An “EIA Cell” has recently been created in the Department. The cell is monitoring and guiding the lessees in the processing and getting Environmental Clearance from Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF). This will facilitate mining activities as per existing environmental Act and hon'ble Supreme Court's directions.
The Cell will monitor environmental concerns in mining execution. The Cell will also monitor Environmental Management Plan (EMP) at regular intervals to assess the environmental and legal implications in the mining activities of the State.
There are three main agencies in Uttarakhand who are carrying out mining of minor minerals, viz., Van Vikas Nigam(VVN), Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) and Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam(KMVN).Besides,other private lessees are also engaged. However, it would be necessary for any agency or private party to obtain a report on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from any agency accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET) which will be scrutinized by the MoEF. The mining activities will be allowed only after the MoEF gives clearance to carry out the mining operations.
The entire infrastructure of the Department will have to be strengthened for achieving the objectives of environmental issues. By adopting the recommendations of the Competent Authority the agencies and/or individuals can continue their mining activities without interruption. However, this would require ceaseless monitoring by the EIA Cell of the Department. These exercises will facilitate the continuity of mineral revenue in the State which will ultimately increase it. On the other hand, the society will also be benefitted by the regular supply of the materials they need. This set up will be of paramount importance in minimizing the illegalities related to mining.