Jindal refinery gets eco clearance

Visakhapatnam: The proposed alumina refinery at Boddavara village in the S.Kota mandal of Vizianagaram district by the Jindal group has been given the environmental clearance, according to Mr R. Ch. Swain, project head.

In an interview here on Tuesday, he said the Jindal Southwest Aluminium Ltd had received a letter to the effect from the Union Ministry of Forests and Environment.

Land acquisition

“The land acquisition for the project is going on. We have got all the clearances. For the project 867 acres of assigned land, 150 acres of Government land and around 100 acres of private land has to be acquired. We have prepared one of the best packages for the displaced families. So far, we have taken possession of 310 acres of assigned land and we have to acquire the rest. We have to negotiate with owners of private land,” he said.

The Greater Visakha Municipal Corporation had agreed to supply the water required for the project and there was no problem on that count, he added. “We are in the process of appointing an engineering consultant and in a few weeks’ time that may be completed. The Railways has given the traffic clearance after completing the feasibility study. The alignment has been fixed. The Visakhapatnam port authorities have also agreed to allot a captive berth for our operations,” he said.

On the issue of the raw material required for the project, he said the Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation would look after that aspect and supply the bauxite.

“I understand they will have to get the forest and environmental clearance for bauxite mining. A public hearing will have to be conducted prior to the environmental clearance,” he said.

When he was asked to comment on the widespread opposition to the project by the ecological groups, the opposition political parties and several NGOs, Mr Swain said, “There is no doubt that we have to address environmental concerns expressed by these groups. But it must also be understood that technologies are now available to undertake bauxite mining without ruining the environment. There is also no room for the apprehensions that it will adversely affect the livelihood of tribals.”

Clearance opposed

However, Mr R. Ravi, Executive Director of Samata, the NGO in the forefront of the agitation against bauxite mining, was sharply critical of the decision of the Union Ministry of Forests and Environment in giving the go-ahead for the refinery project.

He said, “The overwhelming majority of the speakers at the public hearing, more than 90 per cent, spoke against the setting up of the refinery and the Union Government, in utter indifference to the public opinion, has given the clearance. It is also not clear where the water required for the refinery will be obtained. I demand the clearance be revoked.”

He said he had written a letter to the effect to the Secretary, the Union Ministry of Forests and Environment.