Adani project in Mundra has violated environmental norms: MoEF committee report

The committee set up by the environment ministry to inspect the contentious port and special economic zone (SEZ) project in Mundra, Gujarat, has found clear evidence that developer Adani Enterprises has violated certain environmental norms.

POSCO asked to revise plans for fresh environment clearance

An expert committee of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has sought complete design change of POSCO steel project in Odisha before the developer can apply for a fresh environment clearance. Pointing out that the project did not comply with the several conditions imposed on at the time of grant of the earlier environment clearance, the committee has also asked POSCO to carry out fresh studies on its impact on the environment, livelihood of coastal communities, as well as the project’s water supply, drainage and waste disposal systems.

Rajasthan's amended mining rules could spell fresh legal trouble for state mining department

Last year, the mining department of the Rajasthan government amended the rules governing grant of permits to lessees of mines and quarries, which allows them to evade environmental clearance.

Mormugao port expansion: public hearing adjourned third time

The public hearing for Mormugao port expansion was adjourned for the third time on November 25. The port located in South Goa is planning to develop a waterfront west of the existing port. N S Navti, additional collector who chaired the public hearing, adjourned the proceeding as he was confronted by local people who said they were not aware of the details of the project since the environment impact assessment (EIA) report was difficult to access.

Who is eligible to raise questions in public hearings?

Pravinbhai Sheth, a resident of Ankleshwar city in Gujarat is agitated. He was held ineligible to ask questions during public consultations for a power project. “The people of Sintex Power Ltd told me that I am not eligible to raise questions concerning the proposed 1,720 MW thermal power project in Amreli as I neither belong to a non-profit nor am I one of those who will be affected by it.”  They added “I am also ineligible to raise any questions as I reside more than 10 km away from the proposed project site. This is wrong.” 

MoEF to do away with environmental clearance for mining minor minerals in areas less than 5 ha

The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) is planning to shift mining of minor minerals in areas less than five hectares (ha) into a category where no environmental impact assessment (EIA) will be required.  The move comes after chief minister of Punjab, Prakash Singh Badal, met environment minister Jayanthi Natarajan on November 21 and apprised her about the shortage of construction materials in the state. He contended that this is leading to a delay in execution of several government and private projects. 

Nuclear power at the cost of livelihood

Badluram's wife Buri says her husband attempted suicide out of fear of losing his land and livelihood. He is still admitted in hospital. The family’s 10.5 hectares of land is to be acquired for the nuclear power project Photographs by: Srestha Banerjee Read also: Haryana village protests nuclear power plant

Nuclear power at the cost of livelihood

Narendra, the farmer, whose family's 36 hectares of land will be acquired for the project in his farm Photographs by: Srestha Banerjee Read also: Haryana village protests nuclear power plant

Nuclear power at the cost of livelihood

The canal of Bhakra Nangal dam, which is being cited as source of water for the project. The canal is also the only source of water for agriculture in the area Photographs by: Srestha Banerjee Read also: Haryana village protests nuclear power plant

Nuclear power at the cost of livelihood

The agricultural fields that will be acquired to built the nuclear power plant in Gorakhpur. The land typically yields three crops a year: wheat, cotton and paddy, besides corn Photographs by: Srestha Banerjee Read also: Haryana village protests nuclear power plant