ignored, conflicts and problems may be created for project implementation and sustainability.
Key word: EIA, Public Hearing / consultation, Stakeholders, environmental issues. INTRODUCTION
Our environment is constantly changing. There is no denying that. However, as our environment changes, so does the need to become increasingly aware of the problems that surround it. India is a vast country covering various geographical region. She has been recognized as“ SonekiChiriya” in past. It is so even also. Apart from regional diversity she is rich in mineral resources. With a massive influx of activities like exploitation of these mineral resources, the environment is changing leading to crisis to environment ie evolution of environmental issues. Environmental issues are harmful aspects of human activity on environment. It can affect the environment on various ways. And much more, people need to be aware of these environmental issues. They requires certain platform where they can raise their voice and seek redresser mechanism for they are and will be facing to certain activities to happen in and around them. Public hearing process mechanism prevalent in Indian statute may serve the purpose for them. This paper revolves round the mining sector and coal mining in particular. Coal mining, particularly surface mining, requires large areas of land to be temporarily disturbed. This raises a number of environmental challenges, including soil erosion, dust, noise and water pollution, and impacts on local biodiversity. Steps are taken in modern mining operations to minimize impacts on all aspects of the environment. By carefully pre-planning projects, implementing pollution control measures, monitoring the effects of mining and rehabilitating mined areas, the coal industry minimizes the impact of its activities on the neighboring community, the immediate environment and on long-term land capability. EIA notifications detailing the public hearing / consultations has been an exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section( 1) and clause( v) of sub-section( 2) of section 3 of the Environment( Protection) Act, 1986( 29 of 1986) read with clause( d) of sub-rule( 3) of rule 5 of the Environment( Protection) Rules, 1986. The EP act, 1986 has its mandate in EIA notifications 1994, 2006 and amended thereon. It ensure compliance in planning and execution of all development activities with the Environmental Impact Assessment( EIA) Procedures in order to promote environmentally sound and sustainable development in the country.
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