EIA

This section of Enviro Annotations brings you news on Current Affairs on EIA, EIA matters, environmental issues, Analysis on environmental clearances, Public Hearing issues. Subscribe

17th July 2024 YouTube X LinkedIn

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) reconvened on June 27, 2024, for its 11th meeting to reconsider the Maa Ratangarh Multipurpose Project, previously known as the Sindh (Seondha) Barrage project, near Dangdiroli village in Seondha Tehsil, Datia District, Madhya Pradesh. The proposal was submitted by the Water Resource Division, Government of Madhya Pradesh, District Gwalior. The project includes significant submergence of forest land, with 1,269.582 Subscribe now for exclusive access to in-depth reports and stay ahead with our detailed environmental news coverage!

17th July 2024 YouTube X LinkedIn

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in its 11th meeting discussed on site visit report pertaining to the proposal for the Bilaspur Closed Loop Pumped Storage Project, submitted by Jindal Renewable Power Private Limited. This project aims to establish a 1000 MW capacity facility spanning 301.5 hectares in Village Manjurpah and Karichhaper, District Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.

Earlier, the EAc had observed that the project lacked justification for sourcing water from the Khutaghat dam, located approximately 16 kilometers from the proposed lower reservoir, with unknown water availability. Additionally, concerns were raised over the project's proximity to the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve and the need to confirm the presence of tiger corridors in the area. The project site, situated within dense Sal Forests of high ecological value, further compounded these concerns.

As a result of these observations, the EAC decided to defer the project and constituted a sub-committee to conduct a site inspection. The inspection, scheduled for May 10-12, 2024, aimed to assess the forest status and evaluate alternative project locations proposed by the proponent. The sub-committee included members chaired by Ajay Kumar Lal, with Dr. Antony Johnson and Munna Kumar Shah as members.

Following the site inspection, the sub-committee presented its findings and recommendations. Key recommendations included the requirement for Stage-I Forest Clearance prior to any further consideration for Environmental Clearance (EC), detailed documentation on species diversity, and comprehensive Conservation Area (CA) plans. Additionally, specifics regarding the 16-kilometer pipeline for water withdrawal, including land requirements and soil disturbance details, were deemed integral to the proposal.

Other recommendations focused on obtaining necessary permissions for water allocation from the State Government and Mahanadi Water Dispute Tribunal, exploring alternatives to minimize dumping areas, and establishing ambient air quality monitoring stations in nearby villages. The project proponent was also advised to explore alternate access roads and solid waste management plans.

In conclusion, while the project is pending approval of Terms of Reference (ToR), these comprehensive recommendations underscore the EAC's commitment to ensuring rigorous environmental assessment and mitigation measures for the Bilaspur Closed Loop Pumped Storage Project.

8th July 2024 YouTube X LinkedIn

Discover how the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Odisha, achieved a rare "Perfect Ten" on July 2, 2024. All ten environmental clearance proposals were approved in one go! Learn about the new projects, including Mayfair Bay Resort's luxurious hotel in Jagatsinghpur, and the high-profile residential apartment "9 Emporio" in Khordha. Uncover the details behind the expansion of iron ore mines, stone quarries, and river sand extraction projects. Want to know more? Subscribe now for exclusive access to in-depth reports and stay ahead with our detailed environmental news coverage!

7th July 2024 YouTube X LinkedIn

The State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) of Gujarat has granted environmental clearance for a granite mining project at Eklara Village in the Sabarkantha District. The clearance document, dated July 3, 2024, has sparked discussions due to several ambiguities and potential oversights.

The project, known as Eklara Granite Block-4, involves the extraction of granite through semi-mechanized open-cast mining without blasting. The SEIAA has stipulated that the mining depth is to be restricted to 6.0 meters, with post-mining land restoration also to occur at the same depth. The overburden material generated during the mining process is to be stacked on-site and subsequently used for backfilling once mining operations cease.

The environmental clearance document lists an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consultant whose NABET accreditation validity appears confusing. The document indicates a validity date of 18/010/2024, raising questions about whether the intended date was 18th January 2024. If the latter, the accreditation would already be invalid, undermining the legitimacy of the EIA process.

Another contentious point is the water requirement for the project. The SEIAA has declared that the project will require 6 KLD (kiloliters per day) of water, to be supplied by nearby tanker providers. Critics argue that this description is unscientific and degrades the essence of an Environmental Impact Assessment. The SEIAA and the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) have not ensured clarity on the actual sources of water, such as groundwater, surface water, marine water, or treated wastewater, from which the tanker suppliers will source. Accepting the term "tanker suppliers" without specification is perceived by some as tacitly legalizing potentially unauthorized water extraction practices.

Additionally, while the project proponent has asserted that the project lies outside any Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), the SEIAA has mandated a precautionary measure. Should it be discovered that the project encroaches on no-go areas, including forests, future ESZs, or submerged areas, the proponent must submit a revised map excluding these areas for approval.

The clearance of this project brings to light ongoing concerns about the robustness and transparency of the environmental clearance process. Stakeholders are calling for greater scrutiny and clearer guidelines to ensure environmental integrity and sustainable resource management in Gujarat.

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6th July 2024 YouTube X LinkedIn

Exciting updates from Punjab's State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA)! On 2nd July 2024, several key environmental clearance decisions were made. Discover why the expansion of "Rajgarh Estates Phase – 2 Extension" was rejected and learn about the newly approved projects in SAS Nagar, including high-profile developments by Vigilant Media Pvt. Ltd., Prisma Residency LLP, and more. Plus, get the details on the EC transfers for major industrial units. Stay tuned for a deep dive into these pivotal decisions impacting Punjab's environmental landscape! 

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2nd July 2024 YouTube X LinkedIn

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change held its highly anticipated 10th meeting on 10th June 2024, chaired by Dr. Sharad Singh Negi. The session saw discussions on two significant proposals, notably the expansion plans of Ind-Barath Energy (Utkal) Ltd (IBEUL), a subsidiary of JSW Energy Ltd.

IBEUL Expansion Proposal

The spotlight was on IBEUL’s proposal to expand its Coal-Based Thermal Power Plant (TPP) from 1x350 MW to 2x350 MW in Sahajbahal Village, Jharsuguda District, Odisha. This proposal, set in an ecologically sensitive zone, seeks to stretch over 240 hectares, with the Hirakud Reservoir merely 500 meters to the west. The project also involves diverting 35.98 hectares of forest land, an issue further complicated by previous violations by Ind-Barath Energy regarding forest land diversion.

Environmental and Health Implications

One of the pressing concerns raised was the severe water requirement of 54,600 KL/MWh for the expanded TPP. The proposed site lies within the Ib Valley cluster, notoriously categorized as a severely polluted area. This region, spanning 580 km², already grapples with significant environmental stress.

The plant plans to use 14,700 TPD of coal and 1,500 KL/annum of LDO as fuel, resulting in an annual generation of 1,572,420 tonnes of fly ash and 393,470 tonnes of bottom ash. Despite these staggering figures, the EAC document lacked precise units for bottom ash generation. Potential coal suppliers include Mahanadi Coalfields and NLCIL/Talabira II and III OCP.

Scrutiny and Recommendations

EAC members scrutinized the coal quantity, pointing out the higher-than-expected volume due to the inferior grade of coal proposed. They emphasized the necessity for IBEUL to ascertain the pollution load based on coal quality and implement mitigative measures with budget provisions in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The committee also demanded detailed incremental GLC values for PM10 and PM2.5, both with and without protection measures.

An intriguing aspect noted was a school's proximity—just 0.6 km from the plant boundary—raising concerns about the health and safety of children. The committee has asked IBEUL to explore the possibility of relocating the school to a safer distance.

A Puzzling Mix-Up

Adding to the session's complexity was a confusing entry in the EAC document. The headline of item 2 referenced a proposal by Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Ltd. (NUPPL) for an EC amendment for the 3x660 MW Ghatampur Thermal Power Station in Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. However, the description contrasted sharply, detailing an expansion of NTPC Ltd.’s existing 2980 MW project by adding 1x800 MW in Chhattisgarh. This discrepancy led to questions about the integrity and accuracy of the government committee's documentation.

Enviro Annotations reviewed the EAC's document. It reflects NUPPL’s proposal to amend existing EC conditions pertaining to CSR. The company has sought to delete commitments related to earmarking funds for CSR activities during construction and operation phases, as well as conditions requiring CSR schemes to be implemented in consultation with local Panchayats and District Administration. Furthermore, they requested the removal of mandates for periodic CSR monitoring and evaluation by external agencies. 

The EAC has just deferred this contentious proposal, seeking more documents.

26th June 2024 YouTube X LinkedIn

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for Industry 1 Sector projects of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has granted its approval to JSW Steel Ltd's proposal for the division of its existing Environmental Clearance (EC) at Vijayanagar works, Toranagallu, Ballari, Karnataka. The decision, rendered on 12th June 2024, marks a significant milestone for JSW Steel Ltd, JSW Vijayanagar Metallics Limited (JVML), and JSW Cement Limited (JSWCL).

Under the approved plan, the configuration will be finalized as follows: JSW Steel Ltd will operate with a 13 MTPA steel production capacity, alongside a 1490 MW Captive Power Plant (CPP) and a 0.2 MTPA slag cement unit. Furthermore, 5 MTPA of steel production will be transferred to JVML, while JSWCL will receive a 2 MTPA slag grinding unit, which will integrate into its existing 4 MTPA slag cement plant.

The EAC, chaired by Rajive Kumar, IFS Retd., meticulously reviewed the revised split EC conditions and additional EC stipulations. The committee's focus was on ensuring robust mitigation measures that are comprehensive and effective. Key considerations included the clear delineation of responsibilities among the split units to prevent overlaps and to ensure diligent implementation.

Emphasizing the importance of compliance and monitoring frameworks, the EAC underscored the necessity for continuous stakeholder engagement and effective risk management strategies. Moreover, the committee advised the project proponents to assess cumulative impacts across units, promote sustainable practices, and uphold stringent adherence to legal and regulatory frameworks.

In a forward-looking recommendation, the EAC suggested adaptive management approaches, advocating for the continual improvement of mitigation measures based on monitoring results and new data.

Furthermore, in alignment with environmental stewardship initiatives, the EAC advised implementing the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' Campaign. Launched on 5th June 2024, World Environment Day, this nationwide afforestation drive aims to increase forest cover across the country, distinct from the mandatory green belt development.

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19.06.2024

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has released the decisions of the recent deliberations conducted by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for Industrial Projects in the Industry 3 Sector. The meeting, chaired by Prof. (Dr.) A.B. Pandit, took place from June 6th to June 7th, 2024. It scrutinized various project proposals and rendered significant decisions.

One of the proposals examined was from Asha Resins Pvt. Ltd. The company has announced an ambitious expansion plan to significantly increase the production capacities at its facility located in Dhanore Village under Khed Tahsil of Pune District in Maharashtra. The expansion includes scaling up the manufacturing volumes for various formulations and chemicals, alongside an increase in the greenbelt area to promote environmental sustainability.

However, the proposal discussed in the EAC was about amendment in EC. This proposal includes substantial changes to the existing greenbelt.

The current greenbelt covers a modest 13.9% of the total project area, amounting to 905 square meters. The existing vegetation consists of 30 trees of various species such as Coconut, Mango, Guava, Ashoka, Gulmohar, Tamarind, and Nilgiri. This green space, spanning 0.218 hectares, represents 33.53% of the project's total area. While the company touts this as a green initiative, the actual area dedicated to greenery is minimal and raises questions about the company's environmental priorities.

The proposed amendment claims to increase the greenbelt to 40.2% of the total project area, translating to 2618 square meters. This includes the existing 905 square meters and an additional 1713 square meters on land provided by the Dhanore village Gram panchayat. Although this appears to be a significant increase, it is essential to scrutinize the real intent and feasibility of this plan. The new total greenbelt area will cover 0.2618 hectares, or 40.2% of the project area. The number of trees is also set to increase from the existing 30 to a proposed total of 590, by adding 560 new trees. The proposed tree density is ambitious at 2500 trees per hectare, but it raises concerns about the practicality of maintaining such a high density in the long run.

However, the land to develop greenbelt to be utilized is from the village and not owned by the company. Further, the timeline for greenbelt development has also been pushed back from June to September 2023 to June to September 2024, suggesting potential delays and a lack of urgency.

Several critical issues must be highlighted regarding this proposed expansion. Firstly, the reliance on additional land from the Grampanchayat raises questions about the sustainability and long-term viability of the greenbelt. The use of public land for private greenbelt expansion can have adverse effects on the local community and environment. Furthermore, the high tree density of 2500 trees per hectare is questionable, as maintaining such a dense plantation may not be feasible, leading to potential tree mortality and a failure to achieve the desired environmental benefits.

The EAC has outlined additional requirements for the proposed amendment, including compliance with the latest guidelines for handling styrene. This is a critical issue, given the hazardous nature of styrene and the potential risks to both the environment and public health. The need for a revised layout map incorporating the proposed expansions and enhanced safety measures underscores the inadequacy of the current plan. Additionally, obtaining approval from the Department of Panchayati Raj for the use of additional greenbelt land adds another layer of complexity and potential delay.

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17.06.2024

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for the appraisal of Coal Mining Projects, deferred the proposal of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL). SECL has sought revalidation of Environmental Clearance (EC) of Singhali Underground Coal Mine Project; located at Singhali village in Korba DIstrict of Chhattisgarh. The application of SECL is based on as per S.O. No. 1530(E) dated 06/04/2018 for its Mine Lease area of 862.289 Ha with capacity 0.42 MTPA. According to the EAC document there was excess production beyond the EC sanctioned capacity from 2001-02 to 2005-06. 

According to the EAC document, the NOC from the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) for the extraction of 10,328 m³/day of groundwater was valid until 22.04.2023. The EAC has failed to present this information in a transparent and simplified manner. It was stated that SECL, via a letter dated 08.05.2024, submitted that the renewal application for obtaining the groundwater NOC is in process and that the groundwater abstraction charges were deposited to the CGWA on 25.04.202_. However, the information does not clarify whether the year is 2023 or 2024. Additionally, SECL sent emails to CGWA on 26.04.2023, 29.07.2023, 12.12.2023, 01.01.2024, and 07.02.2024 requesting the renewal of the NOC. The EAC disclosed that the renewal application was approved by the Evaluation Officer on 26.12.2023 and is currently pending with the Approval Officer. Furthermore, the Committee noted that SECL did not submit the current water requirement. According to the previous EC, the water requirement is 160 m³/day. Hence, EA reviews the dates and data provided are extremely confusing. 

The EAC deferred the proposal, asking SECL to submit compliance with the issuance of a Public Notice as per the provisions of the EIA Notification 2006 (as amended) in conjunction with the OM dated 16.02.2021, and to prepare a mine closure plan for the capacity and area for which re-validation of the EC is required. 

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03.06.2024

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has disclosed the verdicts of the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) concerning infrastructure projects, ship breaking yards, and industrial developments, among others, discussed during the EAC Infra-1 meeting on 15th May  2024. 

Google has posted that search interest in “age gap” has reached a record high in May with “what is the age gap in the idea of you” being a top trending question. How does this relate to current affairs environment? An EC of 2017 is amended in 2024 without pollution load assessment. The EAC revisited the proposal by the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC) Ltd. for amending the Environmental Clearance (EC) regarding the Bidkin Industrial Area (BIA) in Maharashtra. The amendment seeks to expand the list of permissible industries based on an EIA report, reflecting a shift from the originally planned seven categories to twelve.

The expanded list of industries encompasses sectors like Food and Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Rubber and Plastic Products, and Textiles, among others. However, concerns have arisen regarding the discrepancies in the number of industries proposed and the rationale behind the EC amendment. Despite assurances by the project proponent and EIA consultant regarding data accuracy, questions linger about the environmental implications and the adequacy of mitigation measures, particularly concerning pollution load.

Another significant project under scrutiny is the proposed expansion of the Waterfront Development Plan at Mundra Port by Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd. The project entails handling additional cargo capacity and necessitates both EC and Coastal Regulation Zone Clearance (CRZC). While the project promises infrastructural growth, including a desalination plant, wastewater management, and afforestation efforts, concerns persist over its environmental impact, particularly regarding mangrove conservation and the preservation of Schedule-I species like the Indian peafowl and Olive Ridley turtles. The EAC has recommended the project for clearance but with stringent conditions to address these concerns comprehensively.

Furthermore, the EAC has given the green light to the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) Ltd.'s proposal for an Industrial Park in Visakhapatnam District. The park aims to host various industries, including Pharmaceuticals, Electronics, and Food Processing. Despite the project's potential for industrial growth, questions remain regarding its environmental impact, wastewater management, and wildlife conservation efforts, emphasizing the need for stringent monitoring and adherence to EC conditions to ensure sustainable development. In the vicinity of the Bay of Bengal, the project area sees the prominence of sea waves not as the backdrop for trending video games like "Wuthering Waves," but as a matter of serious concern. 

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16.05.2024

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has unveiled the outcomes of the recent deliberations conducted by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for Industrial Projects in the Industry 2 Sector. The meeting, spanning from 2nd May to 3rd May 2024, scrutinized proposals and rendered crucial verdicts on various projects, highlighting both approvals and deferments.

The EAC examined Oasis Ethanol Industries' proposition for expanding its operations in Ambala, Haryana, which involved adding a 180 KLD Grain-based Ethanol Plant to its existing setup. While the proposal showcased substantial plans for growth, concerns were raised regarding water sourcing, emission control mechanisms, and safety protocols, particularly in light of recent fire incidents. Additionally, discrepancies in risk assessment methodologies prompted the committee to demand a revised plan for a comprehensive evaluation.

IMFA's bid to establish a 120 KLD Grain-Based Ethanol Plant in Rayagada, Odisha, faced deferment as the EAC underscored various unresolved issues. Despite commendable efforts to enhance green areas and promote sustainable practices, gaps in documentation and layout discrepancies necessitated further clarification from the company.

Atvo Agrochem's proposal for a 120 KLD Grain-Based Distillery Plant in Rajasthan encountered postponement due to safety concerns and regulatory compliance issues. The presence of high-tension lines and discrepancies in water usage plans raised red flags, prompting the committee to demand a comprehensive reassessment and clearer documentation before reconsideration.

EA points out that, the figure for maximum impact zones given in the assessment, 847 m, 1.2 km, and 1.7 km, considered only a single tank scenario, remains exactly same in two projects. It is unclear whether the EAC noted this. Or, is it coincidence, or plagiarism or as per any rules and standards for assessment?

The proposition by Binny New Re-Energy Limited to establish a grain-based distillery unit and co-generation power plant in Tamil Nadu faced deferral over concerns regarding emission control and land usage. The committee emphasized stringent adherence to environmental norms and a thorough risk assessment before progressing further.

Baramati Agro Limited's request for an amendment to expand its facility in Maharashtra was returned, with the EAC recommending a broader modernization approach. The committee stressed the importance of comprehensive planning and updated environmental management strategies for sustainable expansion.

The application of Core Green Sugars and Fuels Pvt. Ltd. for an amendment in Karnataka faced rejection, highlighting the need for clarity on land use and a detailed chronology of environmental compliance measures.

Haldia Petrochemicals' proposal to augment its operations in West Bengal was deferred due to concerns over water consumption and environmental impact. The committee called for optimized green spaces and a comprehensive risk assessment before reconsideration.

Shraddha Energy's bid to expand its distillery operations in Maharashtra faced scrutiny over discrepancies in project details and financial documentation, necessitating further justification from the company.

On a positive note, TruAlt Bioenergy Ltd. Unit-IV and ONGC Limited received recommendations for EC for their respective projects in Karnataka and Maharashtra, highlighting the importance of robust environmental management and adherence to regulatory standards.