File No.APPCB-GVS/33/2016-EE-APPCB-WG

PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEARING HELD ON 20.01,2018 AT 02.00 P.M. AT ZILLA PARISHAD HIGH SCHOOL COMPOUND, NAGENDRAPURAM (V), NAGIDIPALEM PANCHAYAT, VIA THOKATITIPPA, BHIMAVARAM MANDAL, WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT ON THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY TO DRILL 10 DEVELOPMENT DRILLING WELLS BY Mis.OIL & NATURAL GAS CORPORATION LTD., (ONGC).

The following have attended the Environmental Public Hearing:

MD. HASIM SHARIFF, Chairman. Additional Joint Collector, Eluru, West Godavari District. Sri S. Venkateswarlu, Representative of the State Pollution Environmental Engineer, Control Board. A.P.Pollution Control Board, Regional Office, Eluru.

List of the public participated in the public hearing is appended.

At the outset, the Environmental Engineer, APPCB, RO, Eluru has welcomed the public gathering of the Environmental public Hearing and explained on the proposed activity to drill 10 development drilling wells by M/s.011 & Natural Gas Corporation Ltd., (ONGC). He further informed that as per the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, GOT Notification, dated 14.09.2006, for the projects listed in Category-I of the Schedule, Environmental Public Hearing is mandatory as part of obtaining Environmental Clearance (EC). Since the proposed project is listed in the schedule, the Environmental Public Hearing need to be conducted for this project. In accordance with the procedure prescribed for the public hearing in the MoE&F notification dt. 14.09.2006, the AP Pollution Control Board, Regional Office, Eluru, West Godavari District issued press advertisement in "Deccan Chronicle" (English daily) & "Saakshi" (Telugu daily) on 20.12.2017 about the environmental public hearing inviting comments/views/objections etc., if any, on the project proposal. The proposal relates to drilling of 10 development wells onshore in Krishna Godavari basin in West Godavari District at Chittavaram village, Narsapuram Mandal; Losarigutlapadu village, Bhimavaram Mandal; and KaIla village, KaIla Mandal. The copies of Draft Environmental Impact Assessment report and the Executive Summary in Telugu & English were made available to the Public as mentioned in the press notice. He added that the proceedings of the public hearing would be submitted to MoEF &CC, GOI. He requested the Additional Joint Collector, West Godavari district to conduct the proceedings. File No.APPCB-GVS/33/2016-EE-APPCB-WG

The Additional Joint Collector, Eluru, West Godavari welcomed the public, public representatives and officials of the ONGC and informed that Public Sector Company i.e.,ONGC requested the Pollution Control Board to arrange for conduct of public hearing for their proposed project of drilling 10 development wells for oil and gas in West Godavari District. Accordingly, this public hearing is arranged as per the MoEF&CC notification. The ONGC will explain to the public about the proposed activity of drilling of 10 development wells and impacts on environment due to the activity. Then the local villagers and others present in the public hearing will express their views and objections which will be recorded and videographed. All the objections and suggestions expressed will be submitted to Government of India in MoEF&CC for taking decision on issue of Environmental Clearance.

He requested the ONGC officials to explain about the proposed project, its impacts on environment and remedial measures proposed in the management plan.

The following senior officers of ONGC attended the Public Hearing:

Sri. S Ratnam, GM (Mechanical) - Officiating Asset manager Sri. SS Reddy, GM (Geology) - Subsurface manager Sri. VRKS Sarma, DGM (Chem) - Head HSE Sri. UVV Jairam, GM (Drilling) - Area Manager Sri VRKS Sarma, DGM-Head HSE, briefed the public about the broad scope of the proposed drilling activities and the necessary action plans firmed up. The proposed activity is primarily for drilling of 10 development wells at Chittavaram (V), Narsapuram (Ni) — 2 wells; Losariguttapadu (V), Bhimavaram (M) — 6 wells; KaIla (V & M) — 2 wells.

Ms. Jyotsana Sikhile EE (Reservoir), ONGC later gave a power point presentation about development drilling activity, its impacts on environment and remedial measures stating that

It is a temporary activity and the operations lasts for very short period of 3 to 4 months under normal conditions for drilling an average depth of 4200 mts. Each location requires 5 to 6 acres of land for drilling. The water requirement for the project is about 10 cum /day for domestic usages and 15 cum /day for operations which will be supplied through water tankers. Project Cost is Approx. Rs. 110 Crores for drilling of 10 wells. Further, out of these 10 wells, two wells are proposed to be drilled in Elamanchilli Field in the Chittavaram Village of Narsapuram Mandal. The File No.APPCB-GVS/33/2016-EE-APPCB-WG expected production of oil/gas is about 1,00,000 m3/day and these two wells shall be connected to Narsapur GCS. Six wells are proposed to be drilled in Bantumilli South Field in the Losarigutlapadu village, Bheemavaram Mandal. The expected production of oil/gas is about 9,00,000 m3/day and these two wells shall be connected to proposed surface facility (Early Production System-EPS) at BTSAD wellsite. Two wells are proposed to be drilled in Suryaraopeta South Field in the KaIla village, KaIla Mandal. The expected production of oil/gas is about 50,000 m3/day and these two wells shall be connected to proposed surface facility (Early Production System-EPS) at BTSAD wellsite. Baseline Environmental data in respect of each of the fields where drilling activities are proposed to be carried out is collected and the data included Ambient Air Quality/Noise/Water/Soil/Socio-economic/ Flora Fauna etc. for one non-monsoon season of the year 2017, for three months period. Ambient Air Quality (AAQ) is measured in the study area which represents mostly rural/residential environment. Five ambient air quality monitoring locations were selected in and around the proposed well and studies were carried for parameters as per NAAQMS including VOCs. The 24 hr average value of ambient air quality (upwind, crosswind and downwind) in respect of all the parameters is observed to be well within the prescribed CPCB limits in KG Basin. Range of values of parameters is as mentioned against each parameter SO2 (7.2-11.9 pg/m3),NO, (14.1-16.4 pg/m3),C0 (254-420 pg/m3), PM 2.5 (22.3-29.8 pg/m3),PM 10 (46.9-56.8 pg/m3),Ammonia (14.5-18.4 pg/m3),Ozone (8.8-12.4 pg/m3),Benzene (0.09-0.37 pg/m3). Baseline noise levels were also monitored at proposed locations and are in the range of 51.8-53.9 dB in the day time and 41.0-43.2 dB in the night time.

The 24hr average value of ambient air and noise quality in respect of all the parameters is observed to be well within the prescribed CPCB limits in KG Basin.

Samples of ground water and surface water were analysed for base line studies at proposed new locations. Parameters range for Surface Water is: pH: (6.7- 7.7), TDS (485-542mg/L), TSS < 10 mg/L, Pb<0.01 ppm, Cu (0.05-0.21 ppm), Ni <0.001 ppm, Zn <1 ppm BOD: 4-12 ppm, COD: 31-76 ppm. Oil & grease were not detected in the samples. Parameters range for Ground Water is: pH: (7.3— 8.0), TDS (656-1452 mg/L), Pb<0.01 ppm, Cd <0.003 ppm, Cu <0.05 File No.APPCB-GVS/33/2016-EE-APPCB-WG

ppm, Ni <0.02 ppm, Zn < 1 ppm, Cr <0.05 ppm, sulphide and phenolic compounds were in negligible amounts.

M/s. ONGC proposed to use bi fuel system, a mixture of diesel and gas as fuel that may reduce the exhaust of pollutant emissions into the atmosphere.

The waste water generated during drilling operations will be collected in a pit lined with High density Poly ethylene sheets to avoid ground water pollution. Only water based mud shall be used while drilling.

Quality of ambient air and noise shall be monitored periodically during and after drilling as per the Norms.

There are no incidences of any land subsidence in the gas fields or adjoining areas of KG Basin. From geological considerations also this region does not appear to be prone to significant land subsidence.

M/s. ONGC is operating in the KG Basin for more than 25 years and the baseline studies carried/monitoring data collected reflected practically no impact on the environmental quality wherever E&P Operations of M/s. ONGC were carried over these years.

The drilling activities will have no significant impact on the environmental conditions.

Rajahmundry assets has spent Rs.2.74 crores during the year 2016-17 and Rs. 1.95 Crores till date in West Godavari District for various CSR activities such as School Infrastructure, Safe Drinking Water, Rural Development, Environment, Health etc. in the region.

The ONGC is committed to take up welfare measures for the local people as part of CSR activity of ONGC.

The Additional Joint Collector, Eluru requested the public to come forward one by one and express views/objections duly mentioning name and address.

The following have expressed their views/objections on the proposed project:

Sri Nagidi Syam Sundhar Rao, Tailor, Nagidipalem Panchayat, Nagendrapuram, Bhimavaram (M), W.G.Dt: File No.APPCB-GVS/33/2016-EE-APPCB-WG

It is not true that the ONGC activity will last only for 3 months. The ONGC activity in Nagidipalem (V) is continuing for the last 7 years and the villagers are facing lot of problems due to noise pollution. ONGC presented CSR activities for the whole district of West Godavari, but villagers of Nagidipalem need to know specifically as to the details of CSR funds spent for Nagidipalem village. Sri N.Venu• Gopala Krishna, Nagidipalem Panchayat, Nagendrapuram, Bhimavaram (M), W.G.Dt: ONGC has done nothing under CSR activity for Nagidipalem village. ONGC activity is causing heavy noise and air pollution in Nagidipalem (V). Facing severe water pollution problems and contamination of aqua culture ponds due to discharge of effluents from the ONGC activity. ONGC is not taking any control measures as stated by them. villagers facing lot of inconvenience due to ONGC activity like flaring of gases etc., Activity of ONGC shall be permitted at places far away from the residential areas. The ONGC has to first come out with the specific details about the welfare measures undertaken in Nagidipalem village, then only village people will express views regarding permitting the activity of the ONGC after discussing with the village elders.

Sri T. Phani Kumar, Secretary and Correspondent, Sri Saraswati Educational Institutes, Nagidipalem: The gram panchayat received notice about conduct of public hearing of ONGC one month back and also received project details. But, project execution and mitigation measures on ground are not as per report, thus resulting in dust pollution and mosquito menace. CSR activities are carried out in areas where influential people and officials stay, rather than in rural areas where people are directly exposed to impacts of drilling. A meager amount of below Rs. 10 lakhs was only spent during the last 7 years in Nagidipalem village towards mineral water plant, compound wall etc., out of Rs. 11 Cr spent in West Godavari District. No action was taken byl ONGC though estimates were submitted on gravel roads and compound wall. ONGD1 is not all implementing their promises. It is wrong on the part of ONGC to acquire )ands even before conducting public hearing.

Sri Nagidi Govinda Swamy, the President, Nagidipalem Matsyakara Sahakara Sangham : ONGC activity caused damage to fisheries in the area resUlting loss of livelihood for the local fishermen who eke out livelihood from the local Water bodies. Fishermen and File No.APPCB-GVS/33/2016-EE-APPCB-WG

villages are facing lot of problems due to pollution from ONGC activity, and requested to take action to redress the problems.

Sri Nagidi Gangala Raju, Construction Worker, Nagidipalem:

Live adjacent to present ONGC drilling activity at Nagidipalem. Though complaining about cracks in houses for the last three years, no action was taken. Even approached ONGC, Rajahmundry Asset Office, but of no use. Sound pollution is unbearable for children and affecting health of villagers seriously. Facing difficulties due to heavy vehicle movement of ONGC. No medical help is available if any health problem arises in night time. ONGC constructed toilets adjacent to houses and causing agony to the residents. Our anguish is redressed neither by the ONGC nor local representatives despite many appeals. Severely opposed ONGC activities and demanded to remove the Nagidipalem drilling activity.

Smt. Moka Nagamani, Nagidipalem:

Frightened by the dangerous drilling and flaring activities of ONGC in Nagidipalem. ONGC made many promises earlier, but till date no welfare measure is undertaken for the benefit of villagers of Nagidipalem. Spending sleepless nights due to flaring activities.

Smt. Lakshmi, Nagidipalem:

Drinking water tank got polluted due to ONGC activities and deprived the villagers of drinking water. No alternate arrangement was made for drinking water supply. Plight of villagers particularly children is pathetic. Demand authorities to provide drinking water.

Smt. Moka Ganapa Kumari, Nagidipalem:

Villagers particularly old and children are facing lot of difficulties because of ONGC activities, vehicular movement, blasting, cracks in houses and heavy sounds. Do not know as to the status of. our applications submitted to authorities on these problems. Appealed authorities to redress the problems.

Smt. P. Indira, Nagidipalem:

Cultivating 30 cents of own land adjacent to ONGC activity. Crops damaged completely, not able to run the family. No action taken, though complained many times. File No.APPCB-GVS/33/2016-EE-APPCB-WG

Sri T.Suryanarayana, Nagidipalem;

Suffering from ill health due to obnoxious smells emanating from drilling activity. Forced to spend lot of money on ill health. No medical facility nearby. ONGC activities shall be atleast 3 km away from residential habitations. Not even single welfare measure implemented and no funds spent in Nagidipalem under CSR activities. ONGC shall provide security for the lives of villagers.

Sri T. Narasimha Swamy, Student, Nagendrapuram:

ONGC has been carrying out activities in nagidipalem for the last 7 years. Nearby aqua culture damaged due to ammonia pollution from drilling activities. Spending lots of money for buying medicines for aquaculture. Waste water released by the ONGC caused water pollution in aqua culture ponds. Dangerous gases released during drilling are threatening the lives of villagers. No precautions are taken by ONGC. Villagers are suffering from mosquito bites even during day time. ONGC uses innumerable chemicals, which causes water pollution. ONGC activities are intimidating aquaculture farmers. Public hearing meeting shall be conducted after collecting opinion of the villagers. Very meager funds are spent in the village because of discrimination. There are chances of heart attacks/organ deformities to children and old people due to unbearable sounds, release of poisonous gases and huge flaring of gases. ONGC will be allowed only if authorities give specific commitment on the issues raised.

Sri Barre Balasubrahmanyam, s/o Nagaraju, Nagidipalem:

All the villagers are frightened about ONGC activities and are unanimously rejecting the ONGC activities. Views expressed earlier by the villagers are real facts. Appealed . authorities to respond on the issues raised by the villagers.

Sri Boddu Srihari, Carpenter, Nagendrapuram:

No credible welfare measures are undertaken by ONGC. It is wrong on the part of ONGC to say that no pollution is caused by ONGC. It stands for proof that the pollution is causing due to drainage water from ONGC toilets, oil released into aquaculture, smell nuisance etc., Aqua culture farmers are incurring losses on account of oil pollution released by the ONGC. File No.APPCB-GVS/33/2016-EE-APPCB-WG

Sri M.Samba Murthy, Unemployed, Nagidipalem:

It is obvious that villagers are facing lot of problems due to ONGC activities. Not able to understand the details presented in the presentation made by the ONGC regarding the impacts and remedial measures. Suffering due to air pollution, sound pollution and sudden flare of poisonous gases and helplessly getting used to the polluted environment. Our villagers came to know about the public hearing yesterday only through torn tom and as such how can villagers pool up and decide to express views / objections/demands in such a short time. Opined that people oppose such ONGC activities in new locations. There shall be transparency in CSR activities to prevent vested interests and to ensure equitable utilization of funds in the villages. Questioned as to how meager CSR funds are spent in Nagidipalem and major chunk of funds are diverted to other villages when existing drilling activity, which is said to be one of the biggest one, is in the Nagidipalem panachayat limits. Appealed authorities to look into the matter and do justice.

Sri Polisetty Naga Venkata Satyanarayana, Director, Coop Bank, Narsapuram:

Chittavaram village is at a distance of 30 km from Nagidipalem. Public hearing is supposed to be conducted not only at Nagidipalem but at all places where ONGC is proposing to take up drilling activities. Questioned as to who shall incur expenditure, ONGC or Panchayat, if all 3500 odd villagers of Chittavaram would want to attend the Public Hearing in Nagidipalem. Chittavaram villagers could not attend the public hearing because of this reason. ONGC is a business enterprise involving in production of petrol, diesel, aviation fuel etc and earning profits in crores, whereas chittavaram village revenue cannot afford to incur expenditure for transportation of villagers to nagidipalem. It is not justified to direct panchayat to arrange for publicity for profit earning enterprise ONGC by tom tom about the public hearing, which involves expenditure by Panchayat. Funds granted to Chittavaram village are for the damages for roads/pipelines etc., caused by ONGC activities, but ONGC is claiming such funds as CSR funds. Whether it is ONGC or GAIL, both managements get away with their promises, but execute their projects highhandedly. Villagers are not against ONGC or development. Demanded that public hearing shall be conducted at Chittavaram also. Affected villages shall be adopted by ONGC in true spirit. Atleast one percent of profits of ONGC shall be allocated to the respective villages where drilling activity is carried out.

Sri Nagidi Papaji, Ex-Sarpanch and Director, AMC, Bhimavaram: File No.APPCB-GVS/33/2016-EE-APPCB-WG

Dayyalatippa village is one km away from Nagidipalem drilling activity. ONGC promised to provide furniture to school at Dayyalatippa, but till date furniture is not provided. CSR funds of Rs. 5 Cr was spent in other villages, and only Rs. 10 lakhs was spent in affected village ie., Nagidipalem which is highly objectionable. He also demanded to allocate definitive amount to the affected villages as percentage of profits of ONGC. ONGC is not responding properly to solve the problems of farmers who gave lands for ONGC drilling sites. ONGC shall not cause any pollution in the villages. Villagers are often getting frightened with gases released/ flaring during drilling activities.

Sri Boddu Lakshmipathi, Construction worker, Tokatippa: It is true that villagers are getting frightened with the flaring of gases. Development is of no use, when there is no safety for human beings due to such activities of ONGC. One such example is gas leakage accident in Amalapuram. Opposing the ONGC activity as there is no safety, it causes loss of human lives/ property damages with such activities. Sri Lanka Krishna Murthy, All India Forward Block: It is not clear as to whether the proposed activity is for development drilling for gas or oil or it is for shale gas, which was banned by many countries. People opposed such activity unanimously in the public hearing held earlier in Bhimavaram. Demanded clarification from ONGC on this. It is of no use for the development of local villagers. No jobs are given for locals. Exclaimed why gas is not supplied for locals at lower prices, when gas is extracted from this area. Land subsidence is a big threat from this kind of activity. There are also reports that land subsidence took place to a depth of about 1 ft - 3 ft in Narsapuram and Bhimavaram areas resulting inundation of this area. Businessmen/contractors are exploiting this activity and earning profits. No single villager got benefit out of the ONGC activity. People are spending sleepless nights out of fear of flaring activity. There is necessity for government to clarify the doubts of villagers on safety and instill confidence among public. Totally oppose the drilling of 10 development wells. Sri M. Seetharam Prasad, Secretary, CPI, Bhimavaram: Proposal of ONGC is undoubtedly for shale gas exploration. Hence, the proposal of ONGC has to be completely opposed. Neither ONGC nor central government or state government is in a position to give undertaking that proposed activity would not cause adverse impacts. There is every possibility that the proposed activity of shale gas exploration would destroy the agricultural lands of the district. No response received File No.APPCB-GVS/33/2016-EE-APPCB-WG from ONGC on complaints filed in the earlier public hearing at Bhimavaram. CPI opposes the activity and demand to close the public hearing process. Sri M Krishnam Raju, Secretary, Krishna Godavari Zilla Parirakshna Samithi, Bhimavaram: Government is conducting public hearings for eye wash, not considering and taking into decision making the views or objections of the public. Not appraising the people about the potential impacts of the proposed activity and remedial measures proposed. Going ahead without considering the people's objections. ONGC shall primarily focus on measures for environmental protection, but not on elaborating on the developmental activities undertaken as primary motto of ONGC is extraction of oil and gas from ground. It is the utmost duty of the ONGC to take all necessary measures so that no harm is caused to the public lives and environment. There is possibility of land subsidence resulting in loss of fertile lands and loss of lakhs of tons of agricultural crop yields and produce. ONGC is negligent on taking proper measures regarding minor issues like discharge of drainage water, house cracks etc. Filed Public Interest Litigation case in High Court and is pending. ONGC cannot go ahead with the proposed activity when PIL is pending. Land subsidence is visible and experienced in this area. The government shall take into consideration all the objections of the public, then only government shall consider the project. Sri B.V.Varma, Secretary, CPM, Bhimavaram: No studies were undertaken on the problems like cracks in houses, drinking water scarcity etc being faced by the villagers due to drilling activities. Not even one single individual is in favour of the drilling activity of the ONGC. APPCB has neither authority nor capacity to control fire accidents that have happened in gas production, because of which accidents occurred at Nagiri, Pasarlapudi etc. 78% of people of 24 countries like France, Bulgaria etc., have banned shale gas exploration and production. He questioned that why such banned activities are permitted in India. Effects of drilling upto 3000 m would not only limit to local villages, but extend to wide area right from Ongole to Kakinada of 3000 sq.kms. Whole area consisting of thousands of villages gets inundated and effects would be catastrophic once shale gas is extracted from such a depth. Development has no relevance if the lives of the people are in danger. Government would never come to the rescue of the affected people. Nobody disclosed the information about usage of 700 different chemicals during drilling. Innocent village people are deceived and taking forward the drilling activities. Development without human face is unwelcome. About 162 houses developed cracks in walls/roofs and no File No.APPCB-GVS/33/2016-EE-APPCB-WG compensation is paid till date. Totally oppose the proposed project. ONGC is not disclosing the facts of land subsidence in this area. It is imminent that proposed activity would result in severe water scarcity in the area because the ONGC consumes 2 crore litres of water for each well and releases polluted water into the environment. 80% of the people are opposing the ONGC activity. Sri Sunanda Reddy, Environmentalist, Vijayawada: As environmentalist, support ONGC for their project of oil and gas exploration, but at the same time, environment has to be protected, losses have to minimized/prevented and damages have to be compensated adequately. Inevitably oil and gas has to be produced indigenously, to save foreign exchange reserves of India. ONGC shall exude confidence in local public by avoiding minor mistakes like discharge of sewage wastewater from quarters of ONGC, cracks in houses etc., Details of Health status, crop yield status and ground water levels are to be incorporated in the final EIA report, so that these details will serve as base line data and can be used for collating with future status. ONGC shall prevent road damages, fugitive emissions due to vehicle movement, crop damages etc., Some fixed cess has to be levied on ONGC on oil and gas production in this area similar to levy of mineral development cess and utilized for development of villades. Jobs shall be given to locals. Reiterated his support with a condition that necessary environmental protection measures shall be under taken by ONGC. The Additional Joint Collector while reiterating that all the views and objections will be examined by government and requested the ONGC officials to respond on the views/objections of the public. Sri. SS Reddy, GM (Geology), Subsurface manager, ONGC responding on the views and objections of the public has informed that the ONGC fully acknowledges the opinion of the public and will commit to redress all the pollution issues, safety issues, CSR issues, compensating for damages of houses etc., The ONGC in consultation with District administration will take up development activities to the satisfaction of the public. He requested the help of all the villagers in carrying out their project activities and assured that pollution levels arising due to project activities will be within the prescribed limits of

pollution control laws. At the end, the villagers have demanded immediate action on the representations regarding payment of compensation for damages of houses due to Nagidipalem drilling activities.

File No.APPCB-GVS/33/2016-EE-APPCB-WG

The Joint Collector, West Godavari District concluded that the Environmental

Public Hearing of M/s. ONGC is conducted as required and appreciated the public for co- operation in participating in the Public Hearing. He informed that the concerns expressed by the Public regarding land subsidence, other environmental issues and reply given by ONGC officials will be forwarded to the Central Government for taking further

necessary action.

Representations (32 Nos) received during the public hearing from the public are appended.

The hearing concluded with vote of thanks.

Representations (32 Nos) received by the APPCB is appended.

Additional Joint Collector, Eluru,West Godavari Environmental Engineer, A.P.Pollution Control Board, Regional Office, Eluru