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DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT OF NORTH GARO HILLS DISTRICT FOR MINOR MINERALS 2019
DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT
FOR MINERALS FOR NORTH GARO HILLS DISTRICT
Compiled by
Divisional Forest Officer
East & West Garo Hills, Wildlife Division, Tura
Cum
Nodal Officer
District Survey Report, North Garo Hills District
Deputy Commissioner Divisional Forest Officer,
North Garo Hills District East & North Garo Hills (T) Div.
Cum Cum
Chairman, DLTF Member Secretary, DLTF
District Level Task Force. North Garo Hills, Wildlife Division
2
DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT OF NORTH GARO HILLS DISTRICT FOR MINOR MINERALS 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Ch.
No
Description Page
No
Preface 3
1. Introduction
Location Map
4
2. Overview of mining activity in the District 5
3. General Profile of the District 5-7
4. Geology of the North Garo Hills District. 8
5. Drainage system with description of main river 9-12
6. Land Utilization Pattern in the District 13-15
7. Surface and ground water scenario of the District 16
8. Rainfall and climatic condition of the District 17-19
9. Details of mining lease under North Garo Hills 20
10. Details of Revenue generated from Mineral 21
11. Details of Production of Minor Minerals in last three years 22
12. Mineral Map of the District 23
13. Letter of Intent (LOI) Holders in the District alongwith its validity 24
14. Total Mineral Reserve available in the District 25-26
15. Quality/Grade of mineral available in the District 27
16. Use of mineral 28
17. Demand and supply of mineral in last three years 29
18. Mining leases marked on the Map of the District 30
19. Details of the area where there is cluster of mining leases 31
20. Details of the Eco-sensitive area if any in the District 32
21. Impact on the Environment (Air,Water,Noise,SoilsFlora&Fauna,
Land use, Agriculture, Forest Etc)due to mining activity
33-34
22. Remedial Measures to mitigate the impact of mining on the
Environment
35-36
23. Reclamation of mind out area(Best practice already implemented
in the District, requirement as per rules and regulation, proposed
reclamation plan)
37-39
24. Risk assessment and Disaster Management Plan 40-41
25. Details of the occupation health issues in the District. 42
26. Plantation and Green belt development in respect of leases already
granted in the District
43
27. Any other information 44
3
PREFACE
The District Survey Report will provide for systematic and scientific utilization
of natural resources, which will ensure its sustainability.The guidelines of
Ministry of Environment and Forest will support that fundamental concept,
promoting environmental protection, limiting negative physiological,
hydrological and social impacts under pinning sustainable economic growth.
The broad principal on which any sustainable sand mining guidelines or policy
can be based is that river or natural resources must be utilized for the benefit of
the pre-set and future generation, so river resources should be prudently
managed and developed.
The purpose of District Survey report (DSR) has been described
as"identification of areas of aggradations or deposition where mining can be
allowed; and identification of areas of erosion and proximity to infrastructural
structures and installations where mining should be prohibited. The District
Survey report (DSR) compiles the data published and endorsed by various
governmental departments and websites.
4
(1) INTRODUCTION
The district of North Garo Hills forms the Northern most part of Garo Hills region of
the state Meghalaya. It is the gateway to the entire Garo Hills region and shares a
border with Assam. Its geographical coordinates are 25.9041° N, 90.6062° E.
The district has no sub-divisions and usually administers through one Office of the
Deputy Commissioner and three Community and Rural Development blocks namely
Resubelpara, Kharkutta and Bajongdoba Community and Rural Development blocks.
It has a total population of 209028, 105538 males and 103490 females (as per the
census of 2011) Source: http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=311172)
Being at the foothills and comparatively plain area, the district headquarter is well
connected with the National Highway of the neighboring state Assam and lone
railway station of Meghalaya is also located in the Mendipathar area of the district.
The population is a mixture of indigenous Garo tribes alongwith other minor tribes
comprising of Rabhas, Hajongs, Kacharis, Boros. The climate is sub-tropical with
adequate rainfall. The people are an ethnic mix of Indo-Burmese-Tibetan ancestry.
5
(2) OVERVIEW OF MINING ACTIVITY IN THE DISTRICT:
Mainly three types of minor minerals constituents such as sand, stone and bajri are
required for any type of construction apart from other material like cement and steel.
In earlier times, the houses / buildings were constructed in form of small dwellings
with walls made up of mud plaster, stone, and bamboos interlocking provided with
wooden frames and there were negligible commercial as well as developmental
activities resulting in less demand of building material. However, with the passage of
time, new vistas of developmental activities were started. The quantity of minor
minerals consumption in a particular area is a thermometer to assess the development
of the area. Thus, with the pace of development activities, the consumption of minor
minerals also increased. As such the demand of minor minerals in the district has
started an increasing trend. In order to meet the requirement of raw material for
construction, the extraction of sand is being carried out exclusively from the river
beds. In North Garo Hills district, the demand of sand (river borne collection) and is
mainly met by the river bed mining by locals or small suppliers of the area.
(3) GENERAL PROFILE OF THE DISTRICT:
The district was inaugurated by Dr. MukulSangma, Hon'ble Chief Minister,
Meghalaya on 27th July 2012. Its headquarters is situated at Resubelpara. It is
comparatively a newer district in the state of Meghalaya.
It is bounded by Goalpara(Assam) on its Northern side by East Garo Hills District on
South by Kamrup (Assam) and West Khasi Hills District (Meghalaya) on Eastern and
by Dadenggre Civil Sub Division, West Garo Hills District (Meghalaya) on the
Western side. The total Geographical area of the district is 1,113 Sq Km.
6
DISTRICT AT A GLANCE:
District Name North Garo Hills
District Headquarter Resubelpara
Area 1113 sq km
Location Its geographical coordinates are 25.9041° N, 90.6062° E.
District Boundaries North by Goalpara(Assam)
South by East Garo Hills District (Meghalaya)
East by Kamrup (Assam) and West Khasi Hills District
(Meghalaya)
West by Dadenggre Civil Sub Division, West Garo Hills District
(Meghalaya)
Administrative map of North Garo Hills (Source: http://northgarohills.gov.in/docs/profile.html)
7
ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS (BLOCKS):There are three community and rural
development blocks in the North Garo Hills District.
S.No Name of the Block
1 Resubelpara Community & Rural Development Block
2 Kharkutta Community & Rural Development Block
3 Bajengdoba Community & Rural Development Block
FLORA & FAUNA
The flora and fauna of the region has a very diverse distribution and is a hot to many
of the indigenous and exotic species of plants and wildlife. The region also boast of
thick natural vegetation mostly comprising of Bamboo, Teak and Sal forests and
many other species of plants having varied uses. This diverse spread of vegetation
favours the undergrowth of many shrubs and herbs and hence the biomass reserves
rich in fertility are well preserved. The thickets of jungle favors habitation of
numerous mammals, amphibians and birds like various species of Palm Civets, Jungle
Cats, Monkeys, Langurs, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, frogs, snakes, Red junle fowl,
Khaleej Pheasant etc
8
(4) GEOLOGY OF NORTH GARO HILLS DISTRICT
North Garo Hills District is mainly exposed with the rocks of Assam Meghalaya
Gneissic Complex (AMGC) of Proterozoic age consists of metamorphic rocks like
migmatites, augen-gneiss, biotite gneiss etc. Older Supracrustals rocks like
amphibolites, schists, quartzites and calc-granulites of Proterozoic age are present as
enclaves within the gneissic country rocks of AMGC. This group of rocks is intruded
by grey/pink granite/porphyritic granite (Mylliem/Nongpoh Granite) of
Neoproterozoic to early Palaeozoic age. Pegmatites and quartz vein also occur at
some places. The basaltic dykes are apparently related to the Sylhet traps of Jurassic
to Cretaceous age.
The Assam Meghalaya Gneissic Complex is overlain by sedimentary sequence of
QuaternarytoLate Holocene age. Sylhettrapis unconformablyoverlainby
undifferentiated Quaternary Formation of fluvial sediments, sand, silt and clay. Older
Alluvium comprises ofreddish brown to dark brown oxidized sand, silt clay and
loamy sand of Chapar and Sorbhog formation. The Newer Alluvium of
HauliandBarpeta-IformationofHolocenetoLate Holocene age is deposited in the
present river channels.
9
(5) DRAINAGE SYSTEM WITH DESCRIPTION OF MAIN RIVERS
The climate of the District is largely controlled by southwest monsoon and seasonal
winds. The average rainfall is 2033.48 mm, of which more than two-thirds occur
during the monsoon, with winter being practically dry. There are four seasons in the
District namely summer, monsoon or rainy, autumn and winter. The summer season
extends from the end of March to mid-May, which is characterized by relatively high
temperature. Rainy season commences with the onset of southwest monsoon in April
and lasts up to October. This is followed by short autumn from mid-October to
November. Winter season extends from December to the end of March. This is the
coldest season of the year with sharp decline in temperature
The important rivers of the District are Damring, the Manda, Didram, and Ildek river
which are northbound flowing rivers joining the Brahmaputra. All these rivers
emerges from the catchment and hills of the district having an average height of 600m
above mean sea level as first order river, navigates down the undulating land with
gentle to moderate slopes whose elevation ranges from 50 to 600 above MSL before
meeting the plains bordering Assam.
The soils of Garo Hills are generally loamy, varying sometimes between clayey and
sandy loam and rich in organic matter and nitrogen, vegetation cover is mostly dense
tropical mixed forest type with predominance of Sal, Teak and dense thickets of
bamboo.
Most of these rivers have gone through the three stages of life and because of the type
of soil and reduction in vegetation cover as people have started taking up cultivation
in the slopes of the hills, compounded by depleting forest cover and moderate to high
velocity, significant erosion activity occurs and during monsoon the rivers water is
laden with good amount of solids.
10
Map 3: River system map of North Garo Hills District
11
DRAINAGE SYSTEM WITH DESCRIPTION OF MAIN RIVERS
Sl.No
Name of the river
Area drained
(Sq. km)
% of area
drained in the
district
Remarks
1
Ildek
127.270
11.43
It may be noted
that catchment
areas extend
beyond the
boundary of the
district.
2
Manda river
439.308
39.47
3
Chidrang river
162.402
14.60
4
Damring river
774.093
69.55
5
Didram river
299.283
26.88
6
Rongkonchi river
76.913
6.91
12
SALIENT FEATURES OF THE IMPORTANT RIVERS AND STREAM
S.No
Name of the
river/Stream
Total lenghth
in District (in
Km)
Place of Origin
Altitude at
Origin
1
Ildek
21.6
In between GabilAding,
GabilNengtek and
GabilPather Village
540
2
Manda river
35.4
1.80 km West of
BolmoramAngkekol village
and 0.80 km from Darugiri-
Rongjeng Road
380
3
Chidrang river
32.6
2.50 km towards North East
of Sonkama village
270
4
Damring river
62.7
In between
RombaAdinggre,
AdingNokatgre and
SelbalNokat
530
5
Didram river
42.62
1.50 Km Southeast of
Songgitalgre Village
570
6
Rongkonchi river
15.7
South of Digisingre nearby
Rongtu and Kantaragre
village
270
13
(6) LAND UTILIZATION PATTERN IN THE DISTRICT
Land use pattern is envisaged on land capability profile. Since land capability in the
mountainous region is determined by the characteristics of micro and mini
watersheds, land use pattern is therefore envisaged on the capabilities of each
watershed and thus the potential of each watershed is thus envisages to be developed
to yield sustainable land use.
Broadly the low-lying areas were put under paddy during Kharif and with pulses,
paddy, vegetables and oilseeds during the Rabi season depending on the availability
of residual moisture and irrigation facilities.
Gentle slopes up to 20% were put under other crops like wheat, paddy, maize, pulses,
oilseeds, vegetables etc, which not only contribute towards food security but also
yield substantial revenue returns per unit of land and labor. On such slopes the
concept of watershed management of land and water would be
encouraged. Horticulture was taken up on slopes above 20% and Border Areas, which
are traditional horticultural areas, received special attention.
Forest cover in the State (42.01%) is below the national norm of 60% recommended
for hilly areas. This is because a sizable proportion of the Forest area is reportedly
under shifting cultivation resulting in depletion of the Forest Cover. A very meagre
proportion of the geographical area (9.90%) is net sown area, including area under
shifting cultivation. The potential net sown area could be increased if and when the
fallow lands are utilized for cultivation purposes. The cultivable waste land of the
state is 20.63% of the geographical area a part of which might be progressively
utilized for cultivation purpose in the long run. The cropping intensity of the state is
120%.
(source: http://www.megagriculture.gov.in/PUBLIC/agri_scenario_landuse_pattern.aspx)
14
LAND UTLIZATIONPATTERN UNDER AGRICULTURE UNDER NORTH
GARO HILLS DISTRICT, MEGHALAYA.
Sl.No. Particulars Years Units Kharkutta
C&RD
Block
Resubelpara
C&RD
Block
North
Garo Hills
District
(Units)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
(A) Geographical Area 2014-15 Hect. 43500 45300 88800
Reporting Area 2014-15 Hect. 43300 45100 88400
(B) Non Available for
cultivation
2014-15 Hect. Nil Nil Nil
(i) Area under Non
Agricultural uses
2014-15 Hect. 1139 1206 2345
(ii) Barren &
Uncultivable land
2014-15 Hect. 810 867 1677
Total (i+ii) 2014-15 Hect. 1949 2073 4022
(C) Other Cultivable
Land :
2014-15 Hect. 7779 11590 19369
(D) Fallow Land : 2014-15 Hect. 3615 4632 8247
(E) Net Area sown 2014-15 Hect. 7107 8715 15822
N.B: Land utilization informations for Resubelpara C&RD Block is inclusive of
Land Utilization information for the newly created Bajengdoba C&RD Block.
15
STATUS OF FOREST LAND IN NORTH GARO HILLS DISTRICT
DFO East and North Garo Hills (T) Division, Williamnagar
North Garo Hills
Chimabangshi R.F.
23.28 No. 28, dt 19.6.1883 & FOR/Sectt/492/63/4 dt
22.12.1965
Rajasimla R.F.
18.13
No. 28 of 19.6.1883 & 665
R of 15.2.1899
Ildek R.F.
2.59
No. 28 of 19.6.1883
Dhima R.F.
20.72
No. 28 of 19.6.1883 & 3715
R of 11.8.1904
Dilma R.F.
2.59
No. 28 of 19.6.1883
16
(7) SURFACE AND GROUND WATER SCENARIO OF THE DISTRICT
ASSESSMENT OF GROUND WATER SCENARIO OF MEGHALAYA ( 2017)
Assessment
Unit/District
Command/non-
Command/Total
Annual Extracta
ble Ground water
Resources
Gross Ground Water
Extraction for
irrigation
Gross Ground water
Extraction for
domestic and
industrial water supply
Gross Ground water
Extraction for
All uses
Provision for
domestic, and
industrial requirem
ent supply to
2025
Net ground Water
Availability for
Future developm
ent
Stage of Ground Water
Extraction (%)
(12+13) (11-12-15) {(14/11)*100}
2 3 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 North Garo Hills
Non-Command
14349.70
51.00 24.30 75.30 48.60 14250.10 0.52
Total 14349.70
51.00 24.30 75.30 48.60 14250.10 0.52
Source : CGWB
17
(8) RAINFALL AND CLIMATIC CONDITION OF THE DISTRICT
8.1 CLIMATIC CONDITION
The climate in the area is characterized by moderate temperature and is highly humid in
nature. There are three prominent seasons summer, rainy and winter. The summer season
spans from March to May and is followed by SW monsoon lasting till September. Winter
season starts from November and lasts till the end of February. The temperature in the
area varies from 5.10C to 35.60C.
18
8.2 RAINFALL FOR THE YEAR 2018 (MONTH-WISE)
S. NO
Month
Average Rainfall
1
January
0
2
February
0
3
March
0
4
April
0
5
May
18.6
6
June
17.6
7
July
0.20
8
August
0.20
9
September
0.60
10
October
0.60
11
November
1.20
12
December
0
19
RAINFALL FOR THE YEAR 2019 (UPTO Sept.) (MONTH-WISE)
S.NO
Month
Average Rainfall
1
January
No records
2
February
No records
3
March
No records
4
April
No records
5
May
No records
6
June
No records
7
July
No records
8
August
12.40
9
September
21.80
10
October
-
11
November
-
12
December
-
20
(9) DETAILS OF MINING LEASE UNDER NORTH GARO HILLS UPTO 31ST
AUGUST,2019:
Sl.
No.
Name of
the
Mineral
Name of the
Lease
Address
and
Contact
No. of
Leasee
Mining
lease Grant
Order No.
and date
Area
(In
Hac.)
Period (In
Year)
Period of
Mining
lease
(1st/2nd
…Renewal)
From To
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
Date of
commencement
of mining
operation
Status
(working/non
working/temp
working for
dispatch)
Captive/Non
Captive
Obtained
Environmental
clearance
(Yes/No) if yes
letter no with
date of grant
of EC
Location
of the
mining
lease
Method of mining
(open
cast/Underground)
11 12 13 14 15 16
NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL
21
(10) DETAILS OF REVENUE GENERATED FROM MINERAL
Range/Beat
Year
Total
Remarks 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19
Simsanggre Range.
Nil
2,520/-
Nil
2,520/-
Darugre Range.
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Dainadubi Range.
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Kharkutta Range.
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Songsak Beat.
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Adokgre Beat.
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Divisional Forest Office (T)
Williamnagar.
Nil
21,51,750/-
12,19,212
33,70,962/-
Received from
Govt.
department.
Total
Nil
21,54,270/-
12,19,212
33,73,482/-
Revenue Collection on Minor Minerals by East & North Garo Hills (T) Division for the last
three Years.
22
(11)DETAILS OF PRODUCTION OF MINOR MINERALS IN LAST THREE
YEARS: No data available.
23
(12)MINERAL MAP OF THE DISTRICT
24
(13)LETTER OF INTENT (LOI) HOLDERS IN THE DISTRICT ALONGWITH
ITS VALIDITY:
LIST OF LETTER OF INTENT(LOI) ISSUED UNDER NORTH GARO HILLS UPTO 31st AUGUST, 2019
Sl.
No.
Name
of the
Mineral
Name of the
Lease
Address and
Contact No. of
Letter of Intent
Holder
Letter of Intent
Grant Order No.
and date
Area of Mining
Lease to be
allotted
Use
(Captive/Non-
Captive)
Location of the
Mining Lease
(Latitude
&Longitude)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1
Stone/
Boulder
Smt. NimeDotse
M. Sangma
Western
Chandmary, Tura
7628898795
B/50/III/266 – 273
datedWilliamnagar
the 7th March 2018
0.25 hac.
N 25˚52 ̍26.73 ̍ ̍
E 90˚58 ̍41.88 ̍ ̍
N 25˚52 ̍4.56 ̍̍
E 90˚58 ̍ 7.04 ̍ ̍
N 25˚52 ̍4.69 ̍̍
E 90˚58 ̍ 6.97 ̍ ̍
N 25˚52 ̍4.70 ̍̍
E 90˚58 ̍ 6.88 ̍ ̍
N 25˚52 ̍4.62 ̍̍
E 90˚58 ̍ 6.61 ̍ ̍
N 25˚52 ̍4.44 ̍̍
E 90˚58 ̍ 6.70 ̍ ̍
2
Stone/
Boulder
Shri Sengchang
M. Sangma
Upper Rongjeng
/7005912537
B/50/III/1302 –
1309
datedWilliamnagar
the 26th June 2019
2019
2.05 hac.
N 25˚56 ̍11.39 ̍ ̍
E 90˚27 ̍42.49 ̍ ̍
N 25˚56 ̍13.39 ̍ ̍
E 90˚27 ̍42.32 ̍ ̍
N 25˚56 ̍16.33 ̍ ̍
E 90˚27 ̍47.20 ̍ ̍
N 25˚56 ̍15.83 ̍ ̍
E 90˚27 ̍48.35 ̍ ̍
2
Stone/
Boulder
Shri Jovan
Terrence B.
Sangma
Nehru Park, Tura
8638303087
B/50/III/1636 –
1643
datedWilliamnagar
the 27th August
2019
4.7 hac
N 25˚56 ̍7.22 ̍̍
E 90˚27 ̍50.81 ̍ ̍
N 25˚56 ̍11.39 ̍ ̍
E 90˚27 ̍42.49 ̍ ̍
N 25˚56 ̍13.39 ̍ ̍
E 90˚27 ̍42.32 ̍ ̍
N 25˚56 ̍16.33 ̍ ̍
E 90˚27 ̍47.20 ̍ ̍
N 25˚56 ̍15.83 ̍ ̍
E 90˚27 ̍48.35 ̍ ̍
N 25˚56 ̍7.22 ̍̍
E 90˚27 ̍50.81 ̍ ̍
25
14) TOTAL MINERAL RESERVE AVAILABLE IN THE DISTRICT:
Meghalaya is endowed with sizeable deposits of a number of valuable minerals. Coal, limestone,
uranium, granite, kaolin, clay and glass sand are the principal minerals. A brief account of mineral
resources is as follows:
Sl
no.
Minerals Reserves in the
State
Grade Major places of occurrence
1 Coal 576 Million
tonnes
Sub-bituminous,
high calorific value
and high sulphur
content
Meghalaya coal, which is tertiary
coal, is generally sub-bituminous in
composition. The prominent
coalfields of the State are West
Darrangiri, Siju, Pendengru-
Balpakram in the South Garo Hills
district; BorsoraLangrin and Shallang
in the West Khasi Hills district; East
Darrangiri partly in West Khasi Hills
and partly in East Garo Hills;
Mawlong-Shella and Sohra-
Cherrapunjee in the East Khasi Hills
district and Bapung-Sutnga in the
Jaintia Hills district.
2 Limestone 9304 million
tones
Cement
metallurgical and
chemical
An extensive bed of limestone occurs
in the Southern part of the State from
Jaintia Hills in the East and Garo Hills
in the West. The main deposits are
found around Cherrapunjee,
Mawlong, Ichamati, Shella,
Komorrah in the East Khasi Hills
district; Borsora and Bagli in the West
Khasi Hills district; Lakadong,
Lumshnong and Nongkhlieh in the
Jaintia Hills district; and Darrang Era-
aning, Siju, Chokpot in the South
Garo Hills district.
3 Uranium Uranium - Significant occurrence of
uranium deposit is found in and
around Domiasiat and Porkut-Nongjri
around Wahkynshi area in the West
Khasi Hills District.
4 Granite 50 million cubic
meter
Table top, wall
cladding etc.
Deposits of multi-coloured granite
have been located around Nongpoh in
the Ri-Bhoi District; Mylliem in the
East Khasi Hills District; Mawkyrwat
and Nongstoin in the West Khasi
Hills District; and Mendipathar and
Songsak in the East Garo Hills
District.
5 Clay 97 million tones White ware
earthen ware
furnace lining
curing soap etc.
Sedimentary white clay is found
around Cherrapunjee and Mahadek in
the East Khasi Hills; Nangalbibra in
the South Garo Hills and Rongrengre
in the East Garo Hills District.
6 Kaoline 5.24 million
tonnes
White ware Good quality Kaolin (China Clay)
occurs around Mawphlang, Smit and
26
Laitlyngkot in the East Khasi Hills
District; Thandlaskein, Shangpung,
Mulieh and Mynsngat in the Jaintia
Hills District; and Darugiri in the East
Garo Hills District.
7 Iron ore - Low grade West khasi hills and East Garo Hills
8 Glass sand 3.00 million
tones
Oridanary glass
ware
Glass Sand - Glass sand is found to
occur at Laitryngew, Umstew and
Kreit in the East Khasi Hills and Tura
in the West Garo Hills.
9 Quartz 0.5 million tones Industrial grade Quartz occurs almost in all districts in
the Northern part of the State.
10 Feldspar Ceramic grade Feldspar and iron ore are reported in
the Ri-Bhoi and West Khasi Hills
Districts;
11 Sillimanite 50 million tones High temperature
furnace lining
Sillimanite is found in some parts of
Mawthengkut Block at Sonapahar of
the West Khasi Hills District.
12 Bauxite 1.45 million
tones
Low grade Jaintia hills
13 Rock
phosphate
Low grade Jaintia hills
27
15. QUALITY/GRADE OF MINERAL AVAILABLE IN THE DISTRICT:
Same as chapter 14
28
16. USE OF MINERAL:
Garo Hills with its mineral wealth is a stone house of Industrial potential. Extensive
deposits of limestone, coal, granite, granite gneiss, clay and construction minerals and
rocks occurring along and extensive belt of more than 200 kms along the southern
border with Bangladesh. coal had been found as early as 1815 by the British when it
was used only as domestic fuel by the locals.
Uses of Limestone: - By burning it in kilns limestone had been used as quick lime
(calcium oxide) slake lime calcium hydroxide) however the main use is in the
manufacture of cement and mortar mixed with coal and other aggregates. The
crushed aggregate is also used for road construction, buildings and asphalt concrete
etc. Metamorphosed limestone or dolomite can be used as slabs like marble.
Uses of Granite:Granite is mainly used for construction of bridges, buildings, paving
roads and paths and monuments. Polished granite is used as counter tops, table tops
as tiles on the floor, stain treads and many design constructions.
Uses of Coal: Besides usage as fuel, coal at present is used for Electricity Generation
in the plain areas where hydro power is unavailable. In the steel factories coal is used
in the production. Cement plants also require coal for energy production. When mixed
with water and gravel and sand, it forms a sort of useful concrete. However main
usage is power generation.
Uses of stones/Boulders:
Stone could be used for various construction works and roads projects. Stone
extracted from the mine could also be directly used as boulders of different sizes for
River Anti-erosion, Dam construction, embankment works etc.
29
(17) DEMAND AND SUPPLY OF MINERALS IN LAST THREE YEARS:
No data/information available for the same.
30
(18) MINING LEASES MARKED ON THE MAP OF THE DISTRICT:
There is no mining lease issued for the North Garo Hills District.
31
(19) DETAILS OF THE AREA WHERE THERE IS CLUSTER OF MINING
LEASES:
Mining lease for stone boulder, sand or any other minor mineral has not been issued
till date. Thus, there is no cluster of mining leases.
32
(20) DETAILS OF THE ECO-SENSITIVE AREAIF ANY IN THE DISTRICT:
There is only one National Park in vicinity of North Garo Hills District. It is Nokrek
National park. Till date final notification of eco-sensitive zone of NNP has not been
notified by state government. In absence of any such notification 10 km aerial
distance from boundary of national park is considered as Deemed Eco-Sensitive zone.
No area of North Garo Hills District falls under the deemed eco-sensitive zone
ofNNP. Thus, there is no eco-sensitive zone in North Garo Hills.
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(21) IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT (AIR, WATER, NOISE, SOIL,
FLORA & FAUNA, LAND USE, AGRICULTURE, FOREST ETC) DUE TO
MINING ACTIVITY:
Mining operations impact the environment in several ways. Impact on Environment
due to mining activities varies based on the quantum of production rate proposed.
Impact of mining on Air:
The largest sources of air pollution in mining operations dust emission in the form of
Respirable Suspended Particulate (RSPM) Matter and Suspended particulate matter
(SPM) during excavations, blasting, loading and unloading, transportation of
materials, wind erosion (more frequent in open-pit mining),fugitive dust from tailings
facilities, stockpiles, waste dumps, and haul roads. Another source of pollution would
be emission from trucks/vehicle used for transportation of mineral. These pollutants
can cause serious effects to people’s health and to the environment.
Impact of mining on water:
Mining activity affects both surface and subsurface water. Due to mining water bodies
can get contaminated with dust and toxic materials. The drainage system and
topography will influence extent of water pollution. During excavation huge quantity
of waste and dust generated which may flow to water bodies leading to reduced water
carriage capacity, floods and reduced light penetration. Acid mine drainage is
considered one of mining most serious threats to water resources. A mine with acid
mine drainage has the potential for long-term devastating impacts on rivers, streams
and aquatic life.
Noise pollution
Noise pollution associated with mining may include noise from vehicle engines,
loading and unloading of rock into steel dumpers, chutes, power generation, and other
34
sources. Cumulative impacts of shoveling, ripping, drilling, blasting, transport,
crushing, grinding, and stock-piling can significantly affect wildlife and nearby
residents. Vibrations are associated with many types of equipment used in mining
operations, but blasting is considered the major source. Vibration has affected the
stability of infrastructures, buildings, and homes of people living near large-scale
open-pit mining operations. According to a study commissioned by the European
Union in 2000: “Shocks and vibrations as a result of blasting in connection with
mining can lead to noise, dust and collapse of structures in surrounding inhabited
areas. The animal life, on which the local population may depend, might also be
disturbed.”
Impact on Flora and fauna
Mining activity is one of the major reasons for deforestation, loss of biodiversity,
habitat degradation and habitat fragmentation. Mining activity will require clearing of
vegetation leading to loss of green cover. Dust and noise pollution will create affect
wildlife. Mining activity in the wild life corridor/wildlife habitat will affect animal
movement and will lead to man-animal conflict. Mining will change the topography
of the area thereby causing physical disturbances to the landscape, creating eyesores.
Impact on agriculture
Agricultural yield will be reduced due to obstructions by the dust particles as settled
on the leaves reducing photosynthesis process of plant.
35
(22) REMEDIAL MEAUSRES TO MITIGATE THE IMPACT OF MINING
ON THE ENVIRONMENT:
1. Water shall be sprinkled at regular interval on the main roads, service roads and at
loading points to suppress fugitive dust.
2. Wet drilling method is to be adopted to control emission.
3. Provision of ear plug to the workers.
4. Blasting shall be carried out during day time only after taking necessary
precautionary measures to ensure safety of public.
5. Air and noise pollution shall be checked periodically and to maintain records.
6. Speed of trucks entering or leaving the mine is to be limited to moderate speed to
prevent undue noise from empty trucks and reduce dust emission.
7. The mined-out pits should be backfilled and area should be suitably landscaped to
prevent environmental degradation.
8. Mine closure plan as per the mining plan shall be strictly followed with back
filling, tree plantation.
9. Rain water getting accumulated in the quarry/mines shall not be discharged
directly to the nearby stream or water body.
10. The workers employed shall be provided with personal protective equipment and
dust masks.
11. Periodic medical examination of the workers and shall organize medical camp in
the area.
12. Occupational health check-ups shall be done once in six months for workers.
13. Adequate measures to be taken during excavation to ensure that mining activity
does not affect hydrological regime.
14. Shall ensure that no natural water course/ or water resources shall be obstructed
due to mining activity.
36
15. Pollution due to transportation shall be effectively controlled.
16. Mineral transportation shall be carried out through covered trucks only.
17. Regular and proper maintenance of working equipments.
18. Regular training program to the mines workers and operators.
19. In the mining area adequate number of check dam, retaining walls garland drain
and settling ponds should be provided to arrest the wash-off with rain water.
20. Comprehensive green belts of desired widths are to be maintained around the
mining areas to control noise, dust pollution and to generate a healthy
environment.
37
(23) RECLAMATION OF MINED OUT AREA (BEST PRACTICE ALREADY
IMPLEMENTED IN THE DISTRICT, REQUIREMENT AS PER RULES AND
REGULATIONS, PROPOSED RECLAMATION PLAN):
Reclamation of Mined out area
23.1 Reclamation has three vital roles:
i. Reclamation – Reclamation means return the mined-out land with useful life. It
implies restoring the land to a form and productivity that is useful and inconformity
with a prior land use. Reclamation always may not be a single-phase operation.
ii. Rehabilitation – Rehabilitation is to bring back the degraded land to a normal stage
by a special treatment. It is a process of taking some mitigation measures for
disturbed environmental condition created through mining activities.
iii. Restoration – Restoration is the process of returning the mined-out land being fit
to an acceptable environmental condition. However, the general acceptable meaning
of the term is bringing the disturbed land to its original form. Restoration is often used
to indicate that biological properties of soil are put back at what they were.
When active mining ceases, mine facilities and the site are reclaimed and closed. The
goal of mine site reclamation and closure should always be to return the site to a
condition that most resembles the pre-mining condition. Mines that are notorious for
their immense impact on the environment often made impacts only during the closure
phase, when active mining operations ceased. These impacts can persist for decades
and even centuries. Mine reclamation and closure plans must describe in sufficient
detail how the mining company will restore the site to a condition that most resembles
pre-mining environmental quality; how it will prevent – in perpetuity – the release of
toxic contaminants from various mine facilities (such as abandoned open pits and
38
tailings impoundments); and how funds will be set aside to ensure that the costs of
reclamation and closure will be paid for.
23.2 Reclamation Plan
Items Activities
Reclamation & Rehabilitation of
Mined out land / area
(i) Backfilling
(ii) Afforestation on backfilled area
(iii) Afforestation on exhaust benches
(iv) Pisciculture
(v) Converting into reservoir/fish pond
(vi) Landscaping and conversion to recreational
center
(Vii) converting into Grazing land
Stabilization & Rehabilitation of
dumps
(i) Terracing
(ii) Pitching
(iii) Construction of parapet walls / retaining wall
at toe of dump
(iv) Construction of check dams along slope of
valleys
(v) Construction of settling pond, channels garland
drains etc
(vi) Afforestation on dumps
(vii)Use of Jute Geo textile to stabilize slopes
Rehabilitation of barren area within
lease
(i) Afforestation
Environmental monitoring (Core
Zone)
(i) Ambient Air quality
(ii) Water quality
(iii) Noise Level Survey
(iv) Ground vibration
39
23.3 Statutory requirement:
As per the Mineral Conservation Development Rule, 2017, the following rules must
be in mind by the mine owner/agent/manager, which is a part of reclamation activities
–
Rule 22. Mine Closure Plan
Rule 23. Submission of Progressive Mine Closure Plan
Rule 24. Submission of Final Mine Closure Plan
Rule 26. Responsibility of holder of mining lease Rule
Rule 27. Financial Assurance Rule
Rule 35. Sustainable Mining
40
(24) RISK ASSESSMENT AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN:
The Mining Operations is usually hazardous and destructive in nature. Some of the
risk assessment relating to Mining Operations is as below:
1. Slope/ Benches failure.
2. Accidents due to machineries and equipment.
3. Inundation.
4. Accidents due to blasting/ explosives.
5. Accidents due to Fire.
6. Accidents due to inadvertent entry of people and animals.
Disaster Management Plan
In order to mitigate the above Risk Assessment, the Disaster Management Plan in
order to minimize accidents and control the damage, the followings are to be
followed:
1. Proper maintenance of benches and slope along with proper design considering
the stability of the working benches or slopes.
2. Proper maintenance of machinery and equipments and proper signaling methods.
Proper maintenance of berms on haul roads including the proper width and
gradient of haul roads.
3. Proper maintenance of drainage/ sump and pumps.
4. Care has to be taken on handling of explosive, misfires and proper design of
blasting parameter and use of blasting accessories to minimize fly rocks, noise and
vibration. Proper signaling and maintenance of blasting shelter.
5. Fire extinguisher has to be kept in all the machineries and wherever a fire hazard
is anticipated.
41
6. Proper fencing of the lease boundary is to be practice in order to avoid any
inadvertent entry.
7. Detailed list of equipment available, its type & capacity and items reserved for
emergency
8. Apart from the above precautions, Emergency Response Team is to be arranged
by the lessee under the supervision of Mine Manager to tackle in case of any
disaster/ accident.
9. Management to ameliorate the situation of panic, tension, sentiments, grievances
and misgivings created by any disaster and to help the injured, survivors and
family members of affected persons by providing material, finance, moral support
and establishing contact with relatives of victims.
10. It is also important that the lessee has to maintain the following facilities in the
area:-
1. First Aid Room.
2. Telephones/ Mobile handsets
3. Emergency alarm in mine.
4. Firefighting equipment and accessories with trained manpower.
5. Training Centre.
6. Ambulance van.
7. Medical centerand rescue room
42
(25) DETAILS OF THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH ISSUES IN THE
DISTRICT (cases of silicosis and tuberculosis):
S.No
Particulars
Year
Number
Remark
1
Tuberculosis
2015
Male- 68
Figures are for all the cases of
tuberculosis in the district.
Female-34
Children-3
Total
105
2016
Male-66
Female-46
Children-05
Total
117
2017
Male-82
Female-26
Children-6
Total
114
2018
Male-77
Female-50
Children-5
Total
132
2019
Male-56
Female-26
Children-5
Total
87
Grand Total
555
2
Silicosis
No cases reported/Detected
43
(26)Plantation and Green belt development in respect of leases already granted in
the district:
There is no lease granted and thereforeno information is available.
44
(27)Any other information:
The district of North Garo Hills has come into existence in the year 2012 only. And as
such many of the governmental establishments are not located or established in the
district. The pace of growth is also very slow. The mining activity is negligible in the
district which is mostly for sand and for local consumption only.
