Silica mining: NGT asks CPCB to prepare pan-India guidelines
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to prepare detailed pan-India guidelines for silica sand mining and silica washing plants within three months.
Highlights:
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to develop comprehensive, pan-India guidelines for regulating silica sand mining and silica washing plants. The directive aims to address environmental and health hazards associated with these activities and mandates completion within three months.
Key Directives by NGT
- Guidelines for Silica Sand Mining and Washing Plants
- CPCB to prepare detailed national guidelines outlining operational regulations.
- These guidelines will guide statutory regulators while granting permissions for mining and washing plants.
- Deadline for finalization and dissemination: Three months.
- Health Hazard Mitigation
- Focus on Silicosis: Silica mining and washing expose workers and nearby residents to silica dust, which causes silicosis, a severe occupational lung disease.
- Specialized Healthcare: Uttar Pradesh (UP) government and the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) were directed to establish healthcare facilities in affected areas.
- Medical infrastructure for prevention and treatment of workers to be provided without delay.
- Regulatory Oversight
- Authorities criticized for irregularities in mining operations and negligence in compliance monitoring.
- Statutory regulators instructed to ensure compliance with all laws concerning mining and washing plants.
- Penalties Imposed
- Fines levied on private companies involved in illegal mining activities.
Environmental and Health Concerns:
- Environmental Impact
- Silica mining disrupts ecosystems, contaminates water sources, and damages soil.
- Washing plants generate wastewater, often containing harmful chemicals.
- Health Risks
- Silica dust inhalation leads to silicosis, a progressive lung disease with no known cure.
- Workers and residents in proximity to mining sites face long-term respiratory issues.
Importance of the Guidelines:
- Standardization: Nationwide guidelines will ensure uniformity in mining and washing operations.
- Environmental Safeguards: Provisions to mitigate environmental degradation.
- Worker Protection: Mandates for protective gear, dust suppression mechanisms, and regular health check-ups.
NGT’s Criticism of Authorities:
- The NGT reprimanded regulatory bodies for their:
- Failure in Monitoring: Lack of record maintenance and enforcement in mining and washing plants.
- Neglect of Legal Obligations: Inadequate attention to statutory compliance.
Next Steps
- CPCB to draft and circulate guidelines.
- UP government to coordinate with UPPCB and other departments to enhance medical infrastructure.
- Regular monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with new norms.
Prelims Takeaways
- National Green Tribunal (NGT)
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)