Mixed reactions to SC verdict

The Statesman, 10th August, 2008

The clearance accorded to Sterlite Industries and Posco-India projects by the Supreme Court today evoked reactions on expected lines here today.Both the companies welcomed the verdict while organisations and environmental activists were dismayed as far as clearance to mine Niyamgiri hill for Sterlite Industries was concerned.The mega projects were hanging fire for almost three years, caught in a web of litigations and clearances related controversies. Posco project was held up due to forest clearance related problems while the Sterlite project was mired in controversies over bauxite mining in Niyamgiri hills.We are very pleased with the apex court verdict today. It is a vital clearance for us to achieve progress on our project, observed Posco India sources whose forest clearance of over 2598 acres was approved today. Now, with this verdict we can expedite work on the land acquisition front as 90 per cent of the required land is belongs to the government and a major chunk of it is forest land.We will develop this dream project hand in hand with the people of Orissa , especially by involving local community, said the sources while asserting that it will an exemplary steel plant.Mr CV Krishnan, head-business development, Sterlite Industries (India) Ltd expressed happiness over the apex court decision to approve the proposed bauxite mining project in Lanjigarh, Kalahandi districts. "We are committed to implementing the project in accordance with the guidelines and safeguards laid down by the Supreme Court," he said."The bauxite mining project along with the alumina refinery in Kalahandi will bring significant employment and economic livelihood for the local people and overall development for the region," he claimed.Dismayed at the verdict, ‘Green Kalahandi’ leader and former Union minister Mr Bhakta Charan Das said: "It was ‘unfortunate’. It is a defeat of environmental activists and the innocent tribals of Niyamgiri. He iterated that the primitive Dongaria tribe which lives in Niyamgiri forests ought to have been heard".The verdict comes as a set back to the movement initiated by Mr Das in the region. In fact the movement had received a major boost a few months ago when Mr Rahul Gandhi, MP visited Lanjigarh and consented to the views of tribals. Mr Gandhi had supported their movement and opined that Niyamgiri was highly sensitive both in terms of ecological and primitive tribal culture.