Jairam Ramesh orders action against Jindal project in Orrisa

Three days after DNA  showed how Jindal Steel & Power Limited (JSPL) used a January 6, 2011, circular to justify unauthorised construction in 2009 and 2010, minister for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh has directed the Orissa government to take action against the company.

The minister also denied favouring it.

In a new letter issued to the Orissa government, Ramesh’s ministry said: “It is noted that JSPL started construction activity on the non-forest land without obtaining prior forestry clearance under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, which is not in consonance with the environmental clearance accorded to the project.

“In the light of the forgoing, the undersigned has been directed to request you to initiate action against the above unit by invoking powers under section 19 of Environment (Protection) Act and intimate the ministry about the action taken soon.”

Friday’s report had pointed out how JSPL was the only beneficiary of the circular, which was withdrawn seven days after clearing its project.

Jairam distanced himself from the officials in his ministry who brought out the controversial circular.  “I have, in fact, restored the original guideline which JSPL is in clear violation of... To deal with this violation, the MoEF has requested the state government to take action,” he said.

JSPL said it was “pained to learn” of the latest notice sent by MoEF to the Orissa government. “In case the government files a case, we will defend the same as we feel no case is made out against the company,” it said.