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Judgment
The grievances in the present letter petition sent by Mr. Rana Singh Chouhan and other residents of village Padwa P.O- Rajhara Distt.- Palamu, Jharkhand are that Kathotia Coal Mines Hindalco Ltd., is illegally transporting coal through Ambey Mining Pvt., Ltd. from NH- 75 to Rajhara Coal Mines site by use of 100s of HYWA vehicles through narrow 10 feet wide road in thickly populated area day and night causing severe air and noise pollution. The dust generated is creating breathing problems for the inhabitants of the locality and is also damaging the green trees. Big trees have been illegally cut. Excessive coal mining has also led to huge mountains/heaps of coal dumps and water level has also depleted in the surrounding area resulting in shortage of drinking water causing hardships to the inhabitants and animals.
The matter was taken by this Tribunal on 22.04.2022 and a joint Committee comprising representative of CPCB, State PCB, Director, Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Jharkhand and District Magistrate, Palamu was constituted with a direction to submit a factual and action taken report.
In compliance thereof, the Committee has submitted a report which is as follows:-
“1. The Joint Committee has conducted the inspection of M/s Kathotia Coal Mines Hindalco Ltd, located at Tehsil Daltanganj, Dist.-Palamu on 24.06.2022 as per the direction issued by the Hon'ble NGT in O.A. No. 205/2022 vide its order dated 22.04.2022. The copy of Committee's Report which is submitted by the Regional Officer, JSPCB Regional Office, Ranchi vide letter No. 454 dated 14.07.2022. On the basis of the inspection, the Committee made the following recommendations:
i. Proper water sprinkling and lighting arrangement should be maintained along the transportation road.
ii. Wherever possible develop proper plantation and green belt.
iii. Overloading as well as spillage from the loaded vehicle must not be allowed as per Rules.
iv. The unit should provide Continuous Online PM10 Analyzer near Rajhara Thana between the Narrow transportation areas (Colliery More to Rajhara Railway Siding) and connect it to JSPCB and CPCB server and ensure its continuous operation with an objective to ensure that the ambient air quality in the area must meet the standard ambient air quality.
v. Monitoring of quarterly Ground Water Level from third party and Piezometer detail of every month shall be submitted to the Concerned Department.
The copy of the Committee's Report submitted by the Regional Officer, JSPCB Regional Office, Ranchi vide letter no. 454 dated 14.07.2022 is enclosed herewith as Annexure 1
Based on the recommendation made by the Joint Committee, the Board has issued a Show Cause Notice to the Unit vide Board's letter no. B-1727 dated 26.08.2022 for implementation of the recommendations of the said Joint Committee.
The copy of the Board's Ref. No. B-1727 dated 26.08.2022 is attached as Annexure - 2.
The Unit has submitted its reply to the Board vide letter dated 30.08.2022. Based on the reply submitted by the Unit, the Regional Officer, JSPCB Regional Office, Ranchi was requested vide Board's letter no. B-1787 Ranchi, dated 02.09.2022 to inspect the above said Unit with respect to the reply submitted.
The copy of the Board's Ref. No. B-1787 dated 02.09.2022 is attached as Annexure – 3
The Regional Officer, JSPCB Regional Office, Ranchi vide letter ref. no. 733 dated 20.09.2022 has submitted the inspection report to the Board. The details of which is as follows: -
S.N.
Observations
Current Status
Remark
1.
Proper Water Sprinkling lighting arrangement should be maintained along the transportation road
Manual Water sprinkling is being done through that mobile water sprinklers lighting
No lightning arrangements have been made along the road.
The unit has submitted that improvement of lightning and their installation shall be completed within 30th September, which(timeline) may be further decided from HQ Level
2.
Overloading as well as spillage from the loaded vehicles must not be allowed as per Rules and developed tree plantation wherever possible.
During inspection the mining operation was found closed, therefore same could not be verified.
No new plants are planted along or nearby approach road.
3.
The unit should provided Continuous Online PM10 Analyzer near Rajhara Thana between the Narrow transportation areas (Colliery More to Rajhara Railway siding) and connect it to JSPCB and CPCB server and ensure its continuous operation with an objective to ensure that ambient air quality in the area must meet the standard ambient air quality.
No Continuous Online PM10 Analyzer near Rajhara Thana between Narrow transportation area has been installed.
The unit has submitted that Online PM10 Analyzer will be installed Rajhara Thana between the Narrow transportation areas (Colliery More to Rajhara Railway siding) within 60 Days, which (timeline) may be further decided from H.O Level.
The copy of the Board's letter no. B-733 dated 20.09.2022 is enclosed herewith as Annexure - 4.
In light of the above, the Competent Authority, JSPCB by exercising the powers conferred under section 33(A) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and under section 3I(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981) has issued directions to the Unit vide Board's Ref. No. B - 2142 dated 08/10/2022. The details of which are as follows: -
(i) To maintain proper lightning along the transportation route especially during transportation of coal.
(ii) To ensure periodic water sprinkling so that emission during transportation should be minimized.
(iii) To avoid over loading of transportation vehicles and to ensure covered transportation.
(iv) To install PM10 Analyzer near Rajhara Thana between the narrow transportation route (from Colliery more to Rajhara Railway siding) and connect it to JSPCB and CPCB server by 31.10.2022.
(v) To ensure quarterly monitoring of ground water level from third party and submit report to concerned departments.
(vi) To ensure monthly monitoring of Pizeometer and submit report to concerned departments.
(vii) To develop proper plantation and green belt wherever possible and submit the report to the Board by 31.10.2022 along with number of plants.”
The State Pollution Control Board under provision of Section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and under Section 31A of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 has issued directions and submitted action taken report as follows:-
“i. To maintain proper lightning along the transportation route especially during transportation of coal.
ii. To ensure periodic water sprinkling so that emission during transportation should be minimized.
iii. To avoid over loading of transportation vehicles and to ensure covered transportation.
iv. To install PM10 Analyzer near Rajhara Thana between the narrow transportation route (from Colliery more to Rajhara Railway siding) and connect it to JSPCB and CPCB server by 31.10.2022.
v. To ensure quarterly monitoring of ground water level from third party and submit report to concerned departments.
vi. To ensure monthly monitoring of Pizeometer and submit report to concerned departments.
vii. To develop proper plantation and green belt wherever possible and submit the report to the Board by 31.10.2022 along with number of plants.
In light of the above directions issued to the Unit, the Unit has submitted the compliance report of the above directions issued vide its Ref. No. HIL/KOCCM/22-23/JSPCB/03 dated 31/10/2022. The details of which is as follows: -
Sl.
No.
Directives via letter no. B- 2142
Compliance status and Action Taken Report
1.
To maintain proper lighting along the transportation route especially during transportation of coal.
HIL has already installed 15 LED floodlights of 200W capacity to ensure proper lighting especially during transportation of coal. This may be verified at the site. (Photos attached - Annexure 1).
2.
To ensure periodic water sprinkling so that emission during transportation should be minimized.
HIL has employed two movable water tankers which ply to and fro all along the transportation route to sprinkle water to minimize fugitive emissions during transportation and the same can be verified on site.
3.
To avoid over loading of transportation vehicles and to ensure covered transportation.
No overloading is allowed at the weigh bridge and the same can be verified from the JIMMS portal. HIL has already been transporting its coal via vehicles covered by tarpaulin.
4.
To install PM10 Analyser near Rajhara Thana between the narrow transportation route (from Colliery more to Rajhara Railway Siding) and connect it to JSPCB and CPCB server by 31.10.2022.
The PM 10 Analyserhas been installed at the Pandwa Thana, which is located between the Colliery More and Rajhara Railway Siding. (Make-Focuse Photonic Inc. USA, Model-BPM-200 Serial no- 107P214006A) (Photo attached, Annexure 2).
5.
To ensure quarterly monitoring of Ground Water Level from third party and submit report to the concerned departments.
HIL has already employed M/s Environmental Laboratories 86 EngineeringServices Pvt Ltd., Ranchi, to monitor ground water level and report the same to the CGWA, Patna on quarterly basis.
6.
To ensure monthly monitoring of Piezometer and submit report to concerned departments.
HIL shall monitor the piezometer data on monthly basis, from November 2022 and submit the report to CGWA and JSPCB on monthly basis.
7.
To develop proper plantation and green belt wherever possible and submit the report to the Board by 31.10.2022 along with number of plants.
HIL has already distributed 350 fruit bearing plants among the local villagers residing between colliery more and Rajhara railway siding. We also planted several Sisham, Mahogany and Guava plants along the transportation road. Moreover, we are in the process of procuring more fruit bearing plants to be distributed among the locals for generating good green belt cover in the area. Total plants distributed and planted till date, is around 500. (Photos Attached-Annexure 3)
The Regional Officer, JSPCB Regional Office, Ranchi along with the Consulting Executive, Regional Office, Ranchi has inspected the site on 11/01/2023 and has submitted the Verification Report of the reply submitted by the Unit vide his Letter. No. 19 dated 12/01/2023. The details of which is as follows: -
Sl.
No.
Board show cause letter dated 08.10.2022
Reply submitted by the unit
Observation/ Status of Compliance
01
To Maintain proper lighting along the transportation route especially during transportation of coal
HIL has already installed 15 LED flood lights of 200W capacity to ensure proper lighting especially during transportation of coal. This may be verified at the site.
The unit has installed 07 No's of light lamp post along the transportation road
which is found operational and the remaining lamp posts are still to be installed.
2
To ensure periodic water sprinkling so that emission during transportation should be minimised.
HIL has employed two movable water tankers which ply to and fro all Along the transportation route to sprinkle water to minimize fugitive emission During transportation and the same can be verified on site.
Manual Water sprinkling through mobile water tankers is being carried out for dust suppression.
3
To avoid over loading of transportation vehicles andto ensure cover transportation.
No overloading is allowed at the weigh bridge and the same can be verified from the JIMMS portal. HIL has Already been transporting its coal via vehicles covered by tarpaulin.
Cover transportation is being carried out at the time of inspection.
0.4
To install PM10 Analyzer near Rajhara Thana between the narrow Transportation route (fro colliery more to Rajhara Railway Siding) and connect it to JSPCB Server and CPCB Server by 31.10.2022.
The PM10 Analyser has been installed at the Pandwa Thana, which is Located between the
Colliery More and Rajhara Railway Siding.
Online PM10 Analyzer has been installed atthe Pandwa Thana and made connectivity with the JSPCB Server butno proper /correct data is transmitting in online server.
(Details Attached as Annexure -I)
5
To ensure quarterly monitoring report of Ground water level from third party and submit report to the concern department.
HIL has already employed M/s Environmental Laboratories 86 Engineering Service Pvt. Ltd. Ranchi to monitor ground water level And report the same to the CGWA, Patna on quarterly basis.
Monitoring reports are submitted and parameters have been found within the limit. (Annexure II)
6
To ensuremonthly monitoring of Pizometre and submit report to concern department
HIL shall monitor the piezometer data on monthly basis, from November 2022 and submit the report to CGWA and JSPCB on monthly basis.
Details are attached. (Annexure III)
7
To developed proper plantation and green belt wherever possible andsubmit to the Board by 31.10.2022 along with number of plants.
HIL has already distributed 350 fruit bearing plants among the local villagers residing between colliery more and Rajhara railway siding.
We also planted several sisham, Mohogany and Guava plants along the transportation raod. Moreover, we are in the process of procuring morefruit bearing plants to be distributed among the locals for generating good green belt cover in the area. Total plants distributed and planted till date, is around 500.
As informed by the unit's Representatives approx. 350 fruit bearing plants distributed to the local villagers residing between the colliery more to Rajhara Railway siding.14-15 new plants are planted along the approach road. More plantation should be carried out in vacant space along the approach road.
Respondent No. 6 has filed the reply with the facts that:
I. On 07.10.2016, the Mining Lease in respect of Kathautia Coal Mine was granted by the State Government of Jharkhand in favour of R-6/HIL over a mining lease area of approx. 1699.88 acres (approx. 687.92 Ha.) for a period of 30 years in accordance with the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 ("MMDR Act") and rules made thereunder. The Mining Lease was executed as per Model Form K prescribed under the Mineral (Concession) Rules, 1960 promulgated under the MMDR Act. Part II of the said Mining Lease specifically confers upon HIL the entitlement to enter upon the Mining Lease area and "to search for, mine, bore, dig, drill for, win, wore, dress, process, convert, carry away and dispose of the mineral" (i.e., coal).
II. On 19.04 2016, the Central Ground Water Authority ("CGWA") granted No-Objection Certificate ("NOC") in favour of R-6/HIL for groundwater abstraction In respect of Kathautia Coal Mine. The said NOC has been renewed from time to time thereafter in accordance with applicable laws. The latest NOC granted by CGWA is valid from 08.04.2022 till 07.04.2024.
III. The following statutory payments have been deposited with the State Government of Jharkhand by R-8/HIL in respect of Kathautia Coal Mine:
(i) Royalty to the tune of INR 71,83,04,740/- since 2017 till date - in terms of Section 9 of MMDR Act.
(ii) Contribution to District Mineral Foundation ("DMF") to the tune of INR 7,15,22,469/- since 2017 till date - in terms of Section 95 of MMDR Act
(iii) Contribution to National Mineral Exploration Trust ("NMET") to the tune of INR 1,44,38,965.40/- since 2017 till date - in terms of Section 9C of MMDR Act.
IV. That the Joint Committee conducted site visit at Kathautia Coal Mine on 24.06.2022, held discussions with stakeholders and perused the relevant documents and records maintained by R-6/HIL in the usual course of business in relation to conduct of coal mining operations at Kathautia Coal Mine. Based upon the field visit, discussions with stakeholders and perusal of records, the Joint Committee prepared the Inspection Report dated 12.07.2022 ("Inspection Report"). A copy of the Inspection Report dated 12.07.2022 prepared by the Joint Committee is annexed herewith as Annexure R-6/11.
V. The Joint Committee's observations as recorded in the Inspection Report and submissions of R-6/HIL in relation to the said observations are tabulated hereunder for ease of reference:-
S.NO.
Inspection Report observations
Submission of R-6/HIL
Allegation Re: Coal transport by road
1.
No mining was going on at the time of inspection. Project proponent reported that due of exhaust of mineable land the mining had to be stopped — para 3.1.1(i) of Inspection Report
As detailed supra. R-6/HIL has not received possession of a significant extent of over 1355 acres coal bearing land out of the total extent of approx. 1699 acres land specified under the Mining Lease and Vesting Order. The coal reserves in the land over which R- 6/HIL has possession have been mined out since 2017 till date. Consequently, for the past 4 years, the coal production from Kathautia Coal Mine is much below the permissible limit of 0.8 MTPA specified under the EC.
2.
Coal is transported through Rajhara Railway siding. Coal transportation is undertaken by use of HYWA vehicles through narrow 10.12 feet wide road between Colliery ,More to Rajhara Railway Siding and about 700-800 meters road passes through thickly populated area — pars 3.1.1(11) of Inspection Report
As permitted under the EC and CTO, coal is transported through the only available road to the Rajhara Railway siding which is approx. 12-15 km. away from the pit head of Kathautia Coal Mine. A copy of the map depicting the dispatch route from Kathautia Coal Mine to Rajhara Railway siding is annexed herewith as Annexure R- 6/12.
As also recorded by the Joint Committee at para 3.1.1(iii) of the Inspection Report. there is no alternate road/route available for transportation of coal by road to the Rajhara Railway siding.
The said road was used for coal transport even by Prior Allottee during 2006-15 and has been used by R-45/1-11L from 2017 till date for want of any other alternative.
3.
Mining authorities in
association with the concerned department should think of widening the road or opt for any other road to avoid this narrow road -pare 3.1.1(iii) of Inspection Report
As detailed above, there is no other alternate route available for coal transport to Rajhara Railway siding.
The Jurisdiction and powers to implement the Joint Committees suggestion regarding road widening vest with the official Respondents and concerned
departments of the State Govt of
Jharkhand. As acknowledged by the Joint Committee itsetf, the suggestion regarding road widening cannot be implemented by R-6/HIL by itself.
Further, as detailed supra, R- 6/HIL has contributed an amount of over INR 7,15,22,469/- towards DNIF since 2017 till date, which is statutorily mandated to be utilized by the official Respondents in terms of the DMF Rules 2016 inter aria for development of physical infrastructure such as roads in Palamau District.
It is respectfully submitted that the official Respondents may be called upon to furnish details of the manner of utilization of DMF funds for Palamau District from 2017 till date.
4.
Proper arrangements for water sprinkling for dust suppression and proper lighting arrangement should be made to ensure proper along the dispatch route- para 3.1.1(111) of Inspection Report
As further detailed infra, R-6/HIL has made proper arrangements for dust suppression along the dispatch route and also made proper lighting arrangements all along the dispatch route to ensure proper visibility.
5.
There is no record on Forest Department for cutting of big trees
- para 3.1.1(111) of
Inspection Report
As confirmed by the Joint Committee, R-6/HIL has not undertaken any activity towards cutting of big trees. Hence the allegation in the
Complaint regarding alleged cutting of big trees is without merit, unsustainable and contrary to the record in the
instant case.
II. Allegation Re: Excessive coal mining leading to huge OB dumps and depletion of water levels
6.
Coal production data reviewed shows that there is no excessive coal mining or OB dumping.
Project
proponent hasproduced less than 127 TPD coal for FY 2020-21 and less than 1000 TPD coal for FY 2021-22. Concurrent backfilling of OB is being done – para 3.1.2 of Inspection Report
As confirmed by the Joint Committee, R-6/HIL has not undertaken excessive or illegal mining at Kathautia Coal Mine, and any allegations to the contrary in the Complaint are categorically denied. In fad.
for reasons set out in detail supra, the coal production from Kathautia Coal Mine has been much below the permissible EC limit of 0.8 MTPA for the past 4 years.
As further confirmed by the Joint Committee, R-6/HIL has undertaken OB management (including concurrent backfilling of OB) in terms of the approved Mining Plan, EC and CTO. Therefore, allegations regarding "huge mountains/heaps' of coal dumps due to alleged "excessive mining" raised in the Complaint are entirely misconceived, unsustainable and contrary to the record.
7.
The ground water table monitoring data reviewed for last one year shows there is no significant change in the water table. Unit has also submitted the NOC for groundwater abstraction
-para 3.1.2 of Inspection Report
R-6/HIL has undertaken
groundwater abstraction strictly in accordance with the NOC granted by the CGWA, which has been renewed till 2024 by CGWA as detailed supra.
As confirmed by the Joint Committee. R-6/HIL complies with obligations regarding regular groundwater table monitoring and there is no depletion of groundwater table in surrounding areas as wrongly allegedly in the
Complaint.
VI. That the recommendations made by the Joint Committee vide the Inspection Report are reproduced hereunder for ease of reference:
“4.1 It should be ensured that the mining authority should provide continuous online PM 10 Analyzer near Rajhara Thana between the Narrow transporting areas (Colliery More to Rajhara Railway siding) and connect it to JSPCB and CPCB server and ensure its continuous operation with an objective to ensure that ambient air quality in the area must meet the standard ambient air quality.
4.2 Monitoring of quarterly Ground water level from third Patty and Piezometer detail of every month shall submit the report to the Concern departments.
4.3 Proper water sprinkling, and lighting arrangement should be maintained along transportation route
4.4 Wherever possible develop proper plantation and green belt .
4.5 Overloading as well as spillage from the loaded vehicle must not be allowed as per rule."
VII. R-6/HIL submitted Reply dated 30.08.2022 to the SCN issued by JSPCB, furnishing the following compliances undertaken by R-6/HIL pursuant to the recommendations of the Joint Committee:
(i) Proper water sprinkling and light arrangements along the transportation route — Several steps taken by R-6/HIL to curb fugitive emissions during coal transportation were set out. Particularly, R-6/HIL informed that the earthen road had already been converted to black topped road by R-6/HIL to minimize dust generation. Further, HIL had deployed water tankers to ply to and from the Rajhara Police station to Rajhara Railway siding for dust suppression. HIL informed that lighting arrangements along the transportation route would be increased as per the Joint Committee's recommendations within one month.
(ii) Prevention of overloading and spillage from loaded vehicles — HIL set out the effective steps taken to ensure zero spillage along the transportation route, including tarpaulin covering of trucks, sealing and locking of coal through plastic/wire seals to avoid uncovering of tarpaulin, provision for water sprinkling along the transportation route, PUC certification of each truck.
(iii) Plantation along transportation route — HIL informed that fruit bearing trees such as mango & guava and non-fruit bearing trees such as kadam, shisham and neem have been planted wherever possible along the transportation route and that further steps were being taken to establish greenbelt along the transportation route.
(iv) Installation of Continuous Online PM10 Analyzer near Raihara Thana — HIL informed that PM10 Analyzer would be installed near Rajhara Thane between the narrow transportation areas (Colliery More to Rajhara Railway siding) and connected to the CPCB and JSPCB servers within 60 days.
VIII. On 31.10.2022, R-6/HIL addressed a representation to the JSPCB, submitting the status of compliances undertaken by R-6/HIL pursuant to the Directions dated 08.10.2022 issued by JSPCB. The compliance status furnished to JSPCB is briefly summarized hereunder:
(i) Lighting arrangements along transportation route - HIL has installed 15 LED flood lights of 200W capacity to ensure proper lighting arrangements along the transportation route.
(ii) Periodic water sprinkling - HIL has deployed two water tankers plying all along the transportation route for water sprinkling to minimize fugitive emissions during transportation.
(iii) Installation of PM10 Analyzer - HIL informed that the PM10 Analyzer had been installed at the Panda Thana, located between the narrow transportation route from Colliery More to Rajhara Railway siding
(iv) Covered transportation - HIL reiterated that it is ensured that transport vehicles are not overloaded at weigh bridge and the same can be verified from the JIMMS portal. HIL also reiterated that all transport vehicles are already covered with tarpaulin and secured with plastics/wires to prevent spillage and dust generation
(v) Groundwater level monitoring- HIL has engaged Mrs. Environmental Laboratories & Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd., Ranchl for monitoring groundwater level and reporting on quarterly basis.
(v) Piezometer monitoring - HIL informed that piezometer data would be monitored on a monthly basis from November 2022 onwards and monthly reports would be submitted to CPCB and JSPCB.
(vi) Plantation along transportation route - HIL informed that 350 fruit bearing plants had been distributed among the local villagers residing between Colliery More and Rajhara Railway siding. Several shisham, mahogany and guava plants have been planted along the transportation route. Further steps were being taken to increase the plantation cover along the transportation route.
Learned Counsel for Respondent No. 6 has submitted that R-6/HIL has conducted coal mining operations at the Kathautia Coal Mine since 2015 and commenced coal production since 2017 strictly in accordance with applicable laws. Hence, allegations of illegal mining and excessive mining raised in the Complaint are entirely misconceived, unsustainable and without merit. Further, allegations regarding depletion of groundwater level or dumping of OB have also been found by the Joint Committee as being without basis. Transportation of coal by road is permitted under the EC granted by MOEFCC as well as the CTO granted by JSPCB. In terms of the said statutory permissions, R-6/1-HIL has transported coal from the pit head to the Rajhara Railway siding by road since 2017. The Prior Allottee of Kathautia Coal Mine also transported coal by road during 2006-- 2015. There is only one available route for transportation of coal by road from the Kathautia Coal Mine to the Rajhara Railway siding. HIL has already convened the said earthen road to black topped road. Further, pursuant to recommendations of the Joint Committee and Directions issued by JSPCB, HIL has taken effective steps for ensuring proper lighting arrangements and also made arrangements for periodic water sprinkling along the transportation route through two water tankers to prevent fugitive emissions and to ensure dust suppression during transport.
It is further argued that implementation of proposals for widening of the existing road or development of alternative routes to Rajhara Railway Siding are within the jurisdiction and powers of the official respondents. Since, commencement of production in 2017, HIL have made contributions to the District Mineral Foundation as mandated under Section 9B of MMDR Act, 1957 and the respondent had deposited to the tune of INR 7,15,22,459/- till date. Thus, said DMF funds are statutorily mandated to the utilized by the Official Respondents as per the DMF Rules, 2016, towards development of physical infrastructure such as road construction, project in Palamu District.
The only grievance of the complainant is that use of 10 ft. vide road in thickly populated area is causing severe air and noise pollution by the dust generated by the transportation. Thus, the Respondents should be directed to repair and construct the road and to maintain the environment by suitable methods required to be taken in the area.
Accordingly, we direct that Respondent/District Administration must consider the widening and repairing of the road by use of DMF funds which has been deposited by the respondent no. 6 under Section 9B of the MMDR Act, 1957 and Project Proponent is directed to ensure that vehicles carrying the material by roads are kept covered with tarpaulin or other covers as it is specified and should not be overloaded. The State PCB is directed to periodically monitor that conditions of EC are complied by the Project Proponent and in case of any violation of the Environmental Rules, necessary action must be initiated in accordance with law.
With these observations, the Original Application/letter petition stands disposed of.
I.A. No. 601/2023 also stands disposed of accordingly.