Exemptions for Mineral Exploration Drilling in Forests

Context

The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) of the Union Environment Ministry has given its approval for expanded exclusions for mineral exploration drilling in forested regions.

Key Highlights

• Given the high proportion of mineral-rich areas that are forested, the choice was made in response to demands from the Ministries of Coal and Mines.
• The Ministry will now permit 62 to 80 boreholes, each with a maximum diameter of 6 inches, every 10 square kilometers for exploration and surveys, based on the kind of mineral deposit or ore being explored, under the exemption category.
• A bore hole is a long, thin hole that is drilled into the ground in order to look for oil and gas, minerals, and ores.
• According to current regulations under the forest conservation legislation, 80 shot holes may be drilled and up to 25 bore holes may be drilled every 10 square kilometers. 
• Additionally, forest clearance was not required for the said area, which allowed for the chopping of up to 100 trees per square kilometer.

Background

• The Forest Conservation Act of 1980 was changed in 2023 to include exceptions for exploratory drilling on forest land.
• These exceptions are now extended by the current ruling to cover coal and mineral exploration, which is essential to India’s energy and resource security.

Environmental Protection

• Restricted Working Hours: To coincide with the cycles of wildlife behavior, drilling is only permitted between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• Site Rehabilitation: Following completion, cement must be used to seal the boreholes.
• Zones of Restriction: No drilling in environmentally fragile locations, such as:
  • Essential locations for wildlife reproduction and nesting
  • riparian habitats and water supplies
  • Patches with a lot of biodiversity
  • Areas with endangered or endemic species
  • Forest locations of cultural or religious significance

Need and Goals

• Important minerals drive: Many essential minerals (such as rare earths, lithium, cobalt, and nickel), which are vital for clean energy and defense, are found in forested areas.
• Ease of Doing Business: Eliminates the delays caused by frequent central clearances for short-term surveys.
  • Promotes private sector involvement and investment in mineral exploration.
• Promoting economic development: Minerals are used in green technology, defense, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
  • Rapid project development, cost effectiveness, and mineral exploration investment result from faster exploration.

Related Concerns

• Ecological consequences: The sounds and vibrations of drilling can disrupt wildlife movement patterns.
• Inadequate compensatory measures: Existing rules mandate compensatory afforestation for trees that are cut down.
• Overlap with the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006: The FRA grants legal status to the rights of indigenous Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest inhabitants.
• Circumventing the scrutiny of the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980: Traditionally, the FCA mandated central government authorization for any activity on forest land that was not immediately related to forest conservation.

Way Ahead

• Enforce conditions strictly: Ensure sites are restored, boreholes are temporary, and cement plugs are done correctly.
• Use modern exploration technology: Employ geophysical imaging, ground-penetrating radar, remote sensing, and drones.
• Reinforce environmental safeguards: create maps that cover the whole nation and highlight no-go areas like biodiversity hotspots, breeding grounds, and sacred forests.
• Enhance compensatory mechanisms: Ensure compensatory afforestation employs indigenous species and incorporates continuous monitoring. It’s necessary to consider biodiversity and ecosystem services in addition to tree count compensation.

Source: The Indian Express

Prelims PYQ

Q. With reference to India consider the following Central Acts. (2011) 

1. Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947
2. Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act, 1957
3. Customs Act, 1962
4. Indian Forest Act, 1927

Which of the above Acts have relevance to/bearing on the biodiversity conservation in the country? 

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) None of the above Acts

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