1️⃣ Introduction
Mine water management is not just a technical requirement—it’s a legal obligation under Indian mining laws. The Coal Mines Regulations, 2017 (Reg. 127–131), the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 together form the legal backbone for ensuring safe, clean, and environmentally compliant mine water handling. DGMS, MoEFCC, and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) are the principal authorities enforcing these provisions.
2️⃣ Key Legal Frameworks
| Law / Regulation | Administered by | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Coal Mines Regulations, 2017 (CMR 2017) | DGMS | Safety and operational standards in coal mines (Reg. 127–131) |
| Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 | CPCB / SPCB | Prevention and control of water pollution |
| Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 | MoEFCC | Overall environmental safeguard for mining |
3️⃣ CMR 2017 – Regulations 127 to 131
- Reg. 127 – Water Danger Plan: Every mine must maintain and update a plan showing waterlogged workings, faults, and boreholes.
- Reg. 128 – Approaching Old Workings: No working shall approach waterlogged areas without drilling advance boreholes.
- Reg. 129 – Pumping Arrangements: Adequate pumping capacity, standby pumps, and dual power supply are mandatory.
- Reg. 130 – Precautions during Heavy Rain: Surface runoff must be diverted, and sumps inspected before monsoon.
- Reg. 131 – Drainage in Opencast Mines: Proper drainage and sedimentation ponds are required.
4️⃣ Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
This Act prohibits the discharge of pollutants into water bodies without consent. Mines must obtain Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) and meet effluent quality norms.
5️⃣ Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
The umbrella act for environmental protection. It prohibits the discharge of pollutants in excess of prescribed standards (Schedule VI) and makes reporting of accidental spills mandatory. Violations can attract significant fines and imprisonment.
6️⃣ EIA Notification, 2006 (MoEFCC)
Under this notification, every new mining project or expansion requires Environmental Clearance (EC). The EC process includes approval of a comprehensive Mine Water Management Plan.
⚡ Quick One-Liners (Revision Points)
- CMR Reg. 127–131 covers water management in mines.
- Reg. 127: Water danger plan must be maintained.
- Reg. 128: Boreholes mandatory before approaching waterlogged area.
- Reg. 129: Adequate pumping arrangements required.
- Water Act 1974 prohibits unauthorized discharge.
- Environment Act 1986 is the umbrella environmental law.
- EIA Notification 2006 mandates clearance for mining expansion.
- SPCB grants CTE/CTO for mine operations.
🧠 Descriptive Model Answer
Q. Explain the statutory provisions for mine water management under CMR 2017 and Environment (Protection) Act 1986.
Answer: Mine water management in India is governed by a combination of mining and environmental laws. CMR 2017 (Reg. 127–131) ensures operational safety through measures like water danger plans, borehole drilling, and adequate pumping. The Water Act, 1974, requires consent from the SPCB for any effluent discharge. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, provides the overall legal framework, with the EIA Notification, 2006, mandating environmental clearance for mine water management plans before any expansion. This integrated approach ensures safe, sustainable, and lawful mine water management.
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