Recent policy changes in India have relaxed restrictions on borehole drilling for mineral exploration on forest land. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) now permits increased borehole drilling without prior forest clearance under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. This decision aims to balance mineral exploration needs with forest conservation.
Background of Borehole Drilling Regulations
Boreholes are narrow, deep holes drilled into the earth to explore minerals, ores, oil, or gas. Previously, drilling more than 25 boreholes per 10 square kilometres required forest clearance under the Forest Conservation Act. The existing exemption allowed up to 25 boreholes and 80 shot holes per square kilometre, with felling of up to 100 trees in the area. These limits aimed to protect forest ecosystems while permitting limited exploration.
Recent Policy Relaxations
Recently, the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) approved increasing boreholes from 25 to between 62 and 80 per 10 square kilometres. The exact number depends on the type of mineral deposit. This change followed requests from the Ministry of Coal and Ministry of Mines, as large exploration areas are forest-covered. The amendment to the Forest Conservation Act in 2023 enabled this exemption for exploratory drilling.
Scientific Assessment and Impact Study
The Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, conducted a study with the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited and Geological Survey of India. The report found that borehole drilling is a temporary activity lasting up to 20 days per site. It concluded no long-term impact on wildlife but noted noise disturbance could alter animal movement. Potential risks to riparian ecosystems were brought into light, such as water blockage and contamination from oil or grease, affecting aquatic species.
Environmental Safeguards and Conditions
The Ministry mandated drilling only between 9 am and 5.30 pm to align with wildlife activity patterns. Boreholes must be plugged with cement after use to prevent environmental hazards. Drilling is prohibited in high-sensitivity forest zones, including critical breeding sites, water sources, and areas with endangered species. A reconnaissance survey is required before drilling to avoid ecologically important habitats. Standard operating procedures (SoP) for mineral exploration must be strictly followed.
Inter-Ministerial Coordination and Monitoring
An inter-ministerial committee coordinates and monitors these activities to ensure minimal forest damage. The FAC reviews all proposals and scientific reports before granting approvals. This approach aims to balance economic development through mineral exploration with forest conservation and wildlife protection.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of mineral exploration activities on forest ecosystems and wildlife in India with suitable examples.
- Explain the role of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, in regulating forest land use and how recent amendments have affected mineral exploration policies.
- What are the challenges of balancing economic development and environmental conservation in India’s forest policy? Discuss with reference to inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms.
- Underline the significance of environmental impact assessments in resource extraction projects and how they contribute to sustainable development. Illustrate with examples from India’s mining sector.
