In a note prepared for the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests, the mines ministry said it is imperative to categorise the mineral-bearing areas as either ‘high-risk' or ‘low-risk', which would act as an indicative tool for the mining industry to prioritise its activities. While in case of Reconnaissance Permit of Prospective Licence, the provisions of the Forest Conservation Act is not-enforceable, but in case of operating Mining Leases they would have to be complied to.
“This categorisation would help in giving some indication of the possibility of clearance or rejection which will enable the industry to take a more informed view of whether or not to take the risk of investment at different stages of mining," it said.
Accordingly, the ministry has suggested categorisation of the high and low-risk areas ‘earlier go' and ‘later go' areas. As of now, the ‘go' and ‘no-go' system of the MoEF is for coalfields only, which has rendered about 203 coal blocks non-mineable as they are located in the forested areas of the country.
The mines ministry has made out a case that development projects, including mining in some high-risk areas should be allowed subsequent to exhaustion of all options in lower risk areas, which should be clearly spelt out in any policy for various purposes or conditionalities, the note said.
The ministry argued that since the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) enjoyed a sizeable regional presence, especially in the mining zones, there was a need for the MoEF to consider utilising the Bureau to monitor compliance to the Environmental Management Plan prepares by the mining lease holders on a regular basis and in a comprehensive manner.
“To that effect the state pollution control boards can assist the IBM in specific technical activities for areas falling outside the leased-outareas. As a subordinate office of the Centre, the IBM could ensure an arm's length regulatory role in monitoring compliance to EMPs. The MoEF could also consider including IBM in the Expert Appraisal Committee," according to the note. Read the full report here.
Source: Priyadarshi Siddhanta, Express India.
