Thread by @sdcfoundationuk

#Thread How a weak EIA affects the fragile #Himalayan ecosystem? Missing from mainstream discussions, #mountains need a strong EIA policy. Sharing our first case study (with @ReDraftEIA2020) on rampant limestone and chromite mining in Mizoram.
#DraftEIA2020
#HimalayanWatch

Over a period of last 3-5 yrs, the hill state of #Manipur has witnessed a steep increase in state-sponsored #mining activities for #limestone and #chromite. The state has been assessed to be holding large reserves of these minerals. #DraftEIA2020 #HimalayanWatch

Further, the NDA govt's Act East policy has given a huge thrust to industrial activities in the entire NE region. In Manipur, several private and government players are now operating for mining of limestone and chromite minerals. The issue is, most of them are flouting EIA norms!

One such example is from #Manipur's Shingcha Gammon block (85 ha) which was allotted to Rourkela Minerals Pvt. Ltd. and Govt. of Manipur for chromite mining in 2019. The project has raised several concerns regarding its environmental clearance.#DraftEIA2020 #HimalayanWatch

The most glaring problem with EIA of #ShingchaGammon is its false categorization of forest land to unclassified govt land. Locals have claimed the project to be based in Sirohi and Lunghar villages, one of the most forested areas of #Manipur.
#DraftEIA2020
#HimalayanWatch

Locals claim Shirui Lily Habitat (conservation area) to be well within the project area. Also, the region is well known for harboring several migratory species from Tibet, China and the Indian sub-continent. Yet, EIA report denies all of this! #DraftEIA2020 #HimalayanWatch

Another major issue with EIA of #ShingchaGammon is its blatant disregard to Constitutional provisions and public health issues of miners engaged in chromite mining. Scientific studies have highlighted irreversible health impacts on chromite miners. #DraftEIA2020 #HimalayanWatch

Not just #ShingchaGammon, there have several other districts in the state that have witnessed similar issues with EIA policy. Yet, the issues of mining in Manipur remains missing from the mainstream discussions of conservation.
#DraftEIA2020 #HimalayanWatch

Last month, youth organizations in the state have written letters to the government for halting the limestone and chromite mining in different districts of the state. They have called it a major challenge to the identity of the tribals and their land.
@kanchikohli @tongamrina

Further, the proposed changes to the mining sector under #DraftEIA2020 will be a major threat to the environment, local communities and public health. Mining activities, facilitated with a weak EIA process, is a threat to the pristine Himalayan ecosystem! @nivedita_Him

Indian Himalayan Region demands a strong EIA policy that could address and mitigate the ecological concerns of large developmental projects. Most importantly, time to include public health concerns in the EIA process! #DraftEIA2020 #HimalayanWatch

Cc: @tongamrina @OmairTAhmad @HimalayaColl8ve @ForestRightsAct @fffguwahati @gluppschlopp @ManshiAsher @SumitMahar @Indian_Rivers @JamwalNidhi @sresthab @sharmasupriya

** case study is from Manipur