Orissa locks horns with Centre; says Vedanta projs within law

PTI news, March 14, 2010
New Delhi, Mar 14 (PTI) In sharp contrast to the Centre's assertion that Vedanta Resources' proposed mining project in Orissa's Niyamgiri hills violated green and tribal norms, the state said the Anil Agarwal-led group's plans were within the ambit of the law.


In two separate letters this month to officials of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, Orissa's Forest and Environment Department Special Secretary B P Singh said the proposed mining by Vedanta group firm Sterlite Industries jointly with Orissa Mining Corporation (OMC) is not in violation of "any Act".

"Since the project area spreads over two separate districts -- Rayagada and Kalahandi -- the collectors of these two districts..., have furnished the relevant certificates pertaining to compliance with provisions of the Forest Rights in respect of the land falling within their jurisdiction.