DOCUMENT OF PUBLIC HEARING
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DOCUMENT OF PUBLIC HEARING
Contents Page No
English Notification 1
Telugu Notification 2
Some of the photographs taken during the public hearing meeting 3
Minutes of the public hearing meeting 5
Statement showing issues raised during public hearing 21
1
The Hindu 24.10.2015
2
Namasthe Telangana 24.10.2015
3
SOME OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN DURING THE PUBLIC HEARING MEETING
Public Hearing meeting held on 26.11.2015
4
SOME OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN DURING THE PUBLIC HEARING MEETING
Public Hearing meeting held on 26.11.2015
5
MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEARING HELD IN
CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED KAKATIYAKHANI OPENCAST - 2
COAL MINING PROJECT OF THE SINGARENI COLLIERIES COMPANY
LIMITED, BHUPALPALLI VILLAGE, BHUPALPALLI MANDAL, WARANGAL
DISTRICT ON 26.11.2015 AT 11.00 A.M. NEAR GOVT. MANDAL PARISHAD
PRIMARY SCHOOL, GADDIGANIPALLI VILLAGE, BHUPALPALLI.
The following Panel Members were present:
Sl.No. Name of the Panel Members Designation
1 Smt. K. Shobha
District Revenue Officer & Additional
District Magistrate, Warangal.
2 Sri G. Hanumantha Reddy
Environmental Engineer, Regional
Office, T.S. Pollution Control Board,
Warangal.
The following Government Department Officials took part in the Environmental
Public Hearing:
Sl.No. Name & Designation
1 Ch. Mahender Ji,
Revenue Divisional Officer,
Mulug Division, Warangal.
2 N. Satyanarayana,
Tehsildar, Bhupalpalli Mandal
Warangal District
The following representatives of the Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. were
present:
Sl.No. Name & Designation
1 Sri P. Sathaiah, General Manager, Bhupalpalli Area.
2 Sri M. Vasanth Kumar, General Manager (Environment), Kothagudem.
3 Sri Syed. Habib Hussain, SO to GM, Bhupalpalli Area
4 Sri M. Suresh, Project Officer, Bhupalpalli Area
5 Sri S. Ram Kumar, SE(Env.), BHPL Area
6 Sri M. Ram Gopal Reddy, SE (Env), Corporate, Kothagudem.
7 Sri B. Venkateswara Rao, Sr. Scientific Officer, Corporate, Kothagudem
8 Sri S. Sreenu, Supdt. Hydro-geologist, Ramagundam Region
MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING MEETING
6
ABOUT 1000 PEOPLE FROM GADDIGANIPALLI, JANGEDU (FAKEERGADDA
& BALAJINAGAR), BHUPALPALLI, KASHIMPALLI, VESHALAPALLI,
BEDALONIPALLI AND OTHER SURROUNDING VILLAGES ATTENDED THE
PUBLIC HEARING.
At the outset, Sri. G. Hanumantha Reddy, Environmental Engineer, TSPCB,
Regional Office, Warangal, while welcoming the District Revenue Officer,
Warangal, other officials, industry representatives, press and public gathered at
the venue explained the significance of public hearing in the context of Ministry of
Environment and Forests (MoEF), GOI, Notification No. S.O. 1533, dt. 14th
September 2006 and its subsequent amendments. He stated that The Singareni
Collieries Company Ltd. has proposed Kakatiyakhani Opencast-2 Coal Mining
Project to extract part of the coal reserves of existing KTK-2&2A Incline
underground mine and the coal from this project will be supplied to Kakatiya
Thermal Power Station of TSGENCO, Bhupalpalli. He stated that Environmental
Clearance needs to be obtained from MoEF&CC, New Delhi as stipulated in
MoEF&CC, GOI, Notification No. S.O. 1533, dt. 14th September 2006.
Accordingly, SCCL has submitted an application to MoEF for seeking
Environmental Clearance for the proposed OCP. He informed that the
environmental public hearing has been made mandatory for coal mining projects
in order to obtain necessary Environmental Clearance from MoEF&CC.
Environmental Engineer, TSPCB, Regional Office, Warangal informed that District
Collector, Warangal has nominated District Revenue Officer, Warangal to conduct
the public hearing. He stated that a press notification furnishing the schedule of
public hearing was published in two daily news papers, “Namasthe Telangana"
and “The Hindu” on 24.10.2015 and provided public access to the draft EIA / EMP
report, Executive Summary of the report in Telugu and English and public was
requested to submit written representations within a period of thirty days from the
date of publication of Notification. The notification invited public suggestions,
concerns, comments and objections, if any, on the proposed project. He added
that no written representation was received in response to the public hearing
notification.
He added that the copies of Draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report
and executive summary in Telugu & English were placed at various offices for
public access as mentioned in the press notification. He said that adequate
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publicity was also given through mobile public address system on 24.11.2015 and
25.11.2015 to inform the nearby villagers about the public hearing particularly with
regard to date, place and the time of public hearing. He certified that the process
followed for conduct of public hearing was adequate.
He informed that the Public Hearing is intended to record the views, objections
and suggestions of the public present in the meeting. He said that as part of the
hearing, SCCL management will initially explain about the project and also make a
power point presentation on the salient features of the project including measures
proposed for environment protection and then the public will be given opportunity
to present their opinion on the proposed project. He also informed that the public
hearing will be conducted in a transparent manner, entire proceedings will be
video recorded and the minutes of the public hearing will be forwarded to
MoEF&CC for further course of action.
He then requested the Chairperson of the public hearing i.e., the District Revenue
Officer, Warangal to conduct the proceedings of Public Hearing.
Smt. K. Shobha, District Revenue Officer, Warangal welcomed the gathering
and informed that the proposed project involves acquisition of land pertaining to
Gaddiganipalli Village and Fakeergadda & Balajinagar near Jangedu Village. She
assured that all the persons would be given an opportunity to express their views /
suggestions, the proceedings will be video-recorded and minutes will be sent to
higher authorities. She advised the representatives of the industry to explain about
SCCL activities in BHPL area, salient features of the proposed open cast coal
mining project, probable environmental impacts and mitigation measures
proposed in the project. She then requested GM, Bhupalpalli to explain regarding
the company and the proposed project.
Sri P. Sathaiah, General Manager, Bhupalpalli Area, SCCL welcomed the
Chairperson, Government Officials, Villagers of Gaddiganipalli, Jangedu
(Fakeergadda and Balajinagar), Bhupalpalli, Kashimpalli, Veshalpalli and
Bedalonipalli, Political & Trade Union Leaders, Print & Electronic Media and all the
participants.
1. He stated that he has been working as a General Manager, Bhupalpalli Area
for last 15 months and is authorized by Director (Planning & Projects) to
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explain about the significance and the necessity for taking up the proposed
Kakatiyakhani Opencast - 2 Coal Mining Project in Bhupalpalli Area.
2. SCCL is the only government coal mining company in the South India catering
to the needs of thermal power, cement, steel and other coal based industries.
He added that SCCL is also supplying coal to the industries located in the
states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamilnadu, Karnataka etc., apart from
those in Telangana State.
3. He informed that the SCCL has been carrying out mining operations in
Bhupalpalli for last three decades and is presently operating five underground
mines and one opencast mine with the cooperation and support of local
people.
4. In order to sustain the coal production in Bhupalpalli Area and to fulfill the
committed supply to 500 MW KTPP of TSGENCO beyond 2017-18, it is
proposed to extract a part of the coal reserves of existing KTK 2&2A Incline
underground mine through an opencast mine, under the name of
Kakatiyakhani Opencast - 2 Project (KTK OC - 2 Project), as a relay project to
the existing KTK OC Sector-I Project.
5. The proposed KTK OC - 2 Project is formulated for extraction of 17.00 MT of
coal reserves during life of the project. He stated that the proposed KTK OC -
2 Project with an annual capacity of 1.25 MT with a life of 15 years will be
commissioned for meeting a part of the coal requirement for the existing 500
MW Thermal Power Plant of TSGENCO at Chelpur village located at a
distance of about 10 km.
6. He stated that SCCL is committed to implement all the measures required
under various environmental statutes for pollution prevention & control and is
giving due importance for environment protection while producing coal.
7. Because of SCCL mining operations, lot of infrastructural facilities like
educational institutions, banks, technical institutions, postal facilities, roads,
communication etc., have been established in this area by which overall living
standards of the people have improved. Further, there is a possibility of
commissioning of new mines, namely, KTK-3 Incline and Tadicherla Opencast
Project etc. He told that Singareni Company is foreseeing a bright future with
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the support of local community, which in turn helps in further development of
the region.
8. He also informed that SCCL has been taking up several developmental
activities as a part of corporate social responsibility through SHAPE
programme. He said that the company is ahead in providing basic amenities to
the surrounding people as part of corporate social responsibility. He
highlighted some of the major works taken up by SCCL in and around
Bhupalpalli Area.
i. SCCL has made efforts for development of affected / nearby villages
near KTK Longwall and similarly for development of Kudurupalli and
Beersagar villages, where sand quarry has been established. In the year
2013, training classes have been organized in tailoring to the youth of
Kudurupalli Village. Also, street lighting, distribution of plants and other
needs of the villagers were fulfilled.
ii. SCCL has so far spent Rs. 893.48 Lakhs through SHAPE for CSR works
in surrounding villages i.e., Gaddiganipalli, Bhupalpalli, Veshalapalli.
Kashimpalli, Jangedu, Basavarajupalli, Dharmaraopeta, Parsurampalli
and Pulluriramaiahpalli.
iii. An amount of Rs. 10.00 Crores was allocated for widening of road from
Bhupalpalli to Chelpur Village.
iv. An amount of Rs. 1.75 Crores was deposited towards central lighting at
Bhupalpalli.
v. An amount of Rs. 5.80 Crores was spent for development of roads,
drainage and drinking water pipelines in different colonies of Bhupalpalli
Area.
vi. Company has paid an amount of Rs. 1.50 Crores to TSRTC for
construction of bus shelters in nearby villages.
vii. SCCL has paid an amount of Rs. 50.00 Lakhs for construction of new
building for Government Degree College in Bhupalpalli.
viii. For maintaining healthy society, mobile medical camps were organized
in Villages of Basavarajupalli, Ravi Nagar near KTK Longwall Project
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and project affected villages of Jangedu and Gaddiganipalli Villages of
proposed KTK OC-2 Project.
ix. On 21.06.2015, a mega medical camp was organized in Jangedu Village
with 25 medical experts and medical tests were conducted for nearly
1600 persons and necessary treatment was extended for identified
persons. In the coming days also, medical camps will be organized in
the project affected villages.
x. On 01.08.2015, free tailoring course classes were arranged for women
through Singareni Seva Samithi (SSS) in Gaddiganipalli Village, which
will be affected by the proposed KTK OC-2 Project.
xi. In the month of July last year, a programme was organized for eligible
youth of Singareni area through “Singareni Animuthyalu” as a part of
awareness campaign for generating employment avenues, in which
1400 persons have participated.
xii. Free high school education facility has been provided from this year in
Singareni High School of Bhupalpalli Area to the children of
Madhavaraopalli, which is the affected village of KTK LW Project.
xiii. Drinking water is being supplied though tankers to the nearby villages of
Basavarajupalli, Parasurampalli, Jangupalli, Ravi Nagar and
Venkateswarapalli.
xiv. Specialized training session has been given to 480 unemployed youth so
far for army / police recruitments and it is glad to mention that 70
candidates have been selected in to armed forces till date.
xv. 200 Nos. of tarpaulin were distributed to villagers of Madhavaraopalli
and 380 tube lights were distributed to the villagers of Gaddiganipalli,
Dharmaraopeta, Madhavaraopalli and Kudurupalli.
xvi. Vocational training was given to 851 persons till now for self employment
avenues out of which 40 persons got employment and 549 persons have
established self employment units.
xvii. Free medical services have been provided to the nearby villagers who
are having white ration cards.
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xviii. Free medical services are being provided for the benefit of nearby
villagers.
xix. He assured the public that mining operations will be carried out with due
importance for environment protection and a detailed environmental
management plan has been drawn for mitigation of pollution.
xx. He informed that an officer from Corporate Environment Department of
SCCL would describe in detail the environmental safeguards to be
implemented in the proposed opencast project.
Before concluding his speech, General Manager, Bhupalpalli has once again
reiterated that the proposed project is necessary for:
1. Meeting the ever increasing demand of coal for power generation
2. Development of this area.
3. Introducing SCCL to future generations.
4. Economical and Social Development of the region and the State.
General Manager, Bhupalpalli Area, SCCL requested the representative from
Corporate Environment Department to make a presentation on the environmental
safeguards to be implemented in the proposed opencast project.
Sri M. Ram Gopal Reddy, SE (Environment), SCCL explained the salient
features of the proposed Kakatiyakhnai Opencast - 2 Coal Mining Project and
environmental safeguards proposed to be taken up. The summary of the
presentation on the proposed project is as furnished below:
• The proposed opencast project is for exploitation of 17.00 MT of coal reserves
by removing 227.99 M.Cu.m of overburden with an average stripping ratio of
13.41 Cu.m/T up to the depth of 250 m and the quality of coal is G-9.
• Production capacity of the project is 1.25 M.T per annum (Peak production
capacity of 1.50 MTPA) with an estimated life of 15 years.
• Total land required for the project area is 668.23 Ha. No forest land is involved
in the present proposal. Out of this, 555.13 Ha. Is already under possession of
SCCL and the balance 113.10 Ha. is proposed to be acquired.
• The project will be commissioned only after obtaining Environmental Clearance
and CFE from MoEF&CC and TSPCB respectively.
• One season environmental baseline data was collected through EPTRI,
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Hyderabad during December 2014 - February 2015 and the following
environmental protection measures have been proposed in EIA/EMP report of
KTK OC-2 project.
• Air Pollution Control Measures:
− Dust generated during drilling, blasting, loading and transport will be
controlled by wet drilling, black topping of permanent roads and the road
leading to CHP, water spraying on haul roads by water sprinklers and
mechanical sweeping of roads etc.
− Phase wise reclamation programme and green belt development on the
dumps, around the boundary of the project area, vacant areas to avoid
propagation of dust from OB dumps.
− Regular maintenance of heavy earth moving machinery and covering of
coal transport vehicles with tarpaulin
• Water Pollution Control Measures:
− Water accumulated due to rain as well as seepage will be led to the main
sump of the pit and will be subsequently pumped to the surface.
− Garland drains will be made and maintained along the quarry and external
dump to prevent the surface run-off from entering into quarry and to
dispose it off properly in to the natural drains / tanks after passing through
settling ponds.
− Check dams / rock fill dams and toe walls will be constructed wherever
necessary to reduce silt and other suspended solids.
− Workshop effluents will be treated suitably in effluent treatment plant.
− Two Sewage Treatment Plants of 3.00 MLD capacity already exist in
Krishna Colony and Subhash Colony for treating domestic sewage. There
is no proposal for construction of new colony for this project as the
manpower required for the proposed OCP will be met by re-deployment
from existing manpower of other mines in the area.
• Noise & Blast Vibration Control Measures:
− Controlled blasting techniques using milli-second delay detonators & relays.
− Creation of green belt of dense foliage between mining area and residential
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areas.
− Proper maintenance of machinery.
− Avenue plantation along the coal transportation roads.
− Regulating charge per delay to minimize blast vibrations basing on the
distance of the nearest sensitive areas.
− Maintaining optimum delay sequence and stem to column ratio to minimize
the fly rock.
• Solid Waste Management:
− Out of the total 226.67 M.Cum OB excavated from KTK OC - 2 Project,
29.85 M.Cum (13.18%) will be dumped in external dump, 129.65 M.Cum.
(57.19%) will be dumped in the de-coaled area of the existing KTK OC
Sector - I Project and the balance 67.17 M.Cum. (29.63%) of OB will be
dumped in the de-coaled area of the KTK OC - 2 Project.
− At the mine closure stage, plantation will be taken up in an area of 628.53
Ha. in this project.
• Socio Economic Measures
− Gaddiganipalli village is falling in quarry area of the proposed OCP. A part
of Faqeergadda and Balajinagar of Jangedu villages is falling in safety
zone. Hence, it is proposed to provide Rehabilitation and Resettlement
package for Gaddiganipalli village and a part of Faqeergadda and
Balajinagar with a cost of Rs. 185.94 Crores. The number of Project
Displaced Families (PDFs) and Project Affected Families (PAFs) in
Gaddiganipalli Village is 750 &125 respectively. The number of Project
Displaced Families (PDFs) in Faqeergadda and Balajinagar is 42 and 130
respectively, as per new LARR Act, 2013.
− SCCL has been formulating suitable Rehabilitation Package to the above
PAFs & PDFs. The same would be finalized basing on the socio-economic
survey conducted by the Administrator appointed by the State Government
in consultation with the District Administration.
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• Fund provision for environmental protection measures
− In order to implement various environmental protection measures in the
proposed KTK OC-2 Project, an amount of Rs. 480 lakhs is provided in
capital cost. In addition to this, an amount of Rs. 239.57 Lakhs has been
provided in the project as indirect capital towards environment related
works. A recurring cost of Rs.826 lakhs per annum will also be spent on
environmental management, which works out to Rs.68.33 per tonne of coal
production.
The Chairperson of the public hearing requested the public to present their
comments, views and their suggestions if any with regard to environmental
imparts and consequent environmental safeguards to be taken up for the
proposed KTK OC - 2 coal mining project.
1. Sri Gandra Venkata Ramana Reddy, Ex-MLA, Bhupalpalli: -
He stated that Former Chief Minister Late Sri N.T.Rama Rao started coal mining
operations in Bhupalpalli Area in the year 1987 and coal is being supplied to many
industries since then. Opening of mines in this area has also created employment
avenues to the local people. He has recalled TRS Government’s statement before
their coming to power that opencast mines will not be encouraged in future and
only underground mining will be taken up. However, in contrary to its earlier
statement, the opinion of the present Government has changed.
He informed that most of the local villagers are dependent on agriculture and
some of the land owners are having pattas and some are not having any valid
pattas. Some of the land losers of KTK OC-I Project have not received any
compensation till date. About 120 acres of Government assigned land was
acquired for the earlier project but compensation was not paid.
He complained that blasting operations are resulting in ground vibrations thereby
causing inconvenience to the local habitat. He said that SCCL has provided funds
for widening of road from Bhupalpalli to Chelpur only for the benefit of coal
transportation from its mines to TSGENCO Power Plant. SCCL is not solving the
drinking water problem properly in the surrounding villages. He stated that though
he is not against the development through opening of new mines in the region,
15
R&R and land compensation should be properly designed & implemented and
SCCL should take care of welfare of the people.
2. Seggam Sammaiah (Siddu), Farmer, Gaddinipalli Village:
He stated that SCCL has acquired 1500 acres of land with force for opening of
KTK OC-I Project. The villagers have also given their lands unconditionally with
the presumption that they will get employment opportunities. SCCL also promised
during the earlier public hearing that adequate measures would be adopted by the
company for controlling air pollution and blast induced vibrations. However, the
situation is different now and mining is being done within 100 m. distance from
Gaddiganipalli village. Spontaneous heating in the coal stockyard is releasing
obnoxious gases like CO and CO2 in to the atmosphere, which is posing serious
health problem to the nearby villagers. People are getting lung diseases and
recently Sri G. China Mallaiah died due to lung disease in this village. There were
no health issues in this area before commencement of mining operations but
people are dying of TB and other lung diseases now due to dust pollution. He
complained that in spite of requesting SCCL officials to take measures for
preventing smoke and dust pollution, no efforts have been made in this regard.
SCCL is telling that it is providing free medical aid in area hospital and free
education to the land losers. However, he stated that company is not providing
free medical facilities and is collecting charges from the people belonging to the
affected villages for extending medical aid in the area hospital. Though, Area GM
told that ambulance is being sent to villages every month for conducting medical
checkup, such facility was never extended in last 20 years. Only two months back,
SCCL conducted a medical camp in the village, keeping in view the present public
hearing. Since blasting operations are conducted in the existing KTK OC-I very
close to the village, the people of Gaddiganipalli Village are suffering due to blast
vibrations and fly rock problem and SCCL officials have not visited the village to
take stock of the situation. Though the local villagers have given land for mining
purposes, SCCL has neglected the welfare of the SC community in the village.
He claimed that SCCL has not provided scholarships or free education to the
villagers. Dust pollution in Gaddiganipalli village is very high and even air which
they are breathing in the village is polluted. He complained that SCCL is not
16
strengthening water spraying measures and is interested only in coal production.
He said that air and water provided by the nature are polluted by the local mining
activities and the company has not taken any suitable measures to control the
pollution.
Out of 1500 acres of land acquired earlier for OC project, compensation was paid
for only 1200 acres and compensation for remaining 300 acres of land has not
been paid till date. One villager Sri Seggam Mallaiah has committed suicide in
despair for not having any livelihood for last 7 years. Similarly, Sri Jadi Upender of
this village has attempted suicide. SCCL management has not provided any jobs
or created job opportunities to the villagers. Many villagers turned in to beggars as
the payment of compensation was delayed. The land losers have unconditionally
spared their lands to SCCL, thinking that their conditions will improve but they are
now facing mental agony as they are not properly compensated.
He demanded that SCCL should first pay compensation to all the land losers of
KTK OC-I Project and then only start the works of proposed KTK-OC-2 Project.
He stated that the villagers are not against development. He said that the villagers
of Gaddiganipalli are not against the proposed KTK OC-II and are ready to give
away the entire village for the proposed project. He mentioned that the villagers of
Gaddiganipalli have no objection for commissioning of KTK OC-II Project at any
time if SCCL can settle the compensation to earlier land losers of KTK OC-I
immediately. Since, SCCL authorities have already deposited the requisite funds
with Government towards land compensation, he requested Government to settle
the matter at the earliest. He informed that the villagers of Gaddiganipalli are
leaving the public hearing venue as a protest for not settling land compensation
issues of earlier OC project.
3. Raju Naik, Bhupalpalli:
He demanded for providing the compensation to the land losers of KTK OC-1
Project before commencement of KTK OCP-2 project. He opposed the proposed
Opencast Project.
4. Geetla Damodar Reddy, President of Godavari Pradhushana Pariharana
Paryavarana Parirakshana Gavaksham (GPPPPG):
He stated that environmental issues mentioned in public hearings organized in
Bellampalli, Ramagundam areas are being witnessed in Bhupalpalli Area also.
17
He told that SCCL should keep up with the promises made to the land users in
order to avoid land acquisition problems in future projects. He opined that other
issues should not be clubbed with environmental issues and they should be
discussed in separate meetings. He opined that SCCL is focusing mainly on coal
production and not giving proper importance to other environmental issues. He
said that if mining operations are carried out within 100 m. distance from
habitation, as stated by earlier speakers, then it is difficult to control dust pollution
as well as blast vibrations.
He opined that the environmental data given in the EIA report does not reflect the
actual situation in the nearby villages since air and water pollution is prevalent
here. He said that it has been reported in the EIA/EMP that ground water quality is
not good and hence not suitable for drinking purposes. If the ground water quality
is not good, then no proper solution to this problem has been proposed in the
report. Since, SCCL has its own limitations, local civic bodies and the government
should take responsibility for solving the drinking water problem. He said that
opencast mines started in SCCL in the year, 1975. He stated that voids of
opencast mines should be backfilled with OB for reuse of this land for cultivation.
He opined that this can be implementable but SCCL is not taking up such
reclamation activities in any of the opencast mines.
He emphasized that pollution is a global problem and hence efforts should be
made to protect our surrounding environment. He opined that though SCCL is
raising plantation in mining areas, it is not sufficient. He stated that plantation area
has increased in Bhupalpalli Area when compared to earlier scenario but further
plantation should be taken up in the surrounding areas to make Bhupalpalli green.
He stated that the SCCL should take up the CSR activities on a regular basis in
order to win the confidence of the people in the region.
He said that there will be scope for development where there is sufficient power
generation. Hence, for generation of electricity, everyone should give support for
enhancing the coal production through opening of new mines.
5. L. Rajaiah, Retired Head Master, Secretary, GPPPPG, Godavarikhani:
He requested SCCL management to take care of the welfare of affected villages.
He stated that SCCL is required to take all measures for environment protection.
He opined that the country’s economic growth depends on power generation and
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hence he has welcomed the proposed OCP in order to increase the coal
production.
6. Dhariya Singh, Branch Secretary, INTUC, Bhupalpalli :
He stated that for development of the state as Bangaru Telangana,
commissioning of opencast project is inevitable, for which the cooperation of
villagers is required. At the same time, he stated that the payment of land
compensation in old cases should be settled by both Government and SCCL
management at the earliest. As regards pollution, SCCL should take measures for
controlling dust pollution. He requested SCCL to improve the medical facilities and
it is the responsibility of the company to extend free medical treatment to nearby
villagers. He suggested for conducting health camps in the nearby villages once in
a week. He said that locals should be provided with free education in SCCL
schools and employment should be given to SC/ST PDFs. He said that coal
production is inevitable and hence SCCL can take up the proposed OCP by taking
local people in to confidence. He stated that the land compensation issues can be
solved by forming a committee involving SCCL, Government, trade unions and
local people representatives. Finally, he stated that he is not against the present
proposal but the land compensation problems should be resolved first as has
been stated by the earlier speaker, Sri Seggam Sammaiah.
7. Velishetty Rajaiah, CPM Party Secretary, Bhupalpalli Mandal:
He stated that many representations were submitted to SCCL management on
various local issues but none of them have been solved. He also said that no
compensation was paid to some of the land losers of KTK OC-I. SCCL is not
responding to local problems except in this type of forums. He stated that by
opening of opencast mines, Bhupalpalli area is becoming a burial ground with the
formation of huge voids. He also said that contractors and others are getting
benefitted whereas farmers are deprived of their benefits. He also requested
SCCL management to control blasting vibrations by optimizing the quantity of
explosive used in each blast. He stated that development is required but preferred
continuation of existing underground mining operations. Finally, he pleaded the
chairperson of the meeting to take up these issues with District Administration and
strive for resolving the same.
8. Katukuri Satyanarayana, Jangedu village:
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He said that he was a land loser and as per G.O. No.310, agreement was made
for providing employment for 234 members out of which, 52 persons are yet to be
provided with employment. He requested the company to provide jobs for the
above said land losers and do necessary justice.
9. Bhukya Vemkataram, Secreatary, ST Association:
He stated that electricity is required for the development of Nava Telangana. Coal
is required for power generation and hence there is a need to produce sufficient
coal for meeting the requirement of power generating units. He stated that
compensation should be paid to the land losers and all other facilities should be
extended to such persons.
10. Muthyala Shyam, Kashimpalli Village:
He said that land losers are getting some compensation from the company.
However, while commissioning KTK OC-I Project, nearly 1000 Toddy trees were
lost and 150 Goud families (toddy tappers) have lost their livelihood. He feared
that the remaining toddy trees will also be lost due to the proposed KTK OC-2
Project. He said that the toddy tappers have been dependent on this for
generations. Though, it was promised that compensation would be paid to toddy
tappers, no compensation was paid to these families. He requested for providing
compensation to the toddy tappers also.
11. Kocharla Ravi Kumar, INTUC, Pit Secreatary, KTK-I Incline
He said that compensation was not paid to some of the land losers in the earlier
project. He said that political parties are not helping the locals in resolving the
issues. Since the issue is with the Government, he requested the Hon’ble Speaker
of Telangana Assembly to take up with the Government and resolve the land
compensation issues.
District Revenue Officer, Warangal requested General Manager, SCCL,
Bhupalpalli Area to respond to the issues raised by the speakers.
General Manager, Bhupalpalli Area, SCCL gave the following clarifications:
- Land compensation was not paid with regard to 145 acres of land acquired for
the earlier project and efforts will be made by SCCL to resolve this issue in
consultation with Government
20
21
Statement showing issues raised during public hearing held on 26.11.2015 for the
proposed KTK OC - 2 Project and the clarification given by the project proponent
Sl. No Issues raised by the Public Clarifications given by the Project
proponent
1. Demanded SCCL and the Government to settle the pending cases of compensation to the land losers of earlier KTK OC-I Project.
It has been clarified that land compensation was not paid with regard to 145 acres of land acquired for the earlier KTK OC-I Project and efforts will be made by SCCL to resolve this issue in consultation with Government.
2. Villagers have complained of ground vibration and fly rocks due to blasting operations. Also, it was complained that smoke from coal yards due spontaneous heating and dust pollution are causing lot of inconvenience to the nearby villages.
It was assured that stringent measures would be adopted in opencast mines for controlling blast vibrations, air and water pollution, etc.
3. Suggested for taking up back filling operations in de coaled area of OC mines as per stipulated norms for bringing the land to productive use.
It has been clarified that SCCL is committed to reclamation in OCP of Bhupalpalli area by backfilling of OB in de-coaled voids.
4. Demanded SCCL to provide employment in the pending cases relating to KTK OC Sector - I Project.
It was informed that the issue of providing employment to land losers is pending in court and efforts would be made to resolve the employment issue.
5. Requested for supply of drinking water to nearby villages.
It was assured that SCCL would extend necessary help in providing drinking water to the nearby villages till a water grid is established by the Government.
6. Villagers demanded for resolving all the pending issues pertaining to KTK OC Sector - I Project and then only take up KTK OC - 2 Project.
It was informed that all the issues raised in the public hearing meeting will taken up with higher authorities of SCCL for resolving the issues pending in respect of earlier KTK OC Sector - I Project.
Presently, no litigations / court cases are filed / pending regarding the proposed project.
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