A Regional Environment-cum-Mineral Awareness Programme (EMAP) of Joda-Badbil-Noamundi mining and industrial area was held in EMIl Jilling iron ore mines in Joda.
The Society of Geoscientists and Allied Technologists (SGAT), a body of professionals of India and abroad dedicated to promotion of sustainable mineral development activities and adoption of best environment practices in mining, organised it in 14 major mining and industrial regions of the State for the last 25 years on annual basis.
The programme was designed for students of higher secondary schools located within and in periphery of mining areas and was intended to make the student community, their teachers, parents and through them the community aware about the need to protect environment and simultaneously motivate them to take appropriate ameliorative measures. The thrust areas and objectives included (a) prevent pollution of air and water bodies; (b) provide clean and hygienic toilets in each school to start with; (c) provide clean drinking water and (d) increase forest cover by plantation. The other objective of the programme was to highlight the importance of minerals and mining for economic development.
The one-day programme consisted of visit to Bamebari Manganese Mines of Tata Steel and Jilling Iron Ore Mines of EMIl, processing operations, haulage, loading, plantation, other environment protection and improvement practices, etc. Besides, written test on identification of common rock, ore and mineral specimen, and quiz were held.
As many as 18 schools participated in the programme and Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir, Badbil emerged as the best team. Essel Mining and Industries limited with support of Rungta Mines sponsored it. SGAT advisor and former Director of Mining and Geology BK Mohanty coordinated. The dignitaries who graced the event included Dr SK Sarangi, president and Dr BMFaruque, member of SGAT, SK Nayak, DDM, Joda and senior officials of different mining companies.