(a) whether the Government is aware that the local people around the mining areas are suffering from different chronic diseases due to pollution and the mine owners/companies are not taking adequate steps to check pollution;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to control pollution in mining areas and take action against such mine owners/companies?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)
(a) to (c) Mining activities poses risk to human health due to emission of dust particles and as industry is categorized as Red Category as per Industrial sector categorization activities made by Central Pollution Control Board based on pollution potential. Mining activities are regulated by State Pollution Control Boards/ Committees for control of pollution under the provision of The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Mining activity within the mining lease area are regulated by Indian Bureau of Mines and Director General of Mines Safety (DGMS) is mandated to take care of mine safety issues and matters pertaining to occupational safety, health and welfare of persons employed in mines and prescribes method of mining so that the risk of accident and disease in and around mine is controlled.
All mining activities are required to take environmental clearance as per the provision of EIA Notification 2006, amended from time to time, wherein environmental management plan proposed by the mine owners is appraised based on the predicted impacton environment arising due to proposed mining activity. Precautionary and preventive measures are stipulatedas clearance condition, for compliance by the mine owners such as plantationare mandatory along the periphery of mining area to contain and control dispersion of dust beyond the mining area boundary. Further, mines are directed to take all necessary preventive measures for control of dust particles while transportation of minerals through covered vehicles and also to use closed conveyor system, wherever such system is techno-economically feasible.
Compliance of environmental conditions imposed is monitored and appropriate action within the provision of Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986 is initiated, as applicable. Complaint regarding impact of pollution due to mining activity is investigated by State Pollution Control Board/Committee and appropriate action is taken within the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
*****