Process set by EAC for Telangana Govt for Palamuru-Rangareddy environmental clearance

HYDERABAD: With the Expert Advisory Committee (EAC), giving environmental clearances to the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation (PRLI) project in Telangana, a process has been proposed by the committee for the State Government.

The EAC noted that the ecological damage assessment report has been revised according to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Stressing the urgency of the situation, the EAC emphasised the need for prompt action in implementing the Remediation Plan, Natural Resources Augmentation Plan, and Community Resources Augmentation Plan.

The EAC's assessment followed the examination of a public hearing report submitted by the Telangana State Pollution Control Board. The hearing, conducted on August 10, 2021, spanned across six districts - Mahabubnagar, Nagarkurnool, Rangareddy, Vikarabad, Nalgonda, and Narayanpet. Key challenges identified during this process included issues related to land acquisition, compensation, and water supply in drought-prone areas.

Addressing the situation, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) mandated the establishment of an expert committee to propose remedial measures for the ecological and social damage caused by the project's construction without obtaining Environmental Clearance (EC). The EAC acknowledged the project's significance for the region but underscored the utmost importance of implementing measures to restore ecological balance and ensure sustainable development.

The EAC recommended the grant of an EC for the PRLI project with additional conditions, stipulating the restoration of ecological and social damage within specified timeframes.

To facilitate this, the EAC proposed a budget of Rs 153.70 crore for the Remediation Plan, Natural Resources Augmentation Plan, and Community Resources Augmentation Plan. The project proponent would be required to submit a bank guarantee of Rs. 153.70 crore, which would be released upon the successful execution of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

Furthermore, a penalty of Rs. 106 crore, in alignment with the Polluters Pay Principle, must be submitted by the project proponent to the State Pollution Control Board. The establishment of extensive plantations of native perennial trees around proposed reservoirs was also mandated, aiming to create a tree layer spanning 500 meters with a 90 percent survival rate.

The proper utilisation of budgetary provisions for the EMP, without diversion for other purposes, was stipulated. Additionally, adjustments in EMP costs were to be made in response to project cost revisions or price level changes.

Ambient Air Quality Monitoring stations, providing real-time data, were required to be set up at project sites, with corresponding reports submitted to the Environment Ministry. An Environment Management Cell, composed of environmental officers with post-graduate degrees in environmental sciences and engineering, would be established to oversee EMP implementation.

Implementation of wildlife conservation and biodiversity management plans, approved by the State Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, was also deemed essential. Proper procedures for quarrying construction materials and scientific disposal of excavated material were highlighted.

An independent agency would conduct an environmental impact study of the project five years after commissioning. Additionally, a Bio-Gas plant was to be set up in the project-affected area for transforming cow dung into renewable fuel. Solar panels were slated for installation within a 10 km radius of the project, benefiting rural families.