MoEF expert panel recommends moratorium on mining, power projects in Konkan

Report kept in wraps calls attention to adverse environmental and social impacts of ongoing industrial activities

Published on:

01 Mar 2012, 11:14 am

Power and mining projects planned in the Konkan region of Maharashtra may hit a road block if the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) decides to heed the report of an expert panel it appointed. The panel has recommended an indefinite moratorium on new environmental clearances for mining in ecologically sensitive zones (ESZ I & II) of the region.

The Western Ghats Ecology Experts Panel (WGEEP) was appointed by the ministry to suggest appropriate course for further development of mining, power production and polluting units. It has instead recommended phasing out of mining from ESZ I by 2016 and strict regulations for continuation of present mining activities in ESZ II. It has said no new red and orange category industries, which includes coal-based power plants, should be permitted in ESZ I and II and that the existing ones should be asked to ensure zero pollution by 2016, and operated only under an effective system of social audits.

Panel's findings

	Environmental Impact Assessment reports of projects are particularly weak in the sections on biodiversity and socio-economic issues. For instance, they commonly dismiss the windswept laterite plateaus of the Western Ghats with stunted tree growth as barren land Transmission lines emanating from power projects have significant impacts on mango and cashew orchards, as well as forests of Western Ghats Transport of ore by trucks, barges and ships have significant environmental and social impacts that have never been considered Significant decline in fish landings from Dabhol creek due to chemical pollution from Lote industrial estate Depletion and pollution of ground water, siltation of water bodies, increased frequency of floods, loss of fertile agricultural land and deforestation are some of the impacts of existing industries Regional Plan for Ratnagiri and Sindhudrg districts emphase the natural endowments and strengths of these districts, and prescribe land use priorities. However, these prescriptions are being comprehensively violated in practice Inputs made available during public hearings are often simply ignored, leading to high levels of social frustration and discord Its recommendations Undertake cumulative impact studies of various industrial, mining, power generation and other activities in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts, ideally in conjunction with Raigad district of Maharashtra and the state of Goa. Preferably, the National Institute of Oceanography at Goa should head the study The moratorium on new environmental clearances for mining, and red and orange category polluting industries and power plants in the plains and coastal tracts of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts should be extended till satisfactory completion of such an analysis of the carrying capacity of these districts is done. The moratorium may then be reviewed in light of the findings of the study Evolve systems of meaningful participation by people in deciding on the course of future economic development to ensure that development genuinely benefits society at large, and is not hijacked to serve particular vested interests MoEF should ask the state forest departments to proactively assist the tribal welfare departments in implementation of the Fprest Rights Act in the region Biological diversity management committees must be immediately activated at all levels, before taking any further decisions