Environmental panel seeks more information on POSCO
By IANSTuesday, November 30, 2010
NEW DELHI - An environment ministry panel looking into coastal regulation zone (CRZ) violation by the South Korean steel major POSCO for its $12 billion project in Orissa Tuesday sought more information related to the project.
The expert appraisal committee (EAC) deferred any decision on CRZ violation by the company for setting up an integrated steel plant and captive port in Jagatsinghpur district of Orissa.
“We have sought further information from POSCO on the impact of marine life in the area due to the project. Any decision on the project is deferred until the next meeting in December,” said a ministry official.
The environment ministry has put on hold a POSCO project, citing violations of environment and forest laws by the company.
The EAC (forest) is looking at the impact of the project on coastal areas in the state.
POSCO requires about 4,004 acres, mostly government land, for the project. Of the land earmarked, 2,900 acres is forest land.
Thousands of villagers have been opposing the project, saying it will displace them from their homelands and ruin their betel leaf farms.
POSCO and the state government, however, maintain the project will bring prosperity and employment to the impoverished region.
