Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh has announced a probe into all kinds of permission given so far for bauxite mining, setting up of alumina factory and allocation of wetlands in Srikakulam for setting up three thermal power projects.
He promised to withdraw all approvals if the report proved that they were given in contravention to the existing law. Giving a status report on bauxite mining and setting up of alumina refinery, he said some of them had got environment clearance, but no forest clearance was given. Hence they could not begin construction/mining.
Responding to a flood of representations from non-governmental organisations and tribals against permitting mining of bauxite at two locations in Visakhapatnam agency area during a ‘public consultation' organised by the Centre for Environment Education, he said the matter was at the State government level and the Ministry of Environment and Forests would take a cautious approach.
At the fourth out of seven public consultations proposed countrywide by the Ministry of Environment and Forests under National Mission for a Green India, the Minister remarked: “Just because bauxite is present on top of the hills, we will not mine. We have greater concerns over spoiling water catchment area for 15 rivers/streams in the region.”
Referring to allocation of wetlands for three thermal power plants, Mr. Ramesh promised to get them cancelled if rules were violated in giving environmental/forest clearances. While complimenting A.P. Pollution Control Board, he said he had asked the State government to appoint an independent subject expert as chairman of the APPCB replacing the current practice of appointing a chief secretary.
The Union Minister said no new sea ports would be allowed anywhere in the country unless a comprehensive study on the impact and utility of existing ones was done.
