Lignite Mining Project in Kutch

Project Profile

Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) Limited, proposes to augment the lignite production in Kutch area by opening 3 new lignite mines for achieving an annual combined target of 8.5 MMT of lignite extraction. The lease areas for three proposed lignite mining projects namely Mata-No-Madh, Umarsar and Akrimota Projects (23o27’ and 23o47’ North Latitude and 68o48’ and 68o59’ East Longitude) are located in Lakhpat Taluka of Kutch District of Gujarat.

The ecological area within the mining sites represents the desert zone of the country and offers unique habitats for significant populations of Indian Grey Wolf, an highly endangered species of national and international conservation significance. Caracal is another highly endangered species found in the project areas. Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary form 1/3 of the buffer zone of the Akrimota mining project.

Predicted Impacts

• Wolves currently use all the 3 proposed mine lease sites. Landtake for combined mine leases of the three projects equivalent to 6712.46 ha is a direct spatial impact on the available habitats of wolf populations.
   

• Land locked under waste rock pile and top soil (253.75 ha of combined area for all three leases) is a direct impact on habitat use by wolves.
   

• Removal and processing of mined material, transportation of extracted material and backfilling of pitted areas are additional physical disturbances that could lead to habitat abondonment by wolves in mined areas.
   

• Loss of vegetal cover under mine spoils and clear felling of vegetation for access routes, are additional and undesirable modifications in the habitat parameters.
   

• Increased prey base mortality due to enhanced road traffic, poaching by labour force and contamination of water sources from tailings and leachetes are direct impacts on the feeding ecology of wolves.
   

• Influx of people into the mining lease area, movement and functioning of mining equipment, trucks and earth haulers and bulldozers are likely to pose potential threats to denning and rendezvous sites - a critical habitat requirement for continued survival of wolf populations in area.

Mitigation Measures

• Mata-No-Madh area has high ecological significance because of presence of three critically endangered species (Wolf, Caracal and Great Indian Bustard). It is proposed that this site be set aside for conserving the endangered fauna of the region and the ecological processes that support their population and mining not be permitted.
   

• Mining at Umarsar site can be permitted along the Southern fringe of the current road from Dyapar to Umarsar. The Northern area that contains climax
   

• Acacia nilotica forests to be spared for its ecological, agropastoral and wildlife values.
   

• At Akrimota site, even though Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary borders the fringes of Akrimota site, mining can be permitted as it is likely to cause the least amount of ecological damage in comparison with the other two sites.
   

• An alternative form of transport for lignite be considered in the form of railway line or a sea route to minimise impacts of vehicular transportation that can create a biological barrier for most species to migrate between adjacent populations.
   

• Development of reclamation plans for mines should be developed based on consultative process involving ecologist, wildlife biologist and representatives of State Forest Dept.
   

• To prevent the cascade effect of ecological degradation that is likely to be set off by such developmental schemes, a proper socioeconomic strategy for local people need to be developed and executed.

Project Analysis

The proposed mining projects have significant potential to impact upon the ecology of the area. The three mining projects together could threaten habitats and populations of some highly endangered representatives of wildlife species unique to desert ecosystem.

Decision on Environmental Clearance

The decision on environmental clearance is pending with MOE&F.

Location Map

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