Question raised in Lok Sabha on Ecological Impact of Mining, 09/08/2016
Question raised in Lok Sabha on Ecological Impact of Mining, 09/08/2016. The forest land diverted has not caused ecological imbalance. Since the enactment of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. the forest land diverted for non-forest use including mining purposes is on average approximately 25,000 Ha per year. The forest alnd diverted from October 1980 to date, State/UT-wise including Karnataka is given in Annexure -I. Non forestry activities including mining invariably have an impact on the environment and ecological balance. Deforestation for mining can inter alia lead to soil erosion, and water pollution, impact flora and fauna etc. However whenever forest clearances are given for use of forest land for non forestry purposes the same is done as stipulated under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Under the provisions of this Act, the approval of the Central Government for diversion of forest land is granted to the State/UT Government for various categories of projects. The project developers/user agencies whose proposals have been forwarded by the State Government and granted approval by the Central Government under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 belong to Central, State and Private sectors. The details of various categories of projects of these project developers for which diversion of forest land is accorded by the Central Government sought by the State Government is given in Annexure-II.