Order of the National Green Tribunal (Eastern Zone Bench), Kolkata in the matter of Anand Kumr Jha Vs Union of India & Others dated 07/12/2021.

The matter related to grant of Environmental Clearance, April 28, 2020 given to to Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), for Tubed Coalmine Project of 6 MTPA in the District of Latihar, Jharkhand. The contention of the appellant is that the said mining block is located in an area of 460 ha.

The EIA report of the project does not estimate the background concentration of Mercury (Hg) and Chromium (Cr) in particulate matter as required by Standard ToR No.15. It is further stated that there is no detailed timeline, maps provided in the EIA report with respect to Additional ToR No.15. It is also stated that no details have been given in the EIA report regarding ecological restoration and mine reclamation plan prepared with local/native species found in the area as was required by Additional ToR No.3. It is also stated that the Palamau Tiger Reserve and other Protected areas are in close proximity to the site of the Tubed Coalmine Project and it is stated that there is no presence of Schedule-I species which appears to be unlikely.

The NGT directed notice to be issued to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board; State of Jharkhand and Damodar Valley Corporation. The respondents have been directed to file their counter affidavits within four weeks.