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Proposed Colour & Black Granite Mine of Mr. P. Gowtham Reddy at Ambodarapalli & Pathapalyam Villages, G. D. Nellore Mandal, Chittoor District, A.P.

EIA Report

Prepared by Sri Sai Manasa Nature Tech Pvt. Ltd.

Hyderabad

RISK ASSESSMENT

7.1 RISK ASSESSMENT & DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN

Risk Assessment is all about prevention of accidents and there is a

need to take necessary steps to prevent it happening. The proposed

opencast Granite mine mainly comprises of winning transporting

and processing from the mine site.

The main objectives of preparing a disaster management plan

include:

To protect workers in mines from safety and health hazards

and risks in their works.

To prevent or reduce the incidence and severity of illness and

injury during mining operations.

7.2 PLANNING STAGE

The risks of injuries can be significantly reduced during mining

activity by designing low gradient roads and one way heavy

vehicles movement which reduce the probability of runaway and

collision accidents.

Use of trained drivers and providing the vehicles with suitable

appliances will reduce danger of being stuck by large moving

vehicles within the mine site. Vehicles should be properly

maintained in good working condition particularly the braking

system to minimize the accidents. Well designed access and

working platforms will also reduce the possibility of fall of any

material or persons.

7.3 HEALTH AND SAFETY PRINCIPLES

House Keeping - The provision and maintenance of a safe and

healthy workplace is the most basic principle of health and safety.

Dirty and untidy workplaces or walkways contribute to a very large


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proportion of trip and fall accidents. In the context of surface mining

the provision of well defined roadways and walkways clear of

obstruction, and regular cleaning up of spillage will greatly reduce the

potential for this type of accident. Lack of maintenance may well lead

to roadways and walkways being unsuitable for use.

The Work - The application of risk assessment depends upon a full

understanding of all aspects of the job being undertaken. In carrying

out a risk assessment in relation to a particular task the evaluation

must include a review of the knowledge, experience and training of

those persons carrying out the work.

Personal Competence - It follows that the knowledge, experience and

training of personnel involved in work is critical to the result of any

risk assessment. A knowledgeable, experienced well trained and

competently supervised workforce will be at a lower risk of accidents

occurring than a poorly trained and badly supervised workforce.

Co-ordination - a competent person should be given the

responsibility for overseeing and co-coordinating work. It is essential

that the co-coordinator ensures that everyone engaged in the work is

capable and understands the role of others and their responsibility for

each other. This is particularly important when contract workers

undertake part or all of the work to be carried out.

Dangerous Parts of Machinery - such as revolving parts, in-running

nips and entrapment between reciprocating parts as defined in

European and National standards should be protected to those

standards.

Workplaces - access to both above and below ground workplaces

should be by well constructed and maintained permanent fixed

means. When practical stairways and shallow inclined walkways are

preferred to vertical ladders, which in some circumstances can be the

cause of very high risk. The sides of all workplaces from which

persons may fall should always be protected.


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Health Hazards - For the purposes of this document health hazards

should be interpreted as being harmful dust, vibration and noise

which is emitted during surface mining operations, as well as the

handling of heavy loads. While elimination and often suppression at

source is not presently available in some cases the normal control of

health hazards is still applicable in this industry.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - should be of good

construction, suitable for the hazard e.g. a dust respirator fitted with

the correct filter to capture the particular hazardous dust, and

maintained to recommended standards. As personal protective

equipment only affords limited protection it should only be used as a

last resort and then as an interim arrangement until other steps are

taken to reduce the risk of personal injury to an acceptable level.

Traffic Movement - Should only take place within designated areas

and over suitable roadways. Adopting one way traffic movement

systems are preferred to two directional traffic systems. The risk of

accidents due to traffic movement is much less with a one way than a

two way system.


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The general model for risk assessment for any mine activity is as follows:

7.4 DRILLING RISKS

Drilling is common to the winning of rocks and clay etc. The main

hazards associated with are:

Falls from the edge of a bench

Dust created during the drilling operations

Noise

Entrapment in or being stuck by a moving part of drilling

equipment

The highest risk will occur during the drilling of the first line of holes

parallel with the working edge of the bench. One of the measures that

Identify HazardsYes

Remove Hazards Yes

Yes

No

NoNo

Stop Assessment

Has control measure created new hazard

Evaluate the most important consequences

Evaluate riskDo precautions meet legal standards

Is risk acceptable Implement plan to reduce risk (control measure)

Review periodically and if ever changes occur

Fig - 7.1 : MODEL FOR RISK ASSESSMENT


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can be taken to reduce the risk off the edge of the bench is to provide

suitable portable rail fencing which can be erected between the

drilling operations and edge of the bench.

7.5 DUSTS FROM MINING ACTIVITIES

Air borne contaminants such as rock dust, road dust are mainly

produced during mining operations. Persons exposed to excessive

dust for prolonged periods may suffer from permanent damage

diseases such as Silicosis. As far as possible the escape dust into

the atmosphere should be prevented particularly in stagnant

zones.

At OCP mine the dust suppression modeling studies indicate

ground level concentration of dust particles in the range of 0.0235

µg/m3 during all the winter season from the dust generating

sources. Dust generation can be controlled by water sprinkler

system on the mine haul roads and other locations. Provision of

treated mine water use for dust suppression will be implemented

in the mine.

7.6 FACE STABILITY AND LOADING

Face stability gives rise to rock falls or slides and this can arise

because of adverse geological falling or poor work methods. The

main hazard associated with loading is rock falling on to the driver

and soil poppling over due to uneven ground, failure of hydraulic

systems and falls while gaining access to operating cabins.

7.7 FIRST AID AT MINE SITE

Workers and supervisors should be able to respond quickly to

incidents and accidents and provide basic first aid and treatment

to injured persons. Rapid first-aid treatment can prevent further

serious health damage or even loss of life to injured persons. The


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mining operator should ensure that suitable, regularly replenished

and properly maintained first-aid kit is provided at a strategic

location where mining operations are performed. The first-aid kit

should be easily accessible and ready for use at any time while any

person is at work. Have people trained in first aid.

The minimum equipment required to ensure adequate first-aid

treatment should include:

A stretcher for transporting persons unable to walk

A blanket for persons in shock

Sufficient bandages and sterile dressings for open wounds on

limbs, body and head

Splints for fractures of limbs

Disinfectants

Any other first-aid material that may be required due to the

nature of work and recommended by a competent physician.

7.7.1 Action Following a Mining Accident

At any mine where there has been an accident, the necessary

measures should be immediately taken to:

Remove injured mineworkers to a safe place for first-aid

treatment.

Eliminate further danger arising from the event.

Any worker involved in rescue operations should take reasonable

care for the safety and health of him or herself and not endanger

themselves by rash action where there are unknown risks.

No person should be allowed to enter the area where there has

been an accident, except when it has been made safe and express

permission is given by a competent person.

Every injury to a mineworker, however small, should be reported to

the person in charge of first aid at the mine for checking up and


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treatment before the injured person returns to work or leaves the

mine.

Arrangements should be made for transporting injured or sick

persons to a hospital or other suitable medical facility, for example

through cooperation between mine sites in close proximity.

7.8 Personal Protective Equipment for Mine Workers

The mine operator will provide, free of charge, the personal protective

equipment that is to be worn when hazards cannot be eliminated and

ensure that it is worn properly and maintained in good condition.

The basic personal protective equipment should be:

Safety helmet (hard hat) where falling objects might create a

hazard.

Protective gloves when handling materials or performing work

which might cause injury to the hands.

Suitable protective footwear (e.g. safety shoes or rubber boots)

where there is a danger of slipping or of injury to the feet.

This minimum standard protection should be worn at all times in

and around the mine. Additional protective equipment should be

used as required :

Hearing protection where excessive noise levels are produced (e.g.

where compressors, drilling machines or pick-hammers are used).

Dust mask where excessive airborne dust is produced (e.g. during

drilling or rock-breaking).

Safety glasses/goggles where there is a danger from flying particles

that may cause injury to the eyes (e.g. where hard rock is to be

broken).

Other personal protection may also be required, such as:

Closely-fitting clothes when working with or around moving

machinery or equipment;

Safety belts and lines where there is a danger of falling.


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7.9 Duties of the Mine Operator

The mine operator will:

Notify the mining authority before starting operations at any

mine and before discontinuing or abandoning any existing

mining activity.

Provide all the equipment, apparatus, facilities and finance to

ensure as far as reasonably practicable, good mining practice

and an appropriate standard of occupational safety and health

at the mine.

Make sure everyone understands their safety and health

responsibilities.

Appoint, depending upon the number of mineworkers employed

and the nature and extent of mining operations, one or more

competent persons supervisor to supervise and control the

operations at the mine.

Encourage the workforce to be actively involved in safety and

health.

7.10 Requirements for Employment in Opencast Mines

Work in an opencast mine often has to be performed in a hostile

and dangerous environment. It can be made safe and productive

by continual human effort. Such efforts cannot succeed unless all

workers have certain skills and a good knowledge of possible

hazards and risks related to mine operation. It is therefore vital to

have competent and experienced persons who should be

constantly on the site of the mine to supervise and control the

operations and carry out regular inspections.

Supervisors will have immediate charge of all persons employed

within the mine area of operation and will be responsible for the

safety, health and welfare of all persons assigned to them.


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Each newly recruited mine worker will receive instructions,

guidance and supervision in his respective work from the

supervisor and adequate on-the-job training before being starting

work. This instruction will include:

Introduction to the working environment.

Health and safety aspects of the task to be assigned.

Hazard recognition and avoidance.

Hazards relating to explosives.

Ground control and working in areas of high walls.

Hazards of machinery and equipment.

Basic knowledge of first aid.

No mine worker will take any action at work which could cause

danger to other workers, damage to mining equipment or

obstruct production.

Every worker will fully comply with rules or instructions issued

by the mine operator and will make proper use of and take

reasonable care of any personal equipment provided for his

protection.

7.11 Action to Prevent Danger

Every mine worker while at work will:

Take reasonable care for the safety and health of himself or herself

and of other persons who may be affected by their acts or

omissions.

Comply with instructions given for his own safety and health and

those of others.

Report immediately to the supervisor any situation which he or she

considers hazardous and which he or she cannot correct

themselves. If this measure cannot be taken, the mineworker

should immediately warn all workers who could be in danger.


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Report any accident, injury or dangerous occurrence which arises

in the course of or in connection with work.

7.12 Mine Facilities

As far as possible, at or near every site where mining is regularly

carried out, there will be:

A clearly marked storage facility for first-aid equipment.

A place to store safety and personal protection equipment.

A site to store mining tools and equipment.

Adequate washing, sanitary and changing facilities.

Adequate shelters accommodation for mine workers when

mining operations are located in remote areas.

7.13 Resettlement & Rehabilitation Package

No R&R packages, the proposed land is vacant land.

7.14 Hydrogeology and Remedial Measures

7.14.1Introduction

TOR for P. Gowtham Reddy has been prescribed by MoEF vide

letter No J-11015/342/2013-IA.II (M) dated 8-01-2014. Following

the stipulations contained in the TOR, the study on EIA and

preparation of Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been

entrusted to M/s. Sri Sai Manasa Nature Tech (P) Ltd.,

(SSMNTech) Hyderabad, Environmental Consultants by the Project

Proponent.

In the TOR it was also prescribed to carryout a detailed Hydro-

geological Study of the area, impact on the surface and ground

water resources quality and quantity, water requirement,

availability and source, water conservation and rainwater

harvesting plans, Groundwater Elevation in the working depth and


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permission to withdraw groundwater from the competent Authority

as indicated at items against Serial Numbers from 22 to 28, in the

TOR. The Consultants have assigned this study to M/s. Global

Consultants, Hyderabad, headed by former Southern Regional

Director, Central Ground Water Board, Ministry of Water

Resources, Government of India, a NABET recognized Functional

Area Expert (FAE) on Ground Water and Rainwater Harvesting

studies and a registered Ground Water Consultant of Government

of Andhra Pradesh. Accordingly the field study was undertaken in

the month of April 2014, after collection of necessary information

details from various sources.

7.14.2 Objective, Scope and Methodology of the Study :-

The proposed Project activity is production of black & colour

granite blocks through open cast semi-mechanized method of

extraction by developing benches of 6 m height to produce

approximately 2282 m3 / annum. Extraction of mineral from the

physical environment, formation of pits, dumps and development

of roads etc are likely to add certain changes in the rainfall storm

run-off generated in the area and water quality in terms of wash-

off from loose dumps. Statutory Authorities have mandated to

carry out detailed hydro-geological study of the area, impacts on

Ground water and surface hydrological regimes, prescribed to

adopt suitable rainwater harvesting plans and to obtain necessary

permission from Central Ground Water Authority in case of

intersection of ground water table in the mining, necessitating

dewatering of the mine pit.

In any given environment the occurrence and movement of ground

water and its quality and quantity is chiefly controlled and

governed by many factors such as Geographical Set–up, Climate

and Rainfall conditions, Hydrological features, Topography, Soil

Characteristics, the nature and thickness of underlying rock

formations and other related aspects that prevail in an area.

Therefore, the study envisages identifying the existing ground


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water conditions comprising both quality and potential within the

Project Site and its neighborhood relate the projected mining

activity, identify the likely impacts on surface and ground water

resources and indicate mitigation measures. In order to

accomplish the proposed objective of the study, the scope and

methodology adopted is as follows :

i. Collection of the relevant data contained in the EIA and EMP

Reports, from the reports and maps of the Andhra Pradesh

State Ground Water Department (SGWD) Central Ground Water

Board (CGWB) Geological Survey of India (GSI), other

Institutions and Departments.

ii. Identify Inter-related and Inter-dependent key factors that play

vital role in the occurrence of ground water, its quality and

potential.

iii. Identify surface water resources in the Project Site and its

catchment‘s area.

iv. Assess the ground water resource potentials in the Catchment‘s

area of the Project Site.

v. Bring out various events and processes that comprise the

mining Project activity.

vi. Identify the Site specific environmental issues and mitigative

measures

vii. Suggest suitable Water conservation and Rain Water

Harvesting Plans and

viii. Compile a consolidated, comprehensive and meaningful report

of the Project Site and its catchment‘s area.

Acknowledgements:

The information and data contained in the Mining plan prepared

by Mr. G. Eswar Reddy, R Q P of Anantapur, Reports of Central

Ground Water Board, Southern Region, Ministry of Water

Resources Government of India, Andhra Pradesh State Ground

Water Department, Progress Reports of Geological Survey of India


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and EIA & EMP Report of Sri Sai Manasa Nature Tech (P) Ltd.,

Hyderabad have been utilized in compilation of the present report.

During the present investigation, Environmental Engineer Mr.

Rakesh.K, of Sri Sai Manasa Nature Tech (P) Ltd. and Mr. Dharma

Raju Mining Supervisor of Proponents Company have accompanied

to the Project Site and its neighborhood. Proponent‘s

representative was available with us during the Study period and

provided all necessary cooperation and facilities for the study of

lease area and environs.

7.14.3. Geographical Set-Up

Mine site is on a hillock extending in East–West direction

surrounded by agricultural fields mostly cultivated using monsoon

rainfall. It is located close to a fair weather road connecting to

Kotta Venkatapuram Village from Ambodarapalli Village.

Ambodarapalli village is on Chittoor – Balijanaidu Kandriga road.

Ambodarapalli village is accessible by following a diversion road

near Ganagadhara Nellore (G D Nellore) on Chittoor – Puttur High

Way after traveling 15 km from Chittoor. The nearest Railway

Station is Chittoor which is 25 km from the Mine site. The nearest

Airport is at Tirupati and nearest Sea ports are Krishnapatnam

and Chennai.

The Mine lease area extent is 8.099 ha and falls in the village Sy.

Numbers 107/P and 13 /P in Ambodarapalli and Pattapalaiyam

Villages of G. D. Nellore Mandal. The Project site hill has Survey of

India Point Height of 302 representing an elevation of 302 m AMSL

and is the top most point of lease area located at Google Map

Coordinates 13˚10΄36.44"N: 79˚15΄16.70"E. The Google location of

one of the South–West corner points of the lease boundary with

fixed mark provided by Proponent is on the Granite rock out crop

located at Coordinates 13˚10΄35.4"N : 79˚15΄24.6"E, having

surface elevation of 265 m AMSL. Thus the surface elevation

difference between the maximum and minimum are 302 and 265


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m AMSL respectively. Photograph showing the hillock of project

site is given below.

7.14.4 Climate And Rain Fall

Chittoor District experiences semi arid climate. It is one of the

chronically drought prone districts with variation in the rainfall in

space and time. District has only one meteorological station at

Arogyavaram (Madanapalli). State Government has set up Rain

Gauge stations in each Mandal head quarters at present.

The District receives rainfall from both S-W and N-E monsoons.

The area receives rainfall almost in all months except in the month

of March. The mean monthly rainfall is shown in the Figure–7.3.

The mean seasonal rainfall distribution is 416.5mm in south –

west monsoon (June-September), it is 362.2 mm in North – East

monsoon (October – December), it is 15.1 mm in Winter and 94.3

mm in summer months (March to May). The season wise

percentage distribution of Rainfall is 46.9% in S-W monsoon,

40.8% in NE monsoon, 1.7% in winter and 10.6% during summer.

The district Normal rainfall is 934 mm. The average normal

rainfall for the last decade is 888 mm. Areal distribution of rainfall

Project Site Hillock


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varies as low as 600 mm in the West at Molakalacheruvu and

experiences a high of 1152 mm at Srikalahasthi in the East.

The five years moving average for the last 40 years data shows that

there is no cyclic trend in the rain fall pattern in between 1970 and

1985, however there is observable cyclic trend from 1985m

onwards for every 5 to 7 years.

Long Period Monthly Average rain fall of the district is shown in the

Figure-7.3

During the last 1999 – 2011 period the amount of rainfall in the

area ranges from 657.2 mm in 2003 to 1544 mm in 2005. The

Long period average (LPA) annual rainfall departure ranges from –

26% in 2002 to +74% in the year 2005. The annual rainfall,

season wise rainfall amounts, their percentages and annual long

period average departure are shown in the Table–7.1. The

cumulative departure is shown in the Figure–7.4.

The areal distribution annual total rain fall in the district is shown

in the Figure-7.5. Amount of rain fall received is less in the west

and it is high in the East

FIG – 7.3 :


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TABLE 7.1 : THE ANNUAL RAINFALL, SEASON WISE RAINFALL

AMOUNTS, THEIR PERCENTAGES AND ANNUAL LONG PERIOD

AVERAGE DEPARTURE

FIGURE-7.4: Cumulative Departureof Annula Rainfall From

LPA


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Figure-7.5

The areal distribution annual total rain fall in the district

December is the coolest moth with mean daily minimum of 15.4˚C

and mean daily maximum of 25.3˚C April and May are the hottest

months with mean daily maximum at 34.8˚C. The Relative

Humidity (RH) is about from 70% to 80% in the mornings and it is

between 60-65% in the afternoons in the period from July to

December. February to May is the dry period ranging between

25% and 40%. The Annual Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) is

about 1556 mm and monthly PET ranges from 89 mm in

December and 169 mm in March.

7.14.5Topographic Features

The mine lease area comprises an independent and isolated hillock

and it extends in East – West direction having more length than

the North – South width. Highest elevation is 302 m AMSL and it

slopes to South and North on either side. The Southern gradient is

gentler from 302 to about 260 m AMSL and northern gradient is

Project

Site


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little sleeper from 302 to about 270 m AMSL. The Total deposit is

covered by huge blocks and boulders of rock fragments derived

from the underlying massive rock deposit. The lease area is devoid

of any tree or Forest cover and has only shrubs.

The area around the Mine lease area is dotted by hills and

undulating terrain with general surface slope leading to the River

Ponnai flowing in almost along a straight line from North – West to

South – East. The lowest surface elevation of the Ponnai River the

close to the project site is 235 m AMSL. The general land elevation

from the mine site to the River Ponnai ranges between 270 and

235 m AMSL. The average gradient in the area in the watershed

unit is between 240 and 260 m AMSL.

However, in the same watershed area there are bigger hillocks of

Avalakonda (405) in the North, Kondala Sethuru (.471) and Eddula

Konda (.450) in the North – East. There is Amudala Reserved

Forest (561) in the East of the project sire and Raghasikonda (490)

of Pachigunta Reserved Forest in the North – East. They are far

away from the mine lease area.

7.14.6Surface Hydrological Features

The Mine site which forms the core area has no surface water

Bodies or stream courses. The mine area forms a North Eastern

peripheral region of a small micro watershed extending from

Pattapallaiyam village at an elevation of about 300 m AMSL slopes

in South West direction to the lowest elevation of about 240 m

AMSL near Balekuppam village in the Tamilnadu State. The

drainage courses are not well defined in the upper reaches as they

are modified, altered and cultivated and at places they have been

diverted into small farm ponds to store storm water.

The Balekuppam drainage course meets the Ponnai River to the

South of the Village. The drainage course has miner irrigation

rainwater storage tanks at Agraharam, Kotta Venkatapuram and


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Girigalapalle. All the water storage sources, Balekuppam drainage

course and Ponnai River course are found to be dry at the time

field study.

The mine site micro watershed is a part of the Ponnai River Sub

Basin of the major Palar River Basin which ultimately debouches

into the Bay of Bengal. The mine site micro basin is included in the

Koratlair stream let area for the purpose of Ground Water

Resources Assessment and has been put under the name of Srl.

No. 53 as Ctr _ Koratlair _ S R Puram_S R Puram Assessment unit

comprising this part of G. D. Nellore Mandal area in estimations

for total 75 units covering the entire Chittoor District by the

SWGD. The Assessment unit comprises of 2475 ha area of G D

Nellore Mandal out of the total Mandal area of 20212 ha along with

1891 ha of Palasamudram Mandal and 8524 ha of S. R. Puram

area. The Mine site micro watershed is this part of G. D. Nellore

that is included in this Assessment Unit.

Dry Balekuppam Drainage Course


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Figure-7.6

Project Site Balekuppam Watershed Area

7.14.7GEOLOGICAL FEATURES

7.14.7.1Regional Geological Set-Up:

The different geological formations occurring in the mine site

neighbourhood can be broadly divided into three major units of

Archaean Group as Older Metamorphics, Migmatite Group and

Younger Intrusives. The generalized Stratigraphic Sequence is

given in the Table – 7.2.


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TABLE – 7.2 GENERALISED STRATIGRAPHIC SEQUENCE

Archaean

Peninsular

Gneissic Complex

Younger Intrusives Epidote veins

Quartz veins

Dolerite dykes

Gabbro dykes

Pegmatite Veins

Quartz- Feldspathic

veins

Migmatite Group Granites

Biotite Granite

Hornblende-

Granite- Gneiss

MigmatiteGneiss

Granitoid

Dharwars Older Metamophics Amphibolite Quartz

Mica-schist,

Banded

Ferruginous-

Quartzite

Older metamorphic belong to Dharwar Group of rocks. They occur

in the form of enclaves, Xenoliths Schlieren and undigested linear

patches in the granite mass. They show warping, gneissosity,

Ptygmatic folding with sharp or broken or deformed contacts with

the host rock.

The Migmatite Group comprising Peninsular Gneissic Complex

presents complex varieties Quartz- Feldspathic- Granite Gneisses

with crude foliation, lineation of Ferro-magnesium minerals.

Among younger intrusives in the area the predominant rock

formations are dolerite dykes. Fine grained, dark colored with

sharp and well defined contacts ramify the granite country. They

occur as liner intrusive bodies extending hundreds of meters with

varying widths.


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7.14.7.2Local Geology:

The mine site is a hillock comprising multi coloured granite with

well defined Gneissoid structure. The observed Gneissosity is N

25˚E- S 25˚W. The granite Gneiss is occurring sheet rock

extending along the Gneissic foliation. The Granite mass in

intruded by dark coloured dolerite dykes. There are at least three

dolerite dykes cutting along the strike extension of Granite body.

The width of the dolerite dykes are varying and are found to have

been intruded into the Granite mass. They maintain sharp contact

with the Granite and can be quarried as large and economical

block sizes separately along with the coloured Granite. The

distribution of Granite and dolerite rock masses as seen in the

Google image is shown in the Figure–7.7.

The areal distribution of the rock formations and their

distinguishing hydrogeological characteristic features are dealt in

the subsequent chapters.

Figure-7.7

Distribution of rock types in the Lease area

Dolerite Dyke

Color Granite


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Gneissosity in Colour Granite

Site Corner Bench Mark

7.14.8 SOILS AND AGRICULTURE

Soils types are more important for agricultural production as well

as ground water recharge. Soils in the area are of ‗insitu‘ type

mainly derived from the underlying rock formations through

pedagogical processes of rock disintegration and rock

decomposition over a pro-longed period of time. Soils immediately

below the foot hill regions of Granite hills in the western part of

Karnataka State are mainly red sandy and clayey loans, whereas,

the vast plain country to the East of hill range forming Andhra

Pradesh part has a thin vender of grey coloured Silty- clayey soils.

There are no major, medium or minor surface water irrigation

projects in the area comprising part of Tamilnadu. Most of the

area is under rain-fed agriculture in the monsoon khariff period

cultivating dry crops. Irrigated and irrigated dry crops are grown

in very small extents under wells utilizing ground water source. In

Tamilnadu part of the area underlain by Granitic formations,

irrigation under wells is relatively more and farmers are raising two

crops both in Khariff and Rabi period in small extents.

There are no major, medium or minor irrigation projects in the

mine site watershed and in the Ground Water Resources

Assessment unit area of Andhra Pradesh also. Most of the area is


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under rain fed agriculture. Irrigated dry crops are being cultivated

during Khariff period using ground water available from the wells

constructed in the favorable areas.

Small extents are cultivated in the Rabi period also under wells in

certain areas, where ground water source availability is assured.

Important crops grown in the area are Sugar-Cane, Paddy, Cotton

and Millets

Agriculture is main stay of the people and there are no industries

and employment opportunities to the rural poor. They remain idle

most of the time during non-monsoon period and are not deployed

in any developmental projects of Government sponsored schemes

or Private works.

7.14.9 GR0UND WATER CONDITIONS

7.14.9.1General Features:

Geomorphic features, Climate and Rainfall, Topography and Land

Slope, Drainage pattern, Soils and Agricultural activities and

ultimately the nature, thickness, distribution and structure of

different geological formations, independently or collectively or in

association with each other play a distinct role in the occurrence,

movement, quality and availability of ground water.

Geographical set-up and Geomorphic features control, in a large

measure the amount of precipitation that contributes to run off

and ground water recharge. Dry conditions in arid and semi-arid

climatic conditions results in large scale evaporation losses,

promotes oxidation processes and results in the deep ground water

level.

High rainfall contributes higher amounts of infiltration and deep

percolation to recharge ground water. Development of land forms

mainly depends upon the nature of the rocks, their resistance to


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erosion and the geologic structure, climatic conditions and

vegetative cover.

Morpho-metric parameters such as drainage density and slope

characteristics provide a basis for evaluation of run-off and ground

water potentials of a drainage basin. Total drainage basin areal

extent determines the total quantity of water available in a basin. A

low network of drainage courses is indicative of the presence of

highly resistant or highly permeable rocks on the surface. High

drainage density characterizes hilly terrain and areas underlain by

weak or impermeable rocks result in more run-off than infiltration.

Low network drainage density corresponds to high infiltration

rates.

Surface gradient has dominant effect on the contribution of rainfall

to stream flows and to the ground water reservoir, in as much as,

it controls the duration of overland flow, infiltration and sub

surface flow. Slope condition controls the depth to water table,

distribution of head and artesian pressures in aquifers.

Steep slope gives rise to coarse textured and permeable detrital

materials, generally deposited in the form of alluvial cones, talus

fans in foot hill zones. Highly permeable material in the steep may

absorb and transmit as much water as poorly permeable

formations in the plains.

Nature and thickness of soil directly influences the infiltration rate.

Larger thickness enhances the deep percolation to recharge ground

water and reduces evaporation losses from the zone of aeration.

Vegetative cover and agricultural activities retard the overland flow

rate and provides more infiltration. Agricultural activities

associated with furrowing, tilling and crop growth shall eventually

bring change in the soil texture and the land surface. A part of

water applied for crop growth reaches to ground water as return

seepage.


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From the ground water occurrence point of view the formations are

categorized as hard rocks. Since the geological formations are of

Igneous and Metamorphic in origin, they lack primary porosity.

Secondary porosity is developed during physical disintegration and

chemical decomposition from the different geological agents of

weathering. Depth to weathered zone varies from place to place

and situation to situation depending on several factors. They show

large variation in short distances and are heterogeneous in nature.

7.14.9.2 Project Site Watershed Area:

Different de-gradational processes of physical disintegration and

chemical decomposition of mass removal, continuously acting over

millions of years on the rock formations, have brought out the

present day land configuration in the area. The formations are fine

grained, hard, and compact and lack original porosity to form

potential aquifer zones at depth. They are heterogeneous and

possess large variation in the Mineralogical composition, degree of

compaction with depth. So much so, their nature differs from point

to point and place to place.

Occurrence, movement and quality of ground water associated

chiefly depend on the topographic gradient and nature of

formations. Ground water occurrence is limited to the top shallow

weathered zone, the contact planes, interconnected fissure zones

and fissure zones developed during tectonic processes of

deformation.

The formations are concealed under soil cover. The rock type,

nature of formation with depth and weak zones associated along

the lineaments are not easily identifiable in the field. Striking

ground water, drilling and construction of successful bore-wells in

the area is difficult and a challenging task. In hard rocks,

ground water occurs only in the shallow weathered zone and inter-


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connected fissures and joints extending to a limited depth.

Ground water is being extracted by means of bore wells.

During the field study depth to water levels and total depth of wells

were measured using embossed steel measuring tape. Quality of

ground water in terms of its Specific Electrical Conductance values

was measured by using a sensitive pocket type Electrical

Conductivity Meter. The hydro-geological data of wells inventoried

is enclosed as Annexure–1 and location of wells is shown in the

Figure–7.8.

7.14.9.3 Well Types and Method of Construction:

Extraction of ground water by means of large diameter open dug

wells to meet both drinking and irrigation purposes have been

given up in the area. Dug wells were Square or Rectangle in

shape, unlined and their sides are collapsed at present. None of

them are under use. With the advent of heavy duty pneumatic

rotary cum percussion type, Down The Hole (DTH) hammer fast

drilling rigs, the construction of 6‖ dia bore wells have become very

popular for providing drinking water in rural areas through RWS

and PWS public water supply schemes. There are PWS Bore Wells

fitted with submersible pumps and RWS Bore Wells fitted with

hand pumps to meet drinking water requirements of the villagers.

There are a few Private irrigation Bore Wells constructed for

irrigation purposes.

Fissured Granite Rock in Dug-well Zone


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7.14.9.4 Depth to Water and Total Depth of Wells :

Field investigation and well inventory was undertaken in the Mine

Site and Watershed area during the month of April 2014.

Measurements represent pre monsoon water levels. The area was

almost dry. The recorded measurements of the wells in the Mine

area Watershed is indicated in the Annexure-1. The minimum and

maximum depth to water in Watershed area wells are between 8 m

bgl and a maximum of 50 m bgl respectively.

The minimum depth to water in a topographic low in granite

terrain is about 6.0 m bgl. The average depth to water varies

between 12 and 15 m bgl. Ground water elevation is between 240

m AMSL and 250 m AMSL whereas the general surface elevation

ranges from 250 t0 260 m AMSL. Deepest Water level of about 50

m bgl occurs in an irrigation bore well at Mittur near the Mine site.

The CGWB has prepared Pre-monsoon and Post-monsoon water

levels distribution in the entire district for the year 2011 and is

shown in the Figure-7.8(a) & 7.8(b). The recorded observations are

not in consonance with present data. They show the average water

levels of the total district area, whereas the observations are

specific to the area.

7.14.9.5 Water Level Fluctuation:

Rainfall is the chief source of ground water recharge. Recharge to

ground water also takes place farm ponds, irrigation sources

abandoned Mine pits and also return recharge from the water

applied for irrigation. Depending on the distance from the surface

water bodies, amount of monsoon rainfall received, topography and

soil conditions, and ground water recharge takes place through

infiltration and deep percolation in each hydrological cycle.

Maximum recharge takes place by the end of monsoon and water


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levels rise substantially by the end of October or November every

year.

As the monsoon retreats, dry spell continues ground water draft in

the region for irrigation increases and ground water natural

outflow from the base of drainage basin results in depletion of

storage and consequent fall of water levels occurs by the end of

May or first week of June every year.

It is reported that Pre and Post monsoon water level fluctuation

ranges are between 3 to 5 m in the watershed area. Water level

fluctuation map between May 2012 and November 2012 prepared

by the SGWD is shown in the Figure-7.9.

Figure-7.8 (a)

Depth to water level during May 2012

Project Site


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Figure-7.8 (b)

Depth to water level during November 2012

Figure-7.9

Water level fluctuation map between May 2012 and November 2012

Project Site

Project Site


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7.14.9.6 Long term Trends:

SGWD is continuously monitoring ground water levels from a net

work of observation wells with even distribution covering the entire

State since many years. The annual average rainfall and average

depth water level in the observation wells for the period between

2002 and 2013 is shown as composite hydrograph vide Figure-

7.10. It shows that there is no significant change over the past

more than decade of time. However the observations indicate that

there are two cyclic trends in the rainfall pattern. Following the

rainfall the observed ground water levels are also showing two

different types of actual rising and falling trends of varying ranges.

Water Level Measurement in Bore Well Water Level Measurement in Dug-Well


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Fig – 7.10 : Mean Hydrograph of Chittoor District for one decade

Either under natural or forced conditions of Ground Water Draft,

ground water continuously moves from higher to lower elevation.

Elevation of ground water in the wells monitored shows a higher

elevation of about 667 m AMSL and it is confined to elevated

regions of watershed margins and in the lower plains ground water

elevation ranges from 593 m AMSL to 620 m AMSL. The lowest

Ground Water elevation of 593 m AMSL is to the end of watershed

near village Mabbuvaripalle.

Ground Water table is almost parallel to the land surface and is

from West to East and South- West to North-East following the

surface gradient.

7.14.9.7Type of Lifts:

Rural Water Supply bore-wells are fitted with closed hand pumps.

Protected Public Water Supply bore well and private bore-well is

installed with energized submersible pump-sets of two inches

diameter. Majority of private irrigation wells are provided with two

inches diameter Submersible pump sets which are not under use

at present in the Rabi period.


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7.14.9.8Well yields:

Well yields depend on the storage and transmissivity of the aquifer

zones tapped in the wells. It is reported that during monsoon

season bore-wells sustain longer duration of pumping with

enhanced discharge rate and possess shallow water level

conditions. Discharge rate of energized pump fitted Bore-wells

range from10 to 20 m3/hour in the monsoon season.

7.14.9.9 Well Density:

Bore wells are constructed to meet both drinking and irrigation

requirements. They are generally located on the valley slopes and

topographical depressions. Well density is very less in the area.

Bore wells in Amphibolites are located in the valleys and in the

areas proved ground water worthy. Successful wells are

constructed in the valley slopes and in valleys underlain by

Granitic formations in the Karnataka State part of the watershed

for irrigation purposes.

The areal distribution of different geological formations and their

general hydrogeologial conditions for the entire Chittoor district is

shown in the Figure-7.11.


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Figure-7.11

The areal distribution of different geological formations

7.14.10. Ground Water Quality

Chemical quality of ground water is as important as quantity and

its suitability for various purposes is determined by its physical

and chemical characteristics. Water is always a good natural

solvent. Ground water, although considered to be safe and pure, it

always takes into solution all the soluble Minerals. It always

exhibits certain characteristic features depending upon the

composition of source rock and length of association. Dissolved

salt content depends on the nature and Mineral content of rocks,

subordinately, the topography, rainfall and many other factors that

facilitate to add the infiltrated rainwater to the underlying rock

formations.

Quality of ground water can be expressed in terms of Specific

Electrical Conductance (E.C.) which is a measure of dissolved salt

Project

Site


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content. The location of Dug wells and other sources examined are

shown in the Figure–5. The permissible limits of E. C. for drinking

and irrigation purposes respectively are 1500 and 2000 µS/cm at

25 °C. The recorded values are in the range of 890 and 1040 and

thus water is very fresh.

E.C. values of ground water samples from wells in the water-shed

area are measured in the field and are given in the Annexure –1.

Lowest E.C of 45o µS/cm at 25° C is found on the periphery of

micro watershed in the Well No 9 and highest value of 2390 µS/cm

at 25° C is in the Well No 16 at lowest elevation near the Ponnai

River. Recorded E C values in the watershed are showing

parallelism to the surface gradient. Ground Water quality in the

watershed is found to be fresher in the upper reaches with less

mineralisiation and slightly higher salt content in low grounds.

M/s. SSMNT has collected 5 Ground Water samples from Dug

wells in and around Project Site in 10 km radius and got them

analysed. The location of the Sites is shown in the Figure–7.12

and the results of complete chemical analysis are given in the

Annexure-2.

E.C. Measurement


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The results indicate that ground water is of average natural type

with pH ranging from 7.51 to 7.97 and fall in the average natural

type pH range of 6.5 to 8.5. Against desirable limit of 250 mg/l

and permissible limit of 1000 m/l of Chloride, ground water

samples had a minimum of 118 mg/l and maximum of 517 mg/l

indicating that ground water is within the limits of good taste,

corrosion and its palatability is not affected. Hardness of ground

water ranged between 343 mg/l and 470 mg/l and is well within

the limits of 300 – 600 mg/l .

Total Dissolved Solids ranged from 738mg/l to 1646 mg/l showing

low salt content at many places. Nitrate values range from 0.1 to

0.7 mg/l and are almost free from Nitrate pollution exceeding the

prescribed limit of 45 mg/l. Sulphate content is between 56 and

135 mg/l and are with in prescribed limits of 200-400 mg/l. The

low values are attributable to the dilution through good recharge

from hilly terrain storm overland flow.

Fluoride content in ground water is between 1.28mg/l and 1.31

mg/l against desirable limit of 0.6-1.2 mg/l and permissible limit

of 1.5 mg/l for drinking purposes. Iron as Fe is between 0.27 mg/l

and 0.87 mg/l is well within the permissible range of 1.0 mg/l for

drinking purposes.

CGWB has prepared district map showing EC ranges as recorded

in the year 2011 is shown in the Figure-7.13 which indicates the

Mine site watershed area has low values confirming the

observations during the study period. Ground water E C Ranges

for the Chittoor district prepared by SGWD during November 2008

is shown in the Figure-7.14. The observed values during the

study period are in the same range.


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Figure-7.12

Location Of Sites


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Figure-7.13

E.C. Values recorded by C.G.W.B.-2011

Figure-7.14

Project Site

Project Site


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7.14.11 Ground Water Resource Potentials

Monsoon rainfall is the chief source of ground water recharge. In

the irrigated ayacut areas recharge through unlined canal network,

return recharge from the water applied for irrigation is significant.

Surface water reservoirs, ponds, check dams and all other man

made obstructions on the natural drainage courses also contribute

to certain extent. In the existing natural environmental conditions,

a known volume of ground water is always available for extraction,

which otherwise will be lost as out flow from the area. This is

dynamic recharge, which goes into storage of aquifer zones

occurring below, in each hydrological cycle. The long term average

annual replenishable dynamic recharge can be exploited without

causing any adverse impact on the ground water regime.

Ground Water Resources Estimation Committee (GEC–1997)

revised the norms and circulated methodology in the year 1997.

Following the revised methodology watershed / basin wise

assessment has been done taking into account long term pre-

monsoon and post-monsoon water level trends.

7.14.11.1 Estimation Methodology:

Watershed Assessment Unit-wise Ground Water Resources of

Chittoor district were estimated by the A.P. State Ground Water

Department based on the recommendations of Ground Water

Estimation Committee (GEC) 1997 and following the suggested

modifications of GEC 2004, issued by the Central Ground Water

Board, Ministry of Water Resources, and Government of India. The

Gross Ground Water Draft, Recharge, Balance Potential available,

Stage of Development and Categorization of the Assessment Unit (

Srl No 53) have been arrived for all the Units. The unit wise

potentials of all the 75 Watershed units of total district is shown in

the Annexure-3. The details of Mine watershed unit are given in

Table-3.


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Koratlliyar G W Assessment Unit falls in Critical Category and it is

shown in the Figure-7.15. Ground Water Resource potential of

all the Revenue Mandal Units are also estimated as shown in the

Annexure-4 and their categorization is shown in the Figure-7.16.

The G D Nellore Mandal (Srl NO 9) also falls in the Critical

Category as per the revised estimates of SGWD.

TABLE : 7.3

GROUND WATER RESOURCES OF KORATLIYAR WATERSHED,

G D NELLORE MANDAL, CHITTOOR DISTRICT

1. Total Geographical Area 12890

2. Hilly area 468

3. Rock Type Granites

4. Area Ground water Recharge worthy

Command area

Non Command area

Nil

12890

5. Shallow water table area Nil

6. Flood Prone area Nil

7. Weathered Fractured zones depths, weathered zone 11

m, Fractures 20.5 and 32m

8. Recharge from Rainfall during Monsoon 959 ham

9. Recharge from other sources during Monsoon 106 ham

10. Recharge from Rainfall during Non Monsoon period Nil

11. Recharge from other sources during Non Monsoon

period ground water

193 ham

12. Total annual ground water Recharge from all sources 1258 ham

13. Provision for Natural discharge 128 ham

14. Net ground water availability 1132 ham

15. Existing gross ground water draft for irrigation 1296 ham

16. Existing gross ground water draft for Domestic and

Industrial supply

562 ham

17. Existing ground water draft for all uses 1858 ham

18. Provision for Domestic and industrial requirements 563 ham


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supply to 2025

19. Net GW availability for future irrigation development Nil

20. Stage of ground water Development % 164

21. Pre monsoon water level trend cm / year 72

22. Is there a significant declining trend in the pre

monsoon water level : (Yes / No)

Yes

23. Post monsoon water level trend 132

24. Is there a significant declining trend in the post

monsoon water level : (Yes / No)

Yes

25. Category Over

Exploited

Figure-7.15

Project Site


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Figure-7.16

Project Site


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7.14.12. Project Processes, Impacts and Safeguard Measures

(TOR 25)

7.14.12.1Project Processes:

Considering 10 meters thickness as proved zone and 3 meters

thickness each below as the Probable and Possible zones and the

Recovery Factor as 12%, after leaving the Barrier Zone of 7.5 width

the total salable coloured granite that can be produced in the

Lease area is estimated to be 134678 m3 for a period of 128 years

life period of Mine. Leaving Barrier zone blocked Reserves of Black

Granite the total mineable reserves are 22383 m3.

7.14.12.2Plan Period Operation:

The scheme of development and production for the first five years

has been planned in consideration of the nature of the deposit

within the lease applied area. It is observed that the boulders and

sheet rock is exposed on Western and Middle of the QL applied

area without any overburden and therefore the development of the

quarry is confined towards Western side of the QL applied area.

During the first five year plan period a total rock mass of 43670

will be excavated and 5240 m3 Granite blocks will be recovered

and waste of 38430 m3 will be generated. The plan period waste

will be stacked in 168x28 m area to a height of 10 m. The total

quantity of waste generated in the mine lease area will be 1151777

m3.

Mining operations will be under taken in Open Cast Semi

Mechanized method using Jack Hammer drills, Hydraulic

excavators, Dumpers, Heavy Transportation Trucks. After removal

of soil and small sized blocks and waste material, by using

standard pneumatic Jackhammer drills 32 mm dia bore-holes with

20 cm spacing between two adjacent holes will be drilled vertically

for primary cut and horizontally to dislodge large blocks from


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mother rock. Drilled holes are charged with soundless expansive

mortar or with gun powder to wedge out the blocks along the lines

drilled. Quarrying operations will be in benches of 6 m depth, 3 m

width and 10 m length. Commercially marketable blocks of sizes

will be produced by chipping the rough corners and bulges using

chisel and hammer in the dressing yard. The dressed dimensional

blocks are transported by trucks from the quarry area.

Over burden comprising granite boulders of various sizes

generated in the plan period shall be hauled by tippers and

excavators to pre-designated dump site in the lease area which

shall be used for back filling. The soil recovered from the surface

shall be stored separately for its use in green belt development.

7.14.12.3Impacts:

Quarrying of colour granite in the present physical environment

brings change in land morphology and void / pit will be formed at

the place from where the granite mass has been removed and

surface slope will be altered.

Quarrying operations will be above the lowest surface elevation of

the lease area, occurring in the Southern boundary. Rainfall run-

off quantity generated in the extent of area of operation will not be

altered and it will descend along the slope to move along the

gradient. There will not be any significant impact on surface and

ground water resource quantities. Silt and wash-off from the

operation area is likely to be associated with overland surface run-

off deposited at the hill bottom in open areas.

7.14.12.4 Safeguard Measures:

1. Dust emission shall be controlled at the source itself by adopting

suitable measures during drilling.

2. Regular wetting and dust suppression of approach /

transportation roads shall be undertaken to minimize emissions.


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3. Garland drain will be provided around the dump site to regulate

the storm flow.

4. Soil recovered in the quarry area shall be spread on the dump site

and plantation of trees shall be taken up.

5. A Check-dam / Silt-trap bund shall be provided at the base of the

hill in the lease area and silt free run-off shall be allowed to leave

the lease area.

7.14.12.5 Water Conservation Plans: (TOR 24)

The project Site watershed area has agricultural land and has no

assured sources of irrigation. In the pre monsoon period the area

experiences non availability of water. Under Entrepreneur Social

Responsibility it is suggested to undertake campaign on water

conservation plans by involving local environmentally conscious

citizens and construct Rain Water Harvesting structures in the

private farmer‘s agricultural lands. Locally best suited structures

in the area are Farm Ponds and Nala Bunds.

7.14.12.6 Farm Pond:

The area is underlain by clayey soil of 1.0 – 2.5 meters thickness

and weathered hard rock below. It is possible to excavate and

create dug out pits on the elevated region in the individual farm

plots and divert the storm water to store in the pond. Dug out

material can be used for developing bunds around the farm pond.

7.14.12.7 Nala Bund / Stream Checks:

The area is gently sloping terrain having a number of linear

drainage courses. In the upper run-off zones of the drainage

courses, land morphology is changed. As a result the storm water

flow paths have disappeared and run off water escapes from the

region as a sheet wash along with silt from higher elevation to

lower regions. It is suggested to identify such original / natural


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flow paths and to construct Nala Bunds / Stream Checks with

local stones and soil excavated in the area across the nala courses.

7.14.13. Ground Water Intersection And Surface Elevation Profile

(TOR 26 and 28)

Mine area surface elevation ranges from the lowest 265 m AMSL on

wards from the South. Quarrying will be taken up in benches to

open up the rocks in the form of blocks to dislodge from mother

rock, by working in level after level. During the 5 year plan period

it is proposed to start working from 265 m AMSL onwards and

continue the operation upwards following the lease area elevation.

The maximum working depth in the granite quarry will be 12 m

only.

The rock formations of quarry lease area are categorized as hard

rocks from the ground water occurrence points of view. They are

massive; blocky with no original porosity or secondary porosity

developed from the subsequent weathering processes either mass

destruction and denudation or major structural disturbances. It

is not likely that this hard granite mass forms an aquifer at depth

to possess ground water and will be totally dry only.

Mine area hillock is at higher elevation of more than 302 RL.

Entire watershed area is at surface elevation ranging from 240 to

260 m AMSL. Ground water elevation in general in the watershed

area is between 238 and 246 m AMSL. Mine working depth will

be at higher elevation than the ground water elevation.

7.14.14 Working Depth and Ground Water Elevation (Tor 28)

Location of Mine lease and wells in the Watershed area are shown

in the Google Map vide Figure-7.19. Surface elevation of each well

location is derived from the Google map source. Surface elevation


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and ground water elevation in the wells monitored are shown in

the Annexure-1.

Working depth and ground water level elevation profiles have been

constructed along two cross sections A-B and A-C as shown in the

Google Map in the Figure-7.19. The surface elevation and ground

water elevation details from the water levels monitored in the area

are shown in the Table-7.4.

The surface elevation, ground water elevation in the wells

monitored and the proposed depth of mining along the two profiles

have been presented in the Figure-7.20. The sections indicate

that the working depth is much above general ground water level.

Detailed hydro-geological studies indicate that there is no scope of

encountering ground water in the Mine Lease area.

Lower E.C values from the mine area, either along the cross

section A—B at Well location numbers 2,4, 3,11,12,13,14, and 15

or along Section A-C at well location numbers 5, 7, 8, 19, and 18

may be due to gentle gradient, weathered pediment to add higher

dissolved salt content at lower elevation and recharge conditions

on the higher surface relief.

TABLE – 7.4(A): SURFACE AND GROUND WATER LEVEL ELEVATION

ALONG A –B

Item Mine Site

Well No.3

Well No.11

Well No.14

Well No.15

Well No.17

Surface Elevation

m AMSL

302 251 248 254 246 239

Ground Water

Elevation M AMSL

Dry 241 241 242 238 229

Ground Water E.C.

Dry N.A 1690 1160 1890 2310

TABLE-7.4 (B: )SURFACE AND GROUND WATER LEVEL ELEVATION

ALONG A–C


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Item Mine Site

Well No.5

Well No.19

Well No.18

Surface Elevation m AMSL

302 258 254 255

Ground Water

Elevation m AMSL

Dry 246 244 243

Ground Water E.C. Dry N.A 1140 1090


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Figure-7.19: Surface and Groundwater Elevation along A- B & A–C in the Project Area

A

B

C


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FIGURE-7.20

SURFACE ELEVATION AND GROUND WATER ELEVATION ALONG

SECTION A-B, A-C AND QUALITY VARIATION

MSL

MSL


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7.14.15 Water Requirement, Availability & Permission (TOR 22 & 23)

Water requirement for the project operations are 5 KL/d only. It

comprises 3 kl/d for the dust suppression, 1 kl/d for Green Belt

development and 1 kl/d for domestic consumption of the work force

deployed in the operations.

Source of Water proposed is from the ground water through purchase

totally by tankers. Mandal wise and the Ground Water Resource

Assessment unit wise Ground Water potential estimation studies

indicate that the existing ground water draft for all uses in the mandal

is very high. Mandal wise estimates show the Stage of Development is

under ―Critical Category‖ indicating development at more than 90%

and less than 100%. Assessment Unit wise estimates indicate that the

area falls in the ―Over Exploited Category”.

Mine area micro watershed has farm ponds and surface storage

reservoirs to harvest rain water in the upland regions in the form of

chain tank system. Ground water is being withdrawn from large

diameter wells and depth to water is between 7 and 10 meters from

the surface.

Permission for drawl of ground water from the Statutory Authorities

is either the Central Ground Water Authority or the State Ground

Water Department. The project site area is not in the list of CGWA

Notified areas for regulating ground water development. Ground

water with-drawl permission from the Central Ground Water Authority

is required for the Safe Category and non Notified areas, only when

ground water with-drawl exceeds more than 100 m3 / day as per

their Regulatory Guidelines.

Proponents are required to take up rain water harvesting plans in the

Water shed area to augment the resources to the extent of their

requirements as per the guidelines. The project requirement of 5 kl/d

of ground water drawl from nearby Bore-wells through purchase by

tankers is considered as meager. State GWD Deputy Director is


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authorized to give necessary permission to draw ground water to meet

the Industrial requirements as per the G O Ms 309 dated 01-09-2005

vide Annexure-6.

7.14.16 Details of Streams Passing Through The Lease Area (TOR 27)

The proposed colour granite quarry is from a hilly terrain with surface

rock out-crops with a very less thin soil cover. It is a sloppy area with

steep surface gradient of 30 to 40 meters over a distance of less than

200 meters. Rainfall surface run off generated in the area descends

fast instantaneously by following the slope. There is no development

of defined rainfall run-off flow paths in the lease area which can be

called as seasonal stream courses.

After removal of over burden any other waste, the granite blocks will

be extracted starting from one end of the lease margin at lowest

elevation by advancing in the form of benches of 6 m height. The

development will be from the bottom to the top of the lease area as

shown in the progressive Mine Plan.

There are no seasonal streams in the lease area. There is no diversion

of seasonal stream course in quarrying of the colour granite.

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