Socioeconomic Environment Assessment for Sustainable Development

Sand mining is proposed at Alappad, Panmana, and Ayanivelikulangara of Kollam District within an area of 180 ha because of which nearly 550 families are being exposed to the impact of this mining. Families suffer from various problems associated with the mining activity, which includes environmental, social, and economical health. In addition, they have to be rehabilitated to other acceptable areas. The Resettlement & Rehabilitation (R&R) plans are an integral part of this EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) study. Hence, this issue needs to be carefully studied and solved in an amicable manner. The objective of the present study is to ascertain the socioeconomic and other impacts on the people and on the area of operation and preparation of R&R plan for the project-affected families in the 180 ha mine lease area in line with Indian Rare Earth’s (IRE’s) R&R plans. We need to identify reasons of various social–political driving forces causing complaints and obstruction of existing in proposed mining and work out mechanisms for consultation with all stakeholders and influential forces in order to address issues related to mining.