With the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) nixing the Vedanta project at Niyamgiri hills, the Orissa government is now keeping its fingers crossed on the Rs 54,000 crore Posco steel project as the Meena Gupta committee set up by the ministry on Tuesday visited the site of the proposed captive port near Paradip that is to be used by the steel plant.
So far one lakh 3 thousand 28 claimants of forest land have been given Forest Land Right Certificate in the state under the Forest Land Right Act. Steps are being taken to distribute Land Right Certificates to around 25 thousand forest dwellers.
The claims received under Forest Land Rights Act have been digitally surveyed and digital map has been prepared. Under the Land Rights Act, one lakh 25 thousand 395 claims have been accepted. Out of this, Land Right Certificates have been distributed to one lakh 3 thousand 28 claimants.
Even though Vedanta Resources has initiated the process of saving its plant from closure, the Orissa government is yet to take a decision on the revival of the Niyamgiri bauxite mines in Kalahandi district.
Acting on the report of the Saxena Committee and the recommendation of the Forest Advisory Committee, the Union ministry of environment and forest (MoEF) withdrew the forest and environment
BHUBANESWAR: While the State Government reiterated its stand that no tribals are living on the land earmarked for Posco’s steel project, the CPI, spearheading the anti-Posco agitation, on Sunday demanded that the plant be shifted elsewhere. The Meena Gupta Committee will submit its report to the Ministry of Environment and Forests within a month.
What is common between Niyamgiri hills in Kalahandi district of Orissa and a place near Umiam lake in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya?
Both are among the finest addresses for nature lovers.
