Gujarat Pollution Control Board - Draft EIA/EMP for …...Draft EIA/EMP for Inaj Limestone Mine (L...

Draft EIA/EMP for Inaj Limestone Mine (Lease area: 16.59.22 Ha) located in Survey No.133/1, Inaj Village, Veraval Taluka, District Gir Somnath, Gujarat.Lessee: Shri. Aher Bhagwan Bhimshi

Excel Enviro Tech, Ahmedabad 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.1INTRODUCTIONShri. Aher Bhagwan Bhimshi has applied for TOR in order to prepare EIA Report for grant ofEnvironmental Clearance for Inaj Limestone Mine having lease area of 16.59.22 Ha located inSurvey no 133/1, Inaj Village, Veraval Taluka, District Gir Somnath, Gujarat. The limestone mineis proposed for working at the rate of 5,00,000 TPA.The mine lease was granted for mineral limestone to Shri. Aher Bhagwan Bhimshi on Govt.waste land. Vide govt. Order no. MCR-1573(A-18)-3690-CHH dated 08.02.1978 for area of16.59.22 Ha. Near village Inaj, Taluka Veraval, District: Gir Somnath, Gujarat. The mining leasewas executed on 14.04.1978 for a period of 20 years from 14.04.1978 to 13.04.1998. The lesseehad applied for renewal of the mining lease on 15.06.1996 for next 20 years from 15.06.1996 to14.06.2016.The lease period is extended up to 13.04.2028 as per MMDR Amendment Act, 2015Mining activity was commenced in the area since December 1979.The application for Environmental Clearance (Form-1, PFR and Approved Mine Plan) for InajLimestone Mine was considered vide TOR file no. SIA/GJ/MIN/23467/2018on 09/04/2018 toSEIAA as per the provisions of Notification dated 14/03/2017 and amendment of Notificationdated08/03/2018.Inaj Limestone Mine was first considered by the State Expert AppraisalCommittee, Gujarat in its 428th meeting held during 29th August 2018 additional informationwas sought by SEAC in 404th meeting held on 06/06/2018. It was noted that the projectproponent has initiated the mining operation at the lease without obtaining prior EnvironmentalClearance which is in violation of the provisions of EIA notification, 2006. A reply to informationsought was submitted on 17/10/2018. The proposal was once again considered on 442ndmeeting of SEAC Gujarat dated 17/10/2018. SEAC, Gujarat unanimously decided to recommendfor grant of TOR for aforementioned project to SEIAA as approved by SEIAA during its meetingheld on 03.11.2018 including indicative guideline for assessment of ecological damage. TheTerms of Reference (ToR’s) for preparation of the EIA report and Environmental ManagementPlan vide its letter no. SEIAA/GUJ/TOR/1(a)/1234/2018 dated 17/11/20181.1.1 Location of the ProjectThe Inaj Limestone Mine having a mining lease area of 16.59.22 Ha located in Survey No. 133/1,Inaj Village, Veraval Taluka, District Gir Somnath, Gujarat. The nearest railway station is Adriroad (9.15 Km, W), which is located on Junagadh Somnath Railway Line. It is under Bhavnagarrailway Division of Western Railway Zone of Indian Railways. The nearest National Highway isNH 51/NH 8D (7.85 Km, SW) and State Highway is SH 26 (1.37 Km, SE). The district headquarterfor Gir Somnath is Veraval is located at 10.12 Km SW. The area is included in Survey of IndiaToposheet no. 41 L/5 on R.F. 1:50,000, while 10 km radius area comprises of Topo sheet nos. 41K/8, K/12, 41 L/5 and L/9.The lease area is bounded between the following geographical co-ordinates:



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY




EXECUTIVE SUMMARY




Latitude/Northing 20°59’31.25” N to 20°59’45.13” NLongitude/Easting 70°25’ 05.21” E to 70°25’ 43.04” E

INDEX MAP




INDEX MAP




INDEX MAP



TABLE 1: SALIENT FEATURES OF THE PROJECT SITEParticulars DetailsProject Location Survey No. 133/1, Inaj Village, Veraval Taluka, District Gir Somnath,Gujarat, Mine area (16.59.22 Ha)Site elevation above MSL 49 to 54m MSLLand use of project site Mine lease area is already being used for mining since December1979Site topography Flat topography with existing mine pitsNearest roadway National Highway NH 51/NH 8D~7.85 Km, SWState Highway SH 26~1.37 Km, SENearest Air Port Diu~60.48 km, SENearest Railway Station Adri road Railway Station~9.08 Km, WNearest village/majortown Inaj Village~ 0.85 km, SVeraval Town ~ 10.08 km, SWHills/valleys No major hills and valleys within 10 km radiusEcologically sensitivezone NilReserved/ Protectedforests Gir National Park, 18.52 km, NNEHistorical/tourist places None within 5 km radius areaNearest Industries Moraj Limestone Mine 0.37 Km, ESEMalundha Limestone Mine 4.79 Km, WKherali limestone Mine 2.35 Km, NNWOther Limestone Mines are present within 10 km radius.Indian Rayon~10.31, SWNearest water bodies Umrethi Dam (on Hiran River). 5.10 Km, NELachhadi Pond: 6.49 km, NNWHiran River: 4.35 km, EArabian Sea: 10.92 km, SSWHiran Canal Network occurs within 10 Km radiusSeismic zone Seismically, this area is categorized under Zone-III as per IS-1893(Part-1)-2002. Hence, seismically the site is High Damage Risk Zone.With MSK scale of VII.

1.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION1.2.1 Method of MiningThe entire lease area is highly potential area. The mining will be carried out open cast pitmethod. The height of mining benches will be kept 3 meters and width of benches will be in nocase less than the height of benches. Drilling and blasting DTH holes of 65mm dia., 3m long withspacing of 2m in limestone and 1.7m in overburden will be considered. The mine will advancetowards the north and east direction. Ultimate pit slope will be maintained to 45°.











1.2.2 Anticipated life of the mineThe mineable reserve under Mineable Reserve is calculated to be about 19,89,611 tonnes andthe mine will work at varying production with maximum per annum planned limestoneproduction of 5,00,000 TPA. The year wise planned production of limestone is shown in Tablebelow. YEAR WISE PLANNED PRODUCTIONYear 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 TotalTonnes 499999.5 499872 499582 270000 215400 1985400Considering the varying rate of production as per Mine Plan the life of mine as per availablereserve is 5 years. During the Plan period reserves will be further proved by drilling boreholesand life of mine may increase as per new estimated reserves after exploration.1.2.3 Conceptual Mine PlanMining is proposed by semi mechanized opencast method. The benches of 3m width of thebenches will be more than 3m. The excavation will be done by combination of rock breaker, JCBand tipper. Blasting will be rarely carried out by cartridge explosives in 65 mm dia drilled byjack hammer drill. The maximum rate of production of limestone will be 5,00,000 tons perannum during the plan period. The total excavated ROM is saleable therefore recovery is 100%.Mined out area (13.2763 Ha) will be developed as water body, which will act as rain waterharvesting structure help in increasing water level in nearby area. Plantation will be carried outall along the safety zone. Salient features of mines are shown in Table 1.1

TABLE 1.1: SALIENT FEATURES OF THE MINES. No. Particulars Details1. Lease execution date 14.04.1978 for a period of 20 years from 14.04.1978 to13.04.19982. Method of mining Open Cast Semi mechanized Mining (OTFM)3. Area 16.59.22 Ha4. Proposed Production 5,00,000 TPA Limestone5. Mineable Reserves 19,89,611 tons6. Life of the Mine ~5 years7. Bench Height and Width 3 M Height & Width more than 3 M8. Maximum Depth of Mining 36 m RL i.e. 13 to 18 m bgl9. Ultimate Pit Slope angle 45°10. Elevation Range 49 to 54m MSL11. Water requirement 58 KLD12. Source of Water Mine pit Water, tanker from nearby bore well and Bore-well water for domestic use13. Water table The ground water table in the nearby villages is observed atabout 20 m AMSL during pre monsoon season while it is 29-











S. No. Particulars Details30m AMSL during post monsoon season. Highest andlowest elevation of the lease area is 49 to 54m MSL havingminor undulating topography due to existing mine pits. Atconceptual stage the lowest elevation will be up to 36 mRL i.e. 13 to 18 m bgl. The mining is proposed up to a meandepth of 16 m AMSL during conceptual and plan period.Thus, the mining activities will not intersect ground water.14. Number of working days 30015. Number of shifts per day 11.2.4 Waste Generation & DisposalThere is practically no soil covers and overburden on limestone. There is no occurrence of wasterock in the mine. Some limestone, about 8% of the total mineral, is expected to be produced asundersized mineral. This is proposed to be stacked separately to be used later in the Cementplant.1.2.5 Water Requirement & SourceTotal water requirement for the project will be 58 KLD, which will be met from mine pit waterand by tankers from nearby abandoned mine pits. Water for drinking purposes will be suppliedfrom bore well.1.2.6 Manpower RequirementThis is a limestone mining project. The mine will have fulltime manpower 100 nos. for minemanagement for activities such as excavation, transportation etc.1.2.7 Site InfrastructureFollowing site infrastructure will be provided at the mine:1) Mine Office2) Rest Shelter3) Drinking Water facilities4) First Aid Box5) Urinals & Toilet6) Telephone/Mobile7) Haul road / Approach roads1.3EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL SCENARIO1.3.1 Baseline Environmental StudiesBaseline environmental studies were carried out within 10 km radius of the Inaj Limestone Minearea to assess the existing environmental scenario in the area. For the purpose of EIA studies,Mine lease area of Inaj Limestone Mine was considered as the core zone and area outside themine up to 10 km radius was considered as buffer zone. The baseline environmental monitoring









for various components of environment, viz. Air, Noise, Water, Land was carried out during postmonsoon season i.e. October to December 2018 in the study area covering 10 km radial Distancefrom the limestone mine.1.3.2 Meteorology & Ambient Air Quality

Summary of Meteorological data generated at site (October to December 2018)Temperature (°C) 17°C to 39°CRelative Humidity (%) 13% to 93%Wind Direction NE (30 %)Calm wind % 26.86 %

Ambient Air Quality StatusThe status of ambient air quality within the study area was monitored for post monsoon seasonduring October to December 2018 at 8 locations including the Mining area and in nearbyvillages. Total locations were selected based on the meteorological conditions consideringupwind and downwind directions. The levels of Respirable Particulate Matter (PM10), FineParticulates (PM2.5), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2,), and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX) were monitored. Theminimum and maximum values of monitoring results are summarized in Table 1.2.TABLE 1.2: SUMMARY OF AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING RESULTS

Stationcode

Location Description PM10,(μg/m3)

PM2.5,(μg/m3)

SO2

(μg/m3)NOx

(μg/m3)AAQ1 Core Zone i.e.Inaj village Maximum 76.42 40.21 13.68 26.05Minimum 52.15 28.96 8.06 16.16






Stationcode


PM2.5,(μg/m3)

SO2

(μg/m3)NOx







Stationcode


PM2.5,(μg/m3)

SO2

(μg/m3)NOx




Stationcode


PM2.5,(μg/m3)

SO2

(μg/m3)NOx

(μg/m3)AAQ2 Moraj Maximum 78.95 40.58 14.77 27.7Minimum 62.14 30.96 10.94 15.96AAQ 3 Govindapara Maximum 77.15 36.93 14.82 24.2Minimum 54.92 28.7 9.56 16.49AAQ 4 Savni Maximum 73.25 36.85 12.85 23.16Minimum 54.96 25.83 8.65 14.85AAQ 5 Akalagir Maximum 75.63 37.08 14.71 25.40Minimum 55.36 29.06 9.91 18.68AAQ 6 Malondha Maximum 83.24 40.25 17.47 25.51Minimum 55.75 30.11 10.84 17.95AAQ 7 Veraval Maximum 76.42 40.21 13.68 26.05Minimum 52.15 28.96 8.06 16.16AAQ 8 Kherali Maximum 69.45 37.34 22.65 25.63Minimum 59.32 29.95 17.86 20.63CPCB Standard 100 (24 hrs) 60 (24 hrs) 80 (24 hrs) 80 (24 hrs)From the above results, it is observed that the ambient air quality with respect to PM10, PM2.5,SO2, and NOx at all the monitoring locations was within the permissible limits specified by CPCB.

1.3.3 Ambient Noise LevelsAmbient noise level monitoring was carried out at the 8 monitoring locations, those wereselected for ambient air quality monitoring. The monitoring results are summarized in Table1.3.

TABLE 1.3: SUMMARY OF AMBIENT NOISE LEVEL MONITORING RESULTSSr.No. Date of Sampling Location Day time

dB(A)Night time

dB(A)1 04-11-2018 Inaj 53.0 42.82 24-10-2018 Moraj 52.8 41.73 27-10-2018 Govindpara 52.3 38.34 28-10-2018 Savni 51.9 41.65 30-10-2018 Akalagir 52.9 38.86 02-11-2018 Malondha 52.8 40.77 23-10-2018 Veraval 50.6 41.88 03-11-2018 Kherali 52.9 40.7



Stationcode


PM2.5,(μg/m3)

SO2

(μg/m3)NOx




dB(A)Night time




Stationcode


PM2.5,(μg/m3)

SO2

(μg/m3)NOx




dB(A)Night time




1.3.4 Surface and Ground Water Resources & QualityWater ResourcesThere is no seasonal stream or nallah flowing through the mining area. Hiran River is present atdistance of 4.35 Km, E, while Umrethi Dam located at a distance of 5.10 Km, NE on Hiran River.The 10 Km study area comprises network of Hiran Canal.The area as a whole represents a gently slope, drained by a number of north to south and northto south flowing rivers which debouche into the one major tributary.The pre monsoon water level in Veraval Tehsil is observed at 20-30m bgl while post monsoonwater level in the area is observed from 10 to 20m bgl. While as per site visit records andinformation collected from local well data the 10 km study area has water level in the range of25 to 30m during pre monsoon summer period. The entire study area has less than 70 % groundwater development status. Thus it falls in safe category (CGWB, 2014).Water QualityThe existing status of groundwater and surface water quality was assessed by identifying 7ground water (Bore wells/dug wells) samples in different villages and 7 surface water samples.A. Groundwater QualityThe physico-chemical characteristics of groundwater are as, the pH of the water samplescollected ranged from 7.27 to 8.09 and within the acceptable limit of 6.5 to 8.5. The totaldissolved solids were found in the range of 1045.2 to 1415.8 mg/l in all samples. The totalhardness varied between 380 to 480 mg/l for all samples collected at 7 locations.In all samples, iron content is below detection limits i.e. 0.1, Nitrate in between 1.6 to 2.7 mg/l,fluoride varied between 1.44 to 2.02 mg/l, chloride 82.18 to 479.4 mg/l, Sulphate 100 to 142.5mg/l, alkalinity 172.8 to 337.92 mg/l, calcium 84.2 to 117.03 mg/l and magnesium in between20.41 to 45.68 mg/l. The overall ground water quality was found to be good in most of thevillages. The levels of heavy metals content were found to be within permissible limits.B. Surface Water QualityThe results of the surface water samples analyzed are as the pH of the surface water samplescollected was observed between 7.36 to 7.82 and within the acceptable limit of 6.5-8.5. The totaldissolved solids were found to be 306 to 2232.2 mg/l. Total hardness was observed between172 to 232 mg/l. Iron content in all samples was found BDL, concentration of nitrate was 1.9 to2.4 mg/l. The fluoride concentration was found to be 1.53 to 2.26 mg/l and chlorideconcentration was varied between 27.4 to 900.14 mg/l. The sulphate content in all samples wasin the range of 11.54 to 178.18 mg/l. The variation in alkalinity recorded was in the range of142.08 to 176.64 mg/l, magnesium was found to be in the range of 12.63 to 53.46 mg/l in allsamples. It was observed from the analysis that, the physico-chemical characteristics of thesurface water samples are within the permissible limits of drinking water standards .









1.3.5 Land use Land Cover classificationThe Land Cover classes were extracted following a Visual interpretation method or on screendigitization of the Sentinel-2A and Sentinel-2B sensor- Sentinel-2 having 10 m spatial resolutionimage. These were later verified by using SOI toposheet and Google Earth imagery. Polygonlayers for each class were digitized and the respective areas were calculated. The Land Coverclasses and their coverage are summarized in Table 1.4.

TABLE 1.4: LU/LC CLASSES AND THEIR COVERAGE WITHIN 10 KM RADIUSLevel – I Level – II Level –III Area

(Km2)Percentage(%)1. Built – up land 1.1 Built – up land 1.1.1 Urban (towns& cities) 16.00 5.102. Agricultural land 1.1Crop landDouble Cropped 2.1.1 irrigated cropland 268.25 85.433. Wastelands 3.1 Land with orwithout scrub 3.1.1 Open Scrub 18.00 5.734. Water bodies 4.1 River/stream 9.05 2.884.2 Lake/reservoir/tank/canal5. Forest 5.1 Forest 5.1.1Open Jungle 0.50 0.166. Other 6.1 Mining area 6.1.1Mining Quarry 2.20 0.70Total Area 314 100

1.3.6 Soil QualityFor studying soil profile of the region, sampling locations were selected to assess the existingsoil conditions in and around the proposed project site representing various land use conditions.The physical, chemical properties and heavy metals concentrations were determined. Thesamples were collected by ramming a core-cutter into the soil up to a depth of 15-20 cm. Total 8samples within the study area were collected and analyzed.From the analysis results of the soil samples, it was observed that the soil was low to mediumfertile and having low productivity. The soil in the study area needs additional fertilizers forimproving the fertility status and increase in crop productivity. The concentration of heavymetals in the water extract of soil was found to be low with a negligible concentration level ofcadmium, chromium, lead, cobalt and selenium. This also indicates the poor level of micro-nutrient. The organic matter was found in the range of 1.42 to 1.79 % indicating moderateorganic content in the soil.















1.3.7 Biological EnvironmentFlora in the core & Buffer ZoneAgriculture is the main stay for the 80% of rural population of the state. Agriculture is the majoremployment and primary income generating activity. The agricultural economy of the Gujaratstate is characterized by dependence on nature adequate irrigation facilities and small andmarginal holdings. The agriculture is of irrigated type.The major crops with common name observed in the area are as Bajra, Cotton/ Kapas, Ghau/WheatGround nut, Jawar, Tuver, Dhana, Makai, Sherdi, Til while horticulture crop observed in the areaare as Kesar mango, Chiku, Papayu, Nariyal and Keda. Herbs with common name observed in thestudy area are as Dhaturo, Taradiyu, Bhangoru, Comelina, Dabhgas, Kasundri, Taradiyughas, Dharo,Ghabajariyu, Tulsi, Andhedi, Ghas, Gulab, BhoyRingni, Darudi, Chilnijat, Dhamaso. Shrubs withcommon name observed in the study area are as Chiku, Arni, Kanthar, Jambudi, Aval, Bordi, Akdo,Dadum, Jasud, Gandobaval, Gandhatu, Thor, Saru, and Ixora. Climbers with common name observedin the study Vadvelo, Thorvel, Boganvel, Kakadi, Vevdi, Ghiloda, KhatKhatumbda, Turiyu while treeswith common name observed in study area are as Umaro, Karanj, Sag, Garmalo, Ambo, Rambaval,Timaru, Kher, Pragvad, Piludi, Sitaphal, Jambu, Gunda, Amli, Pipal, Nariyel, Saragavo, Vad, Limdo,Arduso, Gorasamli, Desibaval, Khakhro,Kakad, Pandula, Sadad, Kerdo.Fauna in the core & Buffer zoneThe wild mammals observed in the core zone are five striped squirrel, Field rat and Commonhouse rat. The mammals observed in the study area include Vandro, Chamachidiyu, Noliyo,Vagol, Khiskoli, Nilgay, Bhund, Siyal, Saslu, Undar and Chachundar. The reptiles observed in thestudy area include Garodi, Nag, Kachindo, Kachandi, Dedko and Kachbo. Birds observed in thestudy area includes Common Kagado, Kala mathavalikabar, Chakli, Kalokoshi, Kherkhatto,Thurthuro, Kherkhatto, Chakli, Dhok, Daiyad, Baj, Baglo, Bulbul, Tarodiyu, Sugari, Kabar, Popat,Baj, Paninupankhi, Paninupankhi, Kalobaglo, Chandul, Kabutar, Lalholo, Kaknsar, Tutavri, Titodi,Ababil, Holo and Chas. There is no schedule I fauna observed in the study area of the project.1.3.8 Socio-economic EnvironmentInformation on socio-demographic status and the trends of the communities in the 10 km radiuswas collected through primary social survey and secondary data from census 2011 & villagedirectory 2001. Summary of the socio-economic status of the study area is given in Table 1.5.

TABLE 1.5: SUMMARY OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT OF VILLAGES WITHIN 10 KMRADIUS AREANo. of villages 47Total households 50,486Total population 2,82,022Male Population 1,43,733Female population 1,38,289











SC Population 21,242ST Population 5,033Total literates 1,86,847Total workers 1,01,942Total main workers 91,084Total marginal workers 10,8581.4 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES1.4.1 Impact on Topography, Drainage & LandUseThe mine is in operation since December 1979 and comprise of existing mine pits. Mining oflimestone by opencast method will change the existing topography within the mine lease area.Highest and lowest elevation of the lease area is 49 to 54 m above MSL having undulatingtopography due to existing mine pits.The changed topography will alter the drainage within the mining lease area. However, therewill not be any changes in the topography or drainage pattern outside the mining lease area.The present land use and at the end of mining plan period and at the end of mine life as perclosure plan will be as follows:

TABLE 1.6: STAGE WISE LAND USE (HA)Category Area in Ha

Present End of Plan Period Conceptual stageArea Under Mining 0.61 13.2763 13.2763Storage of Top Soil 0.026 - -Waste dump site - - -Mineral Storage - - -Infrastructure (Workshop,administrative building etc.) 0.38 0.38 0.38Roads - - -RailwaysTailing pondEffluent treatmentplanMineral separationplantTownship areaOthers (Green belt) - 2.7059 2.7059Sub Total 1.016 16.3622 16.3622Area Unutilized 15.5762 0.23 0.23Total 16.59.22 16.59.22 16.59.22

Source: Mining Plan






Source: Mining Plan






Source: Mining Plan



The mined out land will be reclaimed through plantation on soil/waste dump area, undisturbedarea and on safety barrier zone. Proper drainages will be designed to avoid erosion. Plantationwill also be carried out on top benches of the mined out pit. The plantation area will cover2.7059Ha of the mine lease area. 0.38 Ha areas will be under approach roads.1.4.2 Ambient Air QualityImpacts on Air QualityTo assess the impact of the limestone mining and crushing operations from the Inaj LimestoneMine, air quality modeling was carried out for the mining operations and the mineraltransportation activities. The modeling was carried out using MoEF/CPCB approved AERMODmodel.The maximum incremental ground level concentration of PM10 will be 1.03 µg/m3near Inajvillages. The incremental PM10 concentration was observed to be less than 1 µg/m3 at all theother monitoring locationsFrom the observations of modeling results, it is observed that the cumulative concentrations ofPM10 in the study area will remain within the permissible limits after commencement of themining activities.Air Pollution Control Measures

No blasting under unfavorable wind and atmospheric conditions. Drilling machines will be equipped with wet drilling arrangements or dust collector. Water sprinkling on haul roads at regular intervals. Regular maintenance of haul road. Water sprinkling during loading operations to control dust emissions. Regular maintenance of vehicles and machinery. Provision of Dust masks to workmen. Plantation of thick green belt around lease boundary, road sides and dumps. Good housekeeping would be practiced to control air pollution.

Ground vibrationsThe ground vibrations at Inaj Village due to the blasting in Inaj Limestone Mine are calculatedusing the empirical equation: It is proposed to use about 419 kg charges per blast explosives forblasting. The ground vibrations at nearest habitation i.e. Inaj Village will be about 4.8 mm/s,which is well within the permissible limits recommended by DGMS. However, additional controlmeasures needs to be adopted to avoid the impacts due to ground vibrations and fly rocks due toblasting.Proposed Noise Control Measures Drilling will be carried out with sharp drill bits which help in reducing noise.













Controlled blasting with proper spacing, burden, and optimum charge/delay will bemaintained. Proper maintenance, of machines at regular intervals will be done to reduce generation ofnoise. Proper designing of crushing plant by providing inbuilt mechanism like silencers, mufflersand enclosures for noise generating parts and shock absorbing pads at the foundation. Green Belt/Plantation will be developed around the mining activity area and long haul roads. Ear muffs/ear plugs will be provided to persons working at high noise generating area Periodical monitoring of noise will be done.Measures to Control Ground Vibration & Fly Rocks

Proper quantity of explosive, suitable stemming materials and appropriate delay systemwill be adopted to avoid overcharging and for safe blasting. Proper blast design will be made to control ground vibration and fly rocks. Adequate safe distance from blasting will be maintained. The charge per delay will be minimized and preferably more number of delays will beused per blasts; During blasting, other activities in the immediate vicinity will be temporarily stopped; Drilling parameters like burden, depth, diameter and spacing will be properly designed togive proper blast. Muffle blasting using wire mesh and sand bags will be conducted at mine working nearML boundary towards habitation. Blasting will be carried out only to loosen the strata, thereby reducing the quantity ofexplosives used per blast.

1.4.4 Water Resources & QualityImpact on Water Resources & QualityThe lease area represents flat land with surface exposures of limestone at places. Highest andlowest elevation of the lease area is 49 to 54m MSL having slightly undulating topography due toexisting mine pits.The study area forms part of Southern Kathiawar Basin which is drained by west flowing rivers.Dendritic type of drainage pattern is observed in study area. The 10km radius study area isdrained by Hiran River. Umrethi Dam or Hiran Dam is 5.05 Km, NE of project site. The study areaalso forms part of Command area i.e. irrigated from Hiran Canal networkThe impact due to mining on the water quality is expected to be insignificant because of no use ofchemicals or hazardous substances during mining process. Garland drains will be constructedaround the mine pits and around surface dumps. These drains will be connected to the settlingtanks constructed within the mine lease area. The surface run-off from dumps and mining area will













be collected in this settling tank and will be used for dust suppression and plantation in the mine.Excess water, if any, will be diverted to the mine sump for storage.There will be no process waste water generation in the mine and allied activities. Only domesticeffluent will be generated from the mine office and rest shelter. The domestic effluent isdischarged in septic tank followed by soak pit. There is no discharge of effluent from thelimestone mine.Rainwater accumulated in the mine pit and ground water seepage, if any, will be collected in themine sump and will be used for dust suppression and plantation in mine.The ground water table in the nearby villages is observed at about 20 m AMSL during pre monsoonseason while it is 29-30m AMSL during post monsoon season. Highest and lowest elevation of thelease area is 49 to 54m MSL having minor undulating topography due to existing mine pits. Atconceptual stage the lowest elevation will be up to 36 m RL i.e. 13 to 18 m bgl. The mining isproposed up to a mean depth of 16 m AMSL during conceptual and plan period. Thus, the miningactivities will not intersect ground water. The ground water may seep into the working mine pits.This water will be collected in mine sump created in the lowermost part and will be allowed toaccumulate. This water will be used for dust suppression and plantation. This water will be used fordust suppression and plantation. Considering small scale of mining operations, only small quantityof seepage water is expected. Thus, there will not be any significant impact in terms of lowering ofground water table in the nearby villages.Proposed Water Conservation & Water Pollution Control MeasuresThe daily water requirement in the stone mine is about 58 KLD. Water for dust suppression andplantation will be provided from rainwater accumulated in mine pits (when available) and fromtankers from nearby waterlogged mine pits and water for domestic use will be supplied frombore well. Thus, ground water will be used only for drinking and domestic use. There is no waterrequirement for mineral processing in the mine. Also, there is no process effluent generation inthe mine.The following measures will be taken up to reduce this load:1. Dense plantation within mining lease area and around soil/waste dumps2. Construction of settling tank.3. Construction of Garland drains around mine lease area connected to settling tank.4. Construction of toe wall at the base of soil/waste dumps.5. Development of green belt around mine lease area and grasses plantation to control soilerosion.6. Stabilization of soil/waste dumps with grasses & leguminous plants to control soil erosion.For reducing the impact of lowering of water level, the mine management will adopt roof topharvesting structures in the public buildings in nearby villages with prior consent from localgram panchayats to collect rain water and charge to ground through available dug well/ tubewell. Also, the reservoir developed in mined out pit in 13.2763 Ha areas will act as an additional









source of water to the nearby villagers and will also help in recharging ground water table of thearea.1.4.5 Solid Waste Generation & ManagementThere is practically no soil covers and overburden on limestone. There is no occurrence of wasterock in the mine. Some limestone, about 8% of the total mineral, is expected to be produced asundersized mineral. This is proposed to be stacked separately to be used later in the Cementplant.1.4.6 Biological EnvironmentThere is no Forest land, National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary and Biosphere Reserve within 10 kmradius of the project site. No rare, endemic & endangered species are reported in the buffer zone.Dust deposition on leaf lamina will takes place on nearby local plant species along the transportroad which may results in decline the rate of photosynthesis and retards the plant growth.Proposed Biological Environment Conservation Measures Dust issues are mainly raised in the area due to unpaved road, cumulative fugitive dustemissions by various limestone mining activities. To mitigate the impact regular watersprinkling will be carried out within the mine lease area as well as approach road. Stabilization of soil/waste dumps by grass cover shall be done. Fencing around the mine lease area to restrict the entry of stray animals Thick Green belt will be developed around mine lease area and along transport road. Periodic maintenance of mineral transport road Regular sprinkling of water through mobile tanker on mineral transport road Covered Transport of Limestone. Monitoring of dust fall at agriculture land located nearby the mining area.1.4.7 Socio-economic Environment There is no habitation or private land in the Inaj Limestone Mine. There is no rehabilitationand resettlement involved in the project. The mine will have 100 nos. of fulltime employee for mine management activities such asexcavation, transportation etc. The existing infrastructure facilities are sufficient to cater the needs of the limestone mine.However, the mine management will take efforts as a part of CSR for improvement in civicamenities like sanitation, drinking water facilities, transport road, etc in the nearby villages.1.5 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMAn Environmental Management Cell (EMC) will be established in the mine under the control ofMines Manager. The EMC will be headed by an Environmental scientist having adequatequalification and experience in the field of environmental management. Environmentalmonitoring of Ambient Air Quality, Water table depth, Water quality, Ambient Noise Levels, Soil









Quality, CSR activities etc will be carried out through MOEF accredited agencies regularly andreports will be submitted to GPCB/MoEF.1.6 RISK ASSESSMENT & DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLANThe assessment of risk in the Inaj Limestone Mining project has been estimated for Slope failure,Handling of explosives, Fly-rocks during blasting, Movement of HEMM, Inundation due tosurface water, Dust hazards, Hazards associated with use of electricity/ Diesel Generator Setsand flooding of lower benches and corresponding mitigation measures are suggested in theDraft EIA/EMP report.A detailed Disaster Management Plan for facing disasters due to natural effects and humanreasons is prepared and incorporated in the draft EIA/EMP report for ensuring safety of life,protection of environment, protection of installation, restoration of production and salvageoperations in this same order of priorities. For effective implementation of DisasterManagement Plan, it will be widely circulated and personnel training through rehearsals. Sitefacilities, procedures, Duties and responsibilities, Communications, etc is considered in detail inthe Disaster Management Plan.1.7 PROJECT BENEFITSThe Inaj Limestone Mining project at Inaj Village would generate additional employmentopportunities which would finally result in improvement in the quality of life of people of thenearby villages. Shri. Aher Bhagwan Bhimshi will carry community welfare activities in thefollowing areas:

Community development Education Health& medical care Drainage and sanitation RoadsA budget of Rs. 1.2 Lakh as recurring expenses has been proposed for implementation of Socio-economic welfare activities in the nearby villages.

1.8 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLANAn Environmental Management Plan comprise of following set of mitigation, management,monitoring and institutional measures to be taken during implementation and operation of theproject, to eliminate adverse environmental impacts or reduce them to acceptable levels. Overall conservation of environment. Minimization of natural resources and water. Safety, welfare and good health of the work force and populace. Ensure effective operation of all control measures. Vigilance against probable disasters and accidents. Monitoring of cumulative and longtime impacts.













Ensure effective operation of all control measures. Control of waste generation and pollution.Judicious use of the environmental management plan addresses the components ofenvironment, which are likely to be affected by the different operations in the project. Thecapital cost of the project is approx. Rs. 60 Lakhs. It is proposed to provide an amount of Rs.14.50 Lakh as capital cost and Rs. 12.94 Lakhs per annum as recurring expenses towardsimplementation of the environmental action plan.

1.9 CONCLUSIONThe Inaj Limestone Mine project of Shri Aher Bhagwan Bhimshi will be beneficial for thedevelopment of the nearby villages. Some environmental aspects like dust emission, noise,siltation due to surface run-off, etc. will have to be controlled within the permissible norms toavoid impacts on the surrounding environment. Necessary pollution control equipment likewater sprinkling, plantation, personal protective equipments, etc., will form regular practice inthe project. Additional pollution control measures and environmental conservation measureswill be adopted to control/minimize impacts on the environment and socio-economicenvironment of the area. Measures like development of thick green belt and plantation withinmine lease area and along transport road, adoption of rainwater harvesting in the mine and innearby villages, etc. will be implemented. The CSR measures proposed to be adopted by the minemanagement will improve the social, economic status of the nearby villages.The overall impacts of the Inaj Limestone Mine will be positive and will result in overall socio-economic growth of nearby villages.









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