Rajya Sabha
The Government is aware of the possibility of seeping in of sea water due to pumping out of water from mines. The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), at the request of Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (NLC), has put up observation wells along the coast to continuously monitor any salt water intrusion from sea to inland and the studies made so far indicate that there is no such occurrence. NLC has also requested Geological Survey of India to undertake scientific studies in Neyveli region so as to understand seeping of sea water, if any, due to pumping by NLC for mining operations, agriculturists and other industries operating in the region.
Ministry of Environment and Forests and the CGWB have prescribed the limits restricting ground water pumping from NLC's mines. NLC is pumping ground water to the extent it has been permitted by the above agencies.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Coal & Mines, Dr. Dasari Narayan Rao in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
(Release ID :3276)