Zeenews, April 26, 2010
New Delhi: The government today rejected allegations of biasedness against Usha Ramanthan, a member of the Central team that had pointed out various alleged violations by Lanjigarh bauxite mining project, which is owned by mining major Vedanta in Orissa.
"Ramanathan was taken on the committee keeping in view her expertise in working with government committees on human rights issues," Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said in the Rajya Sabha in reply to a written question.
So, imputation of biasedness against her has not found to be substantiated, he added.
Ramesh said a committee consisting of Vinod Rishi, a senior retired environment official besides Ramanthan was set up to submit a report on alleged violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act and the impact of the proposed mining project on rights of tribals and wildlife conservation.
To another query he said the report of the committee alongwith compliance of the conditions is under consideration of the Ministry.
He, however, said the ministry has not received any complaint against Vedanta of grabbing of forest land.
Vedanta had alleged "Ramanthan had past association with Amnesty International and that she had gone out of the terms of reference given to her by the environment minister... her report was biased and should not be considered."
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