CURRENT NEWS
JUNE 2009

 

Coal India pulls out all stops to increase output

Kolkata, June 30, 2009: Focus is on underground, abandoned mines.

Coal Bhawan, the imposing headquarters of Coal India Ltd (CIL) in Kolkata, is buzzing with activity these days. And the top brass at the country’s largest coal producer has already shrugged off the disappointment over the ministry’s decision to rule out a price increase in the near future. For, disinvestment is in the air, and CIL doesn’t want to let such things distract it from its plan to ramp up coal production by 65 per cent to 660 million tonnes in another six to seven years. This is in keeping with coal minister Sriprakash Jaiswal’s assertion that increasing coal production was more important than a price increase. Coal India chairman Partha S Bhattacharya said despite all odds, CIL managed to cross the 400 million tonne production mark last fiscal, recording a growth of 6.4 per cent in output as against the previous year. “The trend will continue and our aim will be to achieve 10 per cent annual growth in the near future”, Bhattacharya said. The company expects a 7.1 per cent growth in coal output this fiscal with a total production of 435 million tonnes. There is hardly any way out. The new National Coal Wage Agreement VIII, which revised the salaries of close to 4,15,000 employees, heavily eroded CIL’s profit margin besides turning as many as 33 projects unviable. CIL’s director (Technical) N C Jha pointed out that of the 134 projects planned for the 11th plan period, estimated to produce 309 million tonne at an investment of Rs 26,000 crore, 33 had become unviable. “We are looking in what way we can go forward — whether to go for cost plus system or whether to wait for a price increase,” Jha said. CIL’s profit after tax (PAT) plummeted to Rs 96 crore in 2008-09 on account of the wage revision. The focus of the new production plan is underground and abandoned mines. Besides increasing capacity through conventional opencast mining, the company has recently shortlisted 10 private parties for developing 18 abandoned mines estimated to have a coal capacity of around 1,600 million tonnes. This apart, CIL also plans to develop seven underground mines on a turnkey basis. The company has received 17 offers and nine potential companies have been shortlisted, the contracts will be awarded shortly. In order to boost private investments for development of selected underground mining assets CIL has also formulated a standard draft wherein the onus will be on the selected firms for planning and operating these coal mines with state-of-the-art technology. The capital investment to be incurred by the successful bidders for developing the mines will be reimbursed against bank loans taken by CIL, which will retain some amount which will be disbursed on a case-to-case basis depending on the amount of work involved. “It’s a complex model of revenue sharing. We will reimburse the capital investment of the successful bidders. Once the production starts, for every tonne of coal produced we will give them a certain amount of money in accordance with whatever is defined in the tender document of the successful bid, Jha said. The public sector coal behemoth also plans to introduce washeries to produce better quality coals. “We have plans to set up 19 washeries out of which tenders for four have been floated, two are of 10 million tonnes each and two of five million tonnes capacity. We plan to bring in more washeries in the present fiscal,” Jha said. Jha said the company had fixed a quarter-wise growth plan. “We are also doing projects which have the potential to increase their production,” he said. But there is a rider. To implement these projects successfully, environmental and forest clearances have to be obtained, projects have to be prepared, and constant acquisition of land has to be done in time. The ministry and with CIL were looking at ways and means to expedite the process to increase production, he added.

(Source: http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/coal-india-pulls-out-all-stops-to-increase-output/362457/)

ArcelorMittal, Rio Tinto, GVK in race for CIL's abandoned coal mines

Kolkata, June 30, 2009:  ArcelorMittal, Anglo Australian major Rio Tinto, Hyderabad-based GVK Power & Infrastructure, Essar Mineral Resources and JSW Steel are among 10 prominent corporations in a shortlist to develop 18 abandoned coal mines owned by state-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) and its eight subsidiaries. A senior CIL official said these companies would form joint ventures with CIL to develop these mines, which have estimated reserves exceeding 1,600 million tonnes. CIL and its subsidiaries collectively produce 403 million tonnes of coal a year and have estimated reserves of 81 billion tonnes. The mines, which were abandoned because they are waterlogged and CIL lacked technology to exploit them, are spread over West Bengal and Jharkhand. CIL sought private participation to provide advanced technology to exploit these mines through tenders issued last year. The private participants will be responsible for developing, reviving, maintaining and operating the abandoned mines. The CIL official said the corporation had received some 14 offers for the revival and development of abandoned coal mines and 10 have been shortlisted and approved by the board. "The final tender document is in the process of being finalised. The draft of the final tender document has been made, it will be discussed shortly with the bidders and then the final model notice inviting tender document will be chalked out,” the official said. This will be followed by the final tendering process, after which CIL and its subsidiaries will form individual joint ventures with the shortlisted players for the development of each of these mines, the official added. Other companies in the shortlist are sponge iron, steel and power company Monnet Ispat & Energy Limited, speciality steel maker Sunflag Iron & Steel Company Limited and contract miner and equipment manufacturer Titan Mining. JSW has submitted two bids--one with US-based Joy Mining and the other with government-owned Singareni Collieries. The bidders will be able to select and choose from amongst the abandoned mines. The tendering process for the revival and development of these abandoned mines is scheduled to be completed by the end of this fiscal.

(Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/arcelormittal-rio-tinto-gvk-in-race-for-cil%5Cs-abandoned-coal-mines/362487/)

Delay in iron ore lease holds up Tata Steel’s Orissa project

Mumbai, June 29, 2009: A delay in allotment of the iron ore lease is holding up Tata Steel’s six million-tonne project at Kalinganagar, Orissa. Mr B. Muthuraman, Managing Director, Tata Steel, said on the sidelines of a recent press meet that according to an agreement with the Orissa Government, the company was to have got the lease for iron ore mining after putting in place 25 per cent of the equipment required for the project. “We have met our commitment and are waiting for the State to allot the mines,” he added. Tata Steel signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government in 2004 to set up the plant. The company had lined up an investment of Rs 15,400 crore and acquired most of the 1,360 hectares needed for the project. It had also placed orders worth Rs 6,500 crore for equipment such as blast furnace, steel melting shop and other civilian structures. The first phase was to have kicked off by 2008 but was delayed for a host of reasons. As for the delay in the other five-million-tonne steel project planned at Maoist-infested Bastar in Chhattisgarh, Mr Muthuraman said, “The only solution for the problem (by the Maoists) lies in development. We chose the State knowing well of the challenges ahead and have not given up. Land acquisition is in progress but the reality is that the project is delayed.”  Tata Steel signed an agreement with the State in June 2005 for which nearly 80 per cent of the 2,063.06 hectares identified for the project (across 10 villages in the Lohandiguda block) were acquired. There was opposition from farmers to the move.

Rehabilitation

The company’s subsidiary, Jamshedpur Utilities and Services Company, has already built a model house to rehabilitate villagers and plans homes for all those families displaced by the project. “Though the greenfield projects in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa are delayed, the company has not shunned any projects. We will focus spending on value-creating assets with accelerated benefits. The brownfield expansion at Jamshedpur will be completed on time,” Mr Muthuraman said. Tata Steel also plans to increase capacity at Jameshedpur to 10 mt from six mt in 2011. It has set aside a capex of $2 billion (nearly Rs 9,500 crore) over the next three years. The scrip was up two per cent at Rs 397 on Monday.

(Source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/06/30/stories/2009063051070200.htm)

 

Singareni coal mines open wounds

Warangal, June 28, 2009: Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has decided to tear up the ground in a process called open cast mining, to meet the voracious demand for coal. The decision could render 20,000 people homeless and affect 200 villages. The mines will also affect an estimated 3,000 hectares of forests. The company prefers open cast mining (OCM) mainly because it is cheaper than mining for coal under the ground. The company plans to open 15 open mines in its operational area comprising Khammam, Warangal, Adilabad and Karimnagar districts. “If the mining underground produces 1,500 tonnes of coal a day, open cast mines produce 10,000 tonnes per day and obviously at a much lesser cost,” said Mr G. Sridhar Reddy, senior SCCL official. Unless it shifts to OCM at the earliest, it will not be able to meet the coal requirements of the power sector which takes 75 per cent of the coal produced by the company. While that is so, the open cast mining will displace thousands of families, destroy scores of habitations and cause loss of livelihood to locals. Officials have already witnessed the anger of potential oustees of Sathupally in Khammam district, Indaram in Adilabad and Khasimpet in Warangal. At Akkepally in Karimnagar district, people have vehemently opposed the open cast mines at public hearings. “Open cast mining is nothing but cultural invasion by those in authority. The mining activity would make the locals refugees in their own homeland,” says Mr Tejavath Bellaiah Naik, member of the Dharti Bhachao Committee. The coal company says it is carrying controlled blasting to reduce pollution. The company says it is in the process of acquiring the smallest extent of land by paying compensation. “It is in the national interest to increase coal production to meet the growing requirements of the power sector and help the country progress,” said Mr Sridhar Reddy. What about the destruction of the environment? He said steps have been taken to keep damage to the environment at a minimum by using the latest equipment. Though coal production is projected to increase by 50 million metric tonnes in 2009-2010, there exists a demand and supply gap of 10 to 15 million metric tonnes. The SCCL has also limited its open cast reserves which may exhaust in the next 10 to 15 years. The company will pay compensatory afforestation charges and develop forests on an equal amount of land where it has lopped off the jungles. It will pay Rs 4.38 lakh to Rs 10.43 lakh per hectare, Mr Sridhar Reddy said.

(Source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/singareni-coal-mines-open-wounds-293)

Miners target ‘gold-rich’ hillock

Tirupati, June 27, 2009: Over 50 contractors, mostly from the mining and road construction sectors, are competing with each other to get hold of forest lands abutting the Mallayya hill range in Tamballapalle mandal of the district. In 2006, a team of geologists inspected the hills and submitted a report that the region was rich in gold, mica and iron reserves and projected that it could be more than Obulapuram mines. Since two years, over 20 applications came from private companies for the lands. However, in the last two months alone, 29 applications were received by the forest department. The officials procured deep earth samples at Veeranna cave in the hills and sent them for chemical tests to Hyderabad. It is believed that the British rulers found the mineral wealth of the region in the 18th century and dredged the hills for about four decades. After Independence, some firms tried to explore the region, but dropped the move fearing opposition from environmental groups. Against this backdrop, the government agencies were silent about the region’s mineral wealth. In the last two months, a few companies have stepped up their activities to procure the forest lands under the guise of setting up wind mills on the lines of the one at Kakula Konda in Tirumala. Forest officials said that there were some applications which showed the reason for obtaining lands as “social service activities like building old age homes”. The local population has also expressed doubts about sudden spurt in interest among the mining and construction companies to obtain forest land.

(Source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/miners-target-%E2%80%98gold-rich%E2%80%99-hillock-041)

Curpem locals oppose renewal of mining leases

Quepem, June 25, 2009 (HC) : Residents of Curpem and Colomba in Sanguem taluka on Thursday opposed the renewal of mining leases of two mining companies in their areas. The residents made this decision at a public hearing organized by Goa State Pollution Control Board at Shree Curpeshwar Temple hall, Satarkarwada-Curpem, Sanguem. The public hearing was organized to hear objections and suggestions from the public with regard to the two mining companies, who had applied for the environment clearance certificate to renew their mining leases. Additional Collector Prasanna Acharya and GSPCB representative Rajendra J Kamat presided over the hearing. Rama Velip of Colomba said that since the tributaries of Kushawati River start from the mining site, starting of mine would adversely affect Kushawati River as the mining silt will flow into the river. “Due to operation of the mine, agriculture will also be affected as some parts of mine lease area form agricultural land. Besides, rock carvings at Colomba and Ponsamol, which are nearby the proposed mine, will also be affected,” said Velip. It may be recalled that a year ago, Rivona-Colomba panchayat had passed a resolution stating that no further mining will be allowed in the village. In his speech, Motes Antao, said that the major portion where the mine would be set up is a ‘forest area’, besides Selaulim Dam is also at a distance of 500 mtrs away from the proposed mine site. Dr Audut Prabhu Dessai, while opposing the mine, stated that mining activity would affect the tribals in the area. “There will be traffic chaos. The roads are already overburdened with the existing trucks,” said Dr Dessai. Harish Gaonkar, Xavier Fernandes and Surya Gaonkar also spoke on the occasion. However, Curpem Sarpanch Josephine Fernandes along with some locals, Suraj Gaonkar and Dilip Gaonkar supported the mining activity, provided interests of the locals are protected.

(Source: http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=23659&cid=26)

Coal Ministry puts appointment of regulator on 100-day agenda

Kolkata, June 25, 2009: The pending issue of appointing a regulator has been put on the 100-day agenda by the government, Union Minister of State for Coal Shriprakash Jaiswal said. He, however, ruled out any immediate increase in coal prices saying that the emphasis now was on increasing production. Addressing a press conference, he said a policy change was also in the offing by allowing competitive bidding for getting coal blocks. “This move is to bring greater transparency and better realisation for the government in the process of allotment of coal blocks”. This process will need an amendment of the Mines and Minerals Development Act. It will also ensure that only serious players enter coal mining. Coal India Chairman P. S. Bhattacharyya said that of the 40 billion tonnes of reserves allotted to 190 companies, nearly 95 per cent had remained untapped. Only about 13 companies had begun mining with a production of 30 million tonnes. Mr. Jaiswal, who met Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee during the day, said that he discussed the issue of land acquisition and forest clearance with him as also the issue pertaining to the Jharia Action Plan and coal pilferage. Describing the meeting as satisfactory, he said that the State government had been asked to spell out a clear stand on the matter of environment and forest clearance. The Centre has also been urged to give clearances within six months. Mr Jaiswal had already met the Union Minister of State for Environment and Forest, Jairam Ramesh, he said. On the initial public offering (IPO) issue, he said no date had been fixed for this although the government was not against disinvestment. In the case of CIL, it would be between 5 per cent and 10 per cent. But this would happen only when it was necessary. On the regulator issue, Rajiv Sharma, additional coal secretary, said that Cabinet approval would soon be sought for this, after which a bill would have to be moved in Parliament. He said that one of the main aims of appointing a regulator was to discipline mining into which the private sector entry was being allowed in a big way. It may be mentioned that the appointment of a regulator for the coal industry is in tune with the T. L. Shanker Committee report which Mr. Sharma said was being implemented in a phased manner.

(Source:http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/25/stories/2009062553351400.htm)

Coal minister to fast track mining projects

Kolkata, June 25, 2009: To fast track the implementation of coal mining projects deferred on account of environmental clearances or land acqusition problem, Union coal minister Sriprakash Jaiswal asked for greater cooperation and support from state governments. The minister met chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattarcharjee on his first visit to Bengal after taking charge and sought his government’s for faster environmental clearances and curbing corrupt practices. Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata on Wednesday, Jaiswal said, “Our aim is to increase coal production and the most important bottleneck to coal production in the country is land acquisition and getting environmental clearances. The coal ministry have talked to the ministry of Environment and Forest and the centre has committed to give clearances within six months of application. We want that sort of commitment from state governments.” In West Bengal, the 13 captive blocks allotted over 2100 hectares with estimated reserves of 13 million tons are deferred on account of land acqusition issues and forest clearances. “I will take up these issues with the states. I have met West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattarcharjee and have recieved a satisfactory answer. I will meet Jharkhand governor and environment heads next,” he said. Of the 196 captive blocks allotted, estimated to have 40 billion tons of coal reserves, work has begun only in 13 blocks.

(Source: http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/coal-minister-to-fast-track-mining-projects/362032/)

Coal or forests?

The country shouldn't be asked to pick between the two

New Delhi, June 25, 2009: The government’s decision to give fast-track clearance to coal mining projects in degraded forests may help boost coal production, but it bodes ill for the country’s forest cover. While environment activists are red-faced over the decision, taken at the meeting of the environment and coal ministers, legal pundits maintain that laws stand in the way. Besides, it will be difficult to delineate degraded forests, as the Forest Survey of India does not recognise any such category. The fear, therefore, is that what are now described as ‘open forests, scrubs and non-forests’ may be demarcated as ‘degraded forests’ for this purpose. If that is the case, it will ultimately reduce the country’s overall forest cover, already woefully short of the desired 33 per cent mark. The ministerial move should be viewed against the backdrop of reforms in the coal sector, including opening up of mining to the private sector. Private companies today are allowed to mine only for their captive consumption. Unrestricted mining would require repeal of the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973. And if permission has to be given for coal mining in forest areas, the government would need to address provisions of laws like the Forest Conservation Act, the Environment Protection Act and the Forest Rights Act. While de-nationalisation of coal mines may not be difficult as a Bill to this effect, introduced by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in the Rajya Sabha in 2000, is still pending before the House and can be revived, amending the other statutes may be neither easy nor desirable. Any dilution of the laws concerning environment and forests will jeopardise the livelihood of forest dwellers and forest tribes and that too in the broad region (Orissa, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and adjoining areas) where Naxalism is already a major problem. That said, the need for increasing coal output can also not be undermined, especially since the country is sitting on huge coal reserves and faces an annual coal shortage. The public sector coal units, which have had a virtual monopoly in this field, have not been able to do what is required to boost supply. The resulting supply constraint has served as a major disincentive for fresh investment in thermal power generation. Coal mining by private companies for captive use, too, has not expanded much because of the ban on the commercial sale of coal from such mines, which has come in the way of exploiting economies of scale. While it is imperative to introduce coal sector reforms and give speedy approval to new mining projects, this needs to be done without adversely affecting the health of the country’s forests and the environment in general. How to do this is of course the question that the government must address.

(Source: http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/coal-or-forests/362039/)

 

‘Money is not an issue to contribute to the environment’

24 Jun 2009 – INTERVIEW - Partha S Bhattacharyya, Chairman, Coal India Ltd

What sort of demand growth does Coal India (CIL) expect by the end of the 11th Plan period? At what rate should coal production increase to meet  Partha S Bhattacharyya, Chairman, Coal India Ltd future demand?
Given the current demand forecast, it is essential that coal production is increased at a faster pace than the current rate. At present, the growth rate of coal production is about 6.40 per cent. However, if future demand from the power sector is to be met, production needs to be increased at about 9 per cent per annum. CIL has decided to enhance capacity from the present 405 million tonnes to 520.5 mt by 2011-12, which, if achieved, would be a 9.5 per cent growth annually.
What do you think could be the impediments to such growth?
Delay in procurement of equipment, productive assets and spares has stood in the way of enhancing production capacity in the past, besides delay on account of environment and forest clearances.
Has CIL taken any steps to make sure availability of equipment is not a deterrent in production?
CIL has adopted an integrity pact that helps settle any complaint made by the aggrieved party within 15 days to at most a month. Earlier, this used to take several months delaying the tendering process indefinitely. This also does away with the need to retender. Moreover, for complex tenders involving multi-year contracts, price escalation and forex volatility, we have decided to thoroughly discuss all issues with prospective suppliers through detailed pre-NIT meetings. These are followed by tweaking tenders and standardising them. This is expected to handle procurement delays in the future.
Delay in project clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) has always been a stumbling block in new project execution. How do you propose to handle that?
We must agree that CIL’s track record in managing and showcasing the eco-friendliness of its mining practices leaves room for improvement. There is a perception problem, part of which is attributable to us. We have never showcased our contributions to the environment in the past. To address the issue, we have declared 2009-10 as eco-friendly year at CIL. The plan is to showcase CIL’s contribution to the environment and record all actions taken to contribute to nature. As part of the initiative, we have decided to interact with the states and the Centre for bringing to notice the best of our mines and ones that are not doing well. We intend to discuss with them about improvements that are possible and about difficulties we are facing. A major breakthrough was achieved in a meeting between the Ministers of State in charge for Coal and Environment & Forest on June 17, followed by a joint press conference held by the ministers on June 18.
How do you propose to fund these initiatives?
Money at Coal India is not an issue in the way of contribution to the environment. However, we need to interact and involve all stakeholders in this initiative.
What other programme is CIL currently taking on the environment front?
Last year, we changed the priority of land filling and restoration to position two right after production. This means that officers in charge at mines would be appraised on the basis of achievement of production followed by these two parameters — and filling and restoration. Moreover, we have involved CMPDIL to take updated pictures of mines from satellites on a regular basis to find how much land restoration has been done. We have received encouraging results for at least five and six opencast projects. One of the 100-day programmes of the Ministry of Coal is uploading of satellite surveillance reports for 35 opencast projects.
What are the issues with MoEF that CIL has been facing?
Most of the issues have been discussed in detail in the meeting held between the ministers on June 17. Follow up meetings shall be held in future to sort out the issues.

(Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Interviews/Money-is-not-an-issue-to-contribute-to-the-environment/articleshow/4694632.cms)

Court raps Sesa Goa for dumping mine rejects

Panjim, June 24, 2009: The Bombay High Court at Goa on Wednesday directed Sesa Goa to forthwith stop dumping mining waste near Advalpal rivulet. The Division Bench comprising Justice B P Dharmadhikari and Justice U D Salvi, on pursuing  the report submitted by the expert committee, issued direction to stop dumping of mining rejects immediately to contain flooding of the area and destruction of paddy fields.    The petition is filed by Goa Foundation and residents of Advalpal village who have been affected by  incessant mining rejects dumped along the Advalpal rivulet. Their grievance is that huge heaps of mining rejects dumped  on the sides of the rivulet have collapsed and have choked the canal.  Overflowing water from the rivulet has entered into houses and paddy fields thus causing damage to agriculture as well. During the last hearing, the court had appointed an expert committee comprising government officials including the  deputy collector, executive engineer of water resource depart and canal officer. The committee conducted  the inspection on June 13 and its report presented to the court revealed that mining rejects going into the rivulet had been the cause of the problem and suggested  measures to be undertaken to stop further damage. When the matter came up for hearing today morning the counsel for the petitioners advocate Norma Alvares told the court that expert committee’s findings have indeed confirmed the charges made in the petition. The petitioner also produced photos of mining rejects being dumped at the site to substantiate their case even as the mining company rejected the charge that mining waste is being dumped by it.  Three mining companies — Sesa Goa, Lithoferro and Salgaocar Mining Industries are operating in the area since 2005. The expert committee report disclosed that while Sesa Goa dumped mining rejects right along the rivulet site, Salgaocar Mining Industries dumped its rejects 2.5 kms  away. The court today also directed the company to take measures to stop further damage. Restoration work has been directed to be undertaken under the supervision of senior executive engineer and canal officer.

(Source: http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=23604&cid=2)

‘Land acquisition major hurdle for new coal projects’

Kolkata, June 24, 2009: Land acquisition and environmental clearance are posing the biggest problems for the coal sector in taking up new projects, coal minister, Mr Shriprakash Jaiswal said here today. “The biggest problem for taking up new coal mining projects is land acquisition and getting environmental clearance,” Mr Jaiswal told reporters here after reviewing the performance of Coal India. Coal India required 65,000 hectare land in the current plan to achieve its production target of 520 million tons. About 80 per cent new projects faced land acquisition and environmental clearance problems, he said. Mr Jaiswal, who had talks with the West Bengal chief minister, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee regarding land acquisition in the state for new coal mining project said, he would hold similar discussions with other state governments in this regard. CIL required 2,100 hectare in the state for its new projects.On coal block allocation, Mr Jaiswal said, captive coal blocks would now be allocated through auction to maintain transparency and to fetch better price. “There will be some changes in the policy,” he added. ; PTI

(Source: http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=12&theme=&usrsess=1&id=258944)

Lokayukta will probe mining issues: BSY tells Centre

Bangalore, June 24, 2009: Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa has told the Centre that Lokayukta has been asked to probe into complaints of irregularities, illegalities and environmental issues associated with mining in Bellary and Sandur areas. In a letter to Union forest and environment minister Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday, Yeddyurappa said the terms of reference of the investigation are elaborate and exhaustive. "All aspects of mining in the state are dealt with by the state government. Earlier government's reference to Lokayukta was for the period 2000-2006. However, our government extended the period of reference upto December 2008," Yeddyurappa said. His letter comes in the wake of Ramesh expressing concern regarding illegal mining in Bellary forest area in his letter addressed to the state on June 15. "The government constituted a high-level committee headed by the additional chief secretary to study the Lokayukta report submitted in December 2008 and assist the government in taking action on various observations and recommendations contained in the report," he said. In a separate letter, Yeddyurappa urged Union mines minister B K Handique to revise royalty and dead rent rates in respect of major minerals. The letter said royalty rates fixed by the Centre are very low and are not commensurate with the present market value of iron ore.  "The frequent movement of vehicles carrying iron ore has caused lot of damage to the environment and road infrastructure in the state. The repair of roads and containing environmental damage require huge investment by the state government. Therefore, enhancement of royalty on iron ore to 10% of the sale price (advalorem) and general revision of royalty rates in respect of other major minerals based on the market value is needed," Yeddyurappa said.

(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bangalore/Lokayukta-will-probe-mining-issues-BSY-tells-Centre/articleshow/4694124.cms)

National mineral policy may get working next yr

New Delhi, June 23, 2009: The government proposes to operationalise the much-awaited National Mineral Policy early next year. Union minister for mines BK Handique on Monday said that the amendments to Mines and Minerals (development and regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) will be introduced in Parliament by the winter session. Amendments to the Act is important to give effect to the provisiopns contained in the mineral policy. The Cabinet approved the new policy last year.  “MMDR Act has been amended several times. We thought there was a need to amend it further to operationalise the new policy,” Mr Handique said unveiling his ministry’s agenda of governance over next few months. Apart from the amendments, the ministry also wants to introduce a new royalty regime for minerals in the country. The minister also said that impetus would also be given to the North East where there is a lot of untapped potential for mining.

(Source: http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=ET&BaseHref=ETD%2F2009%2F06%2F23&ViewMode=GIF&GZ=T&PageLabel=12&EntityId=Ar01205&AppName=1)

No mining in wildlife sanctuaries, says panel
Panjim, June 22, 2009: A high-level committee that went into mining activities in the State, has found that there is no mining activity in or around wildlife sanctuaries in the State. The chief conservator of forest Dr Shashi Kumar today said that the committee in its reports has not found any such mining activity. The wildlife sanctuaries are mines-free, it has said. “We have not found a single case where there is mining within or around wild life sanctuary. If such mining exists the forest department would have naturally taken some action against it. We would not have kept quiet,” Dr Kumar stated. Kumar informed that till now the committee has conducted seven visits covering 40 sites. “We have submitted five reports to the state government while two are ready to go,” he said. “In all these reports we have not found a single case of mining in wildlife sanctuary or in the near by areas,” he told Herald.   The state legislative assembly sessions held this year saw opposition benches hurling allegations against the mining department of shielding mining within the wildlife sanctuary. “I am aware about this allegation but at the time of investigation we did not find any such illegal mining in the sanctuaries,” Kumar added.

(Source: http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=23519&cid=26)

Mining sector has to buckle down: panel

Panjim, June 22, 2009: The politically-patronaged mining sector will have to mend its ways, if the State Government seriously considers the  recommendation of the high level committee which went into mining operations in the State.  The committee headed by the Chief Conservator of Forests Dr Shashi Kumar had found several drawbacks in Goa’s mining. “Till now we have conducted around seven visits covering 40 sites and in few cases we have found drawbacks which we have brought to the notice of the State government and hence they have directed the respective departments to take action,” Kumar stated. The committee in its report have found that some mines, as against the norms governed in environment clearance, has exceeded the height of mining reject dump and in some cases the drains are not properly built allowing the water to flow down the paddy fields. There are few cases where they have failed to check out conservation plan for flora and fauna. “Some of them have made a conservation plan but it is still to be modified to the satisfaction of the divisional forest officer,” Kumar added. Talking about the action to be taken against these mines he said that  though we are mandated to inspect all the mines in the State and report back, we does not have power to take collective action. “It’s the duty of respective departments to take action,” he said. The committee was formed on September 29, 2008 for a period of three months where they submitted four reports after inspecting 28 mines. Later on March 5, 2009 the committee was reappointed whose tenure will cease on August 15, this year. Kumar informed that till date the committee has submitted five reports to the State government while two are ready to go.  Director of Mines Arvind Lolienkar said that the committee has directed departments like mines, Goa State Pollution Control Board, forest and agriculture departments to initiate action against all those mines which have violated the norms. “Most of the cases are to be tackled by pollution control board as they are the authority to check the air and water pollution level,” Lolienkar added.

(Source: http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=23520&cid=26)

New GSPCB chairman vows to get tough on polluters

Panaji, June 22, 2009: Stricter enforcement of environmental rules, frequent surprise inspections and suo moto action against polluters without waiting for the receipt of complaints against them are some of the new measures proposed by the new chairman of the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), Simon de Souza in his bid for a cleaner Goa. The 65-year-old chemical oceanographer, who has worked for 31 years at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Dona Paula, took over as the new chairman of the GSPCB on June 8 this year. De Souza has also served as a consultant to the GSPCB for three years from 2005 to 2008. When asked to comment on the board's current image as an ineffective body, de Souza said, "The board has lot of powers under the Environment Protection Act 1986 with regard to air, water and noise pollution. If any industry is found to be violating the consent conditions, we can order its shutdown. We will exercise these powers." At the top of the priority list for de Souza are the stricter enforcement of environment rules as well as of the outlined consent conditions.  "Although we set the consent conditions, regular inspections of the establishments are not happening. Lack of staff has been hampering the board's functioning. I have made requests and the minister for environment has promised to give us more staff," de Souza said. The new chairman also intends to make personal visits to at least all the major industries in order to identify the likely causes of pollution, the measures adopted to control the pollution and to acquaint himself with the problems faced by the people.  "The board will also take pre-emptive suo moto action wherever there is a threat of pollution from any source. This will be done without waiting for the receipt of complaints against the polluter," de Souza said.  He also intends to streamline the board's operations vis-à-vis its administration, the laboratory, the technical section, etc. "We will organize re-orientation seminars for our staff and also computerize the system so that I have access to the records of any industry while sitting at my desk," de Souza said. Compared to other states, Goa's environment is much cleaner, de Souza commented. "However, there are problem areas which include municipal solid waste, biomedical waste, hazardous waste from industries, as well as mining pollution. It is the duty of the mine owners to control pollution at the mining sites and the dump sites at the jetties. However, the pollution caused during transportation of mining ore by over speeding and improperly covered trucks needs to be curbed by the traffic police," the new chairman said, adding that some mining companies do not follow the rules and that the board will conduct suo moto inspections of the defaulting mines in this regard.  When asked about coal dust pollution in Vasco, de Souza said he is aware of the problem. "I am given to understand that during the last board meeting, they (mining companies) have been given some more time to erect a 100 m long wall in the port area to prevent dust pollution of the Vasco city," de Souza said. Regarding the charge that casinos have been dumping their garbage into the Mandovi river, de Souza said he was not aware of the exact scenario but stated that he would conduct inspections of the casinos, not only to check garbage disposal but also their sewage outlets, which could pose a problem for a small river like the Mandovi. Noble intentions all, but how will he cope with political interference, if any. Said de Souza, "First of all, I have not been appointed through political influence. I have no commitment to any politician. I should be given a free hand."

(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Goa/New-GSPCB-chairman-vows-to-get-tough-on-polluters/articleshow/4684987.cms)

Tribals up in arms against acquisition of land

Attempts to survey the lands for acquisition stalled

An extent of 10,000 ha of unreserved forest land being acquired

Mining activity is depriving tribals of their livelihood in Khammam and West Godavari

Eluru, June 22, 2009: The Andhra Pradesh government’s move to take over the lands of tribals in the agency of West Godavari district to an extent of 10,000 ha and hand over the same to the Forest Department for development of reserve forest in Illendu area in Khammam district is being met with stiff resistance from Kondareddis of Buttayagudem and Polavaram mandals. Backed by the CPI-ML (New Democracy), strong groups of Kondareddis stalled the attempts by the Revenue authorities to survey the lands for acquisition a few days ago in Gummuluru and Gogimilli villages in Buttayagudem mandal. Finally, the surveyors were forced to retreat from the fields. According to information, an extent of 10,000 ha of unreserved forest land under the enjoyment of Kondareddis, still considered a primitive tribe, falling under Geddapalli, Munduluru and Puliramannagudem in Polavaram and Buttayagudem mandals, was being acquired for development of forest land. The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) was reported to have found rich coal deposits in the thick reserve forests in Illendu area and the Forest Department insisted on the government compensating the loss of reserve forests due to mining by Singareni Collieries. The district administration was learnt to have received instructions from the State government to make up for the loss in the agency area of West Godavari district. K. Sudhakar, secretary of the district unit of the CPI-ML (New Democracy), said the mining activity was depriving the tribals of their livelihood in both Khammam and West Godavari districts.

Displacement

Claiming that his party was not against coal mining, he regretted that a large number of tribals were getting displaced and forced to lose their properties due to the Indirasagar project and the mining activity. Mr. Sudhakar said the use of agency lands for mining would run counter to the Forest Rights Act which was aimed at safeguarding the interests of tribals.

(Source:http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/22/stories/2009062258790700.htm)

Anyone can object to environmental damage: Court

New Delhi, June 21, 2009: Be it public-spirited people, environmentalist or voluntary groups, everyone has the right to raise a voice against environmental damage and be considered an aggrieved party, says Delhi High Court.  Justice S. Ravindra Bhat said, “Unconcern to the environment has reached damaging levels.” He ruled, “In cases where complaints are filed bona fide by environmentalists or NGOs working for the betterment of the community, they are to be construed as aggrieved persons.”  In the ruling last week, the court made it clear that the law is accessible and same for all and set aside an order of the National Environmental Appellate Authority (NEAA). The NEAA had dismissed environmental activist Prafulla Samantra’s plea against the setting up of an alumina smelter plant in Bhurkamunda village in Jharsuguda district of Orissa, stating he is not an aggrieved person in the case.  Samantra, president of the Orissa unit of Lok Shakti Abhiyan, an organisation dedicated to social and environmental causes, challenged the order in the high court.  Setting aside the NEAA order, the court said, “If standing before a special tribunal created to assess the impact of projects and activities that impact potential threats to the environment is construed narrowly, organisations working for the betterment of the environment whether in form of NGOs or otherwise would be effectively kept out of the discourse that is so crucial an input in such proceedings. The court asked the NEAA to consider the plea of the environmental activist and slapped a fine of Rs 50,000 on Vedanta Alumina Limited, which is setting up the alumina smelter plant in Orissa. It added, “If public duties are to be enforced and the social collective’s diffused rights and interests are to be protected, we have to utilise the initiative and zeal of public-minded persons and organisations by allowing them to move the court.” — IANS

(Source:http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090622/delhi.htm#10)

Coal ministry backs pvt role in mining

New Delhi, June 20, 2009:  The black diamond industry is in for a big-ticket reform, with the government gearing up to usher in an open-bidding regime and set up a regulator in six months or so to open up coal mining to private players without the restriction of captive use. The move is aimed at garnering an additional investment of Rs 118,000 crore for ramping up production to 1,061 million tonnes a year by 2025. "The ministry is almost ready with the Bill to set up a regulator and is working on resurrecting a pending Bill to amend pertinent laws needed to open coal mining to private players. I expect to move Parliament on both in the next (winter) session and if the Bills do not go to the standing committee, I am hopeful of getting results in six months or so,'' coal minister Sriprakash Jaiswal told TOI. Jaiswal's favourite model is a regime where the government evaluates the quantity of coal in a mine, sets a minimum price for it and then offers it to the highest bidder. "This is a transparent method. It will free the government from burdens such as monitoring production and sale that leaves scope for corruption. Otherwise, an operator will sell 100 trucks and show only 50. We may also look at a staggered payment plan etc.'' Jaiswal, however, said that several other models were also being tossed around. An estimated Rs 95,000 crore investment in opencast mining and Rs 23,000 crore in underground mining will be required to attain the 2025 production target. At present private role in coal mining is restricted to captive consumption. "It is not possible for the public sector alone to meet the demand-supply gap... There is a strong case for opening the sector...in order to meet the challenge,'' Jaiswal said.  Coal accounts for 55-60% of India's energy basket. It is vital as rising population, expanding economy and a quest for improved quality of life is expected to push energy usage to around 450 kgoe (kg oil equivalent) a year by 2010. Commercial primary energy consumption in India has grown by about 700% in the last four decades. The country's current annual per capita consumption of commercial primary energy is about 350 kgoe, well below developed economies.  On October 5, 2007, TOI had first reported a reforms roadmap that said mining companies should also be allowed to dig for coal to increase private participation. It laid down steps to bring in competition -- both in handing out of mines and pricing -- besides a regulatory framework to check companies from profiteering through cartels or monopoly. The roadmap said a competitive bidding system will keep out non-serious players and ensure optimal allocation of coal blocks. It says pricing of various grades of coal should be based on their calorific value (heat-producing capacity) and more sales through e-auction be encouraged to derive a market price. The roadmap recommended pushing a pending legislation for making changes in the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act of 1973 that will help garner such huge investments through full-scale private investment. The Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Amendment Act, 2000, has been stuck over lack of consensus among policy makers over key issues, including allowing private players.  India ranks third among coal-producing countries in the world, with 400-plus million tonnes of annual output. It is estimated to have reserves of around 246 billion tonnes, 92 billion tonnes of which are proven. Coal meets 65% of the country's requirement of primary energy and the government allows private mining for only captive use at present.

(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Business/India-Business/Coal-ministry-backs-pvt-role-in-mining/articleshow/4677635.cms)

Ramesh's no-mining plans in forests may face legal hurdles
New Delhi, June 20, 2009: Minister of state for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh’s plans for an environmentally responsive coal mining regime may run into some legal hurdles. Mr Ramesh proposed that for the purpose of mining, forest areas would be classified as “go” and “no go” areas. The “go” areas comprise the degraded forest area while the “no go” would include forest areas of medium and high density. “No proposals will be entertained in the no-go areas. Coal India Limited will not submit any proposals for the no-go areas,” the minister said. This is a part of the six-point agenda prepared by the environment and coal ministries to expedite the forest and environment clearances for mining projects while keeping environmental interests in mind. The ministry will need to amend the Forest Conservation Act and the Environment Protection Act if it is to enforce this plan. The existing legislations do not classify forest areas as “go” and “no go”. At an all-India level, 55-60% of forest areas are classified as degraded. In the absence of legislative backing, the plans to restrict mining to areas of degraded forests could well be challenged. The environment minister said this restriction would apply to all new proposals. Plans for ongoing mining activity in medium and high density forest areas (or “no go” zones) were not disclosed. Mr Ramesh said that while giving clearances in the degraded forest land, the provisions of the legislation would be adhered to. “We will not flout the provisions of the law.”

(Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Rameshs-no-mining-plans-in-forests-may-face-legal-hurdles/articleshow/4679050.cms)

Concern over deforestation

Shillong, June 19, 2009: Rampant deforestation and unscientific mining in Meghalaya was consistently referred as a cause of greater concern during the national seminar on global warming and climate change in Shillong today. Although the topic of discussion covers a wide range of issues that contributed to global warming, unscientific coal mining in the State received greater focus.
Governor of Meghalaya Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary pointed to deforestation in the State that led to erosion of the top soil and said any future endeavour to grow more trees will be greatly hampered. Reminding the people that the State should not take pride of having forest cover that is more than the national average, the Governor referred to the depleting forest cover in the state as a reason for the change of climate in the State.
Chief Conservator of Forest TTC Marak, in his observation, pointed out the rampant unscientific ‘rat hole’ coal mining in jaintia Hills district of throwing aquatic life into a grave situation. “Our findings reveal that the rivers are acidic with only 35Ph level and most of the waters have no aquatic life”, stated Marak.
Interestingly, 101 Area GOC Major General KL Sethi’s speech made many to reminiscence Shillong two decades ago. “Sweating was unknown to Shillong, and now people have introduced fans and air condition due to the sign of global warming.” The General also cautioned that unless the present generations take proper care of the environment, future wars will be fought for water. 

(Source:http://www.sentinelassam.com/state.php?sec=2&subsec=2&id=14061&dtP=2009-06-20&ppr=1#14061)

Growing number of quarries creating barren lands

Hatsingimari, June 19, 2009: A picture of emptiness is engulfing the fertile lands of Mankachar Land Revenue circle in Dhubri district on the outskirts of the West Garo Hills district in Meghalaya where agriculture is being badly effected due to the growing number of quarries in the hills. Some of the areas are also being completely abandoned owing to growing waste matter accumulation in their fertile lands from the quarries. Sources said a number of quarries and boulder crushing machines are being installed on the hills producing huge amounts of waste matter which is accumulating on the agricultural lands and moreover, rains are washing down the bits and pieces towards the plains as well. The waste matter has also accumulated over the plain areas and formed a layer making it difficult for the farmers to under go farming. The condition is worse in Tangoan area where many bighas of agricultural land had already been abondoned and the number is increasing every day. Moreover, the disgruntled owners of these lands have alleged that their pleas and cries for preventive measure to be taken to curb the current process have all fallen to deaf ears as no steps to stop the act has been taken. They further said the behaviour of the authorities concerned have puzzled them. They therefore wanted to know if the Asom and Meghalaya Government would held the owners of these quarries and boulder crushing machines responsible for destroying their agricultural lands and whether they could claim for any compensation. It is important to note that it needs a joint interception between Asom and Meghalaya Government in order to remove the traders from the hills so that their act of creating deserts out of agricultural lands could be prevented. This is also important in order to safeguard the natural beauty of the hills.

(Source:http://www.sentinelassam.com/state.php?sec=2&subsec=2&id=14061&dtP=2009-06-20&ppr=1#14061)

Govt to limit coal mining to degraded forest areas

New Delhi June 19, 2009: In a bid to double coal production in the country by ensuring speedy environmental approvals to miners, the government is planning to limit coal mining activities to degraded forest areas. Currently, coal mining is allowed in India both on degraded as well as non-degraded land areas subject to environmental approval from the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF). Identifying degraded areas separately from non-degraded ones and limiting mining to them is expected to fastrack the environment approval process. “Much of our problems of delay in giving clearances will end once this distinction is made between degraded and non-degraded areas,” sad Jairam Ramesh, minister of State for Environment and Forest (Independent Charge). Around 55 per cent of the total forest area in the country is degraded — not suitable for plantation. Around 75 per cent of India’s coal reserves of 270 billion tonnes are located in the three states of Jharkhand, Orissa and Chhattisgarh. Also, forest land accounts for 30-40 per cent of the total geographical area of these states. Ensuring faster clearances for developing coal mines, according to the minister, will help in increasing the country’s overall coal production to over a billion tonnes in the next seven years. Currently, India produces around 500 million tonnes of the dry fuel annually. “If we do not reach a production level of 1 billion tonnes, our power plants will not materialise,” Ramesh said. He was briefing the media about the outcome of his meeting with Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal yesterday to discuss the issue. He also added that his ministry, along with the ministry of coal and the state-owned Coal India, was trying to find out which of the coal reserves in the country were in forest areas that can be diverted. India generates around 690 billion units of electricity annually — around 10-15 per cent less than the overall demand for power. In a bid to bridge this demand and supply gap of power, the government is planning to add over 78,700 Mw of power generation capacity in the current Plan period ending March 2012. Every month, around 20-25 of the 81 thermal power plants in India are forced to run at critical coal stocks level — with a coal supply of less than seven days, as per the latest data obtained from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). According to estimates, annual coal shortage in the country is expected to surpass 200 million tonnes by the end of the current Plan period. “Our coal output will be raised to 520 million tonnes by 2012 and further 664 million tonnes by 2016,” said Partha S Bhattacharya, chairman of Coal India. Experts, however, believe that making distinctions between degraded and non-degraded areas for coal mining might not be sufficient. “This categorisation would not be sufficient unless the rest of the evaluation process, which is currently project specific, is also replaced by a category wise evaluation where the norms of approval are pre-specified,” said Kuljit Singh, head, Transaction Advisory Services, Ernst & Young.

(Source: http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/govt-to-limit-coal-mining-to-degraded-forest-areas/361535/)

New formula for coal clearances ignores reality

New Delhi, June 19, 2009: Environment and Forest Minister Jairam Ramesh's decision to allow coal mining in all “degraded forests” can expedite mining but may not ensure safety of forests. The agreement between Coal Minister Shriprakash Jaiswal and the Environment Minister would mean all proposals for mining in dense and moderately dense forests would be automatically cancelled, while all proposals for mining in “degraded, semi degraded forests” would go through the clearance process and may ultimately get approved. But as per the Forest Survey of India (FSI), there is no category called “degraded forests” and experts say the minister has clubbed what it terms as “open forests, scrub and non-forests” under the head of “degraded forests”. Besides, the government definition of forests also leaves out bio-diverse grasslands and forests which are not recorded on paper. These would now be open for mining. “The term degraded is never used by the FSI, as it would mean admission of failure to protect the forests”, says environment researcher Sharadchandra Lele of Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment. ''It is also a dangerous statement to make, for if the minister says that half the forests are junk and miners can take it, then it will open the gates for degrading the remaining forests,'' says Lele. Ramesh and Jaiswal have agreed on expediting approvals for coal mining through a strategy of terming all dense forests as “no go areas” and all degraded forests as “go areas”. This is being done by superimposing the coal field areas with digitised maps of the forest cover and is expected to be done in a month. In the “no go areas”, the proposals for mining would be peremptorily rejected without going through any procedure, while proposals for mining in the “go areas'' proposals would go through routine clearance procedures, which may include a public hearing if it is challenged under the Forest Rights Act. Chandra Bhushan, deputy director of Centre for Science and Environment, feels that if forests are to be really saved, then it cannot be on the basis of a narrow definition.“The better way is to define ecological hot spots using more criterion than the canopy coverage,” he says. Also, the definition of a forest excludes a lot of bio-diverse grasslands which we cannot lose, he says.

(Source: http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/new-formula-for-coal-clearances-ignores-reality/361537/)

No coal mining in forests, wildlife park, sancturies: Jaiswal

Nagpur, June 19, 2009: Union minister of state for coal, Shriprakash Jaiswal asserted that his ministry will not allow coal mining in 40% of 'no go area' in the country.

Explaining his point, Jaiswal told reporters at Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) headquarters here that thick forests, wildlife park and wildlife sanctuaries will cover those 40% 'no go area.' Listing priorities of Coal Ministry after assuming power, Jaiswal said coal sector will be strengthened as per the vision of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. The PM wants to strengthen the power sector which was depending on 60 to 65 per cent on coal and hence all efforts are made to strengthen coal sector. As part of strengthening, the Coal Ministry will now focus on acquiring allotted land with the help of Chief Ministers of the states concerned. "We will hold discussions with chief ministers and farmers whose land is acquired for coal mining," he said. Even if the land is acquired, but not in physical possession of coal company, there is no use and hence now concentrated efforts will be made to possess the land physically for coal mining, the minister said. Similarly there is need for enhancing coal production and coal ministry will make all out efforts in this direction.

(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Health--Science/No-coal-mining-in-forests-wildlife-park-sancturies-Jaiswal-/articleshow/4677602.cms)

Bicholim floods due to unplanned mining

June 18, 2009: Unplanned and unscientific mining activity has been identified as one of the major causes of flooding in Bicholim town and other parts of the taluka. Apart from mining, haphazard constructions, the use of explosives to kill fish in the Bicholim river which hampers the natural course of the river and sand excavations also contribute to the flooding. Every year Bicholim town is ravaged by floods mainly during the monsoons. This year, during the first monsoonal rain, Bicholim, Mulgao, Advalpal and other areas of the taluka were badly affected. Bicholim MLA Rajesh Patnekar says, "No doubt, the water resources department of Goa has finally undertaken pre-monsoonal works to contain the threat of flooding to the town, but, it was too late and slow. In some areas, it was half-hearted work". Along with mining, there are increasing horticultural and construction activities in the catchment areas of the Bicholim river, right from its source at Girode in Maharashtra to its mouth in Sarmanas. According to Amrutsingh, an animal lover from Bicholim, "There are some local youth who are involved in using explosives for killing fish, which hampers the natural course of the river at many places. We have already brought these incidents to the notice of the police." Although increasing population and the consequent mounting pressure on land and sand excavation also contribute to the problem of flooding, "It is a fact that major cause remains mining," asserts Ramesh Gawas, a social activist from Bicholim. Gawas also said "Mine rejects pollute the Bicholim river severely. The nearby settlements that use these sources of water are adversely affected by this wide-spread pollution of water system." Presently, the mining activities are rampant in Lamgao, which are responsible for destroying the traditional water bodies like lakes, streams and springs in the vicinity. Some of the streams flowing from Lamgao always carry along with them mine rejects which are accumulated in nearby areas. The main stream which comes from Lamgao and finally joins the Bicholim river has been choked due to siltation and aggravates the problem of flooding. This year the stream was de-silted, but the work was not fully completed. At Muslimwada, near the bridge, the accumulated silt from the river bed was removed and dumped on the right bank. The silt of the mining dump also got accumulated in the Mhatrai Lake in Lamgao and during the first rains, the silt came down with great force with the rain water and submerged several areas. In 2008, the Goa government formed a high level committee under the chairmanship of the commissioner and secretary (water resources) to study the causes of flooding and congestion of drains. It suggested several remedies for flood management at Bicholim. As per the report of the committee, "Degradation in catchment areas and also silt from mining areas are responsible for flooding. There is heavy siltation in the Bicholim river. There are also some encroachments in the river." This committee suggested desilting of the Bicholim river. Flood walls having a height of 6.20mt were proposed for a distance of 1.10km along low lying areas to prevent floods. The entire project was estimated to cost Rs 8.84cr. Accordingly, government of India has released the first installment of Rs 4.14cr to the government of Goa. "In the first phase, work has been taken up from Kudchire to Vathadev and in the second phase from the Vathadev to Pilgao" an official source at the water resource department said. Says Sandeep Nadkarni, chief engineer, water resources department, "We have desilted the river upto the area where the tidal effect is felt." The total stretch desilted is about 6.5km from Goa's border to the tidal effect zone. According to Nadkarni "The catchment area of Bicholim river is about 100 sq kms, out of which 50% to 55% lies in Aain in Maharashtra". The intensity of rainfall and its pattern in Maharashtra can also add to the flooding problem. From 1957 to 2007, Bicholim town had experienced major floods on five occasions. In 2007, due to a cloud burst during a high tide, the water level in Bicholim river touched 6.40mts. "For the last three years, we have been requesting the government to undertake the work of desiltation as the river became too shallow. The work is going on and the water resource department has desilted the river till Gaonkarwada" Rajaram Gaonkar, the chairman of Bicholim municipality said.

(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Goa/Bicholim-floods-due-to-unplanned-mining/articleshow/4669001.cms)

‘No permit for diverting coal fields’

New Delhi, June 18, 2009: Environment ministry has made it clear that no permission will be granted for diverting coal field areas which are not on the “degraded” forest land Noting that coal is essential for generating power in the country, environment minister Jairam Ramesh also stressed that environment cannot be overlooked Mr Ramesh said his ministry will expedite environmental approvals and allow mining in only degraded forest land to double the nation’s coal output, but not at the cost of environment  “As far as we are concerned, all degraded forests are ‘go areas’ for coal exploitation and all medium or heavy density forests are ‘no-go’ areas,” said the minister.

(Source: http://epaper.asianage.com/ASIAN/AAGE/2009/06/19/ArticleHtmls/19_06_2009_004_013.shtml?Mode=1)

Nod to coal mining in degraded forests

New Delhi, June 18, 2009: Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh and Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal today joined hands to solve the country’s power problems.  Ramesh announced his ministry’s decision to allow coal exploitation in degraded forest lands of the country. “The Ministry of Coal will submit plans of coal field areas superimposed with digitised maps of forest cover to take a decision on ‘Go’ and ‘No-Go” areas for coal exploitation,” he said, stressing that only degraded forest lands would be considered as “Go” areas and that too after proper environment assessment while medium and dense forest lands would continue to remain strictly out of bounds. The two ministers also agreed to continue the process to expedite clearances of coal projects to achieve a production level pf 1.7 to 2 billion tonnes by 2030. However, it is a decision that is likely to come under fire from environmental and tribal rights groups considering that most of the coal reserves lie in precious forest areas. Degraded forests constitute between 55 to 60 per cent of the total forest land in the country and experts feel that they will now be subject to further exploitation. Moreover, the country’s effort should be to reduce emissions while coal-based power plants will only increase carbon footprint of the country. However, the Environment Minister says the country has to tackle the tricky challenge of producing coal while protecting forests. Emphasising the need for bridging the gap between supply and demand of coal and fulfilling the demand of power sector, Jaiswal and Ramesh stress the step was necessary to achieve a production of one billion tonnes by the next seven years. “Your fears are genuine but exaggerated,” Ramesh said when asked as to which year will be considered as cut-off date for declaring a forest area as degraded. He said India’s forest cover, which at present was 24 per cent, will be brought up to 33 per cent in the next 10 years. “Forest land will not increase but density of forest will increase in the next 10 years”. Interestingly, the deadline for increasing the forest cover has been stretching as per convenience. Some years back, 2012 was the target. Ramesh explained the compulsion of allowing exploration in forest land by saying that coal was the most important energy resource. “The truth is that our power plans will not materialise otherwise. It is a big challenge because all coal reserves are in forest areas. We have to look after challenges of production of one billion tonnes of coal and protect forests as well”. The exercise will begin as soon as the distinction is made between ‘Go’ and ‘No Go’ areas by superimposing forest maps and the coal bearing map. “I am conscious of the need to increase coal production and that environmental laws and standards are to be met,” Ramesh said.

Six-point agenda

• Revisit existing guidelines for exploratory boreholes in forest areas, three pilot sites will be taken up in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh to ascertain the impact of such exploration activities on local flora and fauna.

• The Ministry of Coal to submit plans of coal field areas superimposed with digitised maps of the forest cover to take a decision on “Go” and “No-Go” areas for coal exploitation.

• Expedite environmental clearance of coal projects, two part standard TORs with Part A being common to all projects and Part B with project specific details to be developed, one each for opencast mines and Underground mines, respectively.

• Expedite forestry clearances, the role of Nodal Officers in States is pivotal. Improved co-ordination with the Nodal Officers was felt necessary. CIL will induct a senior Forest Service Officer of CCF rank to co-ordinate with different State Forest Departments and the MOEF. An environmental expert is also to be appointed for close coordination and monitoring of environmental activities.

• Violation cases in respect of taken over mines due to lease renewal and NPV charged for underground mines to be reviewed at MOEF at the appropriate level.

• It was decided in principle to re-induct a representative from the Ministry of Coal in the Environmental Appraisal Committee.

(Source:http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090619/main5.htm)

Ministries to finalise ‘Go’ and ‘No Go’ areas for coal mining

New Delhi, June 18, 2009: The environment and coal ministries have come together to expedite clearance of coal mining projects in forest areas. Environment minister Jairam Ramesh today told reporters that a plan was being prepared to allow exploitation of degraded forest areas for coal mining in the country. With at least 55 to 60 per cent of forest areas in the country categorised as “degraded areas” the coal ministry can expect to see most of its projects kicking off soon, once the plan is implemented. Mining in degraded forest land would, however, not be possible without getting approval from tribals, according to the provisions of the Tribal Rights Act. The minister said that while giving clearances in the degraded forest land, the clauses of Tribal Rights Act enacted by Parliament will be adequately taken care of. Coal minister Sriprakash Jaiswal said that within the next two months, the coal ministry would submit plans of coal field areas superimposed with digitised maps of the forest cover to be divided into ‘Go’ and ‘No Go’ areas.

(Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Ministries-to-finalise--Go--and--No-Go--areas-for-coal-mining/478557)

Coal production up 7.8% in ’08-09

Mumbai, June, 18, 2009: The coal production increased 7.8% to 492.95 million tonne (mt) in 2008-09 from 457.08 mt during 2007-08. Of the 36 mt surged in the pan-India production (including that of Meghalaya), Coal India Limited (CIL) and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) contributed 24 mt and 4 mt, respectively, and captive blocks shared 8 mt. However, lignite production witnessed negative growth of 4.6% over previous year. According to provisional estimates of the coal ministry for 2008-09, the contribution from open cast (OC) mines continued to increase further whereas that of from under ground (UG) mines remained stable in quantity but declined in percentage share of total raw coal production.  During 2008-09, the countrywide OC contribution has recorded 433.93 mt (88.03%) as compared to 398.18 mt (87.11%) during 2007-08. The corresponding figures for UG mines are 59.01 mt (11.97%) and 58.90 mt (112.89%), respectively in the two successive years. Thus production from OC mines achieved 8.98% growth and that for UG mine is 0.15%. Coal India, which produced 403.73 mt against targeted 405 mt during the year, has already launched a plan to hike coal production from UG mines. For 2009-10, it has set coal production target of 435 mt and also proposes to e-auction 43.5 million tonnes. Last year, Coal India completed e-auction of 38.9 Mt. Singareni Collieries, an undertaking of Andhra government and the Center produced 44.54 mt against the target of 41.50 mt having 9.0% pan-India share during 2008-09. CIL and SCCL produced 379.46 (83.0% share) and 40.604 mt (8.9% share) respectively in the last year. Further, the coal ministry said the total import of coal was around 59 mt comprising of 24 mt of coking coal and 35.00 mt of non-coking coal. Coke import is estimated at 2.00 mt. "Indian coal is traditionally high ash coal and of low calorific value. Imported coking coal, mostly from Australia, was mainly used in steel sector on quality consideration.

(Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/news/coal-production-up-7.8-in-0809/478009/)

Coal Ministry considering disinvestment in CIL

New Delhi, June 17, 2009: Indicating the Government’s will to go ahead with disinvestment, the Coal Ministry is working on a plan to disinvest 5-10 per cent stake in state-run Navratna company Coal India Ltd. (CIL). This could pave the way for listing of the country’s largest producer of dry fuel. Talking to newsmen here, Minister of State for Coal (Independent Charge), Shriprakash Jaiswal said his Ministry was working on a proposal to disinvest 5-10 per cent stake in Coal India. “I have had discussions with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on the issue but we are still to give something in writing in this regard,” he remarked. Mr. Jaiswal has already held a pre-budget meeting with the Finance Minister and said his Ministry was looking to give a boost to R&R policy of CIL by way of offering shares to people whose land was acquired for mining purposes. The company’s shares could also be offered to its employees. “We are also looking at the option if we can give our shares of CIL to employees and land holders. All these issues would be sorted out soon,” he added. For divesting its stake in Coal India, the Coal Ministry would have to introduce a Bill to amend the Coal Mines Nationalisation Act. CIL was given the Navratna status in October last and as per the rules it has to get listed within three years ending October 2011. The Coal Minister said he had sought reduction in customs duty on heavy machines used for mining purposes, without divulging any figures. CIL plans to acquire sophisticated mining equipment to boost its output. The company targets an output of 435 million tonnes of coal in the current fiscal. The Ministry was committed to achieving the targeted coal production this fiscal, he said.

(Source: http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/17/stories/2009061755461300.htm)

Govt may allow pvt coal mining

New Delhi, June 16, 2009: In a bid to plug the demand and supply gap of coal in the country, the government is considering a proposal to open coal mining to the private sector. “We are thinking on it. The government is not averse to any proposal, whether it is for privatisation or for any other reform,” said Union Coal Minister Shriprakash Jaiswal. Currently, state-owned companies like Coal India Ltd (CIL) are allowed to mine the dry fuel in India. Private companies are allowed to mine only for their captive consumption. A Bill in this regard, introduced in the Rajya Sabha by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in 2000, is still pending. “As soon as the bill is finalised, it will be introduced in Parliament,” the minister said. The bill is likely to be revived by the government after the Union Budget is presented next month. The move is seen as the first step in the new government’s bid to speed coal sector reforms in the country. Earlier this month, President Pratibha Patil, while addressing the first session of Parliament, had said the “blueprint” for coal sector reforms had been prepared. Allowing private companies to mine coal would benefit both domestic as well as overseas firms like Gujarat NRE and Rio Tinto. It will also reduce India’s dependence on coal imports to meet domestic requirement. Reduced coal availability is a major constraint in utilising full potential of India’s power generation capacity. India produces around 450 million tonnes of coal annually, around 50 million tonnes less than the domestic requirement. Coal requirement is expected to go up to 1,000 million tonnes by 2030, according to the Integrated Energy Policy

Source: http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/govt-may-allow-pvt-coal-mining/361191/

Illegal mining: Minister writes to Yeddyurappa

New Delhi, June 16, 2009: Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh has written to Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa raising concerns about illegal mining in the Bellary forest area of the State that has become a cause for worry among various non-governmental organisations, conservationists and experts. Mr. Ramesh in his letter said that a number of NGOs and experts had approached him in the last few days raising concerns about illegal mining in Bellary forest area.

Ecological values

“The Bellary forest area has had rich ecological values and biodiversity treasures as the writing that I have read of the great naturalist M. Krishnan reveals,” the letter states. “I am aware that this matter has been investigated by the Lokayukta. I am given to understand that the Lokayukta’s report is for the period 2000-2006. I wonder whether the report of the Lokayukta has been accepted and action initiated on its recommendations since it is based on detailed enquiry and actual survey. I wonder whether there has been any update on stopping illegal mining in the Bellary forest area since 2006,” Mr. Ramesh said.  He said that protection of biodiversity, particularly in forest areas, was a shared concern of the Centre and State governments. “It is in this spirit that I am writing this letter to you and seek your support to ensure that laws are not flouted during mining and mining takes place in an environmentally sustainable manner. This is not a matter of partisan politics but it is a matter that is essential for our collective ecological security,” the Minister said.

(Source: http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/16/stories/2009061660210700.htm)

DoNER action plan on States’ needs

Guwahati, June 15, 2009: The Minister-in-charge of Department for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), BK Handique today said that his Ministry would prepare an action plan prioritising the needs of the states of the region. Addressing a function at the Rajiv Bhawan here this evening, the Union Minister said that he would soon convene a meeting of the Chief Ministers of the NE states to finalise the action plan. Handique said that efforts should be made to ensure sustainable use of the natural resources available in the region and asserted that the DoNER would work in close coordination with the Ministry of Mines and Minerals in this regard. He pointed out that huge reserves of silica was found in an area bordering Nagaon and Karbi Anglong and steps would be taken to exploit the same without disturbing the elephant corridor. The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee today accorded warm felicitation to Handique for his induction in the Union Ministry in presence of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, APCC Chief Bhubaneswar Kalita and other Ministers and office bearers of the Congress.

(Source:http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=jun1609/at04)

Analysis shows arsenic is high in water at Kiradalli Tanda

‘Prolonged consumption of such water will cause two types of rare skin cancer’

Gulbarga, June 14, 2009: The chemical analysis of samples from three of the four drinking water sources used by people of Kiradalli Tanda in Surpur taluk of Gulbarga district has revealed that the arsenic level in them is much more than the permissible level prescribed in Indian Standard Drinking Water Specification IS 10500. According to a report submitted to District Health and Family Welfare Officer Nalini Namoshi by Chief Chemist of the Department of Mines and Geology Shashi Rekha, the permitted arsenic level in drinking water is 0.01 mg per litre and the samples from four water sources in the tanda had more than the permissible limit. The report said that the arsenic level in water from a mini water supply scheme in the tanda was less than 0.01 mg per litre, but nitrate, which was harmful, was more than the permissible level. While the permissible nitrate level in drinking water was 47 mg per litre, the laboratory results revealed that the sample had 51 mg per litre, making it not potable. The report said that the arsenic level in the sample from an open well in the tanda was 0.27 mg per litre as against the permitted level of 0.01 mg per litre. The arsenic level in the sample from a borewell in the tanda was 0.39 mg per litre. Another sample from a new borewell had arsenic content of 0.06 mg per litre, making water from this source also non- potable. The chemical analysis of water samples showed that the levels of other metals and chemicals, including chloride, fluoride, sulphate, iron, pH, lead, aluminium, zinc, copper, manganese and calcium, were within the permissible limit.  The total dissolved solids and total hardness of the four samples were also within the permissible limit. The sources in the Mines and Geology department told The Hindu that water in the tanda was not fit for drinking, cooking and other domestic purposes. People of the tanda should be given safe potable water immediately. “We are not surprised by the findings since people drink contaminated water unsuspectingly. The impact of contaminated water will be known only after five years,” they said. The sources said gold was associated with arsenic content and Kiradalli region’s proximity to Hatti Gold Mines and availability of uranium, a radioactive material, close to the tanda, could also be one of the reasons for the high arsenic level in drinking water there. A team of experts from the Mines and Geology Department was likely to visit Kiradalli and surrounding villages to conduct a study. Four persons from the tanda are suffering from rare skin cancer. Two persons have died of cancer. Prolonged consumption of water with high arsenic content will cause Basal Cell Cancer and Squamous Cell Cancer, two types of rare skin cancer. Of the four persons undergoing treatment, two have lost one of their legs. The doctors amputated them to prevent the spread of cancer, according to sources. The doctors do not rule out the remaining 43 persons suffering from pre-malignant dermatitis developing skin cancer if they continue to drink water from the same sources and immediate treatment is not given to them.

(Source:http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/14/stories/2009061450040100.htm)

Jharia blueprint sent to Centre

Dhanbad, June 14, 2009: The final blueprint of the long-pending Rs 6,600-crore Jharia Action Plan has been forwarded to the Union cabinet for approval and is expected to be passed soon. Coal India Limited (CIL) chairman Parthasarathi Bhattacharyya said this today at a news meet at Bastakola colliery, about 5km from here. “After consultations with technical experts and coal companies, the state has sent the blueprint to the Centre, which is expected to show the green light in a short while,” said Bhattacharyya. “The project is crucial as it will bring sweeping changes in the economy of Dhanbad zone, including that of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL),” he added. Regarding the protests by the residents of Jharia, who do not want to be evicted, the chairman said that it would be sorted out by the state, the local administration and BCCL. “CIL will enter the share market in three years. Those who have given their land for the project and have not got jobs will get the company’s shares for free,” he added. On corruption in coal companies and the CBI exposure of coal linkage practices in Dhanbad, in which a few senior officials of BCCL were involved, Bhattacharyya said that coal company officials only verified documents. “They do not go for spot verification due to security concerns. As a result, it becomes easy for the corrupt officials to dodge the scanner.” Last evening, the CIL chief had awarded gold medals and Dhanbad Gaurav Samman to those students who have made it to the top 20 list of IIT entrance exam and pre-medical tests conducted by CBSE.

(Source: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090615/jsp/jharkhand/story_11112135.jsp)

Politicians protecting illegal mining, says Rane

Panaji, 14 Jun 2009: Local politicians have been protecting the illegal mining industry that has led to degradation of environment in Goa, assembly speaker Pratapsing Rane said. "Illegal mines in Goa are protected by politicians like me. They are the ones who are cheating the government and the people of Goa," Rane said at a workshop on sustainable development organised by the Indian Environment Association (IEA) on Friday.  The mining portfolio is held by chief minister Digambar Kamat, who has been accused of sheltering the illegal mining industry that is pegged at Rs 250 crore a year.  Rane said politicians were playing godfather to criminal activists who were degrading the greens of Goa. "The illegal miners think that with political clout, they can get away with anything." "I know, being a speaker I am supposed to be neutral, but there is a lot of criminal activity. I am glad that the government was coming down strictly on criminal politicians," said Rane, who hails from the mining belt in North Goa. Rane, also former chief minister, further said tourism took over as one of the principal industries in Goa. "While mining polluted the environment, tourism was a social and a cultural pollutant." Illegal mining in Goa was heavily debated in the last session of the state assembly. The Directorate of Mines in a recent report had admitted to nearly 40 cases of illegal mining in Goa's mining belt located in the hinterland away from the tourist dominated beaches along the Arabian Sea.

(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Goa/Politicians-protecting-illegal-mining-says-Rane/articleshow/4653790.cms)

Bellary mines face shutdown

New Delhi, 12 Jun 2009: The Bellary mining lords may soon suffer a greater blow than the global recession. Environment minister Jairam Ramesh has ordered an enquiry by the director general of forests, the highest forest official in the country, into alleged contraventions of the Forest Conservation Act by mining companies in the Karnataka district that has also been a source of ‘strength’ for the incumbent BJP government. “There have been widely believed irregularities in the mining operations in Bellary district. The DG (Forest) shall investigate into these and if any infringement of forest laws are confirmed, the Union government will take serious action,” Ramesh told TOI.  The warning comes on the heels of the ministry of environment and forests also ordering the closure of five mining leases in Andhra Pradesh, two of which are owned by the powerful Reddy brothers — two of whom are ministers in the B S Yeddyurappa cabinet. While Janardhan Reddy, managing director of the targeted Obulapuram mining company, had taken a strong posture against the notice, the environment ministry’s inquiry could mean tougher days ahead for the Reddy clan which rose through the dust of iron ore in the state to set up an empire as demand for the black commodity shot through the roof during China’s pre-Olympic infrastucture surge. Janardhan Reddy and Karunakara Reddy are ministers in the Yeddyurappa cabinet. Their younger brother Somashekara Reddy is an MLA. Bellary, that had hit the news for the Sonia Gandhi versus Sushma Swaraj face off, has become a source of power and funds for the BJP. The environment minister’s move could erode power of the Reddy brothers further. Their business and political clout had suffered a blow even before the parliamentary elections with the global recession bringing the demand and consequently the prices of iron ore down.

(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Bellary-mines-face-shutdown/articleshow/4646807.cms)

Sesa Goa buys Dempo group’s mining assets

Mumbai, Jun 12, 2009: Sesa Goa, a majority-owned subsidiary of Vedanta Resources (Vedanta), the London-based FTSE 100 metal and mining group, and the Dempo Group on Thursday signed a definitive share purchase agreement under which Sesa has acquired all the outstanding common shares of V S Dempo & Co. Pvt. Ltd. (VSD), which in turn, also holds 100 per cent equity shares of Dempo Mining Corporation Pvt. Ltd. and 50 per cent equity shares of Goa Maritime Pvt. Ltd. The transaction is for a total consideration of Rs. 1,750 crore, on a debt-free and cash-free basis and includes working capital of Rs. 145 crore. The transaction has been funded by Sesa from its existing cash resources. As on 31 March 2009, Sesa had cash resources of Rs. 4,143 crore. VSD owns or has the rights to mineable reserves and resources estimated at 70 million tonnes of iron ore in Goa. VSD’s Goa mining assets include processing plants, barges, jetties, transhippers and loading capacities at Mormugao port.  It produced 3.94 million tonnes of iron ore and sold 4.36 million tonnes in the year ended March 31, 2009. VSD’s unaudited revenue and earnings before interest and depreciation in 2008-09 were about Rs. 976 crore and Rs. 417 crore, respectively. VSD is one of the largest exporters of iron ore from Goa. “We are highly delighted with this opportunity to consolidate our iron ore business. The integration of Sesa and VSD’s operations will achieve great synergy,” said Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal in a press statement. “We are extremely pleased to have reached this agreement with Sesa which will ensure long-term sustenance of VSD’s operations,” said Dempo Group Chairman and Managing Director Shrinivas V. Dempo. VSD is a logical and strategic fit with Sesa’s existing iron ore business and is expected to create a significant long-term value for all shareholders through leveraging Vedanta’s proven mining and project management skills to develop and optimise VSD’s mines and plants; access to attractive mining assets with long life; and synergising with Sesa’s existing iron ore operations Ambit Corporate Finance acted as financial advisors and J Sagar & Associates acted as legal advisors to VSD. Luthra and Luthra acted as legal advisors to Sesa Goa in this transaction. Sesa is India’s largest exporter of iron ore in the private sector. The company is a majority owned and controlled subsidiary of Vedanta Resources. Sesa has mining operations in Goa, Karnataka and Orissa and it also operates a 2.80 lakh tonnes per annum metallurgical coke plant and a 2.50-lakh tonne pig iron plant in Goa.  The Dempo group is a Goa based, diverse industrial house.

(Source: http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/12/stories/2009061255151400.htm)

40 illegal mines in State

Margao, June 11, 2009: Illegal mining activity in the state’s hinterland came to the fore at the Goa Assembly Ad hoc Committee meeting here on Thursday. Activists sought to know the action taken by the government against the illegal mines operating in the state. It was pointed out that around 40 illegal mines were currently operating in the state, but the authorities were found dragging their feat in cracking a whip against the illegal mining activities. A senior mines official, however, replied that only three mines are under the study of the government, adding that mining leases were issued by the erstwhile Portuguese regime which, were subsequently renewed by the government. Activists also called for action against fly-by-night institutes imparting training in cabin crew and hospitality courses. They demanded regulation of these institutes and safeguard the interest of Goan youth. Godfrey Gonsalves maintained that the situation has reached unprecedented proportions and likened it to the fraud committed by Non-Banking Financial Institutions on Goans.

(Source: http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=23021&cid=26)

‘No compromise on Forest Conservation’

Bangalore, June 11, 2009:

Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday said that there will be no dilution of the provisions of Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 when it comes to clearing projects that require diversion of large tracts of forest land.

Replying to queries on the large number of power and railway projects in the State requiring forest and environmental clearance from the union government, Ramesh said, “The Forest (Conservation) Act is supreme, there is no question of compromise, however important the economic activity.” Without naming the project, he said that the 197-km Hubli-Ankola line, which passes through prime forest in Uttara Kannada, needs to be realigned. When asked whether action would be taken against the alleged mining going on in forest land in Bellary, Ramesh said the Centre would not hesitate to stop mining if it was in contravention to regulations. Ramesh said the Centre would consider the state government’s proposal of sanctioning Rs 1,200 crore under the Western Ghats Ecological Protection Project for eco-restoration and rejuvenation of the eco-sensitive region.  “We will consider the proposal sympathetically, and work in tandem with Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Goa and Tamil Nadu for restoration of the Western Ghats,” the minister said.
Proposal sought
The Centre has also sought a detailed proposal from the state government on the relocation of 1,300 families in Kudremukh.  The Centre will strongly support the resettlement of families in non-forest areas, Ramesh added. The Centre will also consider the State’s proposal of sanctioning grants for lake cleaning programmes in Bangalore, Ramesh added.

(Source: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/7448/no-compromise-forest-conservation.html)

No mining allowed in forest areas, says Jairam Ramesh

A total ban on the activity soon in Bellary district

Bangalore, June 11, 2009: In a firm stand that would put a total ban on mining in Bellary district, Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday declared that no economic activity, including “illegal” mining, in forest areas anywhere in the country would be allowed. Addressing a press conference after a meeting with senior officers of the Forest Department here, the Minister said the Centre was serious in implementing the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, to protect the ecology, environment, forests, rivers and lakes, and substantial funds would be made available for the purpose. Asked whether it would be applicable to Bellary district also, the Minister said it would be stopped there as well. Mr. Ramesh hails from Karnataka but is elected to the Rajya Sabha from Andhra Pradesh. It may be recalled that a Bench of the Karnataka High Court, headed by Chief Justice P.D. Dinakaran, had upheld the 2003 notification issued by the State government permitting mining in 34 blocks in Bellary district forests. A single judge had quashed the permission in August last year.

Yeddyurappa’s plea

Referring to Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa’s request for clearance to the rail, road, irrigation and other major projects, the Minister made it clear that there was no question of diluting the Centre’s stand. It was the Centre’s firm determination to strictly enforce the Forest (Conservation) Act in toto.

(Source: http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/11/stories/2009061159861000.htm)

Pollution data in real time

Ranchi, June 10, 2009: Now, you can study the level of pollution in your city. The state’s first continuous real-time ambient air quality monitoring station will measure levels of air and noise pollution, including the quantity of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and suspended particulate matters online. Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) has decided to install real-time machines worth Rs 80 lakh in Dhanbad and Ranchi. The Central Pollution Control Board has declared the coal capital of the state a critically polluted area. Hence, the pollution board will install the machine in the coal belt next month. Ranchi will follow next.  Analysers will work round-the-clock and real-time data will be displayed at prominent public places near the station after subsequent monitoring of air quality, gas and particulate matters, including industrial emissions. Data generated by the stations will be available on the websites of both the state and the central pollution control boards. R.K. Sinha, the member secretary of the state pollution control board told said that after the finalisation of the tender, which is already in the process, the machine will be installed in Dhanbad, which has 100 hard coke and 50 coal brickette plants.  As for now the board is following the manual process to monitor air and noise pollution. “We collect samples and then take them to our laboratory at Tupudana,” the member secretary said. But after the installation, the data could be downloaded for further interpretation and analysis, Sinha said.

(Source:http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090611/jsp/jharkhand/story_11091216.jsp)

SAIL gets Jharkhand govt's nod for Chiria mines

New Delhi,  June 10, 2009: Public sector undertaking Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL), the country’s largest steel producer, could soon acquire four pending mining leases in Chiria iron ore mines of Jharkhand, union steel minister Virbhadra Singh said today. “The government of Jharkhand has finally responded positively to a long standing request of this ministry and has issued orders for accepting the change in the ownership of the Chiria leases from IISCO to SAIL,” Singh said today. The ministry will make concerted efforts in the next hundred days to ensure that the requisite formalities are completed for settling all the pending issues in favour of SAIL.  Chiria mines is estimated to be possessing nearly 2 billion tonnes of iron ore with ferrous (iron) content of over 62 per cent. Iron ore supply from Chiria mines would be vital for the steel major expand its capacity to 26.13 million tonnes from the current 13.82 million tonnes. The iron ore rich mine is also being eyed by private firms like Arcelor Mittal which has proposed steel plant in Jharkhand. Of the 10 mining leases that SAIL had in Chiria and Gua regions following the acquisition of erstwhile Indian Iron and Steel Company (IISCO),  renewal of four is facing dispute while six others have got extension. Earlier Jharkhand government had maintained that the leases belonged to IISCO and cannot be transferred to SAIL. On disinvestment in companies under the steel ministry, the minister said, “If a policy of disinvestment is approved by the government, we have some companies in mind”.  He, however, declined to specify the companies in which disinvestment might be pursued. The minister, however, ruled out any immediate plan to impose anti-dumping or safeguard duty on steel imports from China. “If the situation warrants, we will take appropriate action,” he said.

(Source: http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/sail-gets-jharkhand-govts-nod-for-chiria-mines/64314/on)

University to study sand mining in T.N.

To concentrate on vulnerable segments of Cauvery

Dindigul, June 10, 2009: Gandhigram Rural University will take up studies on sand mining in rivers in Tamil Nadu, particularly the Cauvery, said S.M. Ramasamy, Vice-Chancellor, Gandhigram Rural University. In a release here on Tuesday, he said massive sand mining in rivers had emerged as one of the major issues constraining resources and environment not only in Tamil Nadu but also in other parts of the country.  As the sand is scooped out in large scale from riverbeds, the apprehension has arisen from all corners that it might cause chains of endangers like quicker run off owing to lack of infiltration, poor ground water recharge, extensive erosion of riverbanks, haphazard flooding of rivers and groundwater quality deterioration. Though this apprehension is true, detailed and quantitative models are yet to be developed, which warrant deeper scientific studies involving tectonic systems of riverbeds, geology, geomorphology, flood dynamics and annual sand inflow and outflow budgeting and general life histories of the river systems, he added. Once these are studied and models are developed, then the areas where such mined sands are replenished, additional sands are dumped, sand deposition can be promoted by the construction of dykes, haphazard floods are occurring, groundwater quantity and quality modifications occur can be brought out. From this study, the state government can plan and regulate the sand mining, promote it in suitable zones and prohibit in other zones of the riverbeds, Dr. Ramasamy said.  To begin with, the university will concentrate on vulnerable segments of the Cauvery and subsequently in all the rivers in the State, the Vice-Chancellor said. “The university has proposed to approach the state government for funds.”

(Source: http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/10/stories/2009061051690300.htm)

Nalco may get permit for bauxite mine

June 10, 2009: National Aluminium Co., India’s (Nalco) biggest alumina maker, may win a licence in the next three months to mine bauxite in Andhra Pradesh, securing raw material for its planned $800 million alumina plant in the southern state. "The government is likely to grant permission by September,” chairman C R Pradhan said in a telephone interview on Tuesday. “There’s enough demand for alumina globally so there’s a market there for us.” National Aluminium is eyeing Andhra Pradesh’s rich reserve of bauxite, which is turned into alumina and then aluminum to be used in beverage cans, automobiles and aircraft. Sales of alumina is rising as the global economy emerges from the deepest slump since World War II. Alumina prices gained over 18 per cent since April, according to the UK-based Metal Bulletin. India’s bauxite reserves are the fifth-largest in the world, according to National Aluminium. The deposits are mainly concentrated in the states of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. Aluminum sales to carmakers and builders in China, the world’s largest consumer, is gaining, according to the Chinese unit of Alcoa Inc., the largest US aluminum producer. United Co Rusal, the world’s largest, said on June 2 it expects prices to gain significantly from the third quarter after rising stockpiles prompted smelters to curb output. National Aluminium shares rose as much as 5.4 per cent to Rs 344.9 in Mumbai and traded at Rs 337, up 3 per cent. The shares have risen 78 per cent this year, outpacing the key Sensitive Index’s 56 per cent gain. Meanwhile, Nalco had earlier said first-quarter profit will increase from the previous three months, aided by higher production and prices of the metal used to make aircraft and beverage cans. Net income will exceed the 830.2 million rupees ($18 million) posted in the fourth quarter ended March 31, chairman C R Pradhan said. Aluminum prices are expected to stabilise around $1,500 a tonne.

(Source: http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/nalco-may-get-permit-for-bauxite-mine/360585/)

No mining activities: Jairam Ramesh

June 09, 2009: Union Minister for Environment and Forest Jairam Ramesh warned that no mining activities will be allowed in the name of development at any place in the nation including Kudremukh.

Speaking to mediapersons after visiting the prominent rehabilitation centre in Asia, Bhadra Rehabilitation Centre at M C Halli near here, Ramesh said that he was not aware of High Court verdict allowing mining activities at specified forest regions. However, he made a mention of Supreme Court verdict which prevents mining activities by private people. “The 20 per cent forest area in the nation will be increased to 30 per cent through ‘Green India’ revolution, Ramesh said adding that a green revolution will be launched by planting sapplings, opening nurseries and creating plantations in the nation. “I would not like any projets which pollute forest and water. All rivers, ponds and other water resources will be developed. Special emphasis will be given for the prevention of climatic variations,” he said. Forests in the Ghats of Karnataka will also be developed, he added. Chief Conservator of Forest Wild Life Division B K Singh, Tiger Project Director Rajesh Gopal and Deputy Conservator of Forest Mysore Wild Life Division Yathish Kumar were present.

(Source: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/7257/no-mining-activities-jairam-ramesh.html)

Polluting unit plan scrapped

Giridih, June 8, 2009: This is probably a first in the history of Giridih. Giving into public protests, the local administration today stalled the construction of a sponge iron unit by Shivam Group in Udnabad on pollution grounds. It also promised the villagers that no clearance would be given to any such plant in the future without a public hearing. The decision was taken by Giridih deputy commissioner Vandana Dadel today after a meeting with the villagers and representatives of Shivam Group. Dadel accepted that there was distrust among the villagers because of the existing sponge iron units that cause pollution. Soon after the announcement, villagers under the banner of Purwanchan Prayawaran Sangharsh Samiti lifted their indefinite dharna that began on June 5. At the meeting, Dadel first heard the 11-member group of Purwanchan Prayawaran Sangharsh Samiti, led by villagers Dilip Upadhyay and Kedar Yadav. Upadhyay said they were not against industrialisation, but the opening of another sponge iron plant in Mohanpur region would only add to the already high level of pollution. Their other demands were installation of an electro-static precipitator (ESP) machine that would function round the clock, return of land acquired from villagers without registry, restructure of district environment committee (DEC) to include the people from the industrial belt and arrest of industrialists who threaten the villagers. Pramod Agrawal, one of the owners of Shivam Group, argued that they had followed all pollution norms. But the villagers refused to buy his theory. After listening to both the sides, Dadel said that the ongoing work on the sponge iron plant would be stopped. She added that she would soon form a committee of specialists, who would visit factories to ensure functioning of ESP.  Efforts will be taken to restructure DEC while the circle officer will conduct an inquiry to find out whose land had been forcefully acquired. On the controversial issue of threat, superintendent of police A.V. Minz asked Upadhyay to file a complaint so that he could order a probe.

(Source: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090609/jsp/jharkhand/story_11081939.jsp)

 

Central legislation soon for eco protection body

Hyderabad, June 7, 2009: A Central legislation will be enacted soon to pave way for the establishment of an independent environmental protection authority to ensure effective implementation of the Environment Protection Act, according to Mr Jairam Ramesh, Minister for Environment and Forests.  Addressing a press conference here, Mr Ramesh said this Authority will be carved out of the existing Central Pollution Control Board and similar authorities will come up in States replacing State-level boards.

TWO BIOSPHERE ZONES

The Central Government has come up with a proposal to establish two biosphere zones in Andhra Pradesh. These zones have been proposed keeping in mind there are no such zones on the Eastern ghats. While one zone is proposed in the Simhachalam region of Chittoor and Kadapa districts, the other is in Chintapalli, Visakhapatnam district.  The Ministry has also proposed to start a National Environmental Training Research Institute in Hyderabad, which will be formed by converting the existing EPTRI (Environmental Protection Training Research Institute) located here. Mr Ramesh described the country’s current environment situation as grave, faced with a near-crisis situation and in need of a concerted effort to ensure that the forest tracts are increased and biodiversity protected. This called for a sustained effort in coordination with various ministries over a seven to ten year programme.  The Central Government is keen to increase the forest cover from the present 16 per cent to 23 per cent. Efforts are also under way to increase the tree cover and take this up to 33 per cent along with forest cover. Earlier, Mr Ramesh met with the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, wherein the latter raised the State’s demand for early clearance for five of its pending irrigation projects. The State also wanted strict curbs on illegal trade of costly Red Sanders wood in Simhachalam region. The Government is committed to bringing in a National Action Plan on Climate Change, which is a matter of serious concern. This will be tackled through eight missions.

(Source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/06/08/stories/2009060851690300.htm)

Vedanta to begin controversial mining project

Bhubaneswar, June 7, 2009: London-based Vedanta Resources will start its controversial Niyamgiri (bauxite) mining project in Kalahandi soon. Chairman of the Vedanta Resources Anil Agrawal, who met chief minister Naveen Patnaik last night, told reporters: “We are going to start with the Niyamgiri project soon and have received the environment and stage-I forest clearances. We are now waiting for the stage-II clearance. The mining project will start soon after that.” Earlier, the Centre had accorded stage-I forest clearance to the company on December 2008 with 32 conditions and 16 general stipulations, that the company complied with. It also deposited Rs 121 crore with the state government for compensatory afforestation and forest management and peripheral development measures. On April 28, 2009, the Centre also gave an environmental clearance to the project.  Vedanta Resources have already started on an 1MT alumina refinery at Lanjigarh in Kalahandi through group company Vedanta Aluminium Limited. For the refinery, the company was granted Niyamgiri bauxite mines.  Initially, the mining project was opposed by Dangaria Kandha (tribal group) and environmentalists alike who stated that the project would destroy the hill’s eco-system. But, the Supreme Court gave a go-ahead to the project in 2008 with certain riders. Vedanta has also set up a .25MT aluminium smelter with a 675MW captive generating plant at Jharsuguda. It also submitted a proposal to expand the capacity of an alumina refinery from 1MT to 5MT and that of the smelter from .5MT to 1.6MT.  However, the proposal was rejected by the single window clearance committee of the government recently. But, Agrawal is not ready to give up as yet. “We are working with the process and hope that the issues will be resolved. We hope to start world-class business opportunities at Lanjigarh and Jharsuguda,” he said. The group’s chairman also said that construction for the proposed Vedanta University near Puri would also start soon. “The chief minister is keen on starting the extension centre and set up a burn & trauma centre at Bhubaneswar. We have agreed to it”, he said. “Our company will also support the metal park proposed to be set up at Angul by Nalco,” said Agrawal. Apart from these projects, the company is also starting a malaria eradication project, a midday meal project for 30,000 schoolchildren and 1,000 anganwadi centres for 20,000 children in Kalahandi, said Agrawal.

(Source: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090608/jsp/jharkhand/story_11077125.jsp)

Coal India seeks faster environmental clearances

Mumbai, June 05, 2009: Coal India Ltd (CIL), the world’s largest coal producer, has recommended the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) to expedite environmental clearances to both public sector and private sector coal mining companies. The recommendation was made in the light of power sector reforms the government is presently pursuing. Speaking on the sidelines of the press meet on Thursday in Mumbai, Partha S Bhattacharyya, chairman of CIL, said environmental clearances take 5-7 years from the district and block level to the MoEF. Clearances are signed at least by 37 different cadre officials. At any stage, if an official seeks a clarification, he reaches the junior official that percolates to the block level. This means, a small clarification takes at least 2-3 months from low- to mid-level officials. Bhattacharyya demanded that the job for environmental clearances should be assigned to industry experts and cleared within a stipulated time. If India has to achieve coal production growth of 8-9 per cent, the rate at which demand has been increasing, speedy environment clearances are required. Last year, the company recorded 6.4 per cent production growth, first-ever since inception. The output has been growing between 4 - 5.5 per cent on y-o-y basis. Referring to President Pratibha Patil’s address to the joint session of the Parliament on Thursday, Bhattacharyya said, “We had made some suggestions to the government to increase coal production through efficient underground mining, technological advancement in open pit mining, exploration potential in unviable mines other than increasing efficiency of borewells.” In her address, the President had said the blueprint for coal sector reforms was ready. According to the working group estimates India would require 731 million tonnes of coal by 2011-12 of which domestic production from both public and private sector would constitute 680 million tonnes. The remaining 51 million tonnes is proposed to be met through imports. While considering overall linkages, the overall consumption is likely to rise to 750 million tonnes of which Coal India alone would constitute 520 million tonnes and The Singareni Collieries Company Ltd will contribute 40 million tonnes and the rest by private companies. CIL had recorded a 6.4 per cent growth in its coal output surpassing the benchmark 400 million tonnes in 2008-09. The company’s coal production grew to 403.73 million tonnes during 2008-09 and it expects a 7 per cent growth in the present fiscal. The coal PSU’s production is projected at 520 million by 2012 about, 210 million tonnes less than the estimated demand of 730 million tonnes by then. Meanwhile, the company may raise basic selling prices of all types of coal soon to offset the excessive burden it had borne through wage revision of employees of both executive and non-executive staffs. Without outlining the quantum of prices rise, Partha S Bhattacharyya, chairman of CIL, said on the sidelines of a press meet in Mumbai on Thursday, “There would be a need to raise prices to compensate the additional cost on us to the tune of Rs 7,864.73 crore.” Market sources believe that the prices would increase at least between 10-15 per cent. This bout of wage revision has turned 33 mines unviable. The company aims to import 4 million tonnes of non-coking coal this fiscal for the first time since its inception mainly to meet the demands of power-generating firms in the country.

(Source: http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/coal-india-seeks-faster-environmental-clearances/360127)

Mining: HC quashes single judge order

Bangalore, June 05, 2009:
The High Court division bench headed by Chief Justice P D Dinakaran has quashed the order of a single judge which had prohibited mining in forest areas of the State.

“We must not overlook the basic aim to make India, an industrialised nation. In our considerate opinion, it may not be proper for this Court to exercise power of judicial review conferred under Article 226 of Constitution to quash the notification dated March 15, 2003, even without pleading to that effect,” the bench observed, while hearing an appeal by Jindal Vijayanagara Steel Limited. The government had notified 36 blocks in the State for mining by a notification dated March 15, 2003, MSPL had approached the HC questioning refusal to grant mining lease. The single judge, Justice D V Shylendra Kumar had asked the government to put on hold all mining leases in forest areas of the State. He had observed that the provisions of Karnataka Forest Act and Forest Conservation Act have been overlooked while issuing the impugned notification. Justice D V Shylendra Kumar, who personally visited the Kumaraswamy Range in Bellary, had said that mining activity should be totally avoided in the forest area and the government should not embark on granting  leases in forest areas.The order said that the a scientific study and conscious evaluation should be carried out before granting licence or mining lease even in non-forest areas. The division bench, however, terming the order of the single judge as “untenable, illogical and contrary to principles settled by the SC,” observed that despite the fact that the notification has not been questioned by anyone, the single judge has directed the government to cancel mining lease. “This is outside the scope of the writ petition.” Stating the single judge had directed to cancel the mining lease without giving opportunities to the parties concerned, the Court said that the government had notified the areas for mining after considering the report by National Environmental Engineering Research Institute , which the single judge had overlooked. The matter was pending before the Dharwad circuit bench and the CJ had passed a special order transferring all the cases relating to mining to the principal seat.

(Source: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/6496/mining-hc-quashes-single-judge.html)

HC warns mines wing on sand quarries

Hyderabad, June 4, 2009: The AP High Court on Thursday warned it will take action on officials of the mines and geology department who conducted public auction of the sand reaches in the Penna River without obtaining a ground water feasibility report. Dealing with a public interest litigation, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice Ramesh Ranganathan expressed anger at the department indiscriminately conducting auction of sand reaches. The court was hearing a petition filed by Mr. Jangiti Rajendra Prasad, a resident of Jyothi village in Kadapa district, urging it to declare as illegal the public auction held on April 24 for grant of lease to quarry sand from the Penna River. The court had granted stay on April 30 on all further proceedings pursuant to the auction. Mr C.V.R. Rudra Prasad, the counsel for the petitioner, argued that the action by the authorities was illegal and violated Rule 9-B of the AP Minor Mineral Concessions Rules, 1966 and the procedures envisaged by the AP Water, Land and Trees Act and Rules. The judges then asked the counsel for the mines and geology department, Mr Surya Satish, whether officials had conducted survey in the area to assess feasibility of ground water. When the counsel said no, the division bench asked how officials issued notification for the auction without a survey. At one stage the court asked the counsel to identify the official who was responsible for the auction so that it could recover from him loss suffered by the exchequer. “The court has noticed several irregularities in auctioning sand reaches across the state in the last one decade and this is a not isolated case,” said Justice Ranganathan.

(Source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/hc-warns-mines-wing-sand-quarries-060)

They can arrest and prosecute offenders who are plundering natural wealth

Chennai, June 4, 2009: THE State government has authorised the district police officers and police personnel not below the rank of inspector of police to make complaints in writing to the court of competent jurisdiction for any offence related to illicit quarrying. Empowered by a recent government notification, the police can now arrest and prosecute offenders who are plundering natural wealth through illicit quarrying and mining.  Earlier, police had no role to play in containing and prosecuting the offenders, as only revenue authorities and assistant director of Geology dealt with these kinds of offences under Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957.  District collector was the only competent authority authorised by the government to take any action on offenders, and the authority’s roles was limited to levying a penalty and prosecute the defaulters in court of law.  Based on a complaint by one ‘Elephant’ G Rajendran, Madras High Court ordered the CB-CID investigation on indiscriminate and illegal quarrying activities in Nilgiris. CBCID team led by Additional Director General of Police Archana Ramasundaram took up investigation of 16 such cases and filed a detailed report with the High Court.  In the report, CB-CID investigation has brought out the inadequacy and ineffectiveness of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957 in curbing the illicit quarrying, and recommended authorisation of police officers as competent authorities to prosecute offenders. The State government, after giving careful consideration to the recommendation, recently issued a government notification empowering the police to act against illicit quarrying. Pursuant to the order enabling police officers to file complaints under the Act, the offenders who are plundering natural wealth through illicit quarrying and mining are now likely to be arrested and prosecuted by the police.

(Source: http://epaper.expressbuzz.com/NE/NE/2009/06/05/ArticleHtmls/05_06_2009_004_001.shtml?Mode=1)

Tata Steel on green drive

Hazaribagh, June 2, 2009: A green flag was fluttering in the wind at the West Bokaro division of Tata Steel this morning. Hoisting the flag was Awadhesh Kumar Ojha, the general manager of West Bokaro division of the steel major, flanked by secretary of Rashtriya Colliery Mazdoor Sangh S.S.P. Singh, to herald the commencement of green month. Like every year, this time also, the division will celebrate June as the green month to create awareness on environment and fight global warming. General manager Ojha said that since its inception, Tata Steel had taken several initiatives to protect the environment. “The division operates in an eco-friendly manner and new technology has been adopted from time to time to protect the surroundings,” he said, adding that the company would reduce the level of carbon dioxide emission from 1.8 tonnes per tonne of liquid steel produced to 1.5 tonnes by 2012. Senior manager of environment cell, Tata Steel, Manoj Gupta said: “This year, our theme is to save energy because in India, 65 per cent energy is produced through thermal powers, which generate more carbon dioxide, a hazardous gas for the environment.” He appealed to the steel units to conserve energy. The division aims to plant 1 lakh saplings this monsoon.

(Source: http://www.telegraphindia.com)

Green clearance norms won’t be diluted

Environment Minister Says Finance Ministry Report Insensitive To Ecological Concerns

New Delhi, June 1, 2009: Rejecting the secret finance ministry report recommending dilution of environmental clearance process and calling it insensitive to ecological concerns, environment minister Jairam Ramesh told TOI that he was not in favour of tinkering with existing norms but would bring in transparency in the process.  TOI had earlier reported on the department of economic affairs (DEA) report, which had industry lobbies as members but not the environment ministry, demanding that the Environment Impact Assessment process be diluted, franchised out to other agencies and be made “industry friendly”.    With even Ramesh, seen as a pro-liberalisation and pro-deregulation minister with previous stints in the commerce and power ministries, finding the DEA report too “pro-industry”, the tussle over its implementation could turn into a hard-fought battle. Reacting to the report, Ramesh told TOI, “It is not the last word (on the issue). It is very insensitive to environmental concerns. It seems written by those wedded to the growth mantra that see environmental concerns as hurdles. I have several questions on the report. I shall be holding consultations on it.”    He pointed out that the environment clearance process had a very low rejection rate and almost all projects were cleared, even if with some delay. “I would instead be happy to see a higher rejection rate,” he said.     “I feel we need to review the regulations to see that there is better compliance and monitoring. At the same time, the timeframes stipulated in the laws must be followed. And if more time is required, then we should make the reasons public,” he added.     Officials have already been instructed by the new minister to put the status of each application and reasons for delay on the ministry website by June 30. Allaying all apprehension that a relook at the rules may lead to regressive amendments, Ramesh said, “My overriding priority is to strengthen ecological security while facilitating environment friendly economic growth and not to promote growth that flouts all environmental regulations and standards.”    Ramesh, returning fire against states and industry that have pleaded against strict environment rules, said he had, in his previous avatar as power minister, found private companies flouting environmental regulations merrily and it needed to be checked. The new minister, who has set tight deadlines for all programmes, has also asked his officials to look at creating an autonomous watchdog to monitor and regulate industry after the clearance process. But he would now have to deal with the DAE report, which is currently sitting with a high-powered group headed by secretary, Planning Commission, for implementation where the environment ministry too has found representation.

(Source: http://epaper.timesofindia.com)