Question : ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE



(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?

Answer given by the minister


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.