DNA has a copy of the letter dated April 23, 2010, written by the ministry’s additional director S Bhowmik, suspending work for negligible rehabilitation and resettlement.
In a major blow to the Madhya Pradesh government, the Centre has ordered stopping of the ongoing work on Rs5,000 crore hydro-power project.
“In exercise of the power under section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986, the ongoing construction work at the Maheshwar Hydro Electric project site is suspended with immediate effect,” environment and forest minister Jairam Ramesh wrote to the MP government on Friday.
DNA has a copy of the letter dated April 23, 2010, written by the ministry’s additional director S Bhowmik, suspending work for negligible rehabilitation and resettlement.
The suspension will remain in force till a satisfactory compliance report on serious issues is sent to the ministry.
The decision, however, has come as big relief for nearly 1,000 people affected by the project, who were on an indefinite fast demanding its suspension.
The project-hit had also held several demonstrations against the promoters earlier demanding rehabilitation.
The project was cleared by the environment minister’s predecessor TR Balu, but Ramesh raised serious doubts about the project during his visit to Bhopal on April 2.
His ministry had also sent a notice to the Shree Maheshwar Hydel Power Corporation Ltd, promoters of the 400 megawatt power project in MP, listing the concerns.
Ramesh ignored the submissions of the company and the state government in this regard as two wildlife sanctuaries have not been created as promised and backwater level calculation report of Central Water Commission has not been submitted.
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