Vedanta's prospecting licence area is located far from Barnawapara sanctuary, Mahasamund district, Chhattisgarh and its eco-sensitive zone boundary. The ecology of the area will not be disturbed and Vedanta in its report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) assured that the company will not cause any environmental and forest degradation.

Vedanta Ltd. has taken forest clearance (State 1 and 2) for prospecting and exploration activity and not for any mining activity with respect to 'Baghmara Gold Composite Licence- Division no 254' comprising 144.6 hectare.

Presently area has not proven any economic resource potential for mining, as any prospecting, drilling has not been started by Vedanta. As no prospecting drilling activity has started in the area, there is no question of damage to flora and fauna of the area, the report said.

Response of Vedanta Limited for Joint committee report based on hearing, August 2, 2022 in reference to NGT petition Original Application no. 328/2022 dated May 09, 2022 and dissenting opinion of one member of committee  Rajendra Gupta, Additional collector for conducting prospecting work in Baghmara Gold Composite Licence- division no 254 comprising 144.6 hectare.