(a) whether the Government has taken steps to neutralize or counter the negative impacts on deforestation due to mining and if so, the details thereof;
(b) the manner in which the Government proposes to rehabilitate the local people especially the local tribes of the various forests that are adversely impacted due to mining and deforestation; and
(c) the details of policy initiatives, if any, the Government proposes to undertake for the same?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) Mining is a site specific activity. A proposal for prior approval for diversion of forest land for mining under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 is examined at different levels and due diligence is exercised to avoid the use of forest land or to keep it at bare minimum. Prior approval is accorded subject to certain conditions including the Compensatory Afforestation (CA), payment of Net Present Value (NPV) and protection/afforestation of Safety Zone area. Wherever necessary, additional mitigation measures in the form of Soil and Moisture Conservation works, Wildlife Management plan etc. are also stipulated on case-to-case basis.
(b) & (c) The States/UTs undertake relief and rehabilitation measures for the project affected people (PAP) as per the local Acts and Rules applicable in their respective jurisdictions. While seeking prior approval for diversion of forest land under the provisions of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, the States/UTs also submit a certificate of compliance under the provisions of Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
***