NGT Suspends Environmental Clearance for JSW Steel Project in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The environmental clearance granted to the proposed Rs 65,000 crore worth steel project by JSW Group in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district was suspended by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The NGT passed the order directing the suspension of the environmental clearance for three months.

The NGT took this decision after adjudicating a petition filed by environmental activist Prafulla Samantara. He had challenged the validity of the environmental clearance granted to the JSW steel project. Apart from suspending the EC for three months, the NGT panel asked the Expert Appraisal Committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (by MoEF&CC) to conduct a fresh appraisal of the matter.

“Matter will need fresh appraisal by the EAC by reasoned consideration and fresh decision by MoEF&CC. Accordingly; we allow these appeals and remit the matter to the MoEF&CC for fresh appraisal and decision by MoEF&CC in the light of the above observations which may take place within three months. Till such decision, ECs will remain suspended,” a four-member division bench of the NGT ordered.

“We are conscious that the project involves huge investment. At the same time, the principle of sustainable development cannot be ignored. Apart from the significant issue of the public hearing, an important issue of the location of the project close to the polluted area, the jetty being unnecessarily close to an established port, huge water being taken from the river which may affect drinking water needs and flow of the river are important issues which need express consideration”, the division bench of NGT observed while pronouncing the order.

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