Coal India asked to conduct long-term hydrology study

State-run Coal India (CIL) has been asked by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) to urgently conduct a long-term hydrology study of all rivers/river basins where the company has planned more than one mining project. The EAC made the recommendation to CIL while it was examining its Rs.152 crore proposal to set up Jagannathpur opencast mining project on the catchment area of Mahan river in Surajpur district, Chhattisgarh. EAC examines and recommends green clearances to projects. Based on its views, the ministry gives a final nod. ‘EAC was of the view that a long-term study should be urgently initiated by CIL to ensure the protection of hydrological regimes of not only Mahan river and its catchment but all other rivers/river basins where more than one project is planned,’ a senior government official said. In case washeries are planned in the same areas, EAC said the impact of washeries should also be included in the study.