SRI. V. K. RAMACHANDRAN S/O V

APPLICATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE FOR GRANITE BUILDING STONE QUARRY PROJECT (As per EIA Notification 2006 and amendments thereof) Form-IM, PFR & EMP

Proponent/Applicant SRI. V. K. RAMACHANDRAN S/o V. K. Madhava Menon, Tapovanam, Dhoni P.O., Palakkad, Kerala 9495 056 307

Site at Resurvey No : 124/3, 124/4 Akathethara Village Palakkad Taluk Palakkad District Kerala State In 0.9999 Ha (99.99 Ares) Non Forest - Private Land

Prepared by V.K. ROY Saral, T.C. 27/487(2), Swaraj Lane, R.C. Junction, Kunnukuzhy, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 035 DMG/KERALA/RQP/4/2016 Mobile :9387805668

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sl. No. DESCRIPTION Page No.

I FORM – IM 4-7

II CHECKLIST FOR MINING PROJECTS 8-19

III QUESTIONNAIRE FOR MINING PROJECTS 20-22 IV PRE-FEASIBILITY REPORT 23-42

1. Executive Summary 24

2. Introduction of the Project 26

3. Project Description 29

4. Site Analysis 35

5. Planning Brief 37 6. Proposed Infrastructures 39

7. Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R & R) Plan 41

8. Project Schedule & Cost Estimates 41

9. Analysis of the Proposal (Final Recommentation) 42

V ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN & CSR 43-66

1. Introduction of the Project/Proponent 44 2. Details of the Project 44

3. Baseline Environment 48

4. Environmental Management Plan 52

5. Safety in Blasting 57

6. Mine Closure Plan 58

7. Risk Assessment 59 8. Disaster Management Plan 60

9. Occupational Health & Safety 62

10. Environmental Monitoring Program 63

11. Social (Corporate) Responsibilty 66

12. Conslusion 66

Sl. No. DESCRIPTION Page No.

ANNEXURE

1. Letter of Intent copy 68

2. ID Proof of Authorized Signatory 70

3. Land Possession Certificate & Land Tax Receipt Copy 71

4. Consent Copy 75

5. Village affidavit / Land Use Certificate 77

6. Mining Plan approval Letter copy 80

7. 500 m Radius Certificate (Other quarry) 82

8. RQP certificate 83

9. Site photographs 84

10. NABL Certificate - Copy 85

11. Monitoring Reports (Air/Noise/Water) 86

12. Income Tax Clearance & Pan Card 92

13. Survey Sketch approved by village officer 96

14. Cadastral Map 97

15. Land Documents Copy 98

16. Palakkad District Survey Report 116

REFERENCE (Following are attached in Mining Plan)

1. All Drawings/Plates are attached in Mining Plan pages 58-71

FORM 1 M

Basic Information

Sl No Item Details

V. K. RAMACHANDRAN S/o V. K. Madhava Menon, Name and Address of the Tapovanam, Dhoni P. O., Proponent Palakkad District, Kerala, 9495 056 307 Re Survey no. 124/3, 124/4 Akathethara Village, Location & other details Palakkad Taluk, Palakkad District Extent of 0.9999 Ha Local body Name (Panchayath/ Akethethara Grama Panchayath Municipality/Corporation etc) Nearest Railway Station/Airport Olavakode Railway station 6 km

along with distance in kms. Palakkad Railway station 10 km Nearest Town, City, District Olavakode Town – 6 km

Headquarters along with distance. Palakkad Headquarters – 10 km

Status of the Applicant/Lessee Private Individual/Proprietor

Toposheet No. 58B/8

10°50'29.20" N - 10°50'32.60" N GPS coordinates 76°38'30.40" E - 76°38'34.50" E

New/Expansion/Modernization New

Existing Capacity/Area etc. New project Proposed

Size of the Mining/Quarry area 0.9999 Ha Production Capacity of 27,000 TPA Mine/Quarry

Period of Mining Lease Applying for 5 years (Mine Life 5 years)

Expected cost of the Project Rs. 25 lakhs

Category of project B2 since less than 5Ha

Environmental Sensitivity: Sl. No. Areas Distance in kilometers (Aerial)/ details 1 Distance of project site from Nearest road bridge at NSS Engineering nearest rail or road bridge over College Road over Malampuzha irrigation the concerned River, Rivulet, canal, located at .75 km SW Nallah etc. 2 Distance to nearest facilities  Nearest Infrastucture Azhakanpara Coloney , 0.75 Km SW  Railway line Kanjikode-Shornur Railway Line – 3.87 S  National Highway NH213 Palakkad Kozhikode Rd 4.5 Km SW  State Highway Palakkad Ponnani Road: 6.86 Km S  Major District Road Olavakkode Dhoni Road : 1.4 Km W  Any Other Road Palakkad Malampuzha Road : 2.82 SE  Electric line pole or tower No Major electric line in 300m radius  Canal or check dam or Nothing in 500m radius reservoirs or lake or ponds  In-take for drinking water pump Nothing in 500m radius house  Intake for Irrigation canal Nothing in 500m radius pumps

3 Areas protected under Nothing in 1 km Radius international conventions, national Ananganmala Eco Tourism 31.92 km W or local legislation for their Nelliyampathy 35 Km S ecological, landscape, cultural or other related value

4 Areas which are important or Nothing in 1 km Radius sensitive for ecological reasons - Attapady reserve forest : 34 km N Wetlands, watercourses or other Chimmini Reserve forest : 49 km S water bodies, coastal zone, biospheres, mountains, forests Malampuzha Dam/Reservoir: 2.4 NE

5 Areas used by protected, Nothing in 1 km Radius important or sensitive species of Chulanur Peafowl Sanctuary : 22.3 Km SE flora or fauna for breeding, Silent Valley : 27 Km N nesting, foraging, resting, over wintering, migration Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctury : 46.2 km SE

Sl. No. Areas Distance in kilometers (Aerial)/ details

6 Inland, coastal, marine or Arabian Sea: 79 Km W underground waters Malampuzha Dam/Reservoir: 2.4 NE

7 State, National boundaries Tamil Nadu state boundary: 8 Km E 8 Routes or facilities used by the NH213 Palakkad Kozhikode Rd 4.5 Km SW public for access to recreation or Olavakkode Dhoni Road : 1.4 Km W other tourist, pilgrim areas Palakkad Malampuzha Road : 2.82 SE

9 Defense installations None within 5 km radius area

10 Densely populated or built-up No Human habitation in 500 m Radius area, distance from nearest human  Nearest village habitation is at habitation Azhakanpara Coloney , 0.75 Km SW  Nearest major habitation (town) is Chithra Junction – 4 km S

11 Areas occupied by sensitive man- Railway Higher Secondary School, Palakkad, made land uses (hospitals, schools, 4 km places of worship, community Sai Hospital, Palakkad, 6 km facilities) Pappadi Sreekrishna Temple, 3 km St. Joseph Catholic Church, 4 km 12 Areas containing important, high The applied area consists of good reserves quality or scarce resources of granite building stone. There are no (ground water resources, surface scarce resources such as water resource, resources, forestry, agriculture, forest, fishery or tourism spot in the applied fisheries, tourism, minerals) mining area or in the vicinity of the site. 13 Areas already subjected to There is no such area within 5 km radius of pollution or environmental the project site. damage. (those where existing legal environmental standards are exceeded) 14 Areas susceptible to natural The applied area falls in Seismic Zone III, hazard which could cause the which is moderate risk area. Systematic project to present environmental mining will be carried out in the applied problems (earthquakes, mining area. subsidence, landslides, erosion, flooding or extreme or adverse climatic conditions)

Sl. No. Areas Distance in kilometers (Aerial)/ details 15 Is proposed mining site located No. The applied mining area is in a slope of a over or near fissure / fracture for hilly terrain. ground water recharge 16 Whether the proposal involves approval or clearance under the following Regulations or Acts, namely:- (a) The Forest (Conservation) Act, No, no forest in 50m radius 1980; (b) The Wildlife (Protection) Act, No, nothing in 1 km radius 1972; (c) The Coastal Regulation Zone The area does not fall under CRZ. Notification, 2011. If yes, details of the same and their status to be given. 17 Forest land involved (hectares) Nil. It is non forest private land. 18 Whether there is any litigation pending against the project and/or land in which the project is propose to be set up? None. (a) Name of the Court (b) Case No. (c) Orders or directions of the Court, if any, and its relevance with the proposed project.

CHECKLIST FOR MINING PROJECTS Sl.No Page ITEM DESCRIPTION . No. “B2” Category [Sr. No. 1(a)(i) of Category / Sub Category & 1. EIA Notification 2006 amendment Schedule dated 15.01.2016] Form IM Attached 4-7

Questionnaire for Mining Projects Attached 20-22 2. Pre-Feasibility report Attached 23-41

Environmental Management Plan Attached 42-65 Whether the project site falls No, The project site does not falls 3. within ESZ-1 of WGEEP report or within ESZ-1 of WGEEP report or ESA of HLWG ESA of HLWG

Copy of Possession certificate(s) & Tax receipt(s) for all survey 4. Proof of ownership of land numbers mentioned in the proposal are attached as annexure 3 & 4 in PFR

5. Proof of authorized signatory Private Individual/Proprietor

Cadastral map duly signed by 6. Attached as annexure-14 in PFR Village officer Recent Photographs of the project 7. Attached as annexure-9 in PFR site Area survey plan approved by 8. Attached as annexure-13 in PFR Village officer Panoramic view of the site / In PFR 30 Google image with date 9. 10°50'29.20" N - 10°50'32.60" N GPS readings of WGS 84 datum 76°38'30.40" E - 76°38'34.50" E 30 Also Refer PFR Distance of the mining area from Nearest Human settlement is 0.75 10. the nearest human settlement away SW

Sl.No Page ITEM DESCRIPTION . No.

Dry land in applicant’s possession. Copy of possession Right & Nature of land (as per 11. certificate(s) for all survey records) numbers & village affidavit are attached as annexure 3 & 5 in PFR

Non-forest private land, Copy of Is the property forest land / govt. possession certificate(s) & village 12. land / own land affidavit are attached as annexure 3 & 5 in PFR 13. Extent of land in hectares 0.9999 Hectares

14. Proposed production capacity 27,000 TPA

15. Expected life of mine (years) 5 years Applied (Mine Life 5 Year)

16. Ultimate depth of mining (in RL) 45 m RL in 5 year

Quantity of topsoil estimated to be 17. 1868 MT removed Semi mechanized, Conventional 18. Method of Mining open cast mining method Underground mining if any 19. Not Applicable proposed Analysis reports from accredited Attached as annexure No. 12 in 20. laboratories (original) PFR Attested copy of accreditation Attached as annexure No. 10 in 21. certificate of laboratory conducting PFR Environmental Analysis 22. Waste management proposals Addressed in the PFR/EMP 34 & 55

23. Mined area management Addressed in the EMP/EMP 55 Proposals for Corporate Social Responsibility (Amount, activities 24. Addressed in PFR/EMP 65 and duration with specific details)

Total cost of the project with Rs 25 lakhs , Addressed in 25. 40 details of insurance, funding etc. PFR/EMP

Sl.No Page ITEM DESCRIPTION . No. V. K. RAMACHANDRAN

Details of Authorized Signatory S/o V. K. Madhava Menon,

26. (Name, Postal Address, Pin code, Tapovanam, Dhoni P. O.,

Telephone No., Fax No., Email ID) Palakkad District, Kerala,

9495 056 307 Re Survey no. 124/3, 124/4 Akathethara Village, 27. Details of the site Palakkad Taluk, Palakkad District Extent of 0.9999 Ha Not Applicable. The application is prepared as per the provisions of EIA Notification amendment dated 15.01.2016. Details of NABET approved EIA RQP is V.K. Roy, Saral, T.C. 28. consultant organization 27/487(2), Swaraj Lane, R.C. Junction, Kunnukuzhy, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 035. RQP certificate is enclosed as Annexure 8

ACTIVITY CHECK LIST 1. Construction, operation or decommissioning of the Project involving actions, which will cause physical changes in the locality (topography, land use, changes in water bodies, etc.) Sr. Information/Checklist Yes Details thereof (with approximate No. Confirmation /No quantities/rates, wherever possible) with source of information data 1.1 Permanent or temporary change in Yes As per revenue record the land is private land use, land cover or topography dry land. The highest elevation is 135m RL including increase in intensity of and lowest is 60m RL. Mined out area will land use (with respect to local land reclaimed. use plan) 1.2 Clearance of existing land, Yes Some local trees, plants & shrubs have to be vegetation and building? cleared & removed. 1.3 Creation of new land uses Yes The upper part of mined out area will be reclaimed and used for plantation, lower part will be used as water reservoir,

Sr. Information/Checklist Yes Details thereof (with approximate No. Confirmation /No quantities/rates, wherever possible) with source of information data following the mine closure guidelines. 1.4 Pre-construction investigations e.g. No bore houses, soil testing? 1.5 Construction Works? No 1.6 Démolition Works? No 1.7 Temporary sites used for No construction works or housing of construction workers? 1.8 Above ground buildings, structures No Since it is a mining work, excavation will be or earthworks including linear performed to extract the rock. No buildings structures, cut and fill or are envisaged. excavations. 1.9 Underground works including No Not applicable mining or tunneling? 1.10 Reclamation works? Yes At the end of life of mine, Upper part of the mined out area will reclaimed and used for plantation. 1.11 Dredging? No Not applicable 1.12 Offshore structures? No Not applicable 1.13 Production and manufacturing No The mining will be carried out by Process? conventional semi mechanized open cast method of mining. Drilling will done using compressor operated drills and controlled blasting operation using licensed explosive. The bench height and width will be 5.0 m and 5.0 m respectively. Loosen material will be excavated, sized & Loaded into the Tippers/Trucks using Breaker & Excavator. Excavated material shall be transported to the consuming centers using Tippers/Trucks. 1.14 Facilities for storage of goods or Yes There will be facility for storage of materials? explosives and other consumables. The ROM from quarry will be transported directly to the consuming centers.

Sr. Information/Checklist Yes Details thereof (with approximate No. Confirmation /No quantities/rates, wherever possible) with source of information data 1.15 Facilities for treatment or disposal Yes There will not be any wasted generated of solid waste or liquid effluents? during the mining operations. Only some topsoil & Overburden will be generated and this will be used for plantation & reclamation purposes and also for internal road formations. The domestic effluent will be generated and the same will be treated through septic tank and soak pit design. 1.16 Facilities for long term housing of No Since the workers will be hired from nearby operational workers? areas, no housing facilities required. 1.17 New road, rail or sea traffic during No construction of operation? 1.18 New road, rail, air waterborne or No other transport infrastructure including new or altered routes and stations, ports, airports etc.? 1.19 Closure or diversion of existing No transport routes or infrastructure leading to changes in traffic movements? 1.20 New or diverted transmission lines No or pipelines? 1.21 Impoundment, damming, culverting, realignment or other changes to the No hydrology of watercourses or aquifers? 1.22 Stream crossings? No

1.23 Abstraction or transfers of water No from ground or surface waters? 1.24 Changes in water bodies or the land No No water bodies in the proposed area. A surface affecting drainage or run-off small change in the land surfaces due to mining will not affect the surrounding surface drainage.

1.25 Transport of personnel or materials Yes Transport of materials will done using

Sr. Information/Checklist Yes Details thereof (with approximate No. Confirmation /No quantities/rates, wherever possible) with source of information data for construction, operation or tippers and trucks through existing road. decommissioning? The employees/staff will be provided transportation facilities. 1.26 Long-term dismantling or No decommissioning or restoration works? 1.27 Ongoing activity during No decommissioning which could have an impact on the environment? 1.28 Influx of people to an area in either No temporarily or permanently? 1.29 Introduction of alien species? No 1.30 Loss of native species or genetic No diversity? 1.31 Any other actions? No Not applicable

2. Use of Natural resources for construction or operation of Project (such as land, water, materials or energy, especially any resources which are non-renewable or in short supply). Sr. Information/Checklist Yes Details thereof (with approximate No. Confirmation /No quantities/ rates, wherever possible) with source of information data 2.1 Land especially undeveloped or Yes The proposed project is not suitable for agricultural land (Ha) vegetation, the area is an outcrop of Charnockite (commercially known as Granite) rock. 2.2 Water (expected source & Yes Total about 2.6 KLD of water will be used in competing users) unit KLD this proposed project. The main source of water is ground water and rain water harvesting in nearby abandoned pit.  Domestic purpose : 0.6KDL  Greenbelt Development- 1.0 KLD  Dust Suppression-1.0 KLD

2.3 Minerals (MT) No No materials used for construction or operation of the project.

Sr. Information/Checklist Yes Details thereof (with approximate No. Confirmation /No quantities/ rates, wherever possible) with source of information data 2.4 Construction material – stone, No Not required aggregates, and/soil (expected source-MT) 2.5 Forests and timber (source-MT) No Not applicable 2.6 Energy including electricity and Yes For mining operation, diesel driven fuels (source, competing users) machineries & equipment will be used. The Unit: fuel (MT), energy (MW) required fuel will be purchased from nearby fuel pumps. 2.7 Any other natural resources (use No Not applicable appropriate standard units)

3. Use, storage, transport, handling or production of substances or materials, which could be harmful to human health or the environment or raise concerns about actual or perceived risks to human health Sr. Information/Checklist Yes Details thereof (with approximate No. Confirmation /No quantities/ rates, wherever possible) with source of information data 3.1 Use of substances or materials, Yes Explosives will be procured, stored, which are hazardous (as per transported, handled and used in MSIHC rules) to human health or accordance with Indian Explosive Act 1884, the environment (flora, fauna, and MSIHC rules 1989, Mines Act 1952 and water supplies) regulations there under. 3.2 Changes in occurrence of disease No Not applicable or affect disease vectors (e.g. insect or water borne diseases) 3.3 Affect the welfare of people e.g. by Yes To a small extent due to the new changing living conditions? employment and associated business opportunities. And the social activities will welfare the local people. 3.4 Vulnerable groups of people who No could be affected by the project e.g. hospital patients, children, the elderly etc., 3.5 Any other causes No Not envisaged from the project.

4. Production of solid wastes during construction or operation or decommissioning (MT/month) Sr. Information/Checklist Yes Details thereof (with approximate No. Confirmation /No quantities/ rates, wherever possible) with source of information data 4.1 Spoil, overburden or mine wastes Yes No significant waste generated from this mining activity. Only some topsoil & overburden will be recovered and it will be used for reclamation & plantation purposes, laying Haul Roads. 4.2 Municipal waste (domestic and or No commercial wastes) 4.3 Hazardous wastes (as per No hazardous waste management rules) 4.4 Other industrial process wastes No 4.5 Surplus product No 4.6 Sewage sludge or other sludge No from effluent treatment 4.7 Construction or demolition wastes No 4.8 Redundant machinery or No equipment 4.9 Contaminated soils or other No materials 4.10 Agricultural wastes No 4.11 Other solid wastes No

5. Release of pollutants or any hazardous, toxic or noxious substances to air (kg/hr) Sr. Information/Checklist Yes Details thereof (with approximate No. Confirmation /No quantities/ rates, wherever possible) with source of information data 5.1 Emissions from combustion of Yes Emissions from diesel operated fossil fuels from stationary or vehicles, machineries & equipment. mobile sources Proper maintenance will be done to minimize the emissions.

Sr. Information/Checklist Yes Details thereof (with approximate No. Confirmation /No quantities/ rates, wherever possible) with source of information data 5.2 Emission from production Yes Dust is the main pollutant due to processes mining activity. It will be generated in drilling, blasting, operation of machineries & equipment and vehicle movement; To control Dust the following measures will be adopted. 1. Green belt development on all boundaries. 2. Water sprinkling on haul roads. 3. Avoid speeding & Overloading of vehicles. 4. Wet drilling & Covering vehicle with Tarpaulin sheets.

5.3 Emissions from materials handling Yes There will be a fugitive emission including storage or transport generated during material handling, transportation, loading and unloading etc. Regular water sprinkling of the haul road will suppress the dust and prevent from getting air-borne.

5.4 Emissions from construction No Not applicable activities including plant and equipment

5.5 Dust or odours from handling of No materials including construction materials, sewage and waste

5.6 Emissions from incineration of No waste 5.7 Emissions from burning of waste in No open air (e.g. slash materials, construction debris) 5.8 Emissions from any other sources No

6. Generation of Noise and vibration, and emissions of Light and heat Sr. Information/Checklist Yes Details thereof (with approximate No. Confirmation /No quantities/ rates, wherever possible) with source of information data 6.1 From operation of equipment Yes The noise generating machineries, e.g. engines, ventilation plant, equipment & vehicles in the quarry area crushers are Compressor, Drilling Machine, Breaker, Excavator and Trucks/tippers.  Effective maintenance of machineries, equipment and vehicles at regular and frequent intervals.  Plantation of green belt around the haul roads and quarry periphery.  PPE’s will be provided.

6.2 From industrial or similar No processes 6.3 From construction or No demolition 6.4 From blasting or piling Yes Blasting do generate noise and vibration. Required precautions will be taken to maintain the noise levels to maintain within the acceptable norms.

6.5 From construction or Yes Noise do generate due to movement of operational traffic loaded and unloaded trucks of tippers. Production from this quarry is only about 2250 tons/months, so there will not be any traffic congestion to the local public.

6.6 From lighting or cooling No systems 6.7 From any other sources No

7. Risks of contamination of land or water from releases of pollutants into the ground or into sewers, surface waters, groundwater, coastal wasters or the sea Sr. Information/Checklist Confirmation Yes/ Details thereof (with approximate No. No quantities/ rates, wherever possible) with source of information data 7.1 From handling, storage, use or spillage No of hazardous materials 7.2 From discharge of sewage or other No effluents to water or the land (expected mode and place of discharge)

7.3 By deposition of pollutants emitted to No air into the land or into water 7.4 From any other sources No

7.5 Is there a risk of long term buildup of No pollutants in the environment from these sources?

8. Risk of accidents during construction or operation of the project, which could affect human health or the environment Sr. Information/Checklist Confirmation Yes Details thereof (with approximate No. /No quantities/ rates, wherever possible) with source of information data 8.1 From explosions, spillages, fires etc No Operations are strictly as per from storage, handling, use or DGMS guidelines for safety of the production of hazardous substances mine workers, as per the Mines act 1952. Storage & using explosives as per the guideline by DGMS Indian explosives act 1884, MSIHC Rules 1989. 8.2 From any other causes No Not applicable

8.3 Could the project be affected by natural No Not applicable disasters causing environmental damage (e.g. floods, earthquakes, landslides, could burst etc)

9. Factors which should be considered (such as consequential development) which could lead to environmental effects or the potential for cumulative impacts with other existing or planned activities in the locality. Sr. Information/Checklist Yes Details thereof (with No. Confirmation /No approximate quantities/ rates, wherever possible) with source of information data 9.1 Lead to development of supporting, Yes The project will generate direct/ utilities, ancillary development or indirect employment to the local development stimulated by the project people. Also associated new which could have impact on the business/service opportunities environment e.g.: for the local people. Due to the Supporting infrastructure (roads, quarry project, many local power supply, waste or waste water ancillary/ supporting facilities/ treatment, etc) Housing development infrastructure will improve, Extractive industries Supply industries eventually leading to the overall Other development of the area.

9.2 Lead to after use of the site, which Yes Upper part of the mined out area could have an impact on the will be reclaimed and used for environment plantation purpose and bottom part will be used as water reservoir cum recharging pit.

9.3 Set a precedent for later developments No Not applicable

9.4 Have cumulative effects due to Yes Similar types of projects are being proximity to other existing or planned operated in the vicinity of the projects with similar effects project which will lead to cumulative improvement of region.

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR MINING PROJECTS

Sl. No Question Reply 1 About the Proposal V. K. RAMACHANDRAN S/o V. K. Madhava Menon, Tapovanam, a Name and Address of Proponent Dhoni P. O., Palakkad District, Kerala, 9495 056 307 Re Survey no. 124/3, 124/4 Akathethara Village, b Location and specifications Palakkad Taluk, Palakkad District Extent of 0.9999 Ha Social infrastructure around the project site (School, hospital, c Addressed in page 38 of PFR residences, police station, fire station, ambulance etc) Distance from the site to the nearest (i) water bodies (ii) religious places like church, temple mosque etc d (iii) Sensitive ecosystems like Addressed in Form1M wildlife sanctuaries, Reserve forests, Biospheres, human inhabitation (iv) Any electrical installations /microwave stations/defense establishments etc. e Storage/ safety of explosives Addressed in PFR/EMP page 58-59 f Fire and safety precautions Addressed in PFR/EMP page 59-60 g First aid Addressed in PFR/EMP page 60-61 No. of laborers to be employed at a h Addressed in PFR page 28 time and their safety Access road to the site There is access road to the mining area, i as shown in the Location Map.

Sl. No Question Reply 2 About the mining area Addressed in PFR page 31 & in Mining a Total reserves plan - pages 15 & 16 Attached in Mining plan as Plate 4 page b Contour map 61. Sectional map showing Attached in Mining plan as Plate 6 page c overburdens (average) 63. Geology of the area (secondary Addressed in PFR/EMP page 44 & in d data) Mining plan - page 13 & 14 Hydrology indicating water bodies e and ground water conditions Addressed in PFR/EMP page 48 & 49 (secondary data) 500 m radius map showing the Attached in Mining plan as Plate 12 f infrastructure page 69. Addressed in PFR/EMP page 49-50 & g Land use patterns 54-55 Baseline data of the environmental h Attached as annexure 11 in PFR quality parameters No endemic and endangered species of Biodiversity of the area specifying i the flora and fauna were observed in endemic and endangered species the mining area and study area. 3 About the mining activities: Drawings indicating different Surface plan attached in Mining plan as a facilities including Reduced Level Plate 4 page 61. Details of method of working with Addressed in Mining plan Chapter 4 b phasing of activities, height pages 17-20. and width of benches Details of drilling, blasting, Addressed in Mining plan Chapter 5 c explosives page 21-22. Material produced from the quarry will be transported to the nearby consuming centers by tippers/trucks Transportation of material with d covered with tarpaulin. Route map route showing the details of roads for transportation is attached in Mining Plan as Plate No. 1 & 2 page 58 & 59. Details of Over Burden (OB) e Addressed in PFR/EMP page 55 removal and stacking

Sl. No Question Reply f Plan for managing storm water Addressed in PFR/EMP page 53 & 54 Plan for power supply, water g Addressed in PFR/EMP page 46 supply Plan for labour safety in the h Addressed in PFR/EMP page 59 - 61 mining area Plan for managing dust, noise, silt i Addressed in PFR/EMP page 51-56 and other pollutants 4 About the post mine plans a Plan for green belt and fencing Addressed in PFR/EMP page 54 & 55 Periodic monitoring of Addressed in PFR/EMP page 56, 62 to b environmental quality 64 and management Mine closure plan- demolition of structure, removal of deleterious c Addressed in PFR/EMP page 57 & 58 material and restoration of land for sustainable practices 5 About the social obligations: Mitigation measures to reduce a hazardous conditions and Addressed in PFR/EMP page 51 to 56 hardship to local inhabitants Addressing concerns of Addressed in PFR/EMP page 65, local inhabitants like health, water, b Rehabilitation is not required as the employment, resettlement/ land is owned by the proponent. rehabilitation The total land in the proposed project is private owned land and no Government land/forest land included. Compensation for loss of land, At present the proposed land is a c crops and other adverse impacts dry/rocky land. Since the site is a on account of mining Hilly area there is no serious cultivation and crops. The subject is addressed in PFR/EMP page 51 to 56 Specific measures for Corporate d Social Responsibility with Addressed in PFR/EMP page 65. success indicators

Pre – Feasibility Report

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT

Sri V. K. Ramachandran, s/o V. K. Madhava Menon, Tapovanam, Dhoni P. O., Palakkad, Kerala is proposing a Granite Building Stone quarry project in an extent of 0.9999 Ha at Re-Survey no. 124/3, 124/4 of Akathethara Village, Palakkad Taluk, Palakkad District, Kerala State. Letter of Intent was obtained from the District Geologist, Department of Mining & Geology, Palakkad and a Mining Plan was prepared by the RQP and approved by the District Geologist, Department of Mining & Geology, Palakkad.

 Granite Building stone Quarry project in Akathethara Village of Palakkad Taluk.  Category of project: ‘B2’.  Latitude: 10°50'29.20" N - 10°50'32.60" N  Longitude: 76°38'30.40" E - 76°38'34.50" E  Proposed site is private dry land, part of hilly terrain.  Proposed production is 27,000 Tones per annum  Quarry permit applied for 5 years (Mine Life 5 years)  Top soil & OB thickness varies from about 0.3 m to 1.0 m.  Top soil estimated to recover is 1868 tones.  Overburden estimated to recover is 4844 tones.  Top soil generated/recovered will be utilized for afforestation purposes & OB will be used for reclamation & haul road formation. There is no other solid waste anticipated during the quarrying operation.  The topography of the quarry and surrounding areas are hilly and part of elevated terrain. The proposed area is sloping from N to S and the highest elevation is 135m RL and the lowest elevation is 60m RL. The proposed area is a dry land with most part devoid any vegetation and there is a worked out in the south part. The granite building stone are present in the worked pits in the application area proving the occurrence of the granite building stone. The topographic/surface plan is prepared incorporating all the existing details like topography, structures etc. and enclosed vide Plate 4 in mining plan.  The quarry operation is proposed to carry out with conventional open cast mining method with 5.0 meter vertical bench with a bench width of 5.0 meter. Quarrying operation is carried out by loosening / splitting of rock mass of considerable volume from the parent rock mass by jackhammer drilling and blasting. The loosened material after blasting will be sized using breakers and loaded into tippers/trucks using excavators. Transportation will be done using Tippers/Trucks from pithead to nearby consuming centers.

Commitment from applicant regarding the proposed project

The applicant/proponent is applying for Environmental Clearance to DEIAA, Palakkad for Granite Building stone in an extent of 0.9999 Ha at Re-Survey no. 124/3, 124/4 of Akathethara Village, Palakkad Taluk, Palakkad District, Kerala State with quarrying permit.

No child labors below 18 years will be deployed for any type of quarrying operation. All labors engaged for quarrying operation will be insured till the end of life of quarry period.

All type of safety / Protective equipment’s will be provided to all the laborers working in my quarry site.

The applicant/proponent will sincerely follow and execute the Afforestation and Green belt development during the course of quarrying operation and maintain Afforestation after the closure of quarrying activity.

The social (corporate) responsibilities for the local community proposed will be executed in a time bound manner.

The quarrying operation will not cause any hindrance to the nearby public and also it will not cause any hindrance to nearby villagers and human settlements during transportation of mineral.

 The project area does not fall in ‘HACA’ region.  The Tamil Nadu state boundary is located at 8 Km E  The project area does not fall in CRZ zone.  The project area does not fall in Western Ghats boundary  About 2.6 KLD of water will be required for dust suppression, plantation and for drinking and domestic use. The required water will be met from rain water harvested in the abandoned mine pit and also from bore well/open well nearby.  The report of Baseline studies like Air, Water and Noise analysis are enclosed.  Estimated project cost: Rs. 25 lakhs.

2.0 INTRODUCTION OF THE PROJECT This is a Granite Building stone quarry project in an extent of 0.9999 hectares located in Re-Survey no. 124/3, 124/4 of Akathethara Village, Palakkad Taluk, Palakkad District, Kerala State. The mining operations are proposed using conventional opencast method. This is a B2 Category project.

Identification of project and project proponent The proposed project is for granite building stone quarrying. Name & Address of the proponent : V. K. RAMACHANDRAN S/o V. K. Madhava Menon, Tapovanam, Dhoni P. O., Palakkad District, Kerala, 9495 056 307 wner Location of the Applied Area Name of the quarry : Granite Building stone quarry of RAMACHANDRAN Re-Survey No. : 124/3 & 124/4 Village : Akathethara Taluk : Palakkad District : Palakkad State : Kerala Extent : 0.9999 Ha Ownership : Private land owned by project proponent

Brief description of nature of the project The proposed areas is part of elevated terrain, the area is sloping from N to S and the highest elevation is 135m RL and the lowest elevation is 60m RL. The proposed area is a dry land with most part devoid any vegetation and there is a worked out in the south part. The granite building stone are present in the worked pits in the application area proving the occurrence of the granite building stone.

The Granite Building stone quarrying operation is proposed to carry out by conventional opencast method by formation of benches. Mine benches are proposed with a height of 5m and the width of each bench is proposed not less than the height.  The proposed stone production is 27,000 Tons per annum  Life of the mine is estimated to be 5 years & quarry permit is applied for 5 years.  Proposed maximum mining depth is up to 45 m RL in 5 years.

Top soil & OB thickness varies from 0.3 m to 1.0 m and will be removed during the mining operations. Topsoil & OB recovered from the quarry will be dumped separately at predetermined place and subsequently will be utilized in spreading over afforestation & reclamation purposes.

Need for the project and its importance to the country and or region The basic objective of the project is effective utilization of material in the region. Granite Building Stone is the most commonly used material in road works, construction & other infrastructure development works. Being a construction material, the mineral will be used in local market. The mining project will fulfill its end users in construction purposes.

The mining project will provide employment to local people. Applicant will pay royalty for the mineral produced from the mine, direct and indirect taxes will be paid thereby contributing to the regional revenue. The public revenue so generated will further be put for use in infrastructural development and other sectors like health, education and social welfare. The applicant will allocate funds for the socio-economic development of the area i.e. medical facilities, domestic water supply and other social work.

The mining and associated activities in the mineral bearing areas will add the revenue of the state through royalty and the taxes. This project will also help to improve the economic conditions of the local people through direct, indirect employments and allied services.

Demand and supply gap There is large demand of granite building stone for road works, building construction and other infrastructural works. Granite building stone is widely used in construction activities as main raw material. The entry in the target market is easy and there is a notable gap in the supply and demand, which is growing.

Imports vs indigenous production The granite building stone is required for road works, construction and infrastructure development projects. The stone is available in local markets and hence there is no scope of import. However, the demand for the stone is continuously increasing due to rising trend in the infrastructure projects.

Export Possibility There will not be any export of material since this is a low category minor mineral (Granite Building Stone) and the project proponent would like to sale out the material mined in the domestic market only. No export is proposed. 27

Domestic/Export Markets Domestic demand is one of the main reasons for the rapid growth of building stone business in Kerala. Since it is an allied industry of the construction sector, growth in construction sector may be considered as proxy for the growth in stone mining sector. The market scope for granite building stone is found to be encouraging in local market with the increased demand from building industry & construction projects. Since this is low category minor mineral (Granite Building Stone) and high local demand there is no proposal for export of material and the project proponent would like to sale out the material excavated in the domestic market only.

Employment Generation (Direct and Indirect) due to the project Project will create direct & indirect employment opportunities within the surrounding region. Unit will use good faith efforts to employ local people from the nearby villages depending upon the availability of skilled & un-skilled man-power surrounding the project site. About 10 people will get direct employment and more than 5 people will get indirect employment opportunities with allied and related industries, such as transportation, maintenance, shops, garages, eateries, etc. Employment potential in the Granite Building stone Quarry is as follows:

Sl.no Name of the post Nos 1. 2nd Class Mines Manager/ Foreman 1 2. Mines Mate 1 3. Drilling & Blasting / Helpers 2 4. Machine Operators / Helpers 2 5. Drivers / Helpers 3 6. Other Miscellaneous services 1 7. Total 10

Pre-employment and periodic training will be given to the employees for the safe and systematic quarrying operation. All the labors engaged for quarrying operations will be provided with necessary personal protective equipment and will be insured during the quarry plan period. The above manpower is adequate to meet out the production schedule and the machinery strength envisaged in the mining plan and also to comply with the stationary provisions of quarry safety regulation. It will ensured that the labours will not be deployed less than 18 years. No Child labours will be engaged or entertained for any kind of quarrying operations. All the labours engaged for quarrying operations will be insured till the end of life of quarry.

3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Type of project including interlinked and interdependent projects, if any There is no interlinked & interdependent project. This is a quarrying project for production of Granite Building stone at 27,000 Tons per annum, the quarry operation is proposed up to depth of 45 m. RL in 5 years. The project is site specific. The entire Granite Building stone will be transported to the nearby crushing unit or consuming centers like construction of Road or other infrastructure development work.

Location (map showing general location, specific location, and project boundary & project site layout) with coordinates The project site is at is located at Chemanthamkunnu near Azhakanpara in Akathethara Village of Palakkad Taluk, Palakkad District, Kerala. The site is 4 km from Chithra Junction. The distance from the site to Olavakode is 6 km & Palakkad town is 10 km. The project is in 0.9999 Ha at Re-Survey no. 124/3, 124/4 of Akathethara Village, Palakkad Taluk of Palakkad District, Kerala State.

The GPS Corodinates of the Quarry area Boundary (Datum WGS84) Pillar No Latitude Longitude BP 1 10°50'32.60"N 76°38'31.20"E BP 2 10°50'31.10"N 76°38'34.50"E BP 3 10°50'29.60"N 76°38'34.20"E BP 4 10°50'29.20"N 76°38'30.40"E

Google Image of the Project Site

Details of alternate sites considered and the basis of selecting the proposed site, particularly the environmental considerations gone into should be highlighted Mining is site specific project hence no alternate site is considered.

Size or magnitude of operation This project is proposed in an extent of 0.9999 Hectares. It is proposed to produce 27,000 Tones per annum of granite building stone from the quarry. The quarry operation is proposed up to depth of 45 m RL in 5 years, by conventional open cast mechanized quarrying by deploying jackhammer, drilling and blasting, hydraulic breaker & excavator for sizing, excavation & loading the Building stone and tippers for transporting the material from pithead to consuming centers.

The production / mineable reserves are arrived after deducting the reserves locked in safety zone and benches in compliance with Kerala Minor Mineral Concession rules 2015. The details of the reserve calculation are as given below:-

BLOCKED MINEABLE

Bulk Bulk

Area Area

Total Total

e (m) e (m)

(Tone) (Tone)

BENCH BENCH

(sq.m.) (sq.m.)

Section Section Section

Density Density

Influenc Influenc

Quantity Quantity X1-X1'

120 22.79 38.1 2.5 2171 120 13.92 29.8 2.5 1037 115 71.73 38.1 2.5 6832 115 29.48 29.8 2.5 2196 110 98.33 38.1 2.5 9366 110 39.57 29.8 2.5 2948 105 127.12 38.1 2.5 12108 105 50.87 29.8 2.5 3790 100 159.97 38.1 2.5 15237 100 62.83 29.8 2.5 4681 95 195.14 38.1 2.5 18587 95 72.05 29.8 2.5 5368 90 245.89 38.1 2.5 23421 90 69.04 29.8 2.5 5143 85 293.96 38.1 2.5 28000 85 69.69 29.8 2.5 5192 80 332.23 38.1 2.5 31645 80 55.55 29.8 2.5 4138 75 383.73 38.1 2.5 36550 75 43.88 29.8 2.5 3269 70 447.57 38.1 2.5 42631 70 37.19 29.8 2.5 2771 65 473.1 38.1 2.5 45063 65 56.18 29.8 2.5 4185 60 541.89 38.1 2.5 51615 60 52.1 29.8 2.5 3881 55 593.98 38.1 2.5 56577 55 0 29.8 2.5 0 50 593.98 38.1 2.5 56577 50 0 29.8 2.5 0 45 593.98 38.1 2.5 56577 45 0 29.8 2.5 0 492956 48600 X2-X2'

120 0 30.0 2.5 0 120 0 30.0 2.5 0 115 0 30.0 2.5 0 115 0 30.0 2.5 0 110 0 30.0 2.5 0 110 0 30.0 2.5 0 105 16.17 30.0 2.5 1213 105 0 30.0 2.5 0 100 43.9 30.0 2.5 3293 100 29.45 30.0 2.5 2209 95 74.2 30.0 2.5 5565 95 46.29 30.0 2.5 3472 90 104.34 30.0 2.5 7826 90 63.22 30.0 2.5 4742 85 134.47 30.0 2.5 10085 85 74.21 30.0 2.5 5566 80 164.61 30.0 2.5 12346 80 60.44 30.0 2.5 4533 75 194.74 30.0 2.5 14606 75 60.67 30.0 2.5 4550 70 221.69 30.0 2.5 16627 70 57.53 30.0 2.5 4315 65 248.52 30.0 2.5 18639 65 62.22 30.0 2.5 4667 60 275.36 30.0 2.5 20652 60 78.7 30.0 2.5 5903 55 321.43 30.0 2.5 24107 55 125.88 30.0 2.5 9441 50 391.32 30.0 2.5 29349 50 87.07 30.0 2.5 6530 45 442.89 30.0 2.5 33217 45 35.47 30.0 2.5 2660 197523 58586

Blocked Reserve Mineable Reserve Section Influenc Bulk Total Section Influence Bulk Total Bench Bench Area e (m) Density Quantity Area (m) Density Quantity (sq.m.) (Tonne) (sq.m.) (Tonne) X3-X3’ 120 0 38.9 2.5 0 120 0 33.2 2.5 0 115 0 38.9 2.5 0 115 0 33.2 2.5 0 110 0 38.9 2.5 0 110 0 33.2 2.5 0 105 0 38.9 2.5 0 105 0 33.2 2.5 0 100 0 38.9 2.5 0 100 0 33.2 2.5 0 95 0 38.9 2.5 0 95 0 33.2 2.5 0 90 15.07 38.9 2.5 1466 90 0 33.2 2.5 0 85 35.5 38.9 2.5 3452 85 0 33.2 2.5 0 80 44.4 38.9 2.5 4318 80 21.03 33.2 2.5 1745 75 70.4 38.9 2.5 6846 75 21.58 33.2 2.5 1791 70 98.11 38.9 2.5 9541 70 22.13 33.2 2.5 1837 65 127.95 38.9 2.5 12443 65 27.17 33.2 2.5 2255 60 157.46 38.9 2.5 15313 60 38.29 33.2 2.5 3178 55 201.91 38.9 2.5 19636 55 89.69 33.2 2.5 7444 50 280.07 38.9 2.5 27237 50 72.68 33.2 2.5 6032 45 342.75 38.9 2.5 33332 45 0 33.2 2.5 0 133585 24283

SUMMARY OF RESERVES SECTION BLOCKED (MT) MINEABLE (MT) GEOLOGICAL (MT) X1-X1' 492956 48600 541556 X2-X2' 197523 58586 256109 X3-X3' 133585 24283 157868 TOTAL 824063 131470 955533

ESTIMATED TOPSOIL & OVERBURDEN DESCIPTION QUANTITY (TONNES) Top Soil 1868 Overburden 4844 TOTAL 6712

Project description with process details (a schematic diagram/flow chart showing the project layout, components of the project etc. should be given) The proposed mining operations will be carried out by open cast mechanized method. The process flow diagram given below depicts the mining process:-

REMOVAL OF TOPSOIL/OVERBURDEN

DRILLING & BLASTING

EXCAVATION & SIZING

LOADING USING EXCAVATOR &

TRANSPORTATION USING TIPPER

The Mining Activities shall be carried out under the guidance of a Mines Engineer/ Manager/Foreman holding Competency Certificate from DGMS. Bench system shall be implemented from top to bottom, for extraction of Mineral. . The height of the benches shall be maintained at 5.0 Mtrs. . The width of the benches shall not be less than the height at any point. . The overall slope of the benches will be maintained at 60°.

Drilling shall be carried out by a Pneumatic Jack Hammer powered by compressed air. The Drilling Pattern will be as given below: . Spacing = 1 Mtr . Burden = 1 Mtr . Depth of Drill Hole = 5 Ft / 2.5 Ft . Drill Hole Diameter = 32mm Diameter Drilling shall be carried out by a Jack Hammer drill of 32mm diameter, Nitrate Mixture and electric delay detonators will be used for blasting purpose. About 30 to 50 holes per blast of 32 mm diameter and to a depth of 1.5 to 2.5m will be adopted. It is estimated about 2 to 3 T production per hole. Number of blasts per day depends upon the workable area and production to be achieved. The spacing of 1.0 to 1.5m between the holes will be adopted. About 250gm per hole of explosive will be used. However, 10 kg/ blast will be adopted at any point of time. Millisecond electric blasting will be adopted to limit the PPV and to reduce noise levels within the stipulated standards.

Blasting will be carried out by a competent person and blasting will be carried out from the blasting shelter. The blasted material shall further be sorted out; the material shall be broken into required sizes using breakers, the sized material shall be loaded into

33 tippers/trucks using excavators and shall be transported to nearby crushing unit or consuming centres. The internal road or haulage roads to the benches shall be made with suitable gradient and the width of the roadway as per the DGMS norms.

Raw material required along with estimated quantity, likely source, marketing area of final products, Mode of transport of raw Material and Finished Products No other raw material will be required for production of Granite building stone. The final product will be sent to crushing unit or consumer based on their demand. The mode of transportation of raw material and finished product will be by road. Tippers/ trucks will be used for transportation to the end users.

Resource optimization/recycling and reuse envisaged in the project, if any, should be briefly outlined Granite Building stone will be used directly or sized/crushed and dispatched to different end users. The waste rock generated, if any, will be used for the maintenance of roads and backfilling in the mined out pits. Rainwater harvesting will be done in the bottom part of the mined out pit and will be used for water recharging

Availability of water its source, Energy/power requirement and source should be given: This Granite Building stone quarry project does not require high volume of water. Total water required is 2.6 KLD and the water will be met from the rain water harvested in abandoned pit or from open well/tube well nearby. Detail of water requirements are as given below:

Description Quantity Dust Suppression 1.0 KLD Domestic Purpose 0.6 KLD Green Belt 1.0 KLD Total 2.6 KLD

Energy All quarry activities will be carried out using diesel operated machineries like compressor operated drills, Breakers & Excavators and Tippers & Trucks. There will not be any electric power requirement for this project. Electricity required for mine office and lights will be obtained from KSEB. Diesel used for quarrying machineries will be brought from nearby diesel pumps.

Quantity of wastes to be generated (liquid and solid) and scheme for their management/disposal There will not be any waste generated during this quarrying operation. The topsoil estimated to be recovered is 1868 tones and overburden is 4844 tones and this will be dumped separately at predetermined place and subsequently will be utilized for afforestation and reclamation purposes. Domestic waste water will be discharged in Septic Tank followed by soak pit. No waste water will be discharged by quarry operation.

Schematic representations of the feasibility drawing which give information of EIA purpose

Project Identification ( Site location & Area )

Submission of Application Form 1M, PFR & Approved Mining plan

Scope of DEAC Presentation & Site Visit (if required)

EIA not required (Since B2 category)

Appraisal & Recommendation by DEAC

Approval by DEIAA

4.0 SITE ANALYSIS Connectivity  The service road from proposed site enters into the panchayat road which leads to NSS Engineering College public road, which is connected to Palakkad - Malampuzha Road and this road is connected to Palakkad - Olavakode Road. The same roads will be maintained and utilized for transportation.  The Nearest Railway station Olavakode, 6 Km by Road.

Land Form, Land use and Land ownership The entire project area is 0.9999 Hectares, which is non-forest, private land and there is no habitation in the propose site. The land is owned by the applicant.

District Taluk Village Survey No. Area (Ha) Classification 124/3, It is a private dry Palakkad Palakkad Akathethara 0.9999 124/4 land (non forest)

Topography (along with map) The topography of the quarry and surrounding areas are hilly and part of elevated terrain. The proposed area is sloping from N to S and the highest elevation is 135m RL and the lowest elevation is 60m RL. The proposed area is a dry land with most part devoid any vegetation and there is a worked out in the south part. The granite building stone are present in the worked pits in the application area proving the occurrence of the granite building stone. The topographic/surface plan is prepared and enclosed vide plate 4 in the mining plan.

Existing land use pattern (agriculture, non-agriculture, forest, water bodies (including area under CRZ), shortest distances from the periphery of the project to periphery of the forests, national park, wild life sanctuary, eco sensitive areas, water bodies (distance from the HFL of the river), CRZ. In case of notified industrial area, a copy of the Gazette notification should be given. The proposed mining area exhibits hilly topography. The proposed quarry area is dry land with building stone and not suitable for agriculture purposes. Most part of the proposed quarry site is devoid of any vegetation & plantation. In some part there are some local shrubs, grass, climbers, bushes etc. The granites building stone are present in the existing quarry pit in proposed site. The quarrying operation will be restricted up to depth for 45 m RL in 5 years. Hence the quarry operation will not affect the ground water table.  No CRZ within 5km radius of the project site.  The Tamil Nadu state boundary: 8 Km E  The applied area does not fall in ESA as per WGEEP report.  Arabian Sea is located at 79 km W.

Existing Infrastructure The mining area is approachable by existing NSS Engineering College public road, this road leads to Palakkad - Malampuzha Road and this is connected to Palakkad - Olavakode Road. All necessary infrastructures such as site office, drinking water

36 facilities, toilets, rest shelter, etc. will be developed before commencing the mining operation. Site services as per Mines Rules 1955 will be developed. First-Aid center with all necessary medical facilities, Toilets as per the provisions of Mines Rules will be developed. Regular medical checkup of the mine employees will be carried out as per the provisions of Mines Rules 1955.

Soil Classification The proposed quarry area is dry land covered with some topsoil with building stone boulders and not suitable for agriculture purposes. Top soil thickness varies from avg. 0.3 m to 1.0 m. These soils are well drained, low in organic matter and plant nutrients. It will be removed during the mining operations. The topsoil recovered from the quarry will be stacked separately at predetermined place and subsequently will be utilized for afforestation & reclamation purposes.

Climatic data from secondary sources The district has more or less the same climatic conditions prevalent elsewhere in the State viz. dry season from December to February and hot season from March to May, the South-West monsoon from June to September and the North-East monsoon from October to December. The area has moderate climate with maximum average temperature in the summer season is 35°C and minimum temperature IS 20°C. & The winter season maximum average of 26°C and minimum of 20°C. The area receives average rain fall of more than 2158mm.

Social infrastructure available  Olavakode is 5 km away, educational & other facilities are available there.  Medical facilities, Primary Health Centre are available at the nearby towns  Communication services like mobile phones network are available in the site.

5.0 PLANNING BRIEF Planning Concept (type of industries, facilities, transportation etc) Town and Country Planning/Development authority Classification This is a granite Building stone quarry proposed to operate using Conventional Opencast Semi Mechanized Method in an extent of 0.9999 Ha. The proposed production is 27,000 Tons per annum of granite building stone. In Conventional Opencast Semi mechanized Method, Drilling will be done using compressor operated jackhammer, Control blasting using allowed explosives, sizing of material using breakers and excavation and loading of the material using excavators and transportation using Tippers/Trucks. Facilities such as Power, Transportation and other infrastructure facilities are locally available near the project site. Covered transportation of the stone and imposing speed

37 limits will be practiced to avoid disturbance to the nearby habitations. The haul roads and nearby public roads will be periodically sprinkled with water to prevent dust.

Population projection Man power requirement for mining is estimated to be 10 Nos. Most of the employees will be recruited from neighboring village depending upon the availability of skilled & unskilled people. Migration of highly educated and skilled person will take place but it very few numbers. So there will no significant and permanent migration of people. Hence there will be no significant population increase due to the project.

Land use planning (breakup along with green belt etc.) The present and proposed land use pattern / planning of the quarry area is given below:

Particular At Present After 5 yr Conceptual

Area under Quarry pit 0.4812 0.7081 0.7081 Area under infrastructure / plant 0.00 0.0 0.0 Green belt / plantation 0.00 0.2918 0.2918 Reclamation by plantation 0.0 0.0000 0.6509 Reclamation by water reservoir 0.0 0.0000 0.0572 Area for future use / undisturbed 0.5187 0.0000 0.0 TOTAL 0.9999 0.9999

Assessment of Infrastructure Demand (Physical & Social) Temporary site office and stores will be provided in the mining area. Specified first-aid box with all necessary facilities will be maintained at the site office and the rest shelter as per Mines Act-1952. Medical facilities, Primary Health Centre exist in the nearby villages, imparting services, for advance medical facilities. Communication services like post office and telephones are available in the nearby villages.

Amenities/Facilities Following facilities shall be provided for the smooth working of the mine:-

 Mine office  First aid room  Store facility  Toilet facility  Drinking water facilities like Potable water will be provided  Rest shelter room will be provided to take lunch and rest for the workers. 38

6 PROPOSED INFRASTRUCTURE Industrial Area (Processing area) There is no processing area proposed within the proposed project.

Residential area (Non processing area) Since this is a very small project with only 10 no of employees and local persons will be given employment preference, no residential area/ housing are proposed.

Green Belt Afforestation programme & green belt plantation is proposed and will be carried out in 7.5 m wide safety barrier zone around the boundary of the proposed quarry site. The main aim of the green belt development is to develop a screen to arrest dust and noise generated from the mine and also to form a visual barrier. Plantation will also be carried out on the mined out top benches / reclaimed area of the quarry. Appropriate plant species of different life forms will be grown to re-establish the vegetation cover and thereby provide habitat for the faunal species. The area may also be used for horticulture plantation.

Social infrastructure The following social infrastructure are available near to the project site

Nearest Railway station : Olavakode Railway station 6 km : Palakkad Railway station 10 km Nearest Police Station : Palakkad North Police station 10 km Nearest Fire Station : Palakkad fire station, 10 km Nearest Hospital : Sai Hospital, Palakkad, 6 km Nearest School : Railway Higher Secondary School, Palakkad, 4 km Post Office : Dhoni Post Office 7 km Nearest Temple : Pappadi Sreekrishna Temple, 3 km Nearest Mosque : Neelikkad Juma Masjid, 6 km Nearest Church : St. Joseph Catholic Church, 4 km

 The infrastructure for workers & employees like, drinking water facilities, Rest shelter, toilets, first aid stations etc. will be developed at mine site.  Local people will be employed on priority basis as per their skills.

 As a part of Social (Corporate) Responsibility, it is proposed to spend Rs. 1.50 Lakh per annum for various social development activities.  First aid facilities to the workers employed at site.  Indirect employment & allied business opportunities for local people.  Therefore this project will bring a positive impact on the nearby villages.

Connectivity (traffic and transportation road/ Rail/ Metro/ Water ways etc.)  The service road from the site enters into the panchayat road which leads to NSS Engineering College public road, this road leads to Palakkad - Malampuzha Road and this is connected to Palakkad - Olavakode Road. The same road will be maintained and utilized for transportation.  The Nearest Railway station Olavakode, 6 Km by Road.

Drinking Water management (Source & Supply of water) This Building stone quarry project does not require huge water for the project. Detail of water requirements in KLD as given below:

Description Quantity Dust Suppression 1.0 KLD Domestic Purpose 0.6 KLD Green Belt 1.0 KLD Total 2.6 KLD

The required water will be met from rain water harvested in the nearby abandoned pit and also from bore well and open well nearby.

Sewerage System Toilets will be provided for the mine employees. Domestic effluent from the toilets will be discharged in septic tank and soak pit system.

Industrial Waste Management No industrial waste will be generated from the project.

Solid Waste Management Top soil & OB thickness varies from 0.3 m to 1.0 m and will be removed during the mining operations. Topsoil & OB recovered from the quarry will be stacked separately at

40 predetermined place and subsequently will be utilized for afforestation and reclamation purposes.

Power Requirement & Supply / Source There are no electrical operated machineries or equipment’s proposed in this project, so there will not be any electric power or diesel requirement for this project. Electricity required for mine office and lights will be obtained from KSEB. Diesel used for quarrying vehicles will be brought from nearby diesel pumps.

7.0 REHABILITATION AND RESETTLEMENT (R & R PLAN)

Policy to be adopted (Central/State) in respect of the project affected persons including home oustees, land oustees and landless laborers (a brief outline to be given) The proposed area is private land owned by the lessee and there is no habitation in the area proposed for mining. Hence, rehabilitation & resettlement plan is not required.

8.0 PROJECT SCHEDULE & COST ESTIMATES

Likely date of start of construction and likely date of completion (Time schedule for the project to be given) The project operation will commence after availing all statutory licenses like Environmental Clearance, Explosive licenses, Pollution consents and other necessary approvals from the concerned authorities. No major construction is proposed except temporary site office and other site facilities.

Estimated project Cost The cost of the project consists of the following major components:  No Land cost since already available,  Site development (Basic infrastructure like office & civil works)  Machinery & Equipment (On rent basis)  Processing charges and consultancy charges for preparation of Mining plan, Environment monitoring, EMP report, etc.  Processing charges for other licenses like Explosive, Pollution & Panchayath.  Provision for contingencies.  Margin money for working capital.

The estimated total cost of the project is Rs. 25.00 Lakh

9.0 ANALYSIS OF PROPOSAL (FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS)

Financial and social benefits with special emphasis on the benefit to the local people including tribal population, if any, in the area

 Proposed granite building stone quarry project will generate direct & indirect employment opportunities for local people depending upon the availability of skilled & un-skilled man-power surrounding the project site.  At conceptual stage, upper part of the mine out area will be reclaimed and used for plantation purpose and lower part will be used as water reservoir which will be helpful for improving the aesthetics of the area and also in improving the ground water recharge in the area.  The project will generate revenue for the state & central government through royalty on the stone and other taxes.  The applicant will carry out various socio-economic welfare activities in the nearby villages.  The proposed granite building stone quarry project will cause positive impact on the socio-economic conditions of the nearby villages.  There are no Resettlement and Rehabilitation issues involved in this project.  The State Govt. will benefit from the revenue generated due to the project.  The entire project area is devoid of any endangered flora and fauna.  After completion of mining, the mined out area can be further used for horticulture and pisciculture activities.

Environmental Management Plan (EMP) WITH CSR

1. INTRODUCTION OF THE PROJECT/PROPONENT The proposed Granite Building Stone quarry project of Sri V. K. Ramachandran, s/o V. K. Madhava Menon, Tapovanam, Dhoni P. O., Palakkad, Kerala in an extent of 0.9999 Ha at Re-Survey no. 124/3, 124/4 of Akathethara Village, Palakkad Taluk of Palakkad District, Kerala State with quarry permit. The Project Proponent is a business man and interested in Granite building stone mining and sales. The main market for Building stone is in nearby towns and will be used in construction works of buildings and roads. Environmental management plan (EMP) is prepared for formulation, implementation and monitoring of environmental protection measures during and after commissioning of projects. The EMP is prepared taking into consideration various project activities and related environmental impacts covering entire project area and other areas outside the project site, which can be affected due to the proposed mining activities. It has to be ensured during planning stage that all the environmental standards will be complied while execution of the project activities. Mitigation measures at the source level and an overall management plan at the project area level are required so as to improve the environmental scenario of the area. The EMP aims at controlling pollution at the source level to the possible extent with the available and affordable technology followed by treatment before they are discharged.

2. DETAILS OF PROJECT Sl. No. Particulars Details 1. Village Akathethara 2. Taluk Palakkad 3. District Palakkad 4. State Kerala 5. Re-Survey No. 124/3 & 124/4 6. Extent 0.9999 Ha 7. Latitude 10°50'29.20" N - 10°50'32.60" N 8. Longitude 76°38'30.40" E - 76°38'34.50" E 9. Water Requirement 2.6 KLD 10. Elevation Highest 135 m RL to Lowest 60 m RL 11. Land use at the project area Private Dry land 12. Nearest Human settlement Nearest Human settlement is 0.75 SW 13. Nearest Habitation Azhakanpara Coloney , 0.75 Km SW 14. Seismic zone Seismic Zone-III as per seismic zone map of India, 2001.

2.1 Physiography /Topography Topography of the quarry and surrounding areas are hilly and part of elevated terrain. The proposed area is sloping from N to S and the highest elevation is 135m RL and the lowest elevation is 60m RL. The proposed area is a dry land with most part devoid any vegetation and there is a worked out in the south part. The granite building stone are present in the worked pits in the application area proving the occurrence of the granite building stone. The topographic/surface plan is prepared incorporating all the existing details like topography, structures etc. and enclosed vide Plate 4 in mining.

2.2 Geology of the area Regional Geology: The area forms a part of the Precambrian metamorphic complex of Palakkad district, comprising mainly rocks of the Charnockite Group. The rock observed in study area is hard, massive and dense in nature. The basic charnockite (Granite Building Stone) is more granulitic and contains clino- and ortho- pyroxenes, feldspar, biotite and garnet whereas the acid variety (alaskite/ enderbite) is greenish black, coarse-grained, massive to poorly foliated rock consisting of quartz, feldspar and pyroxenes. Basic charnockite has low- potash feldspar and more clinopyroxene. . Local Geology: The main rock type is the mining area is Granite Building Stone (Charnokite), which is hard, massive and dense in nature. The basic charnockite contains clino- and ortho- pyroxenes, feldspar, biotite and garnet whereas the acid variety (alaskite/ enderbite) is greenish black, coarse-grained, massive to poorly foliated rock consisting of quartz, feldspar and pyroxenes. Basic charnockite has low- potash feldspar and more clinopyroxene.

2.3 Mining Process (Method of Mining) The proposed method of mining is conventional Semi mechanized open cast mining. For the systematic working of open cast mines, the main development work will be the forming of systematic benching. The height of bench will not be kept more than 5.0m at a time and the width of the benches will be always kept safe according to provisions. The Mining will be done with the help of tools such as drills, jackhammer, compressors, breakers & excavators, hand shovel, picks etc. The targeted maximum annual production of Stone is about 27,000 TPA.

Site Preparation  Development of road (approach road & haul road) from the proposed quarry using natural gradient of the hill for movement of tippers if required.  Removal of the soil cover and expose the rock if required.

 Formation of garland drains along the periphery guiding the rain water to the rain water harvesting pit near the well by the side of mines office.  Removal of the loose boulders and prepare free face for drilling.  Once the site is prepared, the production will be obtained by drilling and blasting.  Drilling holes of 32 mm diameter and 1.5 M in depth.  The drill holes will be charged with explosive, and blasting will be done.  Excavation & Sizing of the boulders will be done using Excavator & Breaker.  Loading of the sized material using excavator to tippers.  Transport of the material to the nearby crushing unit or consuming centers.

Details of drilling, blasting & explosives Granite is compact rock and production will be obtained by drilling and blasting. Drilling will be done by jack hammers working on compressed air. • About 30 to 50 holes per blast of 32 mm diameter and to a depth of 1.5 to 2.5m will be adopted. • It is estimated about 2 to 3 T production per hole. • Number of blasts per day depends upon the workable area and production to be achieved. • The spacing of 1.0 to 1.5m between the holes will be adopted. • About 250gm per hole of explosive will be used. However, 10 kg/ blast will be adopted at any point of time. • Millisecond electric blasting will be adopted to limit the PPV and to reduce noise levels within the stipulated standards.

Working Depth The proposed site is a hilly terrain and the quarrying operation is proposed up to depth of 45 m RL in 5 years.

2.4 Details of Machineries & Vehicles: The following machineries & vehicles are proposed to be utilized in the proposed quarry site for the development, production & transportation purposes.

Sl No Description Quantity Motive Power 1 Jack Hammer Drill 1 Diesel 2 Excavator with Rock Breaker 1 Diesel 3 Tippers 2 Diesel 4 Lorry with water tank 1 Diesel 5 Jeep 1 Diesel

2.5 Miscellaneous: The operation of Building stone quarry requires the following loose tools material and have to be kept sufficiently in stock for non - interruption of the quarry work. 1. Consumables, such as diesel, Hydraulic oil, etc. 2. Explosives and detonators as per the licensed quantity. 3. Consumables & spares for machineries like drill bits etc.

2.6 Manpower Requirement It is proposed to deploy about 10 employees directly and more than 5-10 persons will be indirectly benefited. It will be ensured that the labors will not be deployed less than 18 years. No Child labours will be engaged or entertained for any kind of quarrying operations. All the labours engaged for quarrying operations will be insured till the end of life of quarry.

2.7 Power, Water and Other Infrastructure Requirements Power / Energy All quarry activities will be carried out using diesel operated machineries like compressor operated drills Tippers & Trucks. There will not be any electric power requirement for the project. Electricity required for mine office and lights will be obtained from KSEB. Diesel used for quarrying machineries will be brought from nearby diesel pumps.

Water This Building stone quarry project does not require huge water for the project. Detail of water requirements in KLD as given in Table below.

Daily Water Requirement Dust Suppression 1.0 KLD Domestic Purpose 0.6 KLD Green Belt 1.0 KLD Total 2.6 KLD

The required water will be supplied from rainwater accumulated in abandoned pit and from bore well & open well for domestic purpose.

Infrastructure The site services like office, rest room, shelter, first aid box, drinking water & toilet etc will be provided at the mine site. 47

3. BASELINE ENVIRONMENT The baseline environment quality to represent the background/existing environmental scenario of various environmental components such as air, noise, land, ecological and socio-economic status of the study area. Environmental monitoring studies were carried out by M/s Poluchem Laboratories (P) Ltd., Chemical, Environmental and Microbiology Laboratory, Pallath Building, N. Kalamassery P.O., Ernakulam – 683 104, to evaluate the base line status of the project site with state & district SEIAA/DEIAA guidelines. a. Air Environment The prime objective of the baseline air monitoring is to evaluate the present air quality of the proposed area. This will also be useful for assessing the conformity to standards of the ambient air quality during the operation of the proposed mine. Field monitoring was carried out to evaluate the base line status of the project site in compliance with state & district SEIAA/DEIAA guidelines.

Testing Method followed for Ambient Air Quality Particular Testing Method to be Followed

A PM2.5 WI/AMB2.5/01

B PM10 IS-5182 part – 23, 2006

C Sulfur dioxide SO2 IS 5182 Part – 2, 2001

D Nitrogen dioxide NO2 IS 5182 Part 6, 2006

Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Results

Location PM10, µg/m3 PM2.5, µg/m3 SO2, µg/m3 NOx, µg/m3

Near East side boundary 49.6 22.4 9.7 6.3

NAAQS Standards 100 60 80 80

Results & Conclusions: The results obtained is attached as Annexure – 11 in PFR. It is observed that the ambient air monitoring results obtained are well within the prescribed standards (NAAQS) with respect to PM2.5, PM10, SO2 and NO2.

3.2 Noise Environment The main objective of noise monitoring in the study area is to establish the baseline noise levels and assess the impact of the total noise expected to be generated during the project operations in the project site. Integrated sound level meter was used for the

48 collection of data related to noise at an hourly interval. Noise level data were collected from south side boundary of the proposed stone quarry on hourly basis. Noise level for 24 hours (day & night) was recorded for one day.

Results and conclusion:- The summary of the monitored noise levels is given below:-

Location Monitored Noise Level dB (A) (Day Time) (Night Time)

Near South side boundary 46.5 32.8

CPCB limit 55 45

It is seen from the obtained results that the Noise levels are well within the prescribed CPCB standards. Noise monitoring results obtained is attached as Annexure – 11 in PFR.

3.3 Water Environment The purpose of this study is to:-

 Assess the existing ground water quality characteristics for critical parameters  Predict the likely impacts on water quality due to the project and related activities.

One ground water sample was collected from a bore well outside the proposed quarry area near to south west boundary and another surface water sample from outside the proposed quarry area to North East side (Revenue land). The sample was collected by grab sampling technique. The sample was analyzed as per IS: 3025 procedures for testing water.

Results & Conclusions:- The results obtained is attached as Annexure – 11 in PFR. It is seen from the results that the water quality with respect to ground water were found to be well within the prescribed water standards (IS 10500:2012) The water is observed to be suitable for general purpose.

3.4 Hydrogeology Environment Groundwater occurs under phreatic conditions in weathered mantle of the crystalline rocks, laterites and unconsolidated coastal sediments. It occurs under semi confined to confined conditions in the deep-seated fractured aquifers of the crystalline rocks and Tertiary sediments. Valley fills are noticed along the valley portion and along the river

49 terraces/banks of Ottapalam block close to our site. Wet lands like paddy fields are located near to the site and Bharathapuzha River also flowing close to the site. In the Consolidated formations the depth of water level varies from 2.14 to 19.95 m bgl during pre - monsoon and from 1.28 to 19.03 m bgl during post monsoon period. And the depth to water level in the unconsolidated formations during pre-monsoon ranges from 1.66 to 2.35 m.bgl and 0.76 to 2.0 m.bgl during post monsoon period.

3.5 Water regime There is no nallahs exist in the proposed quarry area. The normal annual rainfall near to the proposed area (Olavakkode) is 2158mm. Out of this, major rainfall contribution is from SW monsoon followed by the NE monsoon. The South West monsoon is usually very heavy and nearly 73.5% of the rainfall is received during this season. NE monsoon contributes nearly 16.4% and March to May summer rain contributes nearly 9.9% and the balance 0.2% is accounted for during January and February months.

3.6 Biological Environment Biological environment comprise of flora and fauna observed in a particular area under study. The flora within the study area (500m surrounding of the project site) is tropical. The vegetation observed within the study area are mainly comprised of Tropical Moist Deciduous & Tropical Semi Evergreen type. The surrounding area of the project site ie the slopes of the hilly terrain and plains are under Rubber and Coconut cultivation. There are local shrubs, grass, climbers, bushes and native trees like mango, cashew, palms etc. Most part of the proposed quarry site is devoid of any vegetation & plantation. In some part there are some local shrubs, grass, climbers, bushes etc. No presence of any wildlife has been observed and the entire project area is devoid of any endangered flora and fauna as per Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

3.7 Land Use Pattern

Core Zone Land in core zone i.e. 500 m around the quarry area is generally hillock and the proposed area is devoid of any vegetation. Surrounding to area there are rubber plantations, trees & bushes and rest part with rocky area which is used for mining. There are no habitations in the Mining/ quarry area. There is no human habitation in 500m radius of the quarry boundary. The core zone does not include any ecologically sensitive features like national parks, biospheres, sanctuaries, elephant corridors, Tiger reserves, flight paths of migrating fauna, etc.

The existing land use pattern Sl.No. Particular At Present 1. Area under Quarry pit 0.4812 2. Area under infrastructure / plant 0.00 3. Green belt / plantation 0.00 4. undisturbed 0.5187 Total area 0.9999

Buffer zone: The land in the buffer zone (7.5 m safety barrier all around the proposed quarry) is same as the land in core zone of the proposed the quarry area, generally hillock with some local plants, climbers and bushes. In 5 km radius from the periphery of the Mining/ quarry area, there is no inter-state boundary, ecologically sensitive features like national parks, biospheres, sanctuaries etc. The proposed area does not come under CRZ category.

3.8 Climatic conditions: The proposed area and surroundings places has a tropical climate. The average annual temperature in the area (Olavakkode) is 27.8 °C. About 2158 mm of precipitation falls annually. March – May are the warmest months of the year. The temperature varies from 30°C - 40°C. The wind is predominantly from west and east during morning as well as in the evening hours. The wind speed is high during August (13.6 kmph). The humidity is higher during the monsoon period i.e. from June to September. It is around 90% during this period. All through the year, the humidity is high during the morning hours.

3.9 Human settlement: There is no human settlement in the quarry area and in 500m radius from quarry boundary.

3.10 Public buildings, places of worship and monuments: There are no monuments of either historical or archaeological importance near the proposed quarry site.

3.11 Socio-Economic Environment The major occupation of the area is Cultivation, Household activity, Livestock, Forestry, Mining & Quarrying activities. The quarrying activity will benefit local villages in both directly and in-directly. Direct beneficiary will be those who get employed in Quarry as skilled and unskilled workers

4. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP) Since this is very small mining activity & due to various mitigation measures, there will not be any significant impact of mining on environment. However an environmental impact assessment and the following environmental protection measures are proposed for the mining project to mitigate the impact during the mining operation.

4.1 Air Quality The existing air quality in core zone is not likely to have considerable impact due to this small scale quarrying. However, the quality of air in quarry area may be deteriorated to certain extent due to dust from drilling, blasting and transportation of the granite stones. The following measures to control air pollution due to quarrying operations shall be undertaken, so that the pollution scenario shall be marginal and insignificant.  Practice of covered/wet drilling or provision of dust arrestors in drills to control dust generation during drilling.  Proper blast design and avoiding overcharging of blast holes.  Controlled blasting techniques will be adopted.  Laying of haul road as per the standards  Periodic water sprinkling on haul road.  Provision of dust mask to workers working at highly dust prone areas.  Provision of green belt all along the periphery of the quarry area.  Prohibiting overloading and over-speeding of stone transportation vehicles.  Transport of stone by tippers/trucks covered with tarpaulin from site to consuming centers.  Periodic maintenance of mine machinery and transportation vehicles.  Periodical monitoring of ambient air quality in and around the quarry area.

4.2 Noise Levels In quarrying activity, the operation of heavy machinery operation will cause vibration and noise. The quarrying operation will be restricted to only day time. To attenuate noise, various measures shall be taken up from the source point. The activity such as drilling shall be updated to latest technology. Persons who are exposed to critical operation like drilling and operation of excavators are being provided with personal protective equipment’s (PPEs) as Occupational Safety Measures. The following measures are proposed to control noise and ground vibrations-  Development of thick green belt around mining area  Periodic maintenance of machinery, equipment.  Provision of earplugs to workers exposed to high noise areas.  Conducting periodical medical checkup of all workers for any noise related health problems.  Proper training to personnel to create awareness about adverse noise level effects. 52

 Periodic noise monitoring at suitable locations in the mining area and nearby habitations to assess efficacy of adopted control measures.  Practice of controlled blasting  Restricting number of holes per blast to minimum

4.3 Ground vibrations The only source of ground vibrations is due to drilling & blasting operations. The drilling is proposed by jack hammer with 33mm dia. Due to small diameter hole blasting & individually blasting the vibration in this zone will be very low. However the following measures like monitoring every blast and use of minimum explosives will be taken.  Controlled blasting technique will be adopted.  Charge per delay will be regulated to minimize blast vibrations.  Optimum delay sequence and stem to column ratio will be maintained.  Avoiding blasting in unfavourable weather conditions.

4.4 Air Blast The release of explosive energy through air and movement of fragmented rocks are Primary causes for air blast. The following measures while carrying out blasting operation will help in reducing the intensity of air blasts and will also minimize the noise level associated with the air blasts.  Avoiding overcharging of blast holes  Adequate stemming  Maintaining proper inter-hole & inter-row delays.

4.5 Fly Rock There are many factors that influence fly rocks. Most important of these factors are:- a) long explosive columns with little stemming at the mouth of the hole. b) Irregular shape of face. c) Long water column in holes. d) Loose stones on face of the surface blasting area. e) Strong wind. The following preventive measures will be taken to minimize the risks arising from flying fragments.  Avoiding overcharging of blast holes  Adequate stemming  Maintaining proper inter-hole & inter-row delays.

In addition the following safety measures will also be taken:-  Marking of danger zone: - The area falling within 50-100 m of the blasting area will be marked off as danger zone with red flags, or other appropriate signs, and entry of any unauthorized person into this zone will be prohibited during blasting operation.

 Warning signals: - An audible warning signal will be given, fifteen minutes before actual firing of blast to enable persons to move out of danger zone. For this purpose, a set of sirens/ hooters will be provided at appropriate places.  Providing blasting shelters: - In order to protect the personnel engaged in blasting operations, blasting shelters will be provided for taking shelter during blasting.

4.6 Hydrogeology & Water Environment In surrounding of quarry area, the ground water level is 15-20 m below the general surface. Hence no ground water is going to encounter during quarrying. So there shall not be any impact on water quality. And anyhow the granite building stone is not hazardous. Bottom part of the mined out pit i.e. 0.0572 Ha will be used for Rain Water Harvesting/ water reservoir which will help in recharging of water.

4.7 Storm Water (Drainage)/ Sewage Except during monsoon months, no water shall be discharged from mine. Before onset of monsoon, drains are cut along toe of the quarry faces to divert the surface run off. Garland drain is provided at the quarry top to regulate monsoon water and direct the same to the settling ponds / quarry pit to contain the quarry wash off and to avoid the same joining to the adjoining surface water bodies / water courses. It also helps to avert eventual collapses and damages to the quarry faces if any. The following control measures will be adopted for controlling water pollution due to the siltation of storm water by mining operations.  Storm water drains with silt traps will be suitably constructed all along the periphery of the pit area (Garland drains) to collect the run-off from the permit area and divert into the storm water pond/tanks proposed within the complex.  Appropriate channelization of storm water with channels of sufficient width.  All measures will be taken not to disturb the existing drainage pattern adjacent to the other property.  De-siltation traps and storm water collection pond proposed for silt removal.  The storm water collected from the permit area will be utilized for dust suppression on haul roads, plantation within the premises, etc.  The layout of channelization of storm water from the project site is shown in the drainage plan.  Construction of check dams and collecting channel all around at the foot of the hill to prevent soil erosion during the monsoon season and also to collect the storm water for various use within the mine permit area.  Blast residues from explosives will be managed by ensuring that all material is ignited during the blasting process.

The sewage water generated from the site will be diverted to the septic tank followed by soak pit.

4.8 Water regime There is no water source of perennial type passing through the area. In surrounding of quarry area the ground water level is 15-20 m below the general surface. Hence no ground water is going to encounter during quarrying. So there shall not be any impact on water quality. And anyhow the granite building stone is not hazardous. Domestic sewage from site office & urinals/latrines will be discharged in septic tank followed by soak pits.

4.9 Land Environment Anticipated Impacts on land environment are Land use change, Loss of Top soil & overburden and Soil erosion due to storm water.

The land use pattern at present, plan period and plan period (conceptual period) are given in the Table below:-

Land use pattern at present, plan period and conceptual period Particular At Present After 5 yr Conceptual

The following Mitigation Measures are proposed to minimize the adverse effects on the land environment.  Concurrent eco restoration will be carried out.  Construction of check dams and collecting channel all around at the foot of the hill to prevent soil erosion during the monsoon season and also to collect the storm water for various use within the quarry area.  Green belt development along the boundary of the quarry area.  Upper part of Mined out area will be reclaimed and used for plantation and lower part will be used as water reservoir

4.10 Reclamation of land / Eco-Restoration. In the conceptual stage/mine closure stage, 0.6509 Ha mined out area will be reclaimed back and used for plantation. Bottom part of the mined out pit i.e. 0.0572 Ha will be used for Rain Water Harvesting/ water reservoir which will help in recharging of water and can be used as fishing pond also.

4.11 Fencing Wire mesh fencing will be provided all around the quarry boundary except for the entrance road to avoid inadvertent entry of the unsuspecting persons/animals into the quarry and falling in the mine pits.

4.12 Biological Environment (Afforestation / Green Belt Development) Removal of existing vegetation will be done only when the area is immediately required for mining. The trees removed during quarrying activity will be replanted as much possible. During the mining operation, gap filling plantation will be carried out in the safety zone. 200 trees of different native species will be planted in Safety zone. Apart from this plantation of another 350 trees will also be carried out on top benches of mined out & reclaimed area. Afforestation will be done on the haulage road by planting 100 saplings. The proposed tree species to be planted are Nelli, Neem, Bamboo, Tamarind Tree (Puli), Choolamaram (Kattadi), Pongilium, Pala, Vaka, Konna, Mango Tree, Rajamalli etc.

4.13 Topsoil & Overburden Management: 1868 tones of the top soil recovered during quarry operation will be used directly for afforestation / green belt development at earmarked safety barrier area all along the periphery of the application area. 4844 tons of overburden /waste generated will be utilized for road formation and back filling of mined out area. And there is no real waste and mineral rejects generated during this mining operation, and so no proposal for disposal of waste is made during the plan period

4.14 Social and demographic profile: The major occupation of the area is Cultivation, Household activity, Livestock, Forestry, Mining & Quarrying activities. There are no major industries in the area. The quarrying operation in such places would provide 10 direct & more than 5-10 number of indirect employment to local people. Besides social activities is proposed which will be beneficiary to surrounding local people. Hence quarrying operation will help in improving socio-economic status of the area.

4.15 Human settlement: There is no need of any rehabilitation or resettlement or migrating the laborers 56 needed due to this small scale quarrying.

4.16 Occupational health and safety hazards: The statutory norms shall be followed during the course of quarrying to ensure the proper health and safety of workers like medical facilities, drinking water, rest rooms, canteens, toilets etc. to the workers employed at site.

4.17 Public buildings, places of worship and monuments: There are no monuments of either historical, place of worship or archaeological importance near the proposed quarry site.

4.18 Monitoring schedules for different environmental components after the commencement of mining operations and related activities. For this quarrying project a half yearly monitoring plan for various Environmental parameters will be conducted as per the guidelines issued by District /State Environment committee.

5. SAFETY IN BLASTING

The precautionary measures during blasting will be undertaken as follows:  Proper and safe storage of explosives at approved locations and Licensed Magazine.  Maintaining safety distance all around the magazine as per statutory requirement  Proper, safe and careful handling and use of explosives by competent blasters having Blaster's Certificate of Competency issued by DGMS.  Proper security to prevent theft/ pilferage, unauthorized entry into Magazine area.  The blasting team will be equipped with all safety equipment for safe blasting.  Controlled blasting technique will be adopted by varying burden, spacing & charge per hole depending upon the field condition.  Holes will be located beyond the weak zone after proper inspection of the site.  No loose pieces will be kept on the bench slopes during blasting.  Stemming materials and stemming length will be chosen suitably.  Proper compaction of the stemming material will be undertaken before blasting.  Carrying out blasting during designated time only that too day time only and displaying a board in the mine entrance specifying the blasting time.  Posting guards at boundaries of the quarry area and giving warning signal by way of whistle or siren blowing before blasting, to prevent unauthorized entry and to prevent mishaps.  Avoiding blasting during lightening and high wind period.

 The holes which have been charged with explosives will not be left unattended till blasting is completed  The mine area will be evacuated completely at the time of blasting operations.

6. MINE CLOSURE PLAN Various works that are to be taken up under the mine closure plan includes:-

6.1 Re-vegetation It is planned to restore most of the mined out area by thick plantation. The plantation in the quarry area also includes gap filling plantation on the safety barrier zone left around the quarry area. Gap filling plantation will be carried out in the safety barrier zone left around the quarry area from the beginning of the mining operations. Additional plantation will be carried out in the inactive mining area. Grass and bushes will be planted in areas prone to erosion especially at the foot of the hill. Other areas will be spread with organic manures and planted with local species. The characteristics of this vegetation will resemble that of the natural environment except for the early growth, which may be a protective cover crop of non-seeding annuals. Before re-vegetation, the land will be properly prepared by spreading the top soil, which is rich in organic contents along with mulches and organic manure. Vegetation will be self-sufficient after planting and require no fertilizers or maintenance.

6.2 Buildings and Infrastructure There is no major infrastructure facilities planned in this project and does not call for importance. a. Site office building, Rest Room and Toilets There is no major infrastructure facilities planned. The structure present will be utilized during the expansion of the mining project if required. b. Support & Transport Infrastructures As such there is no major infrastructure facilities planned in this project and does not call for importance. The main mining site and secondary access road will be kept in a sufficient condition to allow access for monitoring till such time any other authorities wish to maintain and legally accept responsibility for the access roads. c. Surface Equipment and Heavy Machinery No heavy and surface equipment are proposed in this project. Open cast mechanized method will be adopted and after completion of the mining, the equipments will be taken out of the premises for their gainful utilization elsewhere.

6.3 Hazardous substances The hazardous materials like explosives will be totally evacuated from the mine site and the site will cleared of any such materials and substances.

6.4 Drainage / Water Runoff Surface run-off from the mining area will be collected and stored in the mine pits and the water will be used for various purposes. The mining activities will result in alteration of the surface runoff pattern in the quarry area only and there will be no impact on the drainage pattern outside the quarry area. The quality of the discharge run-off water will be maintained in compliance with the applicable state/national standards.

6.7 Monitoring The monitoring of the mine closure plan is an essential requirement for review of the efficacy of the mine closure and to take corrective actions. The monitoring consists of measuring the air quality, water quality, preservation of landscape, aesthetic and other land use values.

Detailed mine de-commissioning plan will be made on the above-mentioned principles, before the closure which will be submitted for approval if required.

7 RISK ASSESSMENT

7.1 Fall of Sides  No disaster like land slide, flood, inundation or fire is anticipated in this case.  Unmanageable heights will not be created.  Loose rocks will be properly dressed.  Nature and structure of the rocks will be properly studied for their slips.  Flatter slopes angles are adopted where occurrences of loose earth are encountered.  The working faces will slope at <80°.  The hanging wall, footwall and mineralized zone are competent to stand safely for long time.

7.2 Storage / Safety and Use of Explosives

 Proper and safe storage of daily requirement of explosives in approved and Licensed explosive Magazine.  Proper, safe and careful handling and use of explosives by competent blasters having Blaster’s Certificate of competency issued by DGMS. 59

 Proper security system to prevent theft/ pilferage, unauthorized entry into explosive storage/use area and checking authorized persons to prevent carrying of match box, lights, mobile phones, cigarette or Beedi etc. in the restricted area  The explosives of class 2 will be used in their original cartridge packing and such cartridge shall not be cut to remove explosive for making cartridge of different size.  Detonators will be conveyed in special containers. These will not be carried with other explosives.  The holes which have been charged with explosives will not be left unattended till blasting is completed.  Before starting charging, clear audible warning signals by Sirens will be given so that people nearby can take shelter.  Blasting operations will be carried out in day times only.

7.3 Storage of Oil and Fuel  No major storage of oil & fuel is envisaged.  Due care will be taken to avoid oil spillage.  Storage will not be allowed beyond necessity.  Fuel oil and lubricants will be stored only in approved containers in separate store rooms. Match box, lighters, mobile phone, dry wood, plastic paper sheets and smoking will not be allowed near the storage area.

7.4 Water inrush  Due care will be taken to provide garland drains all around the foot of the hill to collect run off and also to avoid soil erosion.  The applied mining area is located on a hillock and there is no danger of flood or inundation as the proposed working is above the normal ground level. There is no major river flowing adjacent to the project.

7.5 Falling/ Slipping in pits  The mine pits will be properly fenced to avoid inadvertent entry of unsuspecting person/animals into the mining area  Warning signals will be posted on the approach road to the mine  Proper housekeeping will be maintained in the mine to avoid falling / slipping of persons.

8 DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN In order to handle disaster/ emergency situations, an organizational chart entrusting responsibility to various project personnel will be prepared with their specific roles during emergency.

8.1 Infrastructure Following infrastructure and operational system will be provided to meet any emergencies. a) Emergency Control Room This will be situated in an area away from the places of fire and will be provided with the following facilities:-  Master plan of the mines.  First aid boxes.  Telephone/Mobile facilities.  Loud hailers.  Emergency lighting system.  Transport facility.  Mine Office will function as control base. b) Assembly Points Assembly points are to be set up farthest from the location of likely hazardous events, where pre-designated persons from the works, contractors and visitors would assemble in case of emergency. Up-to-date list of pre-designated employees of various departments must be available at these points so that roll call could be taken. Pre- designated persons would take charge of these points and mark presence as the people come into it. c ) Communication System Considering the small area of the mine, communication will be carried out over mobile phones. Warning alarms/sirens will also be provided to announce emergency situations. d) Warning System and Control The Control Centers will be located at an area of minimum risk or vulnerability in the premises concerned, taking into account the wind direction, areas which might be affected by fire/explosion, toxic releases, etc. For promptness and efficiency, the premises/storage sites may be divided into number of zones, which should be clearly marked in the site plan.

8.2 Emergency Services This includes the fire-fighting system, first aid center, hospital etc. Alternate sources of power supply for operating fire pumps, communication with local bodies, fire brigade etc., will also be clearly identified. Adequate number of external and internal telephone connections will be provided.

8.3 Fire Protection System The fire protection system for the proposed mine will consist of Portable hand appliances of suitable types/ capacities for extinguishing small fires in selected areas of the mine/storage areas. Suitable fire extinguishers will also be provided in the cabins of the mine machinery operating in the mine.

9 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY The main areas of concern for ensuring adequate occupational health and safety are:-  All working places will have safe means of access, safe working platform and exit. Persons working in hazardous dust prone area will be provided with dust mask.  Personal protective equipment like dust masks, ear plug/ear muff, helmet, safety shoes, safety goggles etc. will be provided to the workers.  Proper unit design and engineering controls in order to protect workers, including by control of process and fugitive emissions.  Adequate arrangement of treated drinking water, rest shelters, etc will be done.  Education & training will be provided to the workforce about facilities, protective equipment, risk associated, potential health effects, etc.  Display board will be provided showing the hazards associated and recommended precautionary measures.

9.1 Medical Surveillance Following are the proposed Medical Surveillance will be conducted for all employees:-  Pre-employment medical check-up.  Once in a year, medical check-up of each employee.  Individual medical record will be maintained.

9.2 Occupational Health 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 equipment will be given to all the workers. First aid facilities will be kept readily available during the mine working period and a vehicle will be kept ready to mobilize emergency cases to nearby hospital. All working personnel will be medically examined at least once in every year and at the end of his term of employment. This is in addition to the pre-employment medical examination.

9.3 Safety Plan Safety of both men and materials during operation phases is of concern. Safety plan will be prepared and implemented in the proposed site. The preparedness of an industry for 62 the occurrence of possible disasters is known as emergency plan. The disaster is possible due to collapse of rock structures and fire/explosion etc. Keeping in view the safety requirement during construction, operation and maintenance phases a safety policy will be formulated.

9.4 Safety Training Safety training will be provided to all the mine employees at the nearby Authorized Vocational Training Center. In addition to regular employees, limited contractor labors will also be provided safety training. To create safety awareness, leaflets will be distributed.

9.5 Health & Safety Monitoring Plan The health of all employees will be monitored once in a year for early detection of any ailment due to exposure of dust, heat and noise.

10 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME The proposed environmental monitoring programme in project operation stage is given in Table below. Besides to this monitoring, the compliances to all environmental clearance conditions and consents from KSPCB/ MoEF will be monitored and reported periodically.

10.1 PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME Sl. Environment Action to be Parameters Frequency Location No. Aspect Followed for of Monitoring Monitoring

1 Air Ambient air quality PM10, PM2.5, Once in 6 One location

Emissions monitoring SO2, NOx. months within mining area & one outside the quarry area Exhaust from Vehicle logs to Quarterly All mine mining machinery be maintained machinery Prohibition of Vehicle logs Daily Main gate overloading, records speeding and covered transportation 2 Noise Noise generated Spot Noise Once in 6 One location from various Level months within mining

Sl. Environment Action to be Parameters Frequency Location No. Aspect Followed for of Monitoring Monitoring mining operation recording; (Noise level area & one

like drilling/ Leq(day), in dB (A) for outside the

blasting/ vehicular Leq(night) day and quarry area movement. night time. Generation of Maintain Periodic Mine working vehicular noise records of during area vehicles operation phase 3 Run-off No settled Quality of run- Periodic Garland Discharge discharge. off water from during drains, settling operation settling ponds tank/pond phase 4 Drainage Ensure drainage Visual Periodic Surface run- and effluent system and specific inspection of during off from ML Managemen design measures drainage and operation area during t are working records phase rains effectively. thereof 5 Water Monitoring of used Comprehensiv Once in 6 One location Quality and water quality & e monitoring months within mining Water groundwater as per IS area & one Levels quality and levels 10500 outside the Depth of quarry area. ground water table 6 Emergency Fire protection and Mock drill Periodic Explosive preparedness safety measures to records, on during magazine, , such as fire take care of fire and site operation mine fighting explosion hazards, emergency phase machinery to be assessed and plan, steps taken for their evacuation prevention. plan 7 Maintenanc Vegetation, No. of plants, NA Plantation e of flora greenbelt species, area in mine. and fauna development survival rate 8 Waste No significant waste NA NA Quarry area Managemen generated, only

Sl. Environment Action to be Parameters Frequency Location No. Aspect Followed for of Monitoring Monitoring t topsoil & OB recovered, the same will be used for reclamation, afforestation & road formation. Domestic waste will be treated using septic & soak pit 9 Soil quality Conservation of top Soil fertility, Periodical Plantation soil excavated soil monitoring area, top soil contamination dump 10 Health & Employees and All relevant Regular Mine Safety contractual labour parameters check ups workings health check ups including HIV

10.2 BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR EMP IMPLEMENTATION A budget has been earmarked for implementation of the environmental management plan in the proposed building stone quarry. The amount earmarked may be increased in future as per the actual requirement at the site. The proposed budget for environmental management plan is given in Table below:

Sl. Description of item Capital cost Recurring cost No. (Rs. in Lakh) (Rs. in Lakh) 1 Air Pollution Control - Water sprinkling on 0.40 0.20 haul road & plantation area (pumps, pipes) 2 Water Pollution Control (Garland drains & 0.50 0.20 Settling tanks, check dam/gully plugs, etc) 3 Environmental Monitoring and Management -- 0.30 (2 times in a year) 4 Green belt Development & Plantation 0.50 0.30 5 Fertilizer, Manure, Manpower, etc. 0.10 0.10 6 Fencing 0.50 0.10 Total 2.00 1.20

11. SOCIAL (CORPORATE)RESPONSIBILITY A Social activity budget proposal is prepared in consultation with the project proponent in materializing the Social Responsibility. General purpose of this proposal is for the assistance & promotion of the living standards of the poor & needy people surrounding the area where the mining activity is performed. As per the guidelines of Company’s Act (Amendment) 2013, the study was mainly focused on the Promotion of Education, Environmental Sustainability, Health Care, and Social Aspects. The proposed social activities are associated with Akethethara Grama Panchayat and are as given below:-

Amount Slno Particular (Every Year) 1 Supply of domestic water in nearby area 50,000.00 Contribution towards Maintenance Akethethara PHC in 2 25,000.00 Ward 2, Engineering College P.O. Contribution towards Maintenance of Govt UP school 3 25,000.00 Akethethara Ward 3. Contribution towards public lighting in Akethethara 4 25,000.00 Grama Panchayat (ward 1). 5 Financial assistance to financially backward people 25,000.00 TOTAL 1,50,000.00 Total amount for 5 years is Rs. 7,50,000.00 (Rupees Seven lakhs Fifty Thousand only) 12. CONCLUSION  The Granite Building Stone mine will have a positive impact in the surrounding areas as there will be increased opportunity of direct and indirect employment for the local people.  The State & Central Government will benefit from the revenue in the form of Royalty and taxes from the mine.  At conceptual stage, most of the quarry area will be covered with thick plantation and a water reservoir will be developed in lower benches part of the mined out pit which will help ground water recharge.  There are no Resettlement and Rehabilitation issues involved in this project.  The entire project area is devoid of any endangered flora and fauna.

From the above mentioned points, it can be seen that the proposed project will benefit the area without causing any significant impact on the environment.

ANNEXURE

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