1.0 introduction of the mining...

Granite( Building Stone) Quarry of A. Mohammed Basheer, at Nellanad Village, Nedumangadu Taluk, Thiruvananthapuram District – Extent 0.7692 Ha

PRE-FEASIBILTY REPORT

1.0 INTRODUCTION OF THE MINING ACTIVITY

Mr A. Mohammed Basheer has applied for the grant of Granite (Building

Stone) Quarry extent over an area of 0 .7692 Ha, in survey nos: 76/8, 76/9,

70/17pt & 70/1-1 of Nellanad Village, Nedumangadu Taluk,

Thiruvananthapuram District . The proposed quarry area is privately owned

rocky land. This is an operat ional quarry with Quarrying permit. In most parts

of the quarry permit area the rock are exposed and also the granite (building

stone) exposures are present / bordering to the permit boundary proving the

occurrence of the Granite (Building Stone).

The proposed quarry area is located at Nellanad, and lies towards north

of Venjaramoodu at a distance of 3km apprx. And also lies towards SSE of

Vamanapuram town at a distance of 1.60km apprx . Nedumangadu is the Taluk

headquarters and is at a distance of 16kms and Thiruvananthapuram is the

district and state headquarters which is at a distance of 25km apprx, where all

the infrastructural facil it ies are available.

The highest elevation of the permit area is 135m MSL and lowest is 120m

MSL. The part of the permit area is broken up and there is no vegetat ion within

broken up area and there is a moderate vegetation balance in one part of the

permit area and also the surrounding of the permit area. There are no perennial

water courses/ water bodies within the permit hold . The storm water passes

through the minor water courses and get confluence with the adjacent nallah.

The geological resources of Granite (Building Stone) in mining permit

area are estimated to be 2,25,614 tonnes, only 1,27,657 tonnes of reserve can be

exploited/ mineable, while the balance of 97,957 tonnes of reserve is gett ing

blocked which cannot be mined due to the boundary constraints . Hence for al l

practical purpose (for production and future planning) only Mineable reserve

are considered. Kerala experiences rainfall in duration of 3 t o 4 months in a


year and that is why the quarry operations will be affected by these rainy days.

The anticipated li fe of the quarry is 4 years expected.

1.1 LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT

The proposed quarry area is located at Nellanad, and lies towards north of

Venjaramoodu at a distance of 3km apprx. And also lies towards SSE of Vamanapuram town at

a distance of 1.60km apprx. Nedumangadu is the Taluk headquarters and is at a distance of

16kms and Thiruvananthapuram is the district and state headquarters which is at a distance of

25km apprx, where all the infrastructural facilities are available.

The geographical location with respect to boundary pil lars of the proposed mine

permit are:-

Latitude (N) N8⁰42’32.70 ’ ’ to N8⁰42’37.29 ’ ’

Longitude(E) E76⁰54’18.55 ’ ’ to E76⁰54’23.72 ’ ’

The route map and vicinity map showing location of the permit area is

given below:-

The Google map showing location of the permit area is given below:-


The GPS Reading of the applied area boundary

GPS READING DATUM – WGS-84

PILLAR NO LATITUDE LONGITUTE

BP-1 8°42'34.22"N 76°54'23.73"E

BP-2 8°42'33.40"N 76°54'23.02"E

BP-3 8°42'33.86"N 76°54'22.44"E

BP-4 8°42'32.71"N 76°54'21.82"E

BP-5 8°42'33.12"N 76°54'20.91"E

BP-6 8°42'33.93"N 76°54'21.53"E

BP-7 8°42'36.68"N 76°54'18.55"E

BP-8 8°42'37.39"N 76°54'19.37"E

BP-9 8°42'36.81"N 76°54'20.20"E

BP-10 8°42'37.00"N 76°54'20.50"E

BP-11 8°42'36.29"N 76°54'21.78"E

BP-12 8°42'35.55"N 76°54'21.04"E


1.2PROJECT PROPONENT INFORMATION

Name and address

of the Applicant

: Mr. A. Mohammed Basheer Thempakala, Venjaramoodu P.O, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – 695 607. Mobile no: 9846 705 490 Email:[email protected]

1.3 NEED FOR THE PROJECT AND ITS IMPORTANCE TO THE COUNTRY OR

REGION

The major essentiality of building stone is based on its extraordinary compressive strength

and durability (among the hardest, dimensional & structural stones) and it is having high

tolerance towards the vagaries of nature. In construction activities these are being used because of

its hardness & density, durability and strength craft. The proposed mining project will accomplish

its requirement for the construction of buildings, bridges, paving, monuments and many other

exterior projects. Polished slabs and tiles are usually used in countertops, flooring, retaining walls

and landscaping around a center fountain/ pond, staircase and many other design elements

(residential and commercial applications). It is also known as the maintenance-free stone.

The employment opportunities are being created in connecting with the quarrying activities

and the local people are being employed for the non technical activities under the direction of

mining engineers and supervisors. For the quarry operations, more than 20 employees are being

deployed which generates ample opportunities for those people directly and indirectly.

Applicant will pay royalty for the mineral produced from the mine, direct and indirect taxes

will be paid thereby contributing to the regional revenue. The public revenue will further be put for

infrastructural development and other sectors like health, education and social welfare.

1.4 END USE (DOMESTIC/ EXPORT MARKET)

The rock extracted from the quarry is transp orted to the Neenu Crusher

units which is located at Pullampara, 9km away from the proposed permit area.

The aggregate produced is sold to the contractors and to the consumers which is

finally consumed for road (State Highway & National Highway) & building


construction works. Fine Material is a lso sold for the uti lizat ion of the hollow

block/solid block manufacturing.

2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 SALIENT FEATURES & ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF THE

PROJECT

Particulars Details

Total Mine Permit area 0.7692 hectares

Maximum Production 76,000 TPA

Life of Mine 4 Years

Estimated project cost Rs. 2 Crores

Man Power 20 persons (on permanent / contract basis)

Highest and lowest

elevation

135m MSL& 120m MSL

Land use Private Land

Nearest habitat ion Vamanapuram village at a distance of 1.4km from

the quarry area towards NNW.

Nearest town Nearest town Nedumangadu which is at a distance of 16kms.

Stone Crusher & M Sand Neenu Crusher units which is located at

Pullampara, 9km away from the proposed permit

area.

Width of access road to the

quarry site

7.0 Mtrs

Nearest Airport Thiruvananthapuram International Airport –

25km.

Nearest Highway Taliparamba-Iritty SH 36 - 28.0 KM

Nearest Railway Stat ion Chirayinkeezhu Railway station, 15 km

Power supply Nil


Water and its Source

The entire water for industrial act ivit ies such as

Dust suppression, greenbelt plantations will be

sourced from well.

Domestic consumption : 2 KLD

Dust suppression : 7 KLD

Plantation : 1 KLD

TOTAL : 10 KLD

Nearest Govt. Hospital /

dispensary

Govt Hospital Vamanpuram, 1km

Education faci li ty Shalini Bhavan English Medium School, 0 .25km

Fire Station Attingal – 11.0 KM

Ambulance Mangalapuram, 11kms

Police Station Venjaramoodu Police Station, 3.25 km

Church / temple / mosque Mosque-

Jumma Masjid,Keezhayikoonam – 0.66km towards SE of quarry. Temple – Sree Muthharaman kovil, Vamanapuram – 490mtr towards SW of quarry Church –

St. Thomas Malankara Catholic Chruch, Vamanapuram – 2.1km towards NW

Electrical instal lat ion like

transformer /HT line or

LT line

No electric installation within the quarry.

Mobile Towers None within 500 m radius

Defense installations None within 500 m radius

Archeological Features None within 500 m radius

Ecological sensitive zones None within 500 m radius

Nearest Forests Nil


Nearest streams/ rivers/

water bodies ( from mine

boundary)

Nil

Seismic zone Zone-III , Moderate damage risk zone as par

BMTPC, Vulnerabili ty atlas Seismic zone of India

IS: 1893-2002.

Categorization as per

WGEEP Report

As per WGEEP classif icat ion, the project site is

not located in the vicinity of protected area

2.2 PHYSIOGRAPHY / TOPOGRAPHY / DRAINAGE PATTERN

The physiography of the quarry area is a part of elevated terrain. The

topography of the permit area is h il ly terrain with Granite (Building S tone)

deposit. The highest elevation of the permit area is 135m MSL and lowest is

120m MSL.

2.3 PERMITHOLD AREA

The quarry site covers the mining area of 0.7692 Ha which is a private rocky land. The part

of the permit area is broken up and there is no any vegetation within broken up

area and there a moderate vegetation balance part of the permit area and also

the surrounding of the permit area. There are no any perennial water courses/

water bodies within the permit hold . The storm water passes through the minor

water courses and gets confluence with the adjacent nallah .

2.4 GEOLOGY

The climate of the area is typical of Western Ghats and Malnad

region. It receives high rainfall and exhibits temperature variations with

moderate summer and moderate winter.

1. Temperature – the temperature normally ranges from 280c to 320c on the plains but

drops to about 200c in the high lands. The high lands of the Kerala, enjoys a cool and


integrating climate the year around. Owing to its diversity in geographical features, the

climate condition in Kerala is diverse.

2. Relative Humidity – In general the relative humidity in the area is observed to be high

due to its proximity to the sea.

3. Rainfall – The average rainfall for the last ten years is around 3000mm annually.

2.4.1 REGIONAL GEOLOGY

Based on the study of different section available in the area a tentative stratigraphy has been arrived at which is given below: -

Age Thickness (in m) Lithounits

QUATERNARY 1-15 Soil and Alluvium

1-10 Beach sand and sand bars

1-2 Black sticky clay and mud with sheel

4-5 Teri sands and laterite pebble bed

8-10 Polymitic pebble bed with grit and clay

----- -- --- -Unconformity----- -- -- --- -

TERTIARY

WARKALLI 1-2 Sandstones with clay beds clay mine

2-3 Lignite associated with beds of pluish

green clay kalnadu clay mine

----- -- --- -Unconformity----- -- -- --- -

PRECAMBRIAN Crystalline

Rock Intrusive Pegmatite and

quartz viens

Dolerit – gabbro

Dharwars

Charnockite -Khondalite

2.4.2 LOCAL GEOLOGY

Entire area is covered by charnockite and at places it is covered by topsoil .


The topsoil 1-2 mts is weathered. The geological parameters/ features of the

ore body as obtained from the fie ld mapping and exploration studies reveal the

fol lowing.

General Str ike : NW –SE with local variat ion of 10 0 – 150 on either s ide.

Dip : 700-800 dipping northerly.

Length of the ore body : 100.00mts

Width of the ore body : 30 mts

Depth of the ore body : 40.00 mts

TOP SOIL:

The top soil generated during course of quarrying which is about 2,400

tonnes, will be removed separately and stacked within the quarry area

year marked for the purpose. This stack will be transit stack.

2.5 MINEABLE RESERVES

Insitu Reserves Unit : tonnes

CATEGORY ROM WASTE ROCK

Mineable 1,27,657 6,720

Blocked 97,957 5,420

TOTAL (GEOLOGICAL) 2,25,614 12,140

The geological resources of Granite (Building Stone) in mining permit

area are estimated to be 2,25,614 tonnes, only 1,27,657 tonnes of reserve

can be exploited/ mineable, while the balanced of 97,957 tonnes of

reserve is getting blocked which cannot be mined due to the boundary

constraints. Hence for all practical purpose (for production and future

planning) only Mineable reserve are considered.


Insitu Reserves – Section Wise Unit : Tonnes

SECTION

BETWEE

N

AREA

IN M 2

SECTION

INTERV

AL (IN

M)

VOLUME

IN M 3

SP. GR/

BULK

DENSIT

Y

TONNAGE

IN TONNES

MINEABLE

RESERVES

@ 95%

WASTE

ROCK

00-AA’ 57.50 50 2,875.00 2.50 7,187.50 6,828.00 360.00

AA’-BB’ 445.00 50 22,250.00 2.50 55,625.00 52,844.00 2,782.00

BB’-CC’ 435.00 50 21,750.00 2.50 54,375.00 51,657.00 2,719.00

CC’-DD’ 137.00 50 6,875.00 2.50 17,178.50 16,328.00 859.00

TOTAL 1,075.00 50 53,750.00 2.50 1,34,375.00 1,27,657.00 6,72.00

Table shows the Section Wise Reserves

Insitu Reserves – Section Wise Unit : Tonnes

SECTION

BETWEE

N

AREA

IN M 2

SECTION

INTERV

AL (IN

M)

VOLUME

IN M 3

SP. GR/

BULK

DENSIT

Y

TONNAGE

IN TONNES

MINEABLE

RESERVES

@ 95%

WASTE

ROCK

125 415.00 50 2,750.00 2.50 51,875.00 49,282.00 2,594.00

120 307.50 50 15,375.00 2.50 38,437.50 36,516.00 1,922.00

115 215.00 50 10,750.00 2.50 26,875.00 25,531.00 1,344.00

100 137.00 50 6,875.00 2.50 17,187.50 16,328.00 860.00

TOTAL 1,075.00 50 53,750.00 2.50 1,27,657.00 1,27,657.00 6,72.00

Table shows the Bench Wise Reserves

Method Of Estimation:

The estimation of ore reserves is made by conventional parallel

cross section method using geological cross section. The geological cross

sections are prepared at a regular interval of 50 mts across the strike of

ore body. The area of individual litho units in each and every cross

section is calculated separately. The volume between in the cross section


is arrived on the basis of average the area of parallel cross section i .e,

(S1+S2) / 2 and multiplying sectional interval. And tonnage is arrived by

multiplying by its bulk density.

2.6 DETAILS OF MINING

Presently the said quarry is working with conventional open cast with bench

system method with mechanized mode of operation . Based on the mode and metal

so adopted and taking into the consideration of geological parameters of the

charnockite body, the quarry pit is so designed such that the height of the bench is

kept about 5m maximum and the width is also kept 5m, maintaining 45 0 pit slope.

And the same mode and method of the quarry operation will be continued.

2.6.1 YEAR WISE PRODUCTION DETAILS

Below table shows the proposed year wise production and

development quantities with its respective strip ratio .

YEAR ROM WASTE STRIP RATIO

I 31,469 1,657 1:0.05

II 54,329 2,860 1:0.05

III 41,859 2,203 1:0.05

TOTAL 1,27,657 6,720 1:0.05

2.6.2 PROPOSED METHOD OF MINING

It is proposed to undertake Open Cast Semi -Mechanized Mining Method.

2.6.2.1 Open Cast mining

The mining will be done by open cast semi-mechanized method of mining. The

excavation of mineral is proposed by excavators. The mineral is fractured and

easily exploitable by rock breakers and excavators. The hard strata are

proposed to excavate after dri ll ing and blasting. The height of bench will not be

kept more than 5.0m at a time and the width of the benches wil l be always kept


safe according to provisions. Excavated material is transported to a crusher

located outside the land owned by the project proponent for further processing.

The Mining will be done with the help of tools such as dri lls , jack -hammer,

compressors, rock breakers and excavators etc. The targeted annual product ion

of Stone is about 76,000 TPA.

2.6.2.2 Salient features of mining method

The mining will be done open cast Semi mechanized. The working will be

done by forming benches of 5.0m (Average) height. The proposals of mining for

the next five year workings are given in the table. The Stone production will be

started from the f irst year the systematic working of open cast mines, the main

development work will be the forming of systemat ic benching. The height of

bench will not be kept more than 5.0m at a ti me and the width of the bench will

be always kept safe according to provis ions. The Mining will be done with the

help of tools such as dri lls , jack -hammer, compressors, rock breakers and

excavators etc.

Subsequent to the dri ll ing and blasting, the materials so dis lodged from

the rock mass, the big boulders are subjected to secondary blast ing with the

help of jack hammer. There after the material is loaded into trucks or tippers of

10T capacity with the help of excavator. The loaded material is transported to

the crushing and screening unit for further process.

The cost of the Stone is directly dependent on the size of the material mined.

First Stone bench will be op ened by removal of Soil / OB then Stone will be

mined out either by labor or with the help of Excavator.

135m MSL to 120m MSL in conceptual phase.

Considering the stabil ity of rocks the final slope or say ultimate pit slope

is proposed 45° from vertical.

Haul road will be developed up to point of loading.

Transportation of the mineral from pit -mouth to destinat ion will be by

tippers/trucks (10T capacity).


2.6.3 EXTENT OF MECHANIZATION

The details of equipments proposed to be used in mining operation are

listed below:-

2.6.4 CONCEPTUAL MINING PLAN

For any quarry, preparation of conceptual plan amounts to, fore -seeing in

totali ty and planning for quarrying and relat ive activities throughout its l ife

span, till such time all the usable minerals are exhausted to the economical

limits and permit area is reclaimed to the extent possible . The norms laid

down by the government agencies from time to time do play important roles.

Therefore preparat ions of ideal conceptual quarry plan for any quarry is

difficult and such plan prepared remains acceptable only under given

circumstances. I t cannot be over looked that any such plan undergoes

amendments and revisions in the course of progressive stages of exploitation.

Sr.

No.

Machine Type Required No. of

M/c

Engine HP Bucket Capacity

1. Excavator 2 266 1.84 m 3

2. Excavator / Rock

Breaker

2 165 0.92 m 3

3. Rock Breaker 1 165 F 22

4. Tippers/Trucks 2 220 10T

5. Compressor 2 169 600 CFM

6. Jack hammer drills 3


2.6.4.1 Land Use Pattern

The land use for mining and allied purposes is given below: -

S. No.

Land Use Category As on date Plan Period

1 Area under quarrying

0.0490 0.4150

2 Green belt - 0.3542 3 Area for future

use/undisturbed 0.7202 0.0000

Total 0.7692 0.7692

2.6.5 DRILLING

The excavat ion of mineral is proposed by excavators. The mineral is

fractured and easily exploitable by rock breakers and excavators. The hard

strata are proposed to excavate after dril ling and blasting. The cross -sectional

view of dril ling operations is shown below:-

2.6.5.1 Salient features of drilling/ blasting

The top soil shall be recovered and used for afforestat ion / green

belt development / safety barrier development along the periphery

of the permit area.

After exposing the granites, drill ing shal l be done by jack hammer.

The blasting shall be carried out by Cartridge Slurry explosives.

The rock breakers shall be used to break the oversize boulders left


after blasting.

The blasted material and the broken material by rock breakers shall

be loaded to the tippers by excavator and transported to the

crushing and screening plant located outside the permit area. The

crushing and screening shall be carried out by using primary and

secondary crushers and the screens of 20mm, 12mm, 10mm & 6mm

opening.

The finished product shall be stacked in the crushing and screening

plant area from where it shall be dispatched to the consumer

directly.

2.6.6 BLASTING

The controlled blasting is proposed by adopting all the safety measures as per “MMR

1961”and with the permission of DGMS. In this area for the fragmentation of rock, the blasting

will be conducted. Multiple blast holes of 2.5 to 2.75 m depth will be drilled with the help of

32mm drill rod, Jack hammer and Air compressor of 100 cfm capacity.

Nitrate mixture types of explosives are used for blasting with 20-25%, proportion of booster

cartridges and rest as column charge. About 3-5kg of explosives is loaded in 32mm diameter

holes. And power factor ranging between 5-6 tonnes per kg of explosives is achieved.

The drilling and blasting parameters are as given below.

Depth of each hole : 2.5 to 2.75

Diameter of the hole : 32 mm

App. Spacing between hole : 1m

App. Burden : 0 .6 m to 1m

Hole pattern : Multi row staggered pattern

Explosives to be used : Cartridged Slurry / electric delay detonators

2.6.6.1 Blasting Safeguard

Blasting in the open cast pit will be done only during day time at designated hours as in this project the mining operat ions are proposed to be carried out in daytime only .

Maintaining safety distance all around the magazine as per statutory requirement.

Only competent blasters will be appointed to handle explosives.


Proper, safe and careful handling and use of explosives by competent blasters having Blaster's Certificate of Competency issued by DGMS. Proper security system to prevent theft/ pilferage, unauthorized entry into Magazine

area and checking authorized persons to prevent carrying of matchbox, lights, mobile phones, cigarettes etc.

Controlled blasting technique will be adopted by varying burden, spacing & charge per hole depending upon the field condition.

Holes will be located beyond the weak zone after proper inspection of the site.

The explosives of class2 will be used in their original cartridge packing and such cartridge shall not be cut to remove explosives for making cartridge of different size.

Carrying out blasting during designated time only that too day time only and displaying a board in the mine entrance specifying the blasting time. Posting guards at boundaries of the permit area and giving warning signal by way of whistle or siren blowing before blasting, to prevent unauthorized entry and to prevent mishaps. Detonators will be conveyed in special containers .These will not be carried with other explosives.

2.6.6.2 Types of Explosive Used

Only class 2 and class 6 explosive is proposed for use as given below: -

SL.NO NAME AND

DESCRIPTION

CLASS

&DIVISION

SUB-

DIVISION(IF

ANY)

1 Nitrate Mixture 2,0 0

2 Safety Fuse 6,1 0

3 Electric and/or Ordinary

Detonators

6,3 0


2.6.6.3 Storage of Explosive

Considering low consumption, a 100 kg magazine exists for storing the

explosive. The magazines are located outside the permit area. The controlled

blasting is proposed by adopting all the safety measures as per “MMR 1961”

and with the permission of DGMS.

Blasting will be performed as per requirement on the face. The explosive s are supplied by authorized dealers and the blasting will be carried out under personal supervision of DGMS approved blaster. 2.7 MINERAL TRANSPORTATION

Subsequent to the dril ling and blasting, the materials so dislodged from the

rock mass, the big boulders are subjected to secondary blast ing with the help of

jack hammer. There after the material is loaded into trucks or tippers of 10T

capacity with the help of excavator. The loaded material is transported to the

crushing and screening unit for further process .

2.8 EMPLOYMENT POTENTIAL

The total number of employees including skilled and un -skil led workers is

20 which include workers for mine and ancil lary unit. Most of the directly

employed people are skilled. The details of the employees/workers employed

in the quarry are given below:-

TOTAL TEAM OF QUARRY OPERATION Sr. No. NAME OF THE POST NOS.

1 HIGHLY SKILLED 3

2 SKILLED 7

3 SEMI-SKILLED 7

4 UN-SKILLED 3

TOTAL 20

2.9 WATER REQUIREMENT & SOURCE

The total water requirement for the proposed activity is 10 KLD. The detailed breakup of

the same is given below:-


S. No. Particulars Quantity (KLD)

1. Domestic purpose 2

2. Dust Suppression / Water sprinkling 7

3. Green belt / Plantation 1

Total 10

The water required will be sourced from the well.

2.10 POWER

No power supply is required as the HEMMs will be operated by HSD . The

power supply which will be required for off ice and workshop will be met

through KSEB supply and also DG of 5KVA is installed as a power backup.

*****************


ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

BASELINE ENVIRONMENT

The baseline environment quality represents the background environmental scenario of

various environmental components such as air, noise, land, ecological and socio-economic status

of the study area. Field monitoring studies was carried out by Environmental & Industrial

Research Laboratory M/s METAMORPHOSISSM, Karnataka (both approved by NABET and

Karnataka State Pollution Control Board) to evaluate the base line status of the project site in

compliance with District DEIAA guidelines.

3.1 AIR ENVIRONMENT

The prime objective of the baseline air monitoring was to evaluate the existing air

quality of the area. This will also be useful for assessing the conformity to standards of the

ambient air quality during the operation of the proposed mine. Quality of present ambient air is

within permissible limit. There is no industrial activity in and around the permit area.

The mining has been proposed by semi-mechanized open cast method. Water spraying will be

done on haul/service roads, mining area, loading and unloading places etc. There will not be

any significant impact on ambient air quality.

Field monitoring studies for 24 hourly frequencies was carried out to evaluate the base line

status of the project site in compliance with District DEIAA guidelines.

Baseline data has been collected in the following locations for PM10, PM2.5, NOx & SO2

Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Locations:

SL.NO LOCATIONS DIRECTION &

DISTANCE

1 Quarry area -

2 Vamanapuram NWN – 1.4km

3 Nellanad S – 1.7km

4 Near Devi templechira pond/

Gokulam Collage

SE – 1.8km


LOCATION PM1 0

(µg/M3)

PM2 . 5

(µg/M3)

NOx

(µg/M3)

SO2

(µg/M3)

Quarry area 50.0 19.9 10.8 12.4

48.3 21.7 12.0 13.3

Vamanapuram 44.8 17.9 10.7 11.3

42.5 17.0 9.6 11.2

Nellanad 37.2 14.8 11.1 12.0

34.3 13.7 10.0 12.4

Near Devi templechira

pond/ Gokulam

Collage

30.7 12.2 9.6 12.8

33.3 13.3 10.1 13.3

Results & Conclusions: The results obtained are given in Mining Plan It is

seen that the ambient air monitoring results obtained are well within the

prescribed standards (NAAQS) with respect to PM 1 0 , PM2 . 5 , NO2 and SOx .

3.2 WATER ENVIRONMENT

There are very few bore wells located near the project site and most of the

ground water source is the open wells , which are mainly used for drinking and

agricultural purposes, however the water samples from the open well at the

project site and nearby villages was collected to study the physio -chemical and

biological parameters.

Results & Conclusions: -

Ground water sample were collected in four location including 1 at the project

site. The analysis result of ground water samples at all locations revealed that,

all the parameters are well within the acceptable limits of BIS standards

excepting Total coliform.


3.2.1 HYDROLOGY

Based on the observat ions made in and around the area it was found that

general ground level in this area is 80m above MSL, and the general ground

water table is 10m below the general ground level (70m a bove MSL) during

monsoon and 15m above MSL during summer (65m above MSL) . The permit area

is situated on the hill rock where the top most working level is about 125m

above MSL and the lowest is 100m above MSL. The quarry operat ion is l ikely to

touch 100m above MSL. But during the monsoon the quarry operation are

restricted. Hence no quarry operation is going to touch the general ground

water table.

There are no any perennial water bodies within the quarry area. The

storm water passes through the minor water courses and gets confluence with

the adjacent nallah. Apart from this t he water source in this area is mainly

storm water. Entire storm water flows through the garlands drains provided all

around the quarry pit and same will be collected in settl ing pond. The drainage

pattern in this area is dendritic in nature.

3.3 NOISE ENVIRONMENT

The main objective of noise monitoring in the study area is to establish

the baseline noise levels and assess the impact of the total noise expected to be

generated during the project operations in the project site. Further noise survey

is also conducted during blasting and after blasting.

Noise (Sound) Measuring Instrument

Instrument Make Model

No.

Instrument

Identification

Detection

Limit

Integrated Sound Level

Measurement Instrument

Standard Accessories

Lutro

n

SL-4001 SAL/NOISE/IN

T/01

Lo 30-80dB

Hi 80-130dB


SL.NO LOCATION MIN

dB(A)

MAX

dB(A)

1 Quarry area 51.2 57.6

2 Vamanapuram 46.2 49.3

3 Nellanad 42.4 48.1

4 Near Devi templechira

pond/ Gokulam Collage

41.8 45.3

Vibration levels (due to blasting) The dril ling is proposed by jack hammer with 33mm dia. The blasting shall be

done individually. Due to very small diameter hole blasting the vibration in

this area shall be very minor.

Results and conclusion: -

It is seen from the obtained results that the Noise levels are well within the

prescribed national standards is enclosed in the Mining Plan

3.4 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Plantation will be carried out on the permit periphery, near office, workshop and haulage roads

covering overall 0.3542 Ha by sapling about 750 on the permit periphery. Rubber, bougainvillea,

coconut, red palm, mahogany etc however local forest advice will be taken while selecting

species for plantation.

YEAR AREA OF

PLANTATION

NO OF PLANTS TYPE OF SPECIES

1 0.1542 350 Rubber, bougainvillea, rain tree, red

palm, mahogany 2 0.2007 400

TOTAL 0.3542 750


3.4.1 FLORA

Existing Flora in the Project Area

TREES

Sr. No.

Name of Species

Vernacular Name / English

Name Family

1. Cocus nucifere

Coconut Crucifere

2. Mangifera indica

Mavu

(Mango Tree) Anacardiaceae

3. Artocarpus heterophyllus

Plavu

(Jack fruit tree) Moraceae

4. Tectona grandis

Teak Lamiaceae

5. Hevea brasil iensis

Rubber Euphorbiaceae

6. Artocarpus hirsutus

Anhili Moraceae

7. Strychnos nux-vomica Linn

Kanjiram Loganiaceae

8. Tamarindus indica

Tamarind

Fabaceae

3.4.2 FAUNA

FAUNA: Observed in the area

1. Avian Fauna

Common Name Scientific name Habitat IUCN Status

House crow Corvus splendens Plantation, habitat ion

Least Concern

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabaceae

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabaceae


SOCIO-ECONOMICS Social and demographic profile:

Thiruvananthapuram district is characteristically tropical. Heavy rainfall combined with

moderate temperature and fertile soil support luxuriant vegetation in the district. Major

agricultural crops are rice, pepper, ginger, cardamom, rubber and coconut.

The quarrying activity will benefit local villages both directly and indirectly. Direct

beneficiary will be those who get employed in quarry as skilled and unskilled workers. The

indirect beneficiaries are those who are open for small business, comparatively in long run

backward inhabitants will send their children to school.

The state government also will earn revenue in terms of royalty.

Occupational health and safety hazards :

Since the act ivity of the project involves dril ling, rock breaking, loading

and transportation, the primary safety for the workers is the main concern of

the project . Generally personal protect ive equipments shall be provided to all

individuals inside the quarry permit area.

The secondary safety of workers health shall be also very important for

safe working of the quarry. Sanitation of the quarry area, provision of standard

drinking water, clean system of toi let etc are the f irst steps to protect spreading

of communicable diseases.

As per the guidelines of DGMS and MMR 19 61, it is mandatory to

maintain the first a id room, first aid kit and also the experts of first aiders.

Accordingly shall be maintained and also the list of f irst aiders is displaced at

quarry site. Following measures will be implemented.

Periodical medical checkup programs for all workers.

Compulsory medical checkup program for risk group.

Training for workers regarding occupational hazards.

Lung function test for workers exposed to dust.

Historical monuments etc. There are no historical monuments in the core or buffer zone.


Topsoil & Overburden Management: More or less entire area is exposed by building stone material only at places, topsoil is visualized which is sparsely distr ibuted . Amount of topsoil exist to the thickness is just 1mtrs (average). However during the course of quarrying of this area, the topsoil so occurs wil l be removed separately and will be used for plantat ion purpose. During the entire l ife of the quarry about 2400 tonnes of topsoil is likely to be generated. The land use pattern is given below with all details. The road will have width of at least 7m.

The details of land area indicating the area likely to be degraded due to mining will be as under: -

S. No.

Land Use Category As on date Plan Period

1 Area under quarrying

0.0490 0.4150

2 Green belt - 0.3542 3 Area for future

use/undisturbed 0.7202 0.0000

Total 0.7692 0.7692

Year wise Proposal for reclamation of land.

As the mining will progress, the areas where ultimate pit depth is reached, backfilling

will be started. This will reduce the transportation of OB and waste outside the pit area. There is

proposal of backfilling and re-contouring during the next three years of this mining plan. The

reclaimed area may also be considered for plantation to develop green belts. Abandoned pits

will be utilized for water storage during rainy season. This water will be utilized for irrigation

and plantation etc. It will also help in recharging the ground water.

At the end of conceptual period pit extends over an area of 0.4150Ha apprx. Part of the

pit i.e, 0.0920Ha area will be converted as water pond, which act as a tool for ground water recharge.

And while the balance area of 0.3230Ha will be retained as pit.

It is also suggested to construct a retaining wall where all required and also a garland drain

for collection of rain water at the bottom. Silted water if any will be collected in the garland drain


which in turn will flow into settling pond. Supernatant clear water will be let out of the area after

passing through silt traps.

Afforestation Programme

Plantation will be carried out on the permit periphery near office, work shop

and haulage roads covering at the rate of 0.17Ha yearly by sapling about

375number/ years overall covering an area of 0.3542Ha on permit periphery .

Biological reclamation / ecological restoration for the mined area by

plantation of the species as per the time schedule suggested below: -

First Six months -- Herbs & grass

Next Six months -- Shrubs

Next Six months onwards -- Trees

Selection of species is based on High Dust Capturing, Soil Holding Capacity,

ground water recharge capacity etc. More focus is given for medicinal plants.

Plantation along the boundary of the permit area i.e. within 7.5 m barrier of

the permit area boundary has been proposed which will help to improve the

environment and ecology. Plantation will be done around offices, road side

and fencing boundary etc.

Treatment and disposal of water from mine:

Except during monsoon months, no water shall be discharged from mine. A

garland drain shall be made all around the quarry to divert the water away

from the pit through silt settling tank. The rain water shall be diverted to its

natural course.

Measures for minimizing adverse effects on water regime:

It is also suggested to construct a retaining wall where all required and

also a garland drain for collect ion of rain water at the bottom. Si lted water i f

any will be collected in the garland drain which in turn wil l flow into settl ing

pond. Supernatant clear water will be let out of the area after passing through

silt traps.


Protective measures for ground vibrations/air blast caused by blasting: The dril ling is proposed by jack hammer with 33mm dia. Due to small

diameter hole blasting the vibration in this zone shall not be even not iceable.

The nearest town Nedumangadu is situated at about 16kms away from the

mine. However the measures like monitoring every blast and use of minimum

explosives shall be taken.

Measures for protecting historical monuments and for rehabilitation of habitat, settlements, disturbed due to mining activity:

There are no historical monuments in the core or buffer zone.

Socio-economic benefits arising out of mining:

It is expected that mining can boost the gross economic production of the

area other than the industria l activities. I t provides new avenues of

direct/indirect employment and business. These coupled with growth in

infrastructural faci lit ies results in improving socio-economic prospects.

The mining in the region will open the gates for Socio -economic upliftment of

the area. People wil l be gett ing better faci lit ies of communication and amenities

due to mining activit ies in the region .

Monitoring schedules for different environmental components after the commencement of mining operations and related activities

For this quarrying project a quarterly monitoring mechanism for

various environmental parameters shall be evolved if ne eded as per the

guidelines issued by District Environment Committee.

Waste Management:

On an average about 4500 tonnes of solid waste wil l be generated every

year. This waste will be supplied to the buyers, where they will use for fi ll ing,

leveling and so on. Hence there is no dumping.

Top Soil Management

A total quantity of 2400tonnes of topsoil is proposed to be removed during

the mining operations. The topsoil excavated from the quarry wil l be dumped


separately at pre-determined place and subsequently will be ut il ized in spreading

over reclaimed areas for p lantation. Precautions will be taken to l imit the height

of the topsoil dump to 5 to 6 meters in order to preserve its ferti lity and shelf l ife.

I t wil l be suitably protected from soil er osion and inferti lity by plant ing fodder

grass and leguminous plants during temporary storage.

Safety & Security:

For safety the permit hold areas shall be fenced with proper gates which shall

be guarded by security personals.

Disaster Management & Risk Assessment: Disasters might occur only due to natural calamities like earth quake,

excessive rains and f looding etc. To overcome such risks, help/aid would be

sought from emergency services providers like police station, fire station,

hospital, ambulance services from the authorities in the vicinity of the mine

site. Their contact te lephone numbers and communication facil ities are

provided and displayed on the board at the mine off ice as well as mine site.

Responsibility of coordinating rescue activit ies is entrusted to quarry – in –

charge at the quarry site in addition to quarry – in charge is also looking after

statutory obligat ions under Mines Act, 1952.

Table No. 12.3: Location of Stations during Emergency from Quarry

Stations

Location of Station

Distance

Hospital Govt. Hospital, Vamanapuram 1km

Police station

Vamanapuram Police Station 1.40km

Fire station Attingal 11.2km


In case of any eventuality the following person will be available for contact.

Mr. A. Mohammed Basheer

Thempakala, Venjaramoodu P.O,

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – 695 607.

Mobile no: 9846 705 490

Care and maintenance during temporary discontinuance:

Lessee proposes to work continuously, till the conceptua l syage as such there is no temporary discontinuance of the mine. All required actions are timely taken and therefore , we do not foreseen such discontinuation to occur, however, management is fully equipped up to overcome any such eventually. However due to unforeseen situation, if mines happen to discontinue temporarily due to strike, lockout & any order passed by the government, court and etc, lessee shall take care of mine by fencing the pit/ quarry deploying the security guards for watch and ward of the mine. .

4.0 ENVIRONMENT MONITORING PROGRAM

The awareness of environment has led to the development of

Environment Management Plan including minor development projects, wherein

anticipated impact are assessed and the management plan to mitigate these

impacts has been stipulated in advance. The quarr y operations disturb the

landscape involving dril ling, blasting, transportation and operation of HEMMs.

Therefore Environmental management of the environment attributes that may

arise due to the quarry project during its operation is very essential and pla ys a

vital role in mitigat ing the environmental issues.

The main objectives of environmental monitoring are

To assess the changes in environmental conditions,

To monitor the effective implementation of mitigation measures,

Warn significant deteriorations in environmental quality for further Prevention action.


4.1 REPORTING & DOCUMENTATION

All the necessary reports and documents shall be prepared to comply the statutory rules &

regulations. Proper and due care shall be taken to adhere to the laid down rules and regulations by

the government.

Regular and periodic record shall be kept in order to ensure easier, comparable and brisk review

and projection of past, present and future performances. Also, the management shall ensure to

prepare separate records for water, wastewater, solid waste, air, emission, soil & manure

regularly and periodically in order to provide better and smooth vigilance.

The management shall look into the fact that as soon as the report is prepared, it shall be

forwarded to the concerned authority with due care for the purpose of reviewing.

Adhering to the rules and regulations the management shall ensure that the outcome of the reports

and the conclusions drawn shall be prepared as per the laid down regulations and procedures. No

breach of any convention shall be availed.

These reports/documents shall be regularly and periodically reviewed and any

changes/discrepancies found in mitigation measures/ operation/ management/ shall be brought

into notice instantaneously and all possible corrective actions shall be taken.

5.0 CONCLUSION

It is anticipated that socio -economic impact due to this project will posit ively

enhance the raw materials for the developmental concerns and also may provide

ample chances of more employment opportunities for local inhabitants. There

are no Resettlement and Rehabilitation issues and litigations in any courts of

law pending involved in this project. The project infrastructures can be ut il ized

for the benefit of the local people of the area. The revenue of the State Govt.

wil l be definitely increasing due to the proposed activity by means of CRP as

well as the processing fee for appropriate statutory clearances involved in the

procedures. The ent ire project area is devoid of any endangered flora and fauna

as specified in the IUCN records and the area is total ly far from any other

protected areas under the Wildlife Protection Act as well as the Forest Act. I t is

proposed to reclaim the land and develop green cover for eco -restoration with


native species to a maximum extent as far as possible. Thus the proposed project

is not having any possibil ity in generating untoward changes which is capable

for a lter ing the equilibrium status of the environment or adjacent ecosystem

adversely.

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1.0 introduction of the mining...

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