(a) whether the Government has conducted/proposes to conduct
any study to assess the damage caused to the environment, ground
water level and human beings inhabited in the area as a result of
coal mining in the country including coal producing State Jharkhand;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has taken/proposes to take
corrective measures to address the issue; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL(SHRI PRATIK PRAKASHBAPU PATIL)
(a) to (d): No, Sir. However, in a recent study carried out by
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Indian Institute of
Technology, Delhi (IITD) under the aegis of Ministry of Environment
and Forests (MoEF) to assess the environmental pollution of 88
industrial clusters (indicating combined effect of all industries
in the area) in different parts of the country, the internally generated
Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI) using the same
methodology indicate that the pollution level of the coal mines are
much lower compared to the total pollution level of the clusters
identified by CPCB.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Environment
Management Plan (EMP) for each project is prepared taking into account
the likely impact on environment, ground water, human beings etc
which involves the holding of Public Hearing with the stake holders
and the officials of the State Government concerned. The EMP is finalized
addressing the issues raised by the Stake holders and placed for approval
of Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF).Project proponents have
to comply with the conditions laid by MoEF while according environment clearance.