Section 70 in Gujarat Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2017
70. Environment Impact Mitigating Measures.
- The following measures shall be incorporated in the environment management plan and shall be followed by every lease holder:(1)Removal and utilization of top soil:-(a)The top soil collected during mining operations shall be managed to stack systematically at the approved site; and(b)Top soil so stacked shall be utilized for plantation or for restoration and rehabilitation of the land no longer required for mining operations or for stabilizing/ landscaping the overburden dumps.(2)Storage of overburden, waste rock, etc:-(a)The overburden, waste rock and non-saleable mineral generated during mining operations shall be managed to stack separately in properly formed dumps on grounds earmarked in approved environmental clearance;(b)The over burden dump shall be properly secured to prevent the degradation of the surrounding land or silting of water courses.(c)Wherever possible, the waste rock or overburden or other rejects shall be used for back filling the worked out quarry or mine where the mineral has been recovered up to the optimum depth, with a view to restore the land to its original use or desired alternate use. Where the backfilling is not feasible, the waste dumps shall be scientifically vegetated by suitable native species to prevent erosion and surface run off; and(d)The maximum height of the already existing waste dumps shall not exceed five metres and it shall be protected by walls of rubble stones or Geo-green blanket to prevent the flow of fine particles.(3)Reclamation and Rehabilitation of lands:- Restoration, reclamation and rehabilitation of land affected by mining operations shall be undertaken in a phased manner so that the work is completed before the conclusion of mining operations and the abandonment of the quarry or mine, with a view to leave a productive and sustainable site.(4)Precaution against ground vibrations.-Whenever any damage to public buildings or monuments is apprehended due to their proximity to the quarry lease area, scientific investigations shall be carried out by the holder of the quarry lease so as to keep the ground vibrations caused by blasting operations within safe limit.(5)Precaution against air pollution:-(a) Air pollution due to dust, exhaust emissions or fumes during, mining or processing operations for mineral and related activities shall be controlled and kept within permissible limits as specified under any environmental law for the time being in force. Main haulage roads of the mine shall be kept wet by sprinkling of water; and(b)Periodical examination of air quality shall be monitored by the association of the cluster and results shall be intimated to concerned District Geologist / District Assistant Geologist as well as the regional officer of the State Pollution Control Board.(6)Discharge of toxic liquids:-All possible precautions shall be taken to prevent or reduce to a minimum, the discharge of toxic and objectionable liquid effluents from a quarry or mine, workshop or beneficiation or metallurgical plants, tailing ponds, into surface or ground water bodies, ground water acquifiers and usable lands. These effluents shall conform to the standards laid down in this regard.(7)Precaution against noise pollution: - (a) Noise arising out of mining and processing operations for a mineral at the source shall be controlled so as to keep it within the permissible limit; and(b)Periodical examination of noise pollution shall be monitored by the association of the cluster and results shall be intimated to concerned District Geologist / District Assistant Geologist as well as the regional officer of the State Pollution Control Board.(8)Restoration of fauna/flora: - (a) Effective measures shall be taken for plantation in the area earmarked in the environment management plan. It shall be ensured that plantation shall be done at least five per cent of the total land of the cluster as specified every year;(b)The earmarked site for plantation shall be fenced and proper planning of watering and caring the plants shall be implemented. The same shall be looked after during the subsistence of the cluster;(c)Suitable trees shall be planted along cluster boundary, on both sides of the major roads, near site office of the mine and over the inactive dumps;(d)The lease holder shall not cut or injure any trees in area of his quarry lease without the previous sanction in writing of any officer authorised in this behalf under any law in force; and(e)All precautionary measures shall be taken during mining operations for conservation and protection of endangered fauna and flora.(9)Water management: - (a) Water collected shall be analyzed and if found potable then it shall be diverted for drinking purpose in consultation with Gujarat Water Supply and Sewerage Board.(b)Accumulated unpotable rain water shall be de-watered and diverted to nearby pond / aquifer / river / nallah, catchment area by providing suitable pipe line or drains or link canals, as the case may be, in consultation with Gujarat Water Supply and Sewerage Board;(c)The procedure of water harvesting shall be adopted to recharge the ground water table;(d)Effective steps shall be taken for setting up of a water treatment plant wherever required to treat the effluents collected in the working pits; and(e)For working below ground water level, the quarry lease holder shall carry out a detailed hydro-geological study taking into account the mine water discharge, management of discharged water and shall obtain prior approval of the State Ground Water Department.(10)Corporate Social Responsibility: - (a) Regular health check-up camps for the workers engaged in mines shall be organized;(b)Occupational health surveillance programme of the workers shall be undertaken periodically to observe any contractions due to exposure to dust and take corrective measures, if needed;(c)Insurance cover to all workers engaged in mines shall be provided;(d)Common vocational training center shall be setup at a district level; and(e)Local needs of habitant like school, creche, hospital, veterinary hospital, sanitation, drinking water etc., shall be considered positively.
