Directs state to evaluate if cumulative EIA is required for the dolomite mines bordering tiger habitat
.jpg "There is no prohibition on mining near forest boundary in Madhya Pradesh (Photo by Sandip Dey)")
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has once again raised concerns about the environmental impact of small mines and has stepped in to regulate small scale mining activities in the vicinity of Kanha National Park. The tribunal had earlier expressed concern about the environmental impact of such small mines while deliberating sand mining in the country.
Taking cognisance of dolomite mining in the tiger corridor near Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh and its impact on the forest and tiger habitat, the central zonal bench of NGT, Bhopal, in a judgement pronounced last Friday has directed the government to evaluate the need of a cumulative environmental impact assessment (EIA) for small mines that exist in clusters near the park. Kanha National Park is one of the first nine “protected areas” selected under Project Tiger in the country and is famous for its rich diversity in fauna and flora.
The case was taken up by NGT last April suo motu after a news report appeared in the media about the threats of dolomite mining to tiger habitat in Kanha. The report indicated that tiger habitat and tiger corridors around the Kanha are being threatened by unabated dolomite mining of in Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh. Many of the mine leases are located very close to the forest boundary—zero metre from the forest limits in some cases.
Dolomite mining in Mandla
According to submissions made to NGT in April, 2013, by the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB), the state mining department and the Bhopal regional office of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), a total of 43 dolomite mine leases (ML) have been sanctioned in Mandla district. Out of the 43, 36 MLs were given “consent to operate” by MPPCB. The assistant mining officer of Mandla informed the tribunal that the lease holders of the remaining mines have not sought any consent so far from MPPCB. However out of the 36 mine leases, 26 mines were operational at that time as they had valid consents. Of the remaining 10, the “consent to operate” had expired and eight mines were closed, though two remained operating illegally. The lease holders of the two mines whose consent has expired have applied for permission to continue mining and their applications are pending with MPPCB since May last year.
A joint inspection team constituted by MPPCB in August further noted that the mines were mostly located in clusters, with majority having mine lease areas below five hectares (ha).
Assessing cumulative impact of mines
One of the most specific observations of the NGT judgement concerns the cumulative impact of mining in areas that have small mine leases. The bench noted that though most the dolomite mine lease areas are below five ha, but since they are located in clusters, any mining/human activity in the area will have much larger impact on the surrounding habitat. The tribunal, therefore, directed the government to evaluate whether these mines require cumulative EIA, and if so, they should be evaluated for approval accordingly with respect to guidelines issued by the MoEF at the time of seeking renewal or for fresh consent to operate.
Flip-flop on boundary matters
Besides cumulative EIA, the location of the mine leases near forest boundary is also a matter of serious concern. A field inspection report submitted by MoEF showed that 39 MLs are located within 250 metre of the forest boundary. The regional office of MoEF, Bhopal, further informed that among these, the distance of eight MLs from the notified forest boundary is “zero metre”, indicating that the mines are touching the forest boundary. The rest of the MLs are within a kilometre from the forest boundary.
NGT has taken a strong stand about regulating mining activities close to the forest boundary and examining the matter in depth. The judgement noted that “with regard to those mines which are located on the boundary of the notified forest itself, the issue may be examined in detail and action may be taken to revoke their license in accordance with law, if no such provision of granting MLs touching the notified forest boundary exists.”
According to state forest officials, there is, however, no absolute prohibition of mining activity within 250 metre of a forest boundary. A circular issued by the Madhya Pradesh forest department in May, 2008, directs officials not to proceed with granting ML within 250 metre of forest boundary. But a circular issued later in August, 2008, constituted a state level committee headed by the chief secretary to consider mining leases within 250m of forest area or boundary. In July 2012, a divisional level committee was set up by the state government for considering grant of MLs within 250 m of forest boundary. At present, leases are sanctioned within 250 m of the forest boundary if considered appropriate by the committee, clarify state forest officials.
Disturbance of the tiger habitat in Kanha from mining activities is another serious concern. A report submitted by the Wildlife Institute of India this February in connection with the case before NGT noted that "the mines are located in forested landscape that has tiger occupancy. In this context, the disturbance and habitat loss caused by the mines and its associated infrastructure development would be detrimental for the source value of Kanha.”
Following such observations, the tribunal has noted that the impact of mining activities in areas around the tiger corridor should be taken into consideration by the state pollution control board before granting consent to operate and by the state environment impact assessment authority while reviewing the existing MLs and granting or renewing clearances.
Though provisions of getting a permit from the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) has not been mentioned in the order, but as per provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act (Section 38W), obtaining permission from the NBWL for any activity within a Tiger Reserve, or alteration of its boundary is also required. Therefore, an in depth assessment of mine leases in the area may necessitate such approvals too.
Emergency meeting soon
A meeting is now to be convened urgently by the chief secretary to the Madhya Pradesh government to examine matters relating to dolomite mining in Mandla, and take necessary action in a time-bound manner. Officials who are to attend the meeting include officials of the Madhya Pradesh forest department, National Tiger Conservation Authority, officer in charge of MoEF's Bhopal regional office, principal secretaries for environment and mines and minerals department of Madhya Pradesh, chairperson of MPPCB, and the district collector of Mandla.
NGT has expressed dismay that until the matter was taken up suo-motu by the tribunal, concerns and irregularities involving mining in the area were ignored and no record was placed before tribunal to the effect that any major action has been taken against any defaulting mine lease holder.
Though NGT has disposed of the case, but to ensure that the order of the bench is being complied with, the matter will be taken up by the tribunal on July 31.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.