DEPARTMENT of GEOLOGY and MINING DINDIGUL DISTRICT Contents S.No Chapter Page No

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DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY AND MINING DINDIGUL DISTRICT Contents S.No Chapter Page No. 1.0 Introduction 1

2.0 Overview of Mining Activity in the District; 4

3.0 General profile of the district 6

4.0 Geology of the district; 9

5.0 Drainage of irrigation pattern 13

6.0 Land utilisation pattern in the district; Forest, Agricultural, 14

Horticultural, Mining etc

7.0 Surface water and ground water scenario of the district 19

8.0 Rainfall of the district and climate condition 20

9.0 Details of the mining lease in the district as per following 23 format 10.0 Details of Royalty / Revenue received in the last three years 30

(2015-16 to 2017-18)

11.0 Details of Production of Minor Mineral in last three Years 31

12.0 Mineral map of the district 32

13.0 List of letter of intent (LOI) holder in the district along with its 33

validity

14.0 Total mineral reserve available in the district. 38

15.0 Quality / Grade of mineral available in the district 39

16.0 Use of mineral 39 17.0 Demand and supply of the mineral in the lase three years 40

18.0 Mining leases marked on the map of the district 41

19.0 Details of the area where there is a cluster of mining leases viz., 42

number of mining leases, location (latitude & longitude)

20.0 Details of eco-sensitive area 42

21.0 Impact on the environment due to mining activity 44

22.0 Remedial measure to mitigate the impact of mining on the 46

environment

23.0 Reclamation of mined out area (best practice already 48

implemented in the district, requirement as per rules and

regulations, proposed reclamation plan

24.0 Risk assessment & disaster management plan 48

25.0 Details of occupational health issue in the district (last five – 50

year data of number of patients of silicosis & tuberculosis is

also needs to be submitted)

26.0 Plantation and green belt development in respect of leases 50

already granted in the district

27.0 Any other information 50

List of Figure Chapter Page S.No No. 1.0 Fig No.1.Location Plan 2 2.0 Fig No.2 Geology of Tamil Nadu 9 3.0 Fig No.3 Lithology of Dindigul District 12 4.0 Fig No.4 River Map of the District 14 5.0 Fig No.5 Land Use & Utilisation map of Dindigul 22 6.0 Fig No.6 District Resource map (Mineral Map) 32 7.0 Fig No.7 Google Map of Eco Sensitive Zone 43

List of Table Page S.No No. 1.0 Table No.1 Details of the Taluk and Black in Dindigul District 3 2.0 Table No.2 District Profile Glance 7 3.0 Table No. 3. Stratigraphy Of The District 10 4.0 Table No.4 Land Utilisation of the District 15 5.0 Table No.5 Irrigation sources and area 15 6.0 Table No.6 Major Crops and production 17 7.0 Table No.7 various horticulture crops 18 8.0 Table No. 8.Rainfall data 20 9.0 Table No.9 Details of mining leases in the district 23 Table No.10 The mineralise production and revenue realised 30 10.0 for the period from 2016-17 to 2018-19 11.0 Table No.11.0 Details of production of sand or minor mineral 31 Table No.12 list of letter of intent (loi) holder in the district 33 12.0 along with its validity table no 7.0 list of letter of intent (loi) holder. 13.0 Table No.13.0 Total Mineral Reserve Available In the District 38 Table No.14 Details of the area of where there is a cluster of 42 14.0 mining lease 15.0 Table No.15 Details of occupational health issue in the district 50

DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT OF QUARTZ & FELDSPAR DINDIGUL DISTRICT

PREAMBLE: In conjunction to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Government of India Notification No.SO 141 (E) dated 15.01.2016 and SO 190 (E) dated 20.01.2016 the District Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (DEIAA) and District Environment Appraisal Committee (DEAC) were constituted in Dindigul District for the grant of Environmental Clearance for category “B2” projects for quarrying of Minor Minerals.

The main purpose of preparation of District Survey Report is to identify the mineral resources and develop the mining activities along with relevant current geological data of the District. The DEAC will scrutinize and screen scope of the category “B2” projects and the DEIAA will grant Environmental Clearance based on the recommendations of the DEAC for the Minor Minerals on the basis of District Survey Report. This District Mineral Survey Report is prepared on the basis of field work carried out in Dindigul district by the official from Geological Survey of India and Directorate of Geology and Mining, (Dindigul District), Govt. of Tamilnadu. The following District Survey Report (DSR) report prepared based on the guidelines by MOEF S.O. 3611(E). dt 25.July 2018.

1.0 INTRODUCTION:

The district “Dindigul”, is blessed with the minor minerals such as Granite (Pink Granite/ Pink Granite Gneiss + Garnet, Pyroxenite/Pyroxene Granulite?), Blue metal (Charnockite), Brick Soil, Gravel, Kankar, Quartz and Feldspar and sand as well as major minerals like crystalline Limestone and Bauxite. A few copper, molybdenum and mica are also

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occurred in some places. The need of the minor minerals particularly for infrastructural development of Individuals as well as for the Government is increasing day by day rapidly, accordingly the mining of minor minerals, is also developing vigorously. However, each entity looking for a good environment for their habitat. To assure the same a committee named DEIAA (District Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority) is formed, principally for a safe and careful minor mineral mining without leaving any major impact to the environment. With the objective to generate the “District Survey Report” for Dindigul District a fifteen days collaborative field work was carried out by SU: Tamil Nadu & Puducherry, Geological Survey of India and Dept. of Geology and Mining, Dindigul District to locate minor minerals, along with mining activities in the district.

Fig.1.1 Dindigul District map

There were 7 taluks in 2001 - Palani, Oddanchatram, Vedasandur, Natham, Dindigul, Kodaikanal and Nilakottai. Attur taluk was newly created from Dindigul taluk as per G.O.Ms.

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No.637, dated 31.10.2007. Presently, there are 8 taluks in the district. There are 1 Corporation (Dindigul) and 2 Municipalities (Palani and Kodaikanal), 24 Town Panchayats and 7 Census Towns in the district. There are 14 Community Development Blocks and 362 Revenue Villages (330 inhabited) in Dindigul district. The following table shows the number of taluks with number of towns and Community Development Blocks with number of villages in Dindigul district.

Table No.1 Details of the Taluk and Black in Dindigul District

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2.0. OVERVIEW OF MINING ACTIVITY IN THE DISTRICT

Industry based economic mineral deposit present in the district is Limestone, Quartz & Feldspar and Bauxite. However, the Limestone comes under major mineral category and it is getting mined mainly by the Chettinad Cement Corporation Ltd., in Vedasandur taluk and by some small concerns in Vedasandur and Natham taluks. The Bauxite deposit present in hill range of Kodaikanal, is unable to mine which is declared as wild life sanctuary. The minor minerals like Granite (Pink Granite/ Pink Granite Gneiss + Garnet, Pyroxenite/Pyroxene Granulite?) by private concerns and by TAMIN, Blue metal (Charnockite/ Hornblende Biotite Gneiss?), Brick Soil, Gravel, Kankar, Quartz and Feldspar are actively getting mining in the district by private concerns. The office of the Assistant Director, Department of Geology and Mining is functioning under the control of District Collector, Dindigul. The Assistant Director, Geology and Mining is assisting the District Collector in the Mineral Administration works.

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3. GENERAL PROFILE OF THE DISTRICT

Dindigul district was carved out of the composite Madurai district in September 1985 as per G.O. Ms. No. 1255, dated 2.9.1985. The new district was named after the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (late) C.N. Annadurai as “Dindigul Anna District”. This district was renamed at various points of time since 1985. It is presently named as Dindigul district from 1.7.1997.

Location and Geographical Area: Dindigul District located in the south western part of Tamil Nadu. This district is bound by Erode, Tiruppur, Karur and Tiruchi districts in the North; Sivaganga and Tiruchi districts in the East; Madurai district in the South and by Theni and Tiruppur districts and Kerala in the West. Geographically the district falls between N100 05’ and

N100 09’ and E770 30’ and E780 20’ and it is spread over on an area of 6266.64 square km.For a long time, Dindigul town has been associated with iron locks and safes of good quality and durability. A lock manufacturing unit under co-operative sector is functioning here. Another industry for which Dindigul is noted is leather tanning.

This district has a flourishing handloom industry at Chinnalapatti, which is located at 11 km away from Dindigul on the Madurai-Dindigul highway. Art silk saris and Sungudi saris produced in Chinnalapatti are famous throughout India. More than 1000 families are engaged in this industry. Dindigul is privileged to have one of the six celebrated abodes of Lord Muruga at Palani Hills, where the famous Dhandayuthapani Temple is situated on a hill at a height of about 450 metres. Besides the Palani temple, there is also another Murugan temple at Thirumalaikeni, 25 km away from Dindigul town, which is becoming popular as a pilgrim Centre. Abirami Amman Temple in Dindigul and Raja Kaliamman Temple at Thethupatti 20 km away from Dindigul are the other important temples which attract thousands of pilgrims.

Kodaikanal, a popular summer resort located at an altitude of 2133 meters in the Western Ghats, is the ’Princess of Hill Stations.’ A notable feature of Kodaikanal is the ’Kurunji’ flower that blooms once in 12 years . The next blooming will be in 2018.

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Peranai and Sirumalai are the two picnic spots of this district. There are nine dams-- Palar Porundalar, Varathamanathi and Kuthiraiaru in Palani block; Parappalar and Nangachiar in Oddanchatram block; Maruthanathi, Kamarajar Sagar in Athoor block;Mavoor in Nilakottai block and Kudaganar in Vedasandur block. They augment irrigation facilities to agricultural fields in the district. Nilakkottai town is famous for brass vessels and jewellery. Nilakottai Taluk is famous for flowers and grapes. Oddanchatram is a famous market for vegetables. Batlagundu is an important market for tomato. Pattiveeranpatti in Batlagundu Block is famous for cardamom and coffee curing enterprises.

Table No.2 District Profile Glance

DISTRICT PROFILE GLANCE

GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION North Latitude Between 100 05’ and 100 09’ East Longitude Between 770 30’ and 780 20’ AREA AND POPULATION 2001 Census 2011 Census Area (Sq.Km) 6266.64 6266.64 Population 19,23,014 21,59,775 Density 306 345 Modern Medicine a. No.of Hospitals 12 b. Primary Health Centres 49 c. Health Sub Centres 311 d. Beds in Hospitals and Dispensaries 1227 e. Total Number of Doctors 224 f. Total Number of Nurses 619 INDIAN MEDICINE a. No.of Hospitals 14 b. Primary Health Centres 12 EDUCATION 1. Universities 2 2. Arts and Science Colleges 13 3. Engineering and Technology 5 4. Colleges for Special Education 1 5. Schools for General Education 2006

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TRANSPORT

Road Length (Km.) 1. National Highways 148.75 2. State Highways 2268.66

3. Corporation and Municipal Road 237.46 4. Panchayat Union and Panchayat Road 3225.12 5. Town Panchayat and Townships Road 597.29 6. Others (Forest Roads) 416.35 Railway Length 1. Route Length (Km.) i.Broad Gauge 65.98 ii.Meter Gauge 116.08 2. Track Length (Km.) i.Broad Gauge 79.36 ii.Meter Gauge 123.24 3. Number of Railway Stations 11 Number of Sea Ports 0

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4.0 GEOLOGY OF THE DISTRICT 4.1 An outline on Geology of Tamilnadu: Crystalline rocks of Archaean to late Proterozoic age occupy over 80% of the area of the state of Tamilnadu, while the rest is covered by Phanerozoic sedimentary rocks mainly along the coastal belt and in a few inland River valleys. The hard rock terrain comprises predominantly of Charnockite and Khondalite groups and their migmatitic derivatives, supracrustal sequences of Sathyamangalam and Kolar groups and Peninsular Gneissic Complex (Bhavani Group), intruded by ultramafic-mafic complexes, basic dykes, granites and syenites. The sedimentary rocks of the coastal belt include fluviatile, fluvio-marine and marine sequences, such as Gondwana Supergroup (Carboniferous to Permian and Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous), marine sediments of Cauvery basin (Lower Cretaceous to Paleogene), Cuddalore /Pannambarai Formation (Mio-Pliocene) and sediments of Quaternary and Recent age. Geological map of Tamilnadu is given below:

Fig. 2.0. Geology of Tamil Nadu

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4.2 Geology of Dindigul District The district is essentially a high grade gneissic terrain characterized by highly deformed rocks, which can be classified under three groups as 1) Khondalite Group, 2) Charnockite Group and 3) Migmatite Group. The terrain also exposes basic/ultrabasic and younger acid intrusives.

4.3 Stratigraphy of the District Age Group Lithology

Recent to Kankar QUATERNERY Pleistocene Laterite Quartz veins

Pegmatite PROTEROZOIC Acid intrusives Granite Pink migmatite

Migmatite Granitic gneiss Group Hornblende-biotite gneiss Anorthosite

Basic/Ultabasi Amphibolite / Norite / c Intrusives Gabbro Ultramafics Magnetite quartzite ARCHAEAN- PROTEROZOIC Pyroxene Charnockite Group granulite

Charnockite Garnet quartz - feldspar gneiss

Garnet - sillimanite gneiss ± Khondalite Group cordierite Calc-gneiss / Limestone

Quartzite (Source: GSI, DRM & Misc. Pub. 30, 2006)

Table No.3 Stratigraphy of the District Khondalite Group comprises quartzite, calc granulite / crystalline limestone, garnet-

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sillimanite gneiss, garnet-cordierite gneiss and garnet quartz-feldspar gneiss. Quartzite is an important member of the group, which occurs as linear bands of 5 m to 50 m thick and occupies the crest of linear ridges. It is white or smoky grey and consists of interlocking grains of quartz with minerals like garnet, biotite, diopside, sillimanite and magnetite as accessories. Magnetitequartzite bands are of restricted thickness. Calcgneiss is grey or green and banded,which shows typical ribbed weathering. It consists of diopside, calcite, scapolite, wollastonite and sphene in various proportions with a small amount of quartz and garnet. With decrease in silicate minerals and increase in carbonates, it grades into crystalline limestone. Crystalline limestone is white, medium to coarse, with interlocking calcite, with a small amount of diopside, biotite and magnetite. Garnet- sillimanite gneiss is medium to coarse grained, 5 to 100 m thick and can be traced over a few kilometers along strike. It is mainly made of bands of quartz-k-feldspar rich layers alternating with layers rich in biotite, sillimanite and garnet. Garnet porphyroblasts upto 3 cm in diameter and sillimanite needles upto 5 cm x 2.5 mm size, are seen at a few places. This rock also has thin interbands of garnet-cordierite gneiss and garnetquartz-feldspar gneiss.

Source: Miscellaneous publication, GSI, SU:TN&P, Chennai

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Khondalite Group comprises quartzite, calc granulite / crystalline limestone, garnet- sillimanite gneiss, garnet-cordierite gneiss and garnet quartz-feldspar gneiss. Quartzite is an important member of the group, which occurs as linear bands of 5 m to 50 m thick and occupies the crest of linear ridges. It is white or smoky grey and consists of interlocking grains of quartz with minerals like garnet, biotite, diopside, sillimanite and magnetite as accessories. Magnetitequartzite bands are of restricted thickness. Calcgneiss is grey or green and banded,

Source: DRM, GSI, SU:TN&P, Chennai

Fig. 3. Lithology of Dindigul district

The metasedimentary rocks occur either as individual bands or as swathes of bands repeated several times with width varying from 10 m to 100 m and exposed length from 100 m to a few kilometers, within the Charnockites and Migmatites. These bands are repeated several times because of tectonic slicing.

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The Charnockite Group comprises pyroxene granulite and charnockite. The pyroxene granulite is dark grey, medium grained granulitic rock with typical salt and pepper texture, seen on the weathered surface. It consists of diopside, hypersthene, plagioclase, hornblende, biotite and quartz. Charnockite is the predominant rock in the area. It is grey, medium to coarse grained, greasy looking with foliation seen prominently on the weathered surface. It is essentially made of smoky or grey quartz, pale grey microcline and hypersthene as major minerals with plagioclase, hornblende and biotite as accessories. It forms high hills / hill ranges and also occupies the plains, covered by 1-2 m thick soil. Migmatite is a group of banded felsic rocks of varying mineralogical composition that are formed due to the influx of quartzo-feldspathic material into high grade metamorphic rocks. Two types of migmatite are seen in the Dindigul district, one is grey and the other is pink. Next to charnockite, migmatite gneiss is the second most extensive rock. The migmatite gneiss consists of quartz, kfeldspar, plagioclase, hornblende and biotite in varying proportions. Intrusive igneous rocks are seen in the area are meta-gabbro and anorthosites as for example around Oddanchatram and east of Vedasandur. Meta gabbro is coarse grained, dark grey, mainly comprising pyroxene, amphibole and plagioclase. Anorthosite is pale pink to light brown, medium to coarse grained rock essentially made up of plagioclase with a small amount of pyroxene and amphibole. Quartz and pegmatite veins are of restricted areal extent. Minor bodies of younger granite are exposed in the area east of Vedasandur. Foliation/ gneissosity, the prominent planar structure seen in the metamorphic rocks is ENE-WSW in the west and near N-S in the central part of the district. The eastern part of the district shows complicated folded structures due to interference of two phases of folding, forming a series of domes and basins. Faults and shear zones trend N-S in the central part, and NW-SE in the southern part.

5.0 DRAINAGE OF THE IRRIGATION PATTERN

Dindigul district forms parts of Cauvery, Vaigai, and Pampar basins. The northern part of the district falls in the Cauvery basin. The main rivers that drain this basin are Shanmuganadhi, Nangangiar and Kodaganar River. The Southern part of the district falls under Vaigai basin.• The main rivers that drain in this basin are Marudha Nadhi, Manjalar and Vaigai River.• The Pampar basin forms the eastern part of the district and the minor rivers in this basin are Thirumanimuthar and Palar-Puranthalar.

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Kodavanar, Vaigai, Manjalaru, Maruda, Nanganchi, Palar, Porundalar Shanmukha River etc. are the major rivers and streams in the Dindigul district.

Fig No.4 River Map of the District

6.0 LAND UTILISATION PATTERN IN THE DISTRICT; FOREST, AGRICULTURAL, HORTICULTURAL, MINING etc

The district has covered by forests about 20% of the total area. One third of the area falls under agriculture purpose. However, type of soil, rainfall and irrigation projects are playing a vital role in the development of land use in the district. The total cultivated area is 2,61,758 Hect., out of which 8,253 Hect., are sown more than once in a year. The principle crops are Paddy, Millets and other Cereals, Pulses, Sugarcane, Groundnut, Gingelly and Cotton. The following tables are shows the utilisation and sources of irrigation in the district.

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LAND UTILISATION Sl. Classification Area(Hectare) No. 1 Forest 138923 2 Barren and Uncultivate lands 36210 3 Land to Non-Agricultural Uses 65013 4 Cultivable Waste 8846 5 Permanent pastures other Grazing Land 6946 Land under miscellaneous Tree crops and 6 Grores not included in Nett Area sown 6491 7 Current Fallows 19752 8 Other Fallow Land 123933 9 Nett Area sown 220550 TOTAL GEOGRAPHICAL AREA 626664

Table No.4 Land Utilisation of the District

IRRIGATION SOURCES AND AREA

Sl. No. Source Nos. Area (Ha.) 1 Canals 41 7238 2 Tanks 2616 13436 3 Wells 75690 75878 4 Others Nil 1668 Total 78347 98220 Table No.5 Irrigation sources and area

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Fig.5.0. Land Use & Utilisation map of Dindigul

6.1 Forest

Forest in Dindigul district is one of the most ecologically important parts of South India. The forest are the part of the bio-diverse of Western Ghats. The famous Kodaikanal Hill is also located in Dindigul district. An attraction of this hills is the Kurinji flowers that bloom once in twelve years. The reserved forest area of the district, which is rich in flora like Seehakai, Nellikai, Bluegum and Pine and fauna like Gaur, Nilgiri Langur, Panther, Barking Deer, Malabar Squirrel, Nilgiri Thaar, Sambar Deer Wild Dog, Indian Elephant Slender Loris and Grizzled Squirrel. The Grizzled Squirrel is found in (Siruvattukadu) Northern Slope Reserved Forests of Oddanchatram Range near Siruvattukadu and Pachalur villages. The Slender Loris is found in Ayyalur, Natham and Sirumalai Ranges in large numbers. Forests play vital role in meeting the health requirements of the people. Forest contains many medicinal plants and they are used in the local and Siddha health care system. To encourage this practice and to provide better health care to the villagers, the Forest Department has established a Medicinal Plants Conservation Area (MPCA) in Alagarmalai RF of Alagar Kovil Range in this Divison.

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6.2 6.2 Agriculture

Dindigul district is primarily agro-based. About 70% of the total population earns their livelihood directly or indirectly through agriculture. There are about 165 Rice Mills in and around Dindigul. Tapioca is one of the major crop in the district. Different types of food products are manufactured from tapioca in the district. Dindigul city is an important wholesale market for cotton, onions and groundnuts (peanuts). Panneer Grapes which is a special type of black grapes, is specific to the district. Paddy and cholam are cultivated in major areas in the district. Groundnut has also been cultivated in the district. These three products yield in the district recorded high amongst others. Cotton and Ragi are the products with least yield in the district. The area under major crops and production in the year 2009-10 is given in the following table.

Percentage to Production Production Crops Area (Ha) the total area in Tonnes (kg/ha) sown

Paddy 16647 61593 3700 7.46

Cholam 26592 33346 1254 11.92

Cumbu 2051 3601 1756 0.92

Ragi 267 513 1928 0.11

Redgram 1044 732 701 0.47

Blackgram 3782 1706 454 1.69

Greengram 2612 1285 492 1.17

Groundnut 8360 26860 3213 3.75

Gingelly 1209 725 600 0.54

Cotton 969 969 273 0.43

Sugarcane 5055 566 112 2.27

Table No.6 Major Crops and production

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6.3 Horticulture

Horticulture There are five State Horticulture Farms at Reddiyarchathram, Sirumalai, Thandigudi, Kodaikanal and Brayant Park in the district. Major horticulture crops cultivated in the plains are fruits crops like banana, sapota, guava and acid lime, vegetables like tomato, brinjal, bhendi, chillies, beans and cabbage, flowers like jasmine, pitchi, crossandra, nerium, chrysanthemum, tagetus, gomphrena and tube rose and medicinal plants like Gloriosa. Fruit crops like pear, plums, peach, hill banana, acid lime and orange, vegetables like beans, chow- chow, potato, carrot and peas, spices like cardamom, pepper and garlic, plantation crops like coffee and cocoa and cut flowers like rose, carnation, gerbera and gladiolus are mainly cultivated in hills. In 2009-10, the area under various horticulture crops has been given below:

Crops Area Production

(in hect) (in MT)

Banana 4846 164240

Mango 14409 62757

Onion 2745 25350

Chillies 1618 969

Table No.7 various horticulture crops

6.4 Mining

The office of the Assistant Director, Department of Geology and Mining is functioning under the control of District Collector, Dindigul. The Assistant Director, Geology and Mining is

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assisting the District Collector in the Mineral Administration works.

7.0 SURFACE WATER AND GROUND WATER SCENARIO OF THE DINDIGUL DISTRICT

7.1SURFACE WATER SCENARIO

Vaigai river has its origin in the eastern slope of Western Ghat at Gandamanayakanur. Suruliar, Theniar, Varahanadhi and Manjalar are its main tributaries.The regional drainage pattern is dentritic and major direction of the flow of river is esterly (east, southeast and northeast) from this Western Ghat hills

7.2 GROUND WATER SCENARIO

The major part of the district is underlain by Archaean crystalline metamorphic complex. The important aquifer systems encountered in the district are classified into i) Fissured, fractured and weathered crystalline formations consisting of charnockites, Granite Gneisses and ii) Valley fill sediments (Unconsolidated Sediments) comprising clay, sand, silt and kankar . Valley fill sediments have been observed along valley portions in the depth range of 35 to 40 m bgl in Natham and Sanarpatti blocks. They are characterized by deeper water levels showing high fluctuations. Groundwater occurs under watertable condition. In general, dug wells are used to extract groundwater from these zones and the wells can yield about 200 Cu.m per day and can sustain pumping of 3 – 4 hrs in a day. In case of crystalline formations, groundwater occurs under watertable condition in weathered and shallow fractures and under semi-confined to confined conditions in deeper fractures. The depth of weathering varies from place to place from less than a metre to a maximum of 40 m bgl. The number of saturated fracture zones varied from 1 to 6 occurring at depths between 10 and 164 mbgl. The ground water exploration in deeper aquifer reveals that in about 11 per cent of the wells drilled, the yield was more than 3 lps, whereas in about 15 per cent of the wells, the yield ranges from 1 to 3 lps. A few of the wells have been abandoned due to poor yield. Dug wells are used extract groundwater from weathered formation while deeper fractures are tapped through bore wells and dug cum bore wells. The yield of open wells in the district tapping the weathered mantle of crystalline rocks generally ranges from 100 to 400 lpm for draw down ranging from 2 to 4.5 m. The dug wells can sustain a pumping of 3-4 hrs in a day. The wells tapping the deep seated fracture system can yield about 1 – 5 lps and can sustain a pumping of 6-8 hrs a day. The depth to water level during pre monsoon (May 2006) in the district varied from 0.12 to 13.10 m bgl. Out of 20 wells, 10% of wells had depth to water level in the range of 0- 2 m bgl, 40% in the range of 2 – 5 m bgl, 45% in the range of 10 – 20 m bgl and 5% more than

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20 m bgl. The depth to water level during post monsoon (Jan 2007) varied from 0.90 to 14.90 m bgl and out of 20 wells, 25% of wells had depth to water level in the range of 0- 2 m bgl and 2 – 5 m bgl. 40% of the wells had depth to water level in the range of 10 – 20 m bgl and 10% more than 20 m bgl.

Long Term Fluctuation (1998-2007)

Rise (m) Fall (m) Period

Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum

Pre monsoon 1.50 (May 1998 – May 2006) 0.06 15.22 0.06

Post Monsoon (Jan 1998 – Jan 0.22 10.72 0.01 1998) 12.87

8.0 RAINFALL OF THE DISTRICT AND CLIMATE CONDITION The Kodaikanal and Palani hill ranges of the district receiving the maximum rainfall, due to the surrounding of Western Ghats. The rest of the district lies in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats and experiences decent climate throughout the year, except the central and northern parts of the district. However, the eastern part of the district also having a meaningful rainfall and hood climate. The temperature ranging from 22.5oC to 34.3oC IN plains and in hilly terrain of the district experiencing a maximum of 22oC in summer and a minimum of 8oC during winter.

Month wise rainfall data of the district is given below:Table No. 8.Rainfall data

YEAR JAN FEB MA APR MA JUN R Y R/F %DEP R/F %DEP R/F %DEP R/F %DEP R/F %DEP R/F %DEP 2012 2.6 -86 0.4 -97 3.8 -83 60.3 -4 76.4 -8 19.8 -52 2013 0.0 -100 33.9 185 34.5 54 31.3 -50 36.9 -56 23.0 -44 2014 3.2 -83 4.1 -66 11.3 -50 15.1 -76 213.9 158 30.8 -25 2016 0.6 -97 0.3 -98 1.2 -95 7.6 -88 99.2 20 40.2 -2

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YEAR JUL AUG SEPT OCT NO DEC V R/F %DEP R/F %DEP R/F %DE R/F %DE R/F %DE R/F %DE P P P P 2012 39.0 -30 64.7 -8 52.4 -59 272.5 45 29.2 -82 15.3 -83 2013 9.4 -83 50.8 -28 91.8 -28 122.5 -35 47.0 -70 50.2 -44 2014 14.8 -74 132.9 89 122.7 -4 341.7 82 42.8 -73 61.1 -32 2016 76.5 37 31.0 -56 17.9 -86 140.1 -26 37.5 -76 50.2 -44 Source:IMD.

CLIMATE CONDITION

The district enjoys a tropical climate. The period from April to June is generally hot and dry. The weather is pleasant during the period from November to January. Usually mornings are more humid than afternoons. The following Table gives the Mean Temperature and Humidity in the district in 2009- 10. The climate condition of the region is conducive for horticulture and agriculture. The district at large produces non-food crops like coffee, tobacco and eucalyptus. Rainfall The normal rainfall within the district was between 801 mm and 1000 mm. In 2009-10, the rainfall was below 800 mm. During southwest monsoon (June to September 2009), the actual rainfall in the district was 209.9 mm as against the normal rainfall of 251.4 mm. During northeast monsoon (October to December 2009), the actual rainfall was 468.6 mm which is above normal rainfall of 399.2 mm.

9.0DETAILS OF MINING LEASES IN THE DISTRICT

Quartz and Feldspars are being exploited from Quartz and Pegmatite veins intruded in the Pyroxene Granulite and Hornblende Biotite Gneiss exposed in kuttam area of Vedasandur taluk. Numerous pegmatite veins are intruded into the country rock and are reflected by presence of float of Quartz on the surface. The general trend of the pegmatite vein is NNE-SSW. However, nowhere in the district the quartz & feldspar is actively mining. The following table showing the details of potential Quartz and Feldspar areas:

Sl.No. Name of the Villages Name of the Taluk 1 Gurunathanaickanur, Sullerumbu Athoor 2 Sirumalai Dindigul (East) 3 Mulaiyur,PillyarNatham, Sathambadi,Sethur Natham 4 Poosaripatty, Kethaiyurumbu Oddanchatram Kuttam, Nagayakottai V, R.Vellodu, 5 Vedasandur Sukkampatti

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9. DETAILS OF MINING LEASES IN THE DISTRICT IN THE DISTRICT THE LIST OF MINING LEASES IN THE DISTRICT WITH LOCATION, AREA AND PERIOD OF VALIDITY The commodity/item wise details of mining lease in Dindigul District is given below

A. LIST OF MINOR MINERAL LEASES

Name of the District : Dindigul Table No.9 DETAILS OF MINING LEASES IN THE DISTRICT Name of the Mineral : Quartz and Feldspar Period of Meth Period of mining lease mining lease (1st Status od of (Initial) For Location & 2nd renewal) (Wor-king Minin want of the / Non- g Date of of Mining Name of Address & Mining lease Area of Wor-king / Captive (Ope Sl. Name of the commenceme Enviro Lease the Contact No. grant order mining Temp. / Non- n cast No lessee nt of Mining nmnet (Latitude mineral of lessee No. and date lease (Ha) Wor-king Captive / From To From To Opera-tion al & for Unde Cleara Longitude dispatch r nce ) etc.) grou nd) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. V.Mailaiyan , Zircon Minerals, Go.Ms.No. Quartz 3-34 North 3(D) 145 / and Natham Non- 1 street, Ind (MMA2) 29.1.99 28.1.2019 Yes Feldspa Mulaiyur 0.75.0 Operation Thirukanna Dept dt. r mangai, 12.12.98. Tiruvarur District.

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S.V.Bose, GO.Ms.No. No. 2A 133/Ind Poomalaipa (MMA1) Quartz tti, Natham Dept. dt. and Sri Non- 2 PillyarNath 4.5.98. 1.63.0 16.9.2004 15.9.2024 Yes Feldspa Balammal Operation am CGM r Nagar, Roc.17899/ Manapparai MM6/2001 , Trichy dt. 17.3.04. District.

Raja Mohamed, S/o.Moham Quartz ed Ibrahim, G.O.Ms.No. Natham and Sokkalinga 133/Ind. Non- 3 Sathamba 15.12.2004 14.12.2024 Yes Feldspa puram, (MMA 1) dt. 2.48.5 Operation di r Melur 4.5.1998. Taluk, Madurai District.

S.Rajendra n Quartz S/o.Satha Roc. and Sivam Natham 744/2000 Non- 4 15.12.2004 14.12.2024 Yes Feldspa Pillai, 4/75 Sethur dt.16.7.200 1.30.0 Operation r West street, 1. Karunkala kudi (po),

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Mellur (Tk)

Sigappiachi , D.G.M W/o. Chennai Quartz M.A.M. Oddanchat Roc. and Ramasamy, ram 16.11.202 Non- 5 4088/MM3 17.11.2000 Yes Feldspa Raja Poosaripatt 0.52.5 0 Operation /2000 r Annamalai y dt.25.8.200 Puram, 0. Chennai - 28.

V.Ramesh, Nandi D.G.M Enterprises, Chennai Quartz 4, Periyar Oddanchat Roc.No. and street, ram Non- 6 5622/ 11.1.2001 10.1.2021 Yes Feldspa D.R.O Poosaripatt 1.11.0 Operation MM3/ 2000 r Colony y dt.2.11.200 Road, 0 K.Pudur, Madurai

7 Quartz Thiru.P.Gu Kethaiyuru CGM 11.12.2007 10.12.2027 Non- Yes

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and nasekaran mbu Pro.Roc.No. 1.00.0 Operation Feldspa Plot No. Oddanchat 10892/MM r 11, 1st ram 6/2006 Main Road, dated Kurunji 11.7.2007 Nagar, Old Perungalath ur, Chennai - 63.

M/s Chttinad, Quartz MBF Hi Vedasandu Comm.Roc. and Silica Pvt, r 10850/MM Non- 8 0.50.5 30.3.99 to 29.3.2019 Yes Feldspa Ltd., Old Kathiyank 3/ 97 Operation r Mahapalipu ottai dt.17.2.99 ram Road, Chennai.

P.Natarajan , Quartz Comm.Roc. S/o.Periyas Vedasandu and 15285/MM Non- 9 amy, 17, r 0.81.0 28.6.99 27.6.2019 Yes Feldspa 3/98 Operation Tandikudi Kuttam r dt.1.6.99 street, Karur.

Quartz M.Sellappa CGM Vedasandu Non- 10 and n S.R Mines Roc.13656/ 11.8.99 10.8.2019 Yes r 0.61.0 Operation Feldspa 41/B4 MM3/98

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r Church Kuttam ind. dept street, dt.1.7.99 Tiruchi Road, Namakkal

M/s R.R.Mineral s, K.Ravi, S/o. Director S.Krishnan, Quartz Roc. 4/252 Vedasandu and 15286/MM Non- 11 Thirumagal r 7.5.2002 6.5.2022 Yes Feldspa 3/98 0.81.0 Operation Illam, Kuttam r dt.2.10.200 Vasantham 2 Nagar, Vedasandur , Dindigul District.

M/s Radha Chemicals, K.Panneer Quartz Selvam, CGM Vedasandu and S/o. Roc.2573/2 Non- 12 r 21.3.2003 20.3.2023 Yes Feldspa Kuppusamy 001 MM3 3.81.0 Operation Kuttam r , C-39, dt.29.10.02 Kaveri Nagar, Kulithali, Karur - 639

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104

Thiru.R.R.S ekaran, S/o.R.Ram an, Managing Partner, G.O.(MS).N Quartz Tvl.Classic Vedasandu o. 133/Ind and Non- 13 Mines and r (MMA1 ) 27.12.2005 26.12.2025 Yes Feldspa 1.02.5 Operation Minerals, R.Vellodu Dept dt. r 5/268-B, 04.05.1998 R.R. Plaza, Junction Main Road, Five Roads, Salem-4

Shiriram, C.G.M. Quartz No. 26, Vedasandu Roc.No. and Ram Nagar, r Non- 14 10093/MM 2.07.5 18.9.06 17.9.2026 Yes Feldspa Karumanda Sukkampa Operation 6/05 r pam, tti dt. 4.5.06 Tirichy

Thiru.M.Chi C.G.M. Quartz nna Devar, Vedasandu Roc.No. and S/o.Maya r 2708/MM6 26.11.202 Non- 15 1.06.0 27.11.08 Yes Feldspa Devar, Sukkampa /2008 8 Operation r Chanthaipe tti dated tti, 21.10.2008. Vedasandur

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Taluk.

A. Abdhul Bari, S/o. Abdhul C.G.M.Roc. Quartz Azeex, Athoor No. Non- and 16 110, Main Sullerumb 2336/MM6 1.03.5 20.1.2010 19.1.2030 Operation Yes Feldspa Road, u /08, dated: r Oddanchatr 14.7.2009 am Taluk, Dindigul District.

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10. DETAILS OF ROYALTY / REVENUE RELCEIVED IN LAST THREE YEAR

STATEMENT SHOWING THE MINERALWISE PRODUCTION AND REVENUE REALISED FOR THE PERIOD

FROM 2016-17 TO 2018-19

Minor Minerals: Quartz & Feldspar (Amount in Rupees)

Surface rent Period Total quantity Total Sl. Name of the Dead Compensati Applicati / interest permitted Royalty Penalty revenue No. Mineral rent on amount on fee and other (tonnes) realized amounts (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) 2016-17 Quartz and 1. 2017-18 Feldspar 2018-19

Table No.10 The mineralise production and revenue realised for the period from 2016-17 to 2018-19

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11. DETAILS OF S.F / PRODUCTION OF MINOR MINERAL IN LAST THREE YEAR Table No. 6 STATEMENT SHOWING THE MINERALWISE PRODUCTION AND REVENUE REALISED FOR THE PERIOD FROM 2016-17 TO 2018-19 Minor Minerals: Quartz and Feldspar Table No.11.0 Details of production of sand or minor mineral (Amount in Rupees)

Total Bid Annual Area assessment, quantity DEIAA Sl Name of Seigniorage amount / Cost of brick Dead application fee/ Total revenue Period permitted Process Penalty Brick registration No Mineral fee Lease Mineral mineral rent realized (in Cubic ing Fee fee/ interest and amount fee Meters) other amount (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) 2016-17 Quartz and 1. 2017-18 Feldspar 2018-19

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12. MINERAL MAP OF THE DINDIGUL DISTRICT:

Source: DRM, GSI, SU:TN&P, Chennai

Fig No.6 District Resource map (Mineral Map)

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13.0 LIST OF LETTER OF INTENT (LOI) HOLDER IN THE DISTRICT ALONG WITH ITS VALIDITY Table No 7.0 LIST OF LETTER OF INTENT (LOI) HOLDER. Table No.12 list of letter of intent (loi) holder in the district along with its validity table no 7.0 list of letter of intent (loi) holder.

Letter of Intent Lease boundary Area of Mining leases Grant Area of Co-ordinates (latitude & Captive/ Sl. Nameof the Mining lease grant order No & order No Mining Validity of Longitude) Name of the lessee Taluk, Village Non- No Mineral date & date lease be LOI Captive alloted Total SF.No extent in Latitude Longitude Hec V.Mailaiyan, Zircon Quartz Minerals, Go.Ms.No. 3(D) 145 / Natham 1 and 3-34 North street, Ind (MMA2) Dept dt. 107/10 Mulaiyur 0.75.0 Feldspar Thirukannamangai, 12.12.98. Tiruvarur District.

S.V.Bose, 172/5A GO.Ms.No. 133/Ind No. 2A Poomalaipatti, 172/5B Quartz (MMA1) Dept. dt. Sri Balammal Nagar, Natham 172/5C 2 and 4.5.98. CGM 1.63.0 Manapparai, Trichy PillyarNatham 172/3F Feldspar Roc.17899/MM6/2001 District. 182/4B dt. 17.3.04. 182/5B

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Raja Mohamed, S/o.Mohamed Quartz Ibrahim, Natham G.O.Ms.No. 133/Ind. 160/1 3 and Sokkalingapuram, Sathambadi (MMA 1) dt. 4.5.1998. etc., 2.48.5 Feldspar Melur Taluk, Madurai District.

S.Rajendran Quartz S/o.Satha Sivam Natham Roc. 744/2000 789/3 4 and Pillai, 4/75 West Sethur dt.16.7.2001. etc., 1.30.0 Feldspar street, Karunkala kudi (po), Mellur (Tk)

Sigappiachi, Quartz W/o. M.A.M. D.G.M Chennai Roc. Oddanchatram 5 and Ramasamy, Raja 4088/MM3/2000 319/7B Poosaripatty 0.52.5 Feldspar Annamalai Puram, dt.25.8.2000. Chennai -28.

V.Ramesh, Nandi Quartz Enterprises, 4, D.G.M Chennai Oddanchatram 6 and Periyar street, D.R.O Roc.No. 5622/ MM3/ 114/1A Poosaripatty 1.11.0 Feldspar Colony Road, 2000 dt.2.11.2000 K.Pudur, Madurai

Thiru.P.Gunasekara Quartz n CGM Pro.Roc.No. Kethaiyurumbu 629/3B 7 and Plot No. 11, 1st 10892/MM6/2006 Oddanchatram (p), 1.00.0 Feldspar Main Road, dated 11.7.2007 Kurunji Nagar, Old Perungalathur,

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Chennai -63.

M/s Chttinad, MBF Quartz Comm.Roc. Hi Silica Pvt, Ltd., Vedasandur 8 and 10850/MM3/ 97 328/5A 0.50.5 Old Mahapalipuram Kathiyankottai Feldspar dt.17.2.99 Road, Chennai.

P.Natarajan, Quartz Comm.Roc. S/o.Periyasamy, 17, Vedasandur 9 and 15285/MM3/98 50/2 0.81.0 Tandikudi street, Kuttam Feldspar dt.1.6.99 Karur.

M.Sellappan S.R Quartz CGM Roc.13656/ Mines 41/B4 Church Vedasandur 74/3 10 and MM3/98 ind. dept street, Tiruchi Road, Kuttam etc., 0.61.0 Feldspar dt.1.7.99 Namakkal

M/s R.R.Minerals, K.Ravi, S/o. Quartz S.Krishnan, 4/252 Director Roc. Vedasandur 11 and Thirumagal Illam, 15286/MM3/98 273/2 Kuttam 0.81.0 Feldspar Vasantham Nagar, dt.2.10.2002 Vedasandur, Dindigul District.

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M/s Radha Chemicals, Quartz K.Panneer Selvam, Vedasandur CGM Roc.2573/2001 12 and S/o. Kuppusamy, C- 103 Kuttam MM3 dt.29.10.02 3.81.0 Feldspar 39, Kaveri Nagar, Kulithali, Karur - 639 104

Thiru.R.R.Sekaran, S/o.R.Raman, Managing Partner, Quartz G.O.(MS).No. Tvl.Classic Mines Vedasandur 13 and 133/Ind (MMA1 ) Dept 377/1A and Minerals, 5/268- R.Vellodu 1.02.5 Feldspar dt. 04.05.1998 B, R.R. Plaza, Junction Main Road, Five Roads, Salem-4

Shiriram, Quartz C.G.M. Roc.No. No. 26, Ram Nagar, Vedasandur 753/1 14 and 10093/MM6/05 2.07.5 Karumandapam, Sukkampatti etc., Feldspar dt. 4.5.06 Tirichy

1093/1 Thiru.M.Chinna , Quartz Devar, C.G.M. Roc.No. 1098/1 Vedasandur 15 and S/o.Maya Devar, 2708/MM6/2008 , 1.06.0 Sukkampatti Feldspar Chanthaipetti, dated 21.10.2008. 1098/2 Vedasandur Taluk. , 1098/3

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A. Abdhul Bari, 552/1A S/o. Abdhul Azeex, Quartz C.G.M.Roc.No. , 110, Main Road, Athoor 16 and 2336/MM6/08, dated: 552/1B 1.03.5 Oddanchatram Sullerumbu Feldspar 14.7.2009 2, Taluk, Dindigul 553/1A District.

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14. TOTAL MINERAL RESERVE AVAILABLE IN THE DISTRICT

Mineral: Quartz and Feldspar

Name of the Lessee / LOI Quartz and S. No Village Taluk Holder Feldspar

1 -Nil- -Nil- -Nil- -Nil-

Table No.13.0 Total Mineral Reserve Available In the District 14.1 Minor Mineral The minor minerals are mainly Charnockite (Rough stone), Granite (Dimensional Stone), and Earth / Clay. In dindigul district rock quarries are found in foot hill of mountains. The patta land quarries are the quarries which are mined out in patta land and owner of the mines is pattadar or owner of land. These are the private quarries, although these quarries are private but permission for quarrying of rocks is given by the District Collector.

1. Charnockite : The typical massive Charnockite occurring in the area is medium grained with quartz, potash or plagioclase feldspar and hypersthene. Charnockite is a minor mineral mainly noticed in Vedasandur, Palani, and oddaanchatram Taluks of the Dindigul district. These charnockites are quarrying for various purposes, for example blue metal, rock chips, random stone and different sizes of the gravels for using in road constrction and for building construction. Blue metal is comprised of stones three basically of different sizes. First one belongs to .75" x .75ˮ dimension and second one belongs to .5ˮx .5" dimension and third one is not come under any dimension. It is very small in size so it is also called as baby metal. Baby metal is great demand for producing of concrete boards

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15: QUALITY /GRADE OF MINERAL AVAILABLE IN THE DISTRICT

16.USES OF MINERALS

16.1 CHARNOCKITE The Charnockite is quarried as rough stone/blue metal and used for road material and construction purpose, used as raw material to produce M-Sand, hallow block bricks etc., It occurrences covered most of the area like Bodicommanvadi of Athoor and Mallanampatti, Viralipatti and Rengappanaikanpatti of Batlagundu Block and Jambuduraikottai, Sivagnanapuram, kombaipatti, Musuvanuthu of Nilakottai Block.

16.2 GRAVEL Gravel are used for road construction, for mixing with asphalt, as construction fill, and in the production of construction materials like concrete blocks, bricks, and pipes. It is also used to make roofing shingles, used on icy roads in the winter, for railroad ballast, and water filtration.

16.3 BRICK EARTH Brick Earth used for manufacturing of bricks in and around the district.

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16.4 KANKAR The effects of kankar-lime on plasticity index, shrinkage, maximum dry density and CBR value of the soil have been studied in the laboratory and the results presented. It is concluded that kankar-lime treatment improves the engineering properties of soil on hydration and promises a possible method for stabilization of fine-grained soils for road construction.

16.5 Granite Granite is used in buildings, bridges, paving, monuments, and many other exterior projects. Indoors, polished granite slabs and tiles are used in countertops, tile floors, stair treads and many other design elements.

17. DEMAND AND SUPPLY OF THE MINERAL IN LAST THREE YEARS There is no production of granite during the last three years as all are quarries are inoperative. In respect of Dindigul District, there is a drastic increase in the production of Rough stone / gravel minerals, due to the on-going construction works in and around the District.

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18.0 MINING LEASE MARKED ON THE MAP OF THE DISTRICT

Fig Show MINING LEASE MARKED ON THE MAP OF THE DISTRICT- QUARTZ AND FELDSPAR QUARRY

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19.0 DETAILS OF THE AREA OF WHERE THERE IS A CLUSTER OF MINING LEASE Table No.14 Details of the area of where there is a cluster of mining lease No.of Location Sl. quarrying Name of Village & Taluk No leases Latitute Longitude

20. DETAILS OF ECO-SENSITIVE AREA. Kodaikanal Forest Division was formed after bifurcating the erstwhile Madurai North Division with headquarters at Kodaikanal with effect from 19th April 1982 as perG.O.Ms.No.468 and as ordered in G.O.Ms.No.261 dated 21.3.1977. On bifurcation of Madurai Revenue District into Madurai and Dindigul districts as per G.O.Ms.No.640 Revenue dated 22.4.1985 the forest areas under the control of Theni Forest Division were transferred to Kodaikanal Forest division. The division forms contiguous and compact block, lying in Kodaikanal Taluk and part of Palani Taluk in Dindigul district and part of Periyakulam Taluk of Theni district. In Kodaikanal Forest Division declared. the Forests of Kodaikanal Forest Division falls between 77016’ and 770 45’ of East longitude and 100 20’ and 1005’ of North latitude, is surrounded by Kerala State in the West, Coimbatore Revenue district in the North-West, Dindigul Forest Division on the North-East, Madurai Revenue district in the South – East and Theni Forest Division on South.

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the sanctuary is an important and unique habitat for varied flora and fauna which provide an ecologically sustainable habitat for about 44 species of Mammals including endangered species

Fig No. 7 Google Map of Eco Sensitive Zone like Tiger, Elephant, Nilgiri tahr etc., It supports more than 150 species of birds, 40 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibians, 202 species of butterflies and wide variety of ecosystems such as grasslands, Fresh water ecosystem, Marsh ecosystem, Dry deciduous forest, Tropical evergreen forest and shola forests. It is necessary to conserve the physical and biological diversity around the protected area of Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary.

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21. IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT DUE TO MINING ACTIVITY Mining and allied operations may affect the existing environmental setup in the area unless proper mitigation measures are not taken. Hence it is essential to assess the impacts of mining on various environmental parameters so that abatement measures could be planned in advance for systematic, sustainable and eco-friendly mining in the area.

21.1 Air Environment The mining and allied operations may cause deterioration of air quality due to pollution if prompt care is not taken. The principal sources of air pollution in general due to mining and allied activities will be the dust generation in the mine due to:

 Excavation of Minerals and overburden.  Movement of HEMM such as Excavators, tippers etc.  Loading and unloading operation  Overburden & Mineral transportation Besides the above mentioned fugitive dust emissions, atmospheric pollution can occur as a result of emission of SO2, NOx, CO etc., from diesel driven mining equipment, compressors, generator sets, etc. Larger suspended particles are generally filtered in the nose and throat and do not cause problems.

Particulate matter smaller than 10 microns, referred to as PM10, can settle in the bronchi and lungs and cause health problems like Bronchitis, Emphysema, Bronchial Asthma, Irritation of mucus membranes of eyes, etc. Particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5), tend to penetrate into the lungs and very small particles (<100 nanometers) may pass through the lungs to affect other organs.

21.2 Water Environment The major sources of water pollution normally associated due to mining and allied operations are:

 Generation of industrial effluent water from workshop, service building.  Disturbance to drainage course or water bodies in the project area, if any.  Washouts from waste dumps / embankment, if any.  Domestic effluent

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 Mine discharge water pumped out from opencast mines, if any and effect on ground water table. Direct impact on human beings due to poor water quality consequent to mining operation can lead to various water borne diseases like diarrhea, jaundice, dysentery, typhoid, etc. Besides, the polluted water may not be useful for animal or human consumption, vegetation and may affect aquatic life, if effluents are not properly treated to remove the harmful pollutants.

21.3 Noise & Vibration The impact prediction and control measure for noise environment due to mining and allied activities are described below:

Noise is one of the inevitable causes of pollution in mining operations, largely due to the extensive mechanization adopted. Since the Limekankar/Clay (others) in the District is in friable form, no drilling and blasting is required for the excavation. Hence the major source of noise will be from the equipment‟s, such as, Excavation, loading & unloading & movement of vehicles, etc. will produce noise of considerable magnitude in mining operations. Prolonged exposure to a high noise level is harmful to the human auditory system and can create mental fatigue, rebellious attitude, annoyance and carelessness, which may lead to neglect of work and also result in accidents.

The Limekankar/Clay (others) in this region is in friable form and can be excavated directly by using hydraulic excavator and there will not be any drilling and blasting involved in the mining operation. Hence, vibration due to blasting is not envisaged.

21.4 Impact on Land Environment Due to mining and its allied activities there will some changes to the pre mining land status due to the following activities:

 Excavation of Ore and Waste / Overburden.  Temporary side casting / Backfilling of Waste / Overburden.  Construction of infrastructure facilities such as, office, road. Site services, etc.

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21.5 Impact on Biological Environment

The major possible impact on biological environment due to mining are given below

 Clearance of vegetation due to mining and allied activities  Retardation of tree growth, tip burning, etc., due to deposition of dust and the Particulate matter generated from the mining operation.  Presence of Schedule-I fauna in the mining area  Proposed impact on surface water quality that also provides water to wildlife  Risk of fall/slip or cause death to wild animals due to project activities  The project releases effluents into water bodies that also supplies water to wildlife  Diversion of Agricultural lands for mining  Diversion of Forest Lands for mining

22. REMEDIAL MEASURES TO MITIGATE THE IMPACT OF MINING ON THE ENVIRONMENT

The following remedial measures to be taken during mining

22.1 Remedial Measures to mitigate Air Pollution  Water sprinkling on mineral transport road from the mines to the main road  Black topping of the main transportation roads to the possible extent  Avoiding crowding of trucks by properly spacing them to avoid the concentration of dust emission at any time  Covering the trucks by tarpaulin sheets during ore transportation  Proper maintenance of HEMM to minimize gaseous emission  Imparting sufficient training to operators on safety and environmental parameters  Proper maintenance of haul road and other roads  Development of green belt/ plantation around mine, along the roads, backfilled area, in various undisturbed areas within the mine lease areas etc. 22.2 Remedial Measures to mitigate Water Pollution  Industrial effluent treatment systems wherever necessary to be introduced and maintained properly.

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 Saftey barriers to be provided for all water bodies and no mining activities should be carried out in the safety barrier area  Mitigative measures like construction of garland drains formation of earth bunds to be followed in the waste dumping areas to avoid wash off.  Domestic effluents to be treated in scientific manner.  Required statutory clearances to be obtained and all precautionary measures to be adopted wherever punping of ground water is involved. 22.3 Remedial Measures to reduce Noise & Vibration

 Planting rows of native trees around mine, along the roads, other noise generating centres to act as acoustic barriers.  Sound proof operator’s cabin for equipment like Excavators, tippers etc.  Proper and regular maintenance of equipment may lead to less noise generation.  Air silencers of suitable type that can modulate the noise of the engines of machinery to be utilized and will be maintained effectively.  Providing in-built mechanism for reducing sound emissions.  Providing earmuffs to workers exposed to higher noise level and to those persons operating or working close to any machine.  Conducting regular health check-up of workers including Audiometric test for the workers engaged in noise prone area. 22.4 Remedial Measures to reduce Impact on Land Environment Scientific reclamation measures to be adopted to reduce the impact of land environment due to mining. Limekankar/Clay(Others) being shallow deposit backfilling of mined out voids may be practiced to avoid land degradation.

22.5 Remedial Measures to reduce Impact on Biological Environment  The mineral bearing areas in the District is mostly of dry areas, afforestation to be carried out in the mining areas.  Necessary mitigative measures like dust suppression, proper maintenance of equipments, black topping of roads etc., to be carried out to prevent dust generation & any further impact on the vegetation

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 Conservation plan for schedule-I species if any to be prepared in consultation with Forest Department and the proposals given in the conservation plan to be strictly implemented.  Effluents generated in the mining areas to be treated properly. 23. RECLAMATION OF MINED OUT AREA (BEST PRACTICE ALREADY IMPLEMENTED IN THE DISTRICT, REQUIREMENT AS PER RULES AND REGULATION, PROPOSED RECLAMATION PLAN) In the post mining period, the mined out pit it will be used for Rain Water Harvesting. Waste dumps will be reclaimed with suitable type of plantation with necessory garland drain system.

24. RISK ASSESSMENT & DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN Risk Assessment and Disaster Management Plan in connection with mining and allied operations should be spelt out in detail to cover possible dangers /risks/explosions/accidents, etc. likely to arise from the project operations, including onsite and off-site emergency plans to meet the disastrous situations if any. The mine management should be able to deal with the situation efficiently to reduce confusion keeping in view of the likely sources of danger in the project.

24.1.Outline of Disaster Management Plan :- The purpose of disaster management plan is to restore the normalcy for early resumption of mining operation due to an unexpected, sudden occurrence resulting to an abnormality in the course of mining activity leading to a serious danger to workers or any machinery or the environment.

24.2.System of Communication:- An internal communication system should be provided. Telephone nos and addresses of adjoining mines, rescue station, police station, fire service station, local hospital, electricity supply agency and standing consultative committee members should be propely updated and displayed.

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24.3.Consultative Committee:- A standing consultative committee should be formed under the Head of Mines. The members consists of Mines Manager / Safety Officer / Medical Officer / Public Relation Officer/ Foreman/ and Environmental Engineer.

24.4.Facilities & Accommodation:- Accommodation and facilities for medical centre, rescue room and for various working groups should be provided. Regular checking of these facilities shall be undertaken.

24.5.First Aid & Medical Facilities:- The mine management should be having first aid / medical centre for use in emergency situation. All casualties should be registered and should be given first aid. The centre should have facilities for first aid & minor treatment, resuscitation, ambulance and transport. Proper telephone / wireless set should be provided for quick communication with hospitals where the complicated cases are to be referred. Regular checking of these facilities shall be under taken by the doctor and the in- charge of the first aid room.

24.6Stores and Equipment :-

A detailed list of equipment available, its type and capacity and items reserved for emergency should be maintained.

24.7.Transport Services:- A well-defined transport control system should be provided to deal with the situation.

24.7.Functions of Public Relations Group:- Liaison with representatives of the mine workers is required to ameliorate the situation of panic, tension, sentiments, grievances and misgivings created by any disaster. Management is required to ameliorate the injured, survivors and family members of affected persons by providing material, finance, moral support and establishing contact with relatives of victims. The consultative committee formed, especially the nominated public relation officer shall look into these aspects.

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24.7.Security:-

Manning of security posts is very essential during the disaster management.

24.7.Catering & Refreshment: -

Arrangement will be made for the victims, rescue teams and others.

25. DETAILS OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH ISSUE IN THE DISTRICT (LAST FIVE –YEAR DATA OF NUMBER OF PATIENTS OF SILICOSIS & TUBERCULOSIS IS ALSO NEEDS TO BE SUBMITTED)

Number of patients Number of patients treated Sl.No. Year treated for silicosis for Tuberculosis

1 2017 Nil Nil

2 2016 Nil Nil

3 2015 Nil Nil

4 2014 Nil Nil

5 2013 Nil Nil

Table No.15 Details of occupational health issue in the district

26.0 Plantation and green belt development in respect of leases already granted in the district

It is necessary to develop Green belt in and around the polluted site with suitable species to reduce the air pollution effectively. Implementation of afforestation program is of paramount importance. In addition to augmenting existing vegetation, it also checks soil erosion, make the ecosystem more complex and functionally more stable and make the climate more conductive. Simultaneous backfilling method will be followed in most of the mining areas. During the operations, the plantation will be proposed and will be carried out on the safety barrier areas and also on the mined out and backfilling areas. 27.Any other Information Nil

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28. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Dindigul District has occurrence of Minor Minerals and Major Minerals. The Dindigul District is predominantly occupied by Charnockite, quarried for production of Rough stone, Jelly and M-sand. M-sand or manufacturing sand is the need of the have to reduce the consumption / exploitation of river sand.

The District Survey report was prepared for the updating of mining activity in the Dindigul district and it should be update in time to time because it helps us to gathering the whole information about running mining in the district of the different commodities. It also help for the investigation for new mineral occurrence area for mining lease. District survey report tells about the mining lease with quantity in a report form and it attracts to the new leases for mining. The introduction of E-permit system and implementation of Mineral Dealers Rule and the dispatch slips / transit permits with tampered proof security features and tracking of mined out minerals will fetch more revenue to the State Exchequer as well as sustainable development.

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