results obtained reveals that none of parameters were found above the permissible limits of IS: 10500 Drinking Water Standards.

The summarized analysis of results of the surface water quality in the study area are given in the below Table 3.5.

Table 3.5: Surface Water Quality of the Study Area

S.No. PARAMETER UNIT SW1 SW2 IS:2296 - Standards 1. Color Hazen <1 <1 - 2. Odour - Agreeable Agreeable - 3. Turbidity Ntu 1.3 1.5 - 4. pH - 7.2 7.4 6.50 – 8.50 5. Temperature 0C 26.1 25.4 - 6. Electrical Conductivity mmhos/c - 471 486 m 7. Total Dissolved Solids mg/l 261 273 1500 8. Total Suspended Solids mg/l 18 22 - 9. Total Alkalinity as mg/l - 149 166 CaCO3 10. Total Hardness as mg/l 126 134 -

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11. Calcium as Ca mg/l 24.1 29.6 - 12. Magnesium as Mg mg/l 12.4 11.6 - 13. Chloride as Cl mg/l 110 119 -

14. Sulphate as SO4 mg/l 24.2 27.6 -

15. Nitrate as NO3 mg/l 1.9 2.2 - 16. Iron as Fe mg/l <0.01 <0.01 - 17. Hexavalent Chromium as mg/l 0.05 <0.001 <0.001 Cr6+ 18. Phenolic Compounds mg/l <0.001 <0.001 0.005 19. Cyanide as CN mg/l <0.002 <0.002 0.05 20. Zinc as Zn mg/l < 0.01 < 0.01 15 21. Lead as Pb mg/l <0.001 <0.001 0.01 22. Copper as Cu mg/l <0.05 <0.05 1.5 23. Aluminium as Al mg/l <0.005 <0.005 0.1 24. Manganese as Mn mg/l <0.05 <0.05 5.0 25. Mercury as Hg mg/l <0.001 <0.001 - 26. Arsenic as As mg/l <0.001 <0.001 - 27. Cadmium as Cd mg/l <0.002 <0.002 - 28. Dissolved Oxygen mg/l 6.6 6.1 5.0 min 29. Chemical Oxygen mg/l - 2.86 3.64 Demand 30. Biochemical Oxygen mg/l 3.0 1.0 1.2 Demand 31. Total Kjheldhal Nitrogen mg/l < 1.0 < 1.0 - 32. Free Ammonical Nitrogen mg/l < 0.01 < 0.01 - 33. Oil & Grease mg/l < 0.1 < 0.1 - 34. E. Coli MPN/100 ml Absent Absent Absent 35. Total Coliforms MPN/100 ml 610 630 5000

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IV HYDROLOGY AND SURFACE WATER UTILIZATION

The important rivers of the district are in Tungabhadra, its tributary the Handri, the Krishna, the Kunderu and the Gundlakamma

Tungabhadra: It rises in the Western ghats and forms the boundary between Kurnool district and the Doab. The river forms part of northern boundary of this district and separates Kurnool from the Telangana area. It falls into the Krishna at Kudali Sangam about 29 kilometres from Kurnool.

Handri: The Handri is a tributary of the Tungabhadra. It flows through the taluk of Pattikonda. During its onward course, it receives a stream from the Erramallas and falls into the Tungabhadra at Kurnool.

Krishna: This River raises in the Mahabaleswara hills of Sattar District of Maharashtra State and enters Andhra Pradesh in Makthal taluk of Mahabubnagar District. The Krishna enters Kurnool District at Kudali Sangam from where it forms the Northern boundary of the district

Kunderu: This river rises on the Western side of the Erramalais taking a northerly course for a short distance passes into the Kunieru valley and flows in the Southern direction, collecting drainage all along its course from either side flows through Nandikotkur, Nandyala, Allagadda and Koilkuntla taluks and finally falls into the Pennar near Kamalapuram in Cuddapah district.

Gundlakamma: The River takes its origin from the Nallamalai hills near Gundlabrahmeswaram, and enters Prakasam district through Cumbum.

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Figure 4.1: Drainage and river basins of Kurnool District

Major and Medium Irrigation Projects in Kurnool district Irrigation has assumed an increasing significance in agriculture in the context of new technology, where high yielding varieties and multiple cropping is being practiced. The main reasons for low yields are inadequate rainfall, uneven and uncertain rains during the period of crop growth. It is generally found that the introduction of irrigation is associated with changes in the cropping pattern. The shift from traditional cropping pattern to the most advantageous cropping pattern is possible only in the presence of irrigation facilities. The new agricultural technology is highly based on sufficient moisture conditions. Thus, the development of irrigation is crucial for increasing agricultural production. The irrigation projects are classified as major, medium and minor irrigation projects.

Major Irrigation Project The major irrigation projects covering Kurnool district are Kurnool - Kadapa Canal (K.C.Canal), Tunghabhadra Low Level Canal (TBP LLC), Aluru Branch Canal

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(Tunghabhadra Project High Level Canal) and Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (Part). In Kurnool - Kadapa Canal (K.C.Canal) an extant of 1,73,627 acres, Tunghabhadra Low Level Canal (TBP LLC) an extant of 1,51,134 acres, Aluru Branch Canal (Tunghabhadra Project High Level Canal) an extant of 14,754 acres and in Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (Part) an extant of 9,204 acres are covered and they fall under sixteen assembly constituents. The mandals covered are Allagadda, Banaganapalle, Kodumur, Kurnool, Nandikotkur, Nandyal, Panyam, Srisailam, Adoni, Alur, Mantralayam and Yemmiganur. The overall coverage under major irrigation project is 3, 48,719 acres. The major ongoing irrigation projects are NTR Telugu Ganga Project (TGP), Srisailam Right Bank Canal (SRBC), Ananta Venkata Reddy Hundri Niva Sujala Sravanthi (HNSS) and Guru Raghavendra Project (GRP) New ayacut (Stabilisation of ayacut), Under this ongoing projects about 3,45,722 acres are covered that fall under eighteen assembly constituencies. The mandals covered are Allagadda, Nandikotkur, Nandyal, Srisailam, Banaganapalle, Panyam, Alur, Kodumur, Pattikonda, Mantralayam andYemmiganur.

Medium Irrigation Project The Medium Irrigation projects are Sanjeevaiah Sagar Project (Gajuladinne Project), Varadaraja Swamy Gudi Project (VRSP) and Zurreru Project. These medium irrigation projects fall under seven assembly segments with an ayacut of42,851 acres. The assembly segments covered are Alur, Kodumur, Pattikonda,Yemmiganur Nandikotkur, Srisailam and Banaganapalle.

Minor Irrigation Project

About 133 tanks of Kurnool district has been identified and are categorized into ˃ 40 ha Category as per Tank Information System. In this system irrigation tanks are categorized into three categories i.e., more than 40 Ha, 10-40 Ha. and less than 40 Ha.

The sources of minor irrigation systems in Bethamcherla Mandal and Kurnool district are given in table 4.1.

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Table 4.1: Minor Irrigation Sources 2017-18

Category Bethamcherla Mandal Kurnool District No. of Sources 2 436 Regd. Ayacut 36 9005 Actual area Irrigated 361 16757.21 Sources of Irrigation Canals 0 70094 Tanks 0 8861 Tube wells 1382 80567 Dug wells 0 11446 Lift irrigation 0 12535 others 0 4161 * Source: Hand Book of Statistics Kurnool District 2018.

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V GEOLOGY Geology of the mine area:

This area belongs to Vempalli and Pullivendla formation of Cuddapah super groups. The area is formed by Dolomite as older rock at lower levels and the Dolomites area followed by thin layers of Quartzite at higher levels belongs to Pullivendla formation. The top layer of Pullivendla formation consist of a thin layer of Sand Stone Quartzite in the mine area attained fairly good thickness in higher levels of the area. This Iron Ore formation is underlain by the Shales and Dolomite belongs to Vempalli formation. As regards to Barytes occurrence in the M.L. Area and its incidence in the form of lets with on Dolomite formation, this is due to recrystallisation on micro level. Further, it is not mappable and it could not be mined separately.

SiO2.

Dolomite: It is underlying Iron ore and Quartzite at higher levels of the mine area. Due to its high MgO (Avg. 19%) and low SiO2 (3.35%) having importance in the market.

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Geology of Kurnool District:

The district is underlain by different geological formations ranging in age from Archaean to recent. The major part of the district in west is occupied by granite gneisses, while the eastern part is underlain by quartzites, shales and limestones of cuddapah and kurnool group. The recent alluvium is confined to the major stream andriver courses like Krishna, Tungabhadra, Gundlakamma and Kuderu.

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VI HYDRO-GEOLOGICAL ASPECTS Ground water occurs in all the geological formations in Kurnool district and the hydrological condition in the district. The quality of groundwater varies from place to place depending on the geological environment, climate, drainage conditions and pollution. The groundwater in the western partof the district, where Archaean unclassified crystalline rocks are exposed, is generally neutral to alkaline with its value of pH ranging from 7.00 to 8.5. The chloride content here ranges from 28 to 525 ppm. The quality of groundwater in Cuddapah and Kurnool Formations is generally inferior in the central and eastern part of the district. The total dissolved solids in many places exceed 1000 ppm. Water is generally alkaline in nature with pH from 7.3 to 8.4. The chloride content ranges from 40 to 230 ppm. Saline zones exist in parts of Nandyal and Allagadda taluks where chloride content is more than 500 ppm. The district has been demarcated into several zones in respect of the availability of groundwater resources. Pattikonda and Devanakonda areas in the gneissic terrain, and Nandivargam and Uyyalavada in the sedimentary terrain are excellent in terms of groundwater yield potential (1-10lps). Kosigi Nandavaram Emmiganuru Kurnool, Velugodu , Nandyal and Allagadda areas are also good locations of moderate groundwater potential (1-5lps).

Landforms of Crystalline aquifers: The crystalline rocks develop secondary porosity through fracturing and subsequent weathering over ages and become water bearing. Movement of ground water is controlled by degree of inter-connection of secondary porosity and voids. The depth of weathered zone ranges from few centimetres to 18 m bgl. Ground water occurs under unconfined conditions in shallow weathered zones and under semi-confined conditions in joints, fissures and fractures. Occurrence of joints and fissures extends down to depth ranging from 20 to 100 m bgl. The shallow aquifers are developed through large diameter irrigation wells and domestic wells. The depth of irrigation wells ranges from 4 to 26m bgl. Irrigation wells sustain pumping of 2 to 4 hrs/ day during summer.

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Consolidated Sedimentary Formation: Ground water occurs in the aquifers of Kurnool formations in Panyam Quartzites under unconfined and semi- confined conditions in weathered zone, sheared zones, joint planes and bedding contacts. The depth of dug wells varies from 7-13m bgl., with extension bores down to a maximum depth of 15 m. The yield of wells ranges from 30 to 100 cu.m/day. In Koilkuntla limestone, ground water occurs under unconfined conditions in the top weathered zones and karstified horizons. Ground water occurs under unconfined condition in Nandyal shales down to alimited depth of 30 m bgl. The thickness alluvial aquifers varies from less <1 to8.0m and depth to water ranges between 1.0 and 5.3 m bgl.

Fig: 6.1 Hydrogeology –Kurnool district

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6.1 GROUNDWATER OCCURRENCE:

Kadapa/Kurnool developments comprise the most part shales, quartzites, limestones/dolomites. Ground water happens in submerged table conditions in weathered segment of the arrangement and the thickness of the weathered portion is around 10 m bgl. Ground water is developed in weathered elixir through vast distance across burrowed wells (6m). The water levels were brought down and the yields from burrowed wells diminished and once in a while went away in the dry spell years.

6.2 WATER LEVEL FLUCTUATION: The depth to water level during pre-monsoon season in the district ranges between 10.7 m to 11.6 m bgl. Shallower levels of Ground water levels during post monsoon are observed in the year 2016-17 & 2017-18 i.e., from 8.6 m to 8.8 m. In monsoon (South West monsoon) season, the ground water levels of Kurnool district ranges between 8.2 m bgl and 11.8 m bgl. During winter again the depth of ground water availability increases i.e., 9.6 – 10.3 m bgl for 2016-18.

Table 6.1: Month-wise Ground water levels and Rainfall data for Kurnool District from 2016-17 to 2017-18 2016-17 2017-18 Month Ground water Rainfall Ground water Rainfall level (in m) (in mm) level (in m) (in mm) June 11.8 131.8 11.8 101.0 July 11.0 116.6 11.0 55.5 August 10.6 74.7 10.6 157.3 September 8.2 143.7 8.2 161.4 South-West Monsoon 41.6 466.8 41.6 475.2 October 8.6 9.0 8.6 153.6 November 8.6 2.5 8.6 1.7 December 8.8 3.1 8.8 0.0 North East Monsoon 26.1 14.6 26.1 155.3 January 9.6 0.3 9.6 0.0

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February 10.3 0.0 10.3 0.3 Winter Period 19.9 0.3 19.9 0.3 March 10.7 10.5 10.7 2.8 April 11.3 11.9 11.3 12.5 May 11.6 26.7 11.6 33.0 Hot Weather Period 33.6 49.1 33.6 48.3 Total 121.2 530.8 121.2 679.1 Average 10.1 44.2 10.1 56.6

* Source: CHIEF PLANNING OFFICER,KURNOOL

In Bethamcherla Mandal, the ground water levels in post monsoon season (i.e., Oct-Nov’ 2019) shallow ground water depth is observed to be 11.185-11.516 m bgl, whereas in pre- monsoon season (i.e., May, 2019) is recorded as deeper depth with 27.346 m bgl.

Table 6.2: Groundwater levels recorded by Piezometer (in bgl) Month Bethamcherla Kurnool Ground water level Rainfall Ground water level Rainfall (in meters) (mm) (in meters) (mm) Nov’ 2018 21.1 47.8 9.2 28.1 May’ 2019 27.346 12.4 12.828 63.7 Sep’ 2019 18.371 234.3 6.48 377.3 Oct’ 2019 11.516 114.5 5.48 561.8 Nov’ 2019 11.185 0.0 5.39 0.0 * Source: Ground water Department–Govt. of Andhra Pradesh; http://www.apsdps.gov.in/gw_status.jsp?s1=9

The analytical data of ground water level fluctuation between pre and post monsoon during the period 2018-19 indicate the minimum water level is 11.185 m and maximum ground water level is 27.346 m at Bethamcherla Mandal.

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6.3 PERCOLATION/RECHARGE FACTOR FOR MINE AREA

Rainfall infiltration factor is calculated by the following formula:

Rrf = RFIF * A * (R-a) / 1000

Where: RFIF = Rainfall Infiltration Factor A = Area for computation of recharge i.e., 22.979 Ha (R-a)/1000 = Rainfall in meters

For computing rainfall percolation factor method

1. Normal South-West monsoon rainfall is considered as 0.392 m 2. Normal North-East monsoon rainfall is considered as 0.172 m 3. Normal Non monsoon rainfall is considered as 0.0581 m

Rainfall percolation Factor for Laterite/Ferruginous concretions has been considered as 0.07 (7%).

1. Rrf = 0.07 * 22.979 * 0.392 = 0.631 ham

2. Rrf = 0.07 * 22.979 * 0.172 = 0.277 ham

3. Rrf = 0.07 * 22.979 * 0.0581 = 0.093 ham

Total Rrf = 1.001 ham

Natural Discharge 5 % = 1.001 – 0.050 = 0.951 ham

Hence, the total annual rain water percolating is estimated to be as 0.951 ham

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VII GROUND WATER RESOURCES ASSESSMENT – GEC 2015

7.1 NORMS OF GROUNDWATER ESTIMATION COMMITTEE – 2015

The revised methodology Groundwater Estimation Committee (GEC) -2015 recommends aquifer wise ground water resource assessment. Ground water resources have two components- replenishable ground water resources or dynamic ground water resources and in-storage resources or static resource. As per GEC - 2015 norms, a watershed with well-defined hydrological boundaries is an appropriate unit for ground water resource estimation, but, it is not applicable for present investigated area as it is only confined to single revenue village. The methodology for ground water reserves estimation is based on the principle of water balance as given below:

In flow - Out flow= change in storage (of an aquifer)

7.2 RAINFALL RECHARGE

GEC-2015 has recommended that ground water recharge should be estimated on groundwater level fluctuation and specific yield approach since this method takes into account the response of ground water levels to ground water input and output components.

7.2.1 Ground Water Level Fluctuation Method

The change in storage can be estimated using the following equation:

ΔS = Δh * A * Sy

Where: ΔS = Change in Storage Δh = Rise in water level in the monsoon season A = Area for computation of recharge Sy = Specific yield

The study area is limited to one village i.e., Gutupalli Village of Bethamcherla Mandal, Kurnool district. Hence the average water level fluctuation for the period of 2018-2019 is considered as16.161 m.

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The specific yield is taken as 2.5 % as the area is occupied by Ferruginous concretions, shale and sand stone representing the quaternary in geological time scale.

The area of recharge for computation is taken for Gutupalli Village area, which is 5045 hectares. ΔS = 16.161 * 5045 * 0.025 = 20383.06 ham

Natural discharge of 5 % should be deducted from28.229 ham i.e., 20383.06–1019.15 Available ground water at Gutupalli village for further exploitation is 19363.91 ham.

7.2.2 Rainfall Infiltration Factor

Rainfall infiltration factor is calculated by the following formula:

Rrf = RFIF * A * (R-a) / 1000

Where: RFIF = Rainfall Infiltration Factor A = Area for computation of recharge (R-a)/1000 = Rainfall in meters

For computing rainfall infiltration factor method

1. Normal South-West monsoon rainfall is considered as 0.392 m 2. Normal North-East monsoon rainfall is considered as 0.172 m 3. Normal Non monsoon rainfall is considered as 0.0581 m

Rainfall percolation Factor for Laterite/Ferruginous concretions has been considered as 0.07 (7 %).

1. Rrf = 0.07 * 5045 * 0.392 = 138.43 ham

2. Rrf = 0.07 * 5045 * 0.172 = 60.74 ham

3. Rrf = 0.07 * 5045 * 0.0581 = 20.52 ham

Total Rrf = 219.68 ham

Natural Discharge 5 % = 219.68 – 10.984 = 208.696 ham

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Hence, the total annual ground water for extraction is estimated to be as 208.696 ham

7.2.3 Recharge due to Other Sources

Recharge due to other sources constitute recharges from Canals, Applied Surface Water irrigation, Applied Ground Water Irrigation, Tanks& Ponds and Water Conservation Structures in Command areas. Whereas in Non-command areas only the recharge due to Applied Ground Water Irrigation, Tanks & Ponds and Water Conservation Structures are possible.

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VIII IMPACT OF MINING IN GROUNDWATER REGIME

The lease area is rugged with par of mound. It is elevated on Northwestern side and sloping towards southeast, west. There is about 32 meter relief from Northwest to Southwest (494-462 m R.L). Topographically the area consists of gentle slope rising from NW to SE side of the Quarry lease area. The area is formed by Dolomite as older rock at lower levels and the Dolomites area followed by thin layers of Quartzite at higher levels belongs to Pullivendla formation. The top layer of Pullivendla formation consist of a thin layer of Sand Stone Quartzite in the mine area attained fairly good thickness in higher levels of the area. This Iron Ore formation is underlain by the Shales and Dolomite belongs to Vempalli formation

Normally the ground water table is available at a depth of 45 m in rainy seasons and 60m depth in summer from the bore well that was drilled in nearby agricultural fields. Workings of mine will be at 480 m RL to 506 m RL which is above the water table. There are no chances for ground water intersection in mine workings at a depth of 6m. The mine area and its buffer area shows sub dendritic drainage pattern. There are no perennial water courses in and around the applied area within 500m radius. The rain water flows through the slopes of the area and joins to the seasonal water course, located in applied area. There are three first order streams passing in the mine, which are connected to the seasonal stream.

All precautionary measures, such as, garland drains, siltation pond and retention wall are constructed during implementation of mine activity. The rain water collected in the mine pits and garland drains will be used for sprinkling haul & approach road and greenbelt watering, if excess, the water will be discharged into nearby first order streams if allowed into agricultural fields or water bodies after sedimentation.

There will be no impact on water quality as the iron ore is insoluble and doesn’t react with water. The process of the Iron ore mineral excavation doesn’t involve washing of the mineral and mineral will be excavated as dry material. Drilling and sprinkling of haul roads, mine area are the absolute water consumption sources during this mining process.

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Overburden over the mineral and mineral rejects generated during mining is dumped at a selected depression area and a bund is to be constructed in the downstream of it to limit the dumped material to the bund and not allowing into the agricultural lands in the surrounding area, This may be allowed for one or two years. After that the overburden may be used for backfilling in the mined out area. Vegetation should be grown on backfilled area.

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IX CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMMENDATIONS

CONCLUSIONS:

Based on the field observations and data collected from the M/s Dhigvijay Minerals, Iron ore mining area in Gutupalli Village, it is concluded that.

1. Piezometer at Bethamcherla mandal indicates that the water table varying between 11.185 bgl during post monsoon and 27.346 m bgl during pre monsoon. 2. Area is gentle slope in nature, thus recharge through rainfall is normal. 3. The area is formed by Dolomite at lower levels followed by thin layer of Sand Stone Quartzite in the mine area. This Iron Ore formation is underlain by the Shales and Dolomite belongs to Vempalli formation. 4. Groundwater is not exploited within mine area. 5. Pre monsoon ground water levels and post monsoon groundwater levels are slightly in declining trend. It may be due to erratic monsoon rainfall and ground water has to use for Khariff crops (particularly Paddy). 6. Groundwater has been estimated by adopting norms prescribed by GEC - 2015. 7. The possibility of interaction and influence of the mining operations on the water table conditions as well as groundwater regime either in quality or quantity aspects may be meager. However, few observational wells may be established in the downstream of the mining area to assess the impact of mining. 8. The mineral Iron ore is insoluble in water, thus deterioration of water quality is not expected from this mining.

The method of Iron ore mining is open cast which would result in a depression that can hold considerable amount of rainwater and underground seepage water. This acts as an impounding infiltration reservoir that can contribute to not only for augmenting additional water resources but also as a direct water resource for mine and nearby agricultural fields to the region.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

Safe yield of the aquifer has been evaluated and accordingly the extraction has to be restricted.

1. Groundwater table in the present area varies between 11.185 m during post-monsoon and 27.346 m during post-monsoon. Topographically the area consists of moderate slope rising from North-West to South Eastern side with a fall of 32m in a distance of 750m. Lower elevations are observed along the east and south borders of the mining area. Satellite image indicates some traces of surface runoff flow across the east border from the mine lease area.

2. There are no perennial water bodies within the core area or immediate buffer zone of the mine. But a storm water flow traces are noticed through the mine area. To conserve the rainwater within the site, suitable harvesting structure is “contour trench”. A trench of 1.0m width and 2.0m depth and 480m length is suggested along the east border. Similarly, another trench of the same size for a length of 650m is also suggested along the south border. The trenches ar to be filled with permeable material like boulders, pebbeles and gravel to the top level.

3. Groundwater exploration may be required for domestic water requirement of various mining ctivities and also to develop vegetation. Two or three bore wells may be drilled along the east border or at the groundwater available places for domestic water supply. One of the bore well may be drilled before commencing the mining activity and be used as monitoring well for water table fluctuations as well water quality. It becomes a base line data for monitoring groundwater quantity and quality on water harvesting and mining activity.

4. Check dam is constructed at the starting point within the mine of the seasonal stream it is recommended to provide a culvert for the road passing across the stream and a check dam at the downstream point in the mine.

5. Restriction of mining above the surface of water table may reduce the influence of mining on water table. However, water may be deeper than 20m depth in that region.

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Observation well data can be used to know the pre and post water table in the mine lease area and decide the mining depth.

6. Overburden over the mineral during mining may be dumped at a selected depression area and a bund is to be constructed in the downstream of it to limit the dumped material to the bund and not allowing into the agricultural lands in the surrounding area (Figure 9.1). This may be allowed for one or two years. After that the overburden may be used for backfilling in the mined out area.

7. The mine pits may be used for greenery development by filling them with the overburden material to be removed here after. Rainwater filled in the pits recharge aquifer as well for vegetation growth. If excess water is found in the mine pit that could used for dust suppression in the mining area as well watering the green belt. Still if excess water is found, it can be used for irrigation in the low lying areas, may be examined which may not require pumping.

8. Contour trenches either Continuous Contour Trench (CCT) or Staggered Trench (ST) are suggested in the foot of the dumps to catch the rainfall runoff from the up slope and recharge groundwater. Fine material from the mining and dumping areas also gets trapped in the trench if it is flown along with rainwater. An approximate location of the trenches is marked in the mine layout map (Fig. 9.1).

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Figure 9.1 Proposed Operational planning and Dump management for M/s Dhigvijay Minerals

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SITE PHOTOGRAPHS

Green belt Dump area

Check dam Siltation Pond

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