1

CHAPTER-01

PROJECT DETAILS

1. Introduction

Sri N.H.V.Rama Rao of Shirahatti, Taluk Shirahatti,, District Gadag has a Quarry Lease,

QL.No.708, over an area of 2-0Acre (0.81Ha), in the Sy No. 58/A to quarry Building

Stone.

Dept. of Mines & Geology Gadag, has issued deemed extension letter (Annexure IA) in

pursuance of Rules 8A(4) of KMMC Rules 1994. The eligible deemed extension will be

up to 01-02-2028 w.e.f. 02-02-2028 vide letter No.DMG/SG/QL No.708/8A/2017-

18/3543 dated: 02-03-2018

The quarrying development in the study area needs to be intertwined with judicious

utilization of natural resources within the limits of permissible assimilative capacity. The

Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is a valuable tool for resource management and

conservation of environmental considerations can be conveniently & advantageously

woven into the process of planning, implementation and operation of the project.

Measures to enhance the quality of environment subsequent to quarrying are also

incorporated in the EMP.

The present Environmental Management Plan is aimed at ensuring sustainable

development in the study area of the quarrying operations. The strategy is to control the

pollution at the source to the extent possible, with the available and affordable

technology, followed by treatment measures before the pollutants are discharged into the

environment. Although, the study area is not adversely affected with the quarrying

activities, however, concerted efforts have been planned to integrated measures for

improvement of the environment in the study area.

The environmental attributes for which the management action plan is contemplated are

Air quality, Water quality, Noise, Soil, Topography, Land use and the Socio economic

status of the area.

This Environmental Management Plan report has been prepared for submission to

District Level Environmental Appraisal Committee/District Level Environmental Impact

2

Assessment Authority constituted by MOEF for obtaining Environmental Clearance

2. Purpose Of Environmental Management Plan

Various purposes of the environmental management plan are;

To treat and dispose of all the pollutants viz. liquid, gaseous and solid waste so as to

meet statutory requirements (Relevant Pollution Control Acts) with appropriate

technology.

To support and implement development work to achieve environmental standards and

to improve the methods of environmental management.

To promote green-belt development.

To encourage good working conditions for employees.

To reduce fire and accident hazards.

Budgeting and allocation of funds for environment management system.

To adopt cleaner production technology and waste minimization program.

3. Status on Baseline Information

The area is 1.94 km NW of Khanapur Village. Gadag–Bangalore Main Road is

2.48km West of the area. The Lease area is situated in SW at a distance of 1.36 km from

Mulgund– Shirahatti PWD Road. The Lease area is 22 kms from Gadag a Taluk &

district head quarter.

The nearest railway station is at Gadag which is at a distance of 22 kms from the Lease

area.

The nearest airport is Hubli, 65 kms. The nearest port is Karwar which is 240 km.

Parasapur Reserve Forest is 3.42 kms. Magadi Water Tank is 3.29 kms. No wild life

sanctuary within 15 kms radius from the Lease area.

Topo sheet No. with Latitude and longitude:

Topo sheet No 48 M/12

Latitude: N 150 14’ 21.56” to N 15

0 14’ 24.89’’

Longitude: E 750 32’ 28.00”to E 75

0 32’ 34.72’’

3

The Lease area is a Hillock. The highest elevation in NW portion and lowest elevation

in Western portion in the pit, in the area are having an elevation difference of 5.7 m (i.e.,

680.2 m and 674.5 m respectively).

There is dry agricultural land around the lease area. This type of small-scale open cast

mining operations may not degrade the environmental conditions.

Water Regime

The slopes are drained by nallas which are outside the quarrying lease area. These nallas

flow towards SW and act as flood channel during rainy seasons. None of these are

perennial. This area receives rainfall about 650 mm per year. The ground water table

observed in this area is between 60 to 80 meters below the ground from the quarrying

level. The area around the quarrying operations is almost dry, barren & grazing with

some vegetation & agricultural.

Quality of the Air

The quality of the air is not pure and fresh, however, within permissible limit as there are

number of building stone quarries in nearby region. Moreover, there will be always

good breeze from the adjoining open area.

Solid Waste

There is solid waste material. During the Plan period about 4,901 tonnes of waste will be

removed/ excavated, will be utilized for approach road.

Climatic Condition

The area enjoys arid climate. The hottest month is May and coldest month is December.

The rainy season comprises of May to September. The temperature varies from 20oC -

25oC in winter to 38

oC-42

oC in summer. The weather is continued to be pleasant during

November to march. This area receives rainfall of about 650 mm per year.

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Human Settlements

There are no villages within the lease area. The Lease area is 1.94 km SE of Seetalahari

Village, having a total population of 439 and Household population of 69 (as per 2011

census).

Public Buildings, Places of Worship and Monuments

There are no public buildings, monuments or wild life parks in and around the area. No

Places of worship and monuments in this Quarrying area or near-by this place.

4. Land Environment

Land area indicating that the area likely to be degraded due to quarrying, pitting, roads,

workshop, etc.

As the Building Stone Quarry is carried out in small scale in about 0.764Ha The depth of

excavation will not be more than 12.0 mts. The excavated Building Stone is sold to the

customers.

In this type of minor-scale open cast OTFM quarrying operations, no township is planned

and there are no other hazards generated.

Reserves

The reserve details are as under:

Total Mineral resources-----2,01,854 tonnes.

Mineral reserves ------------ 93,096 tonnes.

Quarrying

An open cast, Other Than Fully Mechanised Quarry Method, will be adopted to operate

the area. The annual production is about 40,000 tonnes/year maximum. The Building

Stone deposit is hillock and the Building Stone is well exposed in the entire area.

5

A bench height of 3m and a minimum bench width of 4m will be maintained.

For production, it is proposed to work in the NE side and advance towards SW

The Building Stone and waste generated from working benches is loaded to dumpers by

excavators and front end loaders and hauled to the destination.

Solid Waste

There is solid waste material. During the Plan period about 4,901 tonnes of waste will be

removed/ excavated, will be utilized for approach road.

Afforestation

Afforestation cannot be taken up along the lease boundary as it is rocky area. Hence,

plantation will be done along approach road in consultation of Horticulture and forest

departments to maintain the green belt for balancing the ecological environment. Details

of the afforestation program are given below:

Afforestation Table – Green Belt

Year No.of Plants Survival Rate Saplings(Local

species) Botanical Name

Approach Road

1. 2018-19 50 60% Tamarind Tamaindus Indica

2. 2019-20 50 Neem Azadirachta Indica

3. 2020-21 50 Ala Ficus Benghalensis

4. 2021-22 50 Banni Acacia Ferruginea

5. 2022-23 50 Mango Mangifera Indica

Total 250 Anjan Hardwickia Binata Honge Pongamia pinnata

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CHAPTER-02

PRESENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS BASE LINE ENVIRONMENT

Climate

The area has a tropical climate. The peak summer will be in the month of May. Highest

temperature of 42°C during May and lowest temperature of 20°C during December was

recorded in this area and the rainfall in this area was about 550mm.

Temperature

This is one of the important factors deciding the dispersion of air pollutants due to

Factors like lapse rate, inversion etc. In the area, it is observed from the records that the

temperature varies slightly in the month.

Relative Humidity

The presence of water vapor in the atmosphere affects the amount of solar Radiation

received and reflected by the earth. Water vapor serves to scatter or Absorb radiation

energy, and hence humidity has a major influence on air quality. Generally the relative

humidity observed in the area is moderate.

Precipitation

Precipitation serves as a cleansing agent for the atmosphere by removing Particulate

matter and soluble gases in a process called “Wash Out”. The rainfall in this area was

about 650mm

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Wind Speed & Direction

Wind is one of the most important modes in the distribution, transportation and

dispersion of air contaminants. The velocity of the wind determines the travel time of

particulate to a receptor and the dispersion rate of air contaminants.

EMP study & Scope

The objective of preparing an EMP is to provide mitigative measures for protection of

Environment. In order to obtain a clear picture of environmental parameters, the studies

were carried out inside the area (Core zone) proposed for mining. Based on the available

information and monitoring carried out in the area for various environmental parameters

EMP of the area is prepared. The EMP for the subject Quarry Lease is undertaken as part

of obtaining clearance from Environmental angle.

Quality Of Air

Quarrying operations does not involve deep hole drilling and blasting. Use of machinery

for excavation & loading of Building Stone, is a major contributor for affecting the air

quality. Loading and transport of Building Stone generate some small quantities of dust,

which again depend on factors such as the topography, nature of material handled and

climatologically parameters like wind speed, wind direction and stability classification of

the area viz location of buffer zone villages. The quantum of quarrying operations is very

limited and hence there shall not be regular fugitive emissions. However, care will be

taken to suppress dust by sprinkling water at all loading places, etc. Dust extractors will

be used at drilling point.

Quality of Water

a) Surface water: There are no nallahs and tank existing nearby the Quarry area, Precautions

will have to be taken to avoid the wash-off from the mine to nearby nallahs by

construction of Check dams & retaining walls.

b) Ground water: Ground water is cannot encounter as the area is hillock. So any change in

the ground water condition is ruled out.

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Noise Level

The noise level of the core & buffer zone is expected to be within the permissible Limits.

Quarrying activity is likely to increase the noise levels at the loading points and jack

hammer drilling locations. Since the workers will not be expected to be exposed to high

levels of noise for considerable period of time, no Extra precaution is proposed.

.

Land Environment

The Quarry lease area of 2-00 (0.81 Ha) acres is Revenue land. The area is hillock

covered by rocks. The Quarry lease area is proposed to be utilized for quarrying and

except for quarrying the land is not used for any other purpose. The buffer zone consists

of patta lands which are barren, agricultural & grazing lands. The major activity in the

buffer zone is dry and whatever agriculture activity takes place is entirely dependent on

rains. The crop includes Jowar with maize, ground-nut and vegetables.

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CHAPTER-03

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Introduction

Mineral deposits are exploited for the sustained development of the country. But this

economic activity is likely to cause some adverse impact on the environment and

ecosystem of the area. Therefore, it is obligatory on the part of the lessee to implement

suitable control measures to mitigate the adverse impact of the various quarrying

operations. After analyzing and study of the quarry, it is found that the quarry activity

certainly will have little effects on the different environmental parameters as is evidenced

in the earlier chapter. It is possible to control the deterioration of environment due to

quarry activity by adopting and monitoring few fixed practices as described in detail in

this chapter.

Climate

The proposed Quarry activities are not likely to contribute to any variation in the climate

parameters of the region. The variations observed are on a regional scale and the control

factors lie much beyond the small area considered for Quarrying. Hence no management

measures are needed and proposed.

Air Environment

The sources of air pollution in the region will be due to quarrying and the related

transportation activities. The meteorology of the area becomes an important parameter in

environmental issues in the mining settlements. Suitable measures to protect the

inhabitants and environment against the dust and fumes emanating from vehicular

movements are required to be taken. The dust generated is from the mine haul roads and

drilling/loading sites. It is proposed to take up mitigative measures in the form of

sprinkling water in the sensitive areas. The gaseous pollutants namely SO2 & NOx are

below detection level. As stated earlier the gaseous pollutants in and around the Quarry

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are well within the permissible limits. There is no likelihood of the concentrations

exceeding the

standards as there is little dust emanating from the drilling, blasting & loading. There is

no other factory or beneficiation unit in the lease area. However, gaseous pollutants will

be monitored as per the requirement.

Dust Control

The dust generated from loading and transport operations will be controlled by water

spraying. For these purposes water tanker fitted with sprayer will be used at haul road, etc.

Sprinkling water on the roads by tanker will be practiced. Dust extractors will be used at

drilling point. The office complex is also suggested to be surrounded by green belt, to

arrest the spread of dust to the other locations.

Noise Environment

The haulage vehicles shall be maintained with proper lubrication, fitting of effective

silencers and maintenance to reduce the noise. Workers are provided with earplugs to

avoid the noise from the machineries. The proposed green belt along the approach road

will help in reducing the noise level.

Water Environment

Water Consumption and Waste Water Management

Water consumed for Consumption

KLD/day

Discharge

KLD /day

Treatment

units Provided

Final disposal

point

a) Domestic use

b) Gardening.

c) Industrial purpose

0.66

1.0

1.5

0.46(70%)

NA

NA

Soak pit

NA

NA

Land

NA

NA

It is proposed to use water for sprinkling over the roads for suppression of dust during

summer. The major source of water pollution in open cast quarrying is the surface run-

off carrying the fine silt. The problem is prevalent mostly in rainy season. For this control

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measures by way of providing check-dams along the boundary of the project site and

outside the lease area will be initiated and further take up afforestation on the side of

these retention walls to minimize the flow of silt. Drains will be constructed to channelize

the water in loose soil areas to prevent erosion.

Storm Water Management

Check dams will be constructed to contain the surface run-off of the silt and sediments

from the lease area during heavy rainy season. Garland drain around the quarry will be

made to divert the water from working areas.

Land Environment

The Dhanbad declaration on Environmental Management in Mining Industry states

“It is imperative that in order to ensure the continued and sustained progress of the mining

industry in India, the environmental dimensions should be integrated into the planning,

design, development, operation and working practices of quarry on scientific and rational

lines, by the Governments and the industry in a mutually reinforcing manner”.

The land related Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been presented here under

two sections viz., Soil & Water conservation and Afforestation.

Land Restoration/Reclamation

Land restoration or reclamation of the area is very essential in any mining industry.

Proper measures adopted during restoration will control most of the adverse

environmental impacts of Quarry and also improve the aesthetic beauty of the area. Due

to the Quarry activities in this area the profile of the ground will change due to formation

of pits. At the end of the Quarry operations, the pit will be rehabilitated. The pit will be

properly fenced and utilized as water tank for Agriculture as the lease area is surrounded

by Agriculture lands.

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Provision of Green Belt along the affected area

Development of greenbelt around the project site will not be taken up as it is rocky area.

However,, plantation will be done along approach road in consultation with Horticulture

and forest departments to maintain the green belt for balancing the ecological

environment. About 50 plants will be planted every year. The major pollutant is

generation of dust. This is an effective way to check pollutants and their dispersion into

surrounding areas. The degree of pollution attenuation by a green belt depends on its

height and width, foliage surface area and density.

The main objective of green belt is as follows:

1. Mitigation of impacts due to fugitive emissions caused by vehicles

2. Attenuation of noise levels

3. Ecological restoration

4. Creation of aesthetic environment

Control on soil Erosion

There is no top soil production in the area. Parapet wall along the lease boundary and

Check dam across the water course from the lease area will be constructed.

Wild Life Protection:

Presently, there are no wild animals spotted in the core zone. However, the practice of

afforestation programme and other control measures shall bring greenery to the area and

also the vegetation of mixed species and availability of water will form a natural habitat

for these wild animals and helps in conservation of the flora and fauna of the area.

Fencing & trenching of the lease area boundary shall be proposed as part avoiding entry

of animals within the quarry/pits towards unauthorized entry & wild life protection.

Management of Socio Economic:

Quarrying industry will improve the economic status of the people and area. Continued

Quarrying activities, will benefit the local people due to provision of more infrastructural

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facilities provided by the Quarrying industry, as Quarrying industry boosts up the local

market, which will invite people from different places to install their ancillary units.

Disaster Management Plan

Disaster Management Plan is envisaged with a goal to prevent hazards and accidents at

work places by careful design, operation, maintenance and inspection of the Quarrying

machineries & equipments. All the quarry activities will be in accordance with the

approved Quarrying plan and directives of Directorate General of Mines Safety. All the

eligible employees will be sent to refresher courses from time to time on safety issues.

The control measures will be adopted to take care of hazards/disasters that may occur

during quarry operation.

Safety awareness through competitions, posters & organizing safety weeks every year.

Fire fighting & first aid provisions will be provided in mines office & quarry lease area.

All safety appliances to be made available to all the staff.

Proper maintenance of haulage roads

Conclusions, Suggestions/recommendations

Building Stone will be obtained from quarrying.. The typical process after quarrying

involves the following steps:

Drilling

Blasting

The suspended particulate matter getting airborne from the Quarrying activity gets

dispersed in close proximity itself and settles down early. The noise levels due to the

proposed quarry activity are also not of a higher order that calls for immediate corrective

measures. There is positive socio-economic front in the surrounding region due to the

proposed Quarrying industry. The practice of afforestation scheme at all possible places

is a step in the right direction towards achieving ecological balance.

Suggestions/Recommendations

Even though there is no perceptible impact from the quarry activity on the environment

of the region, it is imperative that mitigative measures have got to be implemented on full

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scale for creating environmental balance and intern maintain the ecology of the region.

The following suggestions/recommendations merit due consideration in this regard.

As no control over wind can be exercised, the frequency of the dust suppression measures

like constant watering of the haul roads shall be practiced.

Afforestation as envisaged in the Quarrying plan is to be carried out so that it not only

enhances the green canopy but also stop the spread of dust particles and air borne

pollutants.

Surface water conservation measures and groundwater recharge be given high priority.

Environmental Monitoring-Financial Implications

After an in-depth study of the Environmental Management Plan, the management may

make estimates of expenditure on annual basis for the implementation of different

environmental protection programme will be implemented as required.

Capital Cost

Sl.No. Activity Quantity Capital

Cost/Yr.(Rs)

1 Fence along Lease Boundary 355m 3,55,000-00

2 Catch drain along Lease boundary 200m 1,00,000-00

3 Siltation Pond 10x5m 50,000-00

Total 5,05,000-00

Recurring Cost

Sl.No. Activity Quantity Recurring

Cost/Yr.(Rs)

1 Afforestation/Green belt development 50 saplings/yr 25,000-00

2 Water for Drinking, Dust suppression & Plantation 3.16KLD/yr 3,16,000-00

3 Period Medical Checkup & PPE supplies Yearly 60,000-00

4 Environmental Monitoring Yearly 50,000-00

5 CSR Activities Yearly 1,00,000-00

Total 5,51,000-00

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INDEX

Sl. No. Contents Page No.

1.

2.

3.

Project Details

Present Environmental Conditions-

Base Line Environment

Environmental Management Plan

1

6

9

LIST OF ANNEXURES

1

Environmental Monitoring Report

16

ENVIRONMENTAL

MANAGEMENT PLAN

Of

SEETALAHARI BUILDING STONE QUARRY

For

QL. No.708 in 2-00 Acres (0.81 Ha)

in Sy.No.58/A

Revenue Land, OTFM Mining,

At Seetalahari Village, Gadag Taluk & District,

of

Sri N.H.V.Rama Rao

S/o Sri Venkateshwar Rao N.H.V Rama Rao

#5/26, Shirahatti

Taluk Shirahatti, District Gadag