The Central Government so far accorded 1,718 approvals under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for diversion of 1,42,022.06 ha. forest land for mining. State/ UT-wise details of the same are annexed.

As per the information received from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Government of Bihar, instances of illegal mining do occur in forests areas in Bihar. Such instances generally occurs in the areas in proximity of mining leases sanctioned outside forest areas but very close to the forest boundaries. The staff of the Forest Department keeps watch and action as per law, such as institution of cases against the offenders, seizure and confiscation of vehicles etc. are taken, as and when such instances of illegal mining in the forest land are detected.

Division-wise details of cases filed and vehicles seized during the last two years in respect of the illegal mining in forest areas are as below:

The State Government of Bihar has taken a decisive step to curb illegal mining in the state by changing its mining policy in 2010. The state government has stopped issuing new licenses for mining and the existing leases will not be renewed after their expiry.

All mining proposals involving more than 5.00 ha. or more land, need to obtain environmental clearance in accordance with the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the EIA notification, 2006 issued there-under. Assessment of the impacts of proposed mining activities in terms of damage to dense forest areas, other environmental impacts, effect on local population etc., and preparation of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) containing detailed provisions to mitigate the identified adverse impacts are integral part of the process for grant of Environment Clearance to mining projects.

Environment clearance accorded to the mining projects is subject to the condition that the project proponent shall execute the mitigation measures indicated in the EMP, and such other measures as the Central Government may stipulate, to mitigate the adverse impacts of mining.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan in a written reply to a question by Shri Syed Shahnawaz Hussain in Lok Sabha today.

     ******

        KP

ANNEXURE

State/UT-wise details of the approvals accorded by the Central Government under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for diversion of forest land for mining activities  (1.1.1980 to 03.08.2011)

**********