Hindustantimes, Aug 3, 2010
The government on Monday said it was investigating violations of the Forest Rights Act and other environmental norms by mining major Vedanta Resources and steel-giant Posco in Orissa and would take a decision on the two projects once it gets the report. “Any violation of the Forest Act will not be spared. Once I receive the report from the experts, I will take a final decision,” Environment and Forest Minister Jairam Ramesh told Rajya Sabha during the Question Hour.
Vedanta is facing criticism from environmental groups flaying its plans to extract bauxite in Niyamgiri hills in the Orissa’s Kalahandi district. Posco is alleged to have violated the forest act while acquiring land for a steel project near Paradip in the state.
“Vedanta is under investigation as it has violated environment ministry norms, a four member expert group is in the state (Orissa) to look into the violations. The second company which has been reported to have violated the rules is Posco. It is also being looked into,” Ramesh said.
The minister was first reluctant to name the two companies. “I don’t want to name the companies, members know who they are,” Ramesh said. Following persistent demand from all corners of the House to disclose the companies involved, the minister named the two companies.
Replying to supplementaries to a question on illegal mining, Ramesh voiced grave concern over illegal mining of minor minerals like sand and stones.
He mentioned the recent murder of RTI activist Amit Jethwa in Gujarat and said while the Centre was responsible for checking illegal mining of major minerals, minor minerals remain a responsibility of the state.
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