Compliance report filed by Singareni Collieries, Khammam district, Telangana, 06/10/2021
Compliance report filed on behalf of Singareni Collieries in the Oggu Srinivasa Reddy & Others Vs Union of India & Others.
The NGT in its order had directed Singareni Collieries located in village Ayyagaripeta, mandal Sathupalli, district Khammam, Telangana to submit the compliance report regarding the recommendations given along with their objections to the committee report if any and had directed that till the environmental clearance is granted for the expanded quantity, the project proponent has been directed not to do any mining operation exceeding the permitted limit and shall mine only the quantities for which permission has been accorded as on date.
Regarding blast induced vibrations detected at the NTR Nagar, it was submitted that at the beginning of mine operations in Jalagam Vengal Rao (JVR) opencast-I expansion project, in 2007, NTR Nagar was 2 km away from quarry. During 2016-17, quarry operations extended towards NTR colony up to a distance of 670 m - which is beyond the danger zone (500 m), stipulated by the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS). So there is no scope for damage to the structures of NTR Nagar due to the blasting operations. During the field inspection by the joint committee, it was established that damage to structures was due to insufficient reinforcement and defective construction.
Further, the company has deposited Rs. 161.40 crores towards DMFT fund for relief to damaged houses.
The company has obtained Environment Clearance for JVR OC-I expansion for the enhanced capacity of 5 MTPA, February 1, 2021. Presently, all mining operations except extraction of coal due to exhaustion of reserves are continuing in JVR OC-I expansion project as per the EMPs approved by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Also, the coal production in the ongoing JVR OC-II is carried out within the sanctioned EC capacity.