Church's enquiry is illegal, says Vedanta

Merinews, Oct 28, 2009
CJ: Harihpanda

Vedanta Aluminium Company said the enquiry of the church in its project area is against the constitution of India and also violates the guidelines of the Supreme Court. Its promoter Anil Agarwal has expressed his concerns over its investor.

ANIL AGARWAL, promoter of Vedanta Aluminium Company has expressed his concerns over its investor- The Church of England. It said that the enquiry of the church in the project area is against the constitution of India and also violating the guidelines of the Supreme Court.


“But, we respect our investors and they should respect the constitution and also the highest judiciary,” said the chief executive officer of Vedanta Aluminium at Lanjigarh, Mukesh Kumar. “We are happy to show the project area to the church officials. And also make them sure that not a single habitat will be affected by the project. They are respecting the development of the local communities, culture and livelihood,” added Kumar.

Earlier, the Church of England, one of the shareholders of Vedanta has asked its officials in charge of the church's investments to look into this mining company with controversial activities. Where it has a £2.5m share in the mining firm, has been under mounting pressure to withdraw its stake. The officials may come during the second week of November.

When asked whether the company will help the church officials in this matter of enquiry, Mukesh Kumar said it is the duty of every company to respect its investors. And the company will definitely help the officials in full support respecting the constitution and the court. Kumar also said if they remain unhappy with the project, it is their wish to withdraw their money or not. If they withdraw, then it will not affect the company added Kumar.

Vedanta plans an open-cast mine on Niyamgiri mountain in Orissa. Activists believe it will destroy the area's ecosystem and threaten the future of the 8,000-strong Dongria Kondh tribe, who depend on the hills for their crops and water. In the name of investments, the government is also doing a blunder by affecting the environment appealed Prafulla Samantra, secretary of Lokashakti Avijan.

Several non-government organisations (NGOs) like Survival International, Amnesty International, the Bianca Jagger Humanrights Foundationa, Action Aid with support of some local NGOs has been in constant campaign in pressurising the Indian government to withdraw its support. Some of these NGOs have met the church's Ethical Investment Advisory Group on several occasions in an attempt to inform them about Vedanta's activities in Orissa.

Vedanta is so powerful in that area that there is a culture of fear in the area of Vedanta's refinery. So, when the church goes to the area, it is important that they meet people who have been affected by this.