There is more conclusive proof for mining in the Aravallis which violated every rule in the book. The interim report submitted to the Supreme Court by the Central Empowered Committee on Friday points out how — from granting mining leases to the time when a plot is abandondoned — it is a free reign for the miners. The Supreme Court had banned mining in Aravallis stretching over Haryana, Rajasthan and UP in November 2001 and is now hearing petitions from mine-owners and state governments. The report, however, strongly contests almost all the claims made by these agencies. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. For major mineral mines above 5 hectares in Faridabad, mining activity may be allowed to be undertaken only after environmental clearance by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) 2. The powers delegated to the State Government to grant environmental clearances in Gurgaon be reconsidered. 3. All mining leases granted in areas where plantations have been raised under the financial assistance received from any international donor agencies may be cancelled. 4. Mining activity may be allowed only as per the approved Mining Plans. 5. A high-level monitoring committee may be constituted comprising representatives of the State Government, MoEF, Indian Bureau of Mines, Director General of Mine Safety and reputed NGOs. 6. No mining allowed without a certificate’ from the Central Groundwater Board to ensure that the water table and the underground aquifers are not adversely affected. 7. Consultants to be appointed by the regulatory agencies and not the miners. ‘‘No deterrent action has been taken against the mines even in cases where during monitoring, serious violations and non-compliance of conditions were found,’’ says the report. The report has listed incidents of mining even in areas where trees were planted under afforestation programmes. ‘‘This not only results in wastage of funds, efforts and destruction of plantations but also causes acute embarrassment to the country,’’ says the report. It points out that all 21 mines of major minerals in Faridabad District are operating without obtaining statutory environmental clearances under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Out of the 21 sanctioned mines, 13 bear the same address. In Gurgaon too, it is the same story where a large number of mines seem to be owned by a single person. This is another example of how a good-intentioned plan has gone awry: The power to grant leases was delegated to the state government in Gurgaon on the presumption that mining activity in Aravalli region is being carried on by small mine owners and did not require the Centre’s intervention. ‘‘However, none of these assumptions are found to be correct as most of the mines are quite large in size and the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) has been prepared for individual mines without any linkages with the master plan.’’ In the case of mines of 5 hectares and above, public hearings are required to be held before granting environmental clearance. The report says that inspite of the Aravalli Hill range being acknowledged as eco-fragile area, clearances are being granted on the basis of examination of an ‘Expert Group’ without holding any public hearing. ‘‘The Committee is of the considered view that the delegation of powers to the State Government has served no useful purpose. On the contrary, vast areas has been devastated disregarding environmental, ecological and safety concerns.’’ Almost all mines operating in Faridabad and Gurgaon districts have not complied with the conditions imposed before the mining plan is approved. In fact, they have managed to get their Environment Management Plan, Environmental clearance and a no-objection certificate by CPCB without any verification of the ground realities. ‘‘Instead of doing section-wise mining (bench mining), the mining operations are carried on unscientifically with the sole aim of making maximum profits,’’ says the report pointing out the number of accidents involving labourers. A two-member bench is expected to hear the case on January 26 and pass further orders based on the recommendations of the report.
