Phosphate Mining and Great Indian Bustard

Reference

• The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for non-coal mining sector of the Union Environment Ministry has approved the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for expansion of the proposed Birmania Rock Phosphate Mine over 400 hectares in the potential Great Indian Bustard (GIB) habitat in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan.
• The scope of the study includes study of various environmental parameters and the potential impact of the project on air, water, groundwater, ecology and wildlife.

Rock Phosphate Mining

• Rock phosphate is used in India as a major raw material in phosphate fertilizer production.
• India is mainly dependent on imports for rock phosphate.

Objectives

• Reduce dependence on rock phosphate imports
• Increase fertilizer production
• Promote food security

Related Issues

• Habitat loss: Rock phosphate mining may fragment the last remaining grassland habitat of GIB.
• Collision risk: GIB is already threatened due to power transmission lines in the region.
• Conservation versus development: It reflects India’s dilemma in balancing ecological security and resource requirements.

About Great Indian Bustard

• Currently there are less than 200 bustards left in India, majority of which are in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
• IUCN status: Critically Endangered
• Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• One of the key species under the Centre’s Species Recovery Programme.

Way Forward

• EIA It will assess the impact on biodiversity and suggest mitigation measures.
• The final approval will depend on the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.