Kolkata | Oct 05, 2017:

In the wake of new development in mining sectors it has become important for companies to understand the nitty-gritty of the modifications made in the rules, regulations and acts related to mining, environment and forestry clearances. The focus is to develop the mining industry and simultaneously maintain the ecological balance for a sustainable mining. With this perspective the Raw Materials Division (RMD) of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) in association with MoEF & CC organised a one-day workshop in Kolkata recently. The workshop titled Coexistence of mining industry & forest - Challenges and way forward, primarily focused on environmental and forest issues, national mineral policy, different aspects of statutory clearances, critical balance between environment and mining, wild life management, land reclamation and other environment aspects. Apart from SAIL, companies like CIL, NALCO, OMDC, OMC, DVC, and Hindustan Copper Ltd participated in the workshop. Top officials from MOEF & CC, state government forest department shared their proficiency and views in the workshop.

In his inaugural address Siddhanta Das, Director General of Forests & Special Secretary, MoEF&CC Government of India, IFS, said unplanned and rapid deforestation is leading to a dreadful future and impacting the climatic change heavily. Rising sea level is going destroy the coastal line of the world, therefore, conservation of forest is extremely essential, he added. Companies should introduce modern technology and follow scientific mining to mitigate the environmental loss, he said. He felt that such interaction between the statutory authority and companies creates a conducive environment in mining operation.

In his welcome address SAIL’s Director (Raw Materials & Logistics), Kalyan Maity, stressed on the fact to develop an ambiance for resolving various forestry clearance (FC) and environment clearance (EC) issues. The participants agreed that it is essential to take a holistic view in mining to maintain the ecological balance and ensure sustainability for the future generation. For doing so, companies have to be more responsible and follow the mining laws, rules and guidelines of MOEF&CC and other statutory bodies. Only scientific and responsible mining can sustain the pressure and requirement of present and future generation.

(Source: http://echoofindia.com/)