CIL asked to conduct long-term hydrologic study of rivers

State-run Coal India Ltd (CIL) has been asked to conduct urgently a long-term hydrologic study of all rivers/river basins where the company has planned more than one mining project.
In a recent meeting, Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), under the Environment Ministry, informed this to CIL while examining the company's Rs 152 crore proposal to set up Jagannathpur open-cast mining project on the catchment area of Mahan river in Surajpur district, Chhattisgarh.
The EAC examines and recommends green clearances to the projects. Based on its views, the ministry gives a final nod.
"The EAC was of the view that a long-term study should be urgently initiated by CIL to ensure the protection of hydrological regimes of not only Mahan river and its catchment area but all other rivers/river basins where more than one project is planned," a senior government official said.

In case washeries are also planned in the same areas, EAC has said that the impact of washeries should also be included in the long-term study, the official said.
In the last meeting, the EAC gave nod to CIL for preparation of 'Terms of Reference' for the Jagannathpur opencast mining project for a production capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum in 686.15 hectare in Surajpur district.

The company has, however, been asked to prepare an additional scope of study to ensure protection of hydrology of the area, particularly the flow of water in Mahan river.
CIL has also been asked to examine the option of underground mining instead of opencast mining. In case, the company opts for opencast mining, then it has been asked to exclude the mining area through which the nallas pass.

In case these two options are not feasible because of technical problems and loss of substantial amount of coal, CIL has been advised to divert the nallas in a way that the natural contours and flows are maintained.
CIL, a major supplier of coal to the power sector, is aiming for one billion tonnes of production by 2020. It has a target to achieve 550 million tonnes output in the current fiscal.