Aus govt to look into Greenpeace complaints against Adani

Australian government will look into allegations made against Indian company Adani group, seeking to operate a Central Queensland Mine, that it has a poor environment record in India.

Greenpeace Australia argued that Adani has tried to destroy tiger habitats and flood villages as part of power generation expansion plans in India. Its research co-ordinator Georgina Woods said Adani was required to outline its environment record under Queensland government guidelines. "In India, Adani has a dubious record of compliance with environmental regulations," Greenpeace said in statement.

Adani has sought to operate the $6.1 billion Carmichael coal and rail project at Clermont from 2015.

According to an AAP report, Australian Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke said the claims against Adani made by Greenpeace Australia were "serious" allegations. Burke has asked his department to probe the claims, it said. "These are serious allegations that need to be checked," he was quoted as saying by the news agency yesterday. "Every company needs to know that cutting corners on the assessment process will get you nowhere. Absolutely nowhere", he was quoted as saying. "Public consultations on Adani's environmental impact statement closed this week", the agency said adding comment has been sought from Adani.

Adani was quoted as saying by the agency that it would work with government to address submissions received during the public consultation process. "Adani is aware of its responsibilities under state and commonwealth legislation and ensures its operations meet those requirements," the company said.

"Adani vigorously denies any allegations from Greenpeace and will work with Minister Burke and his department on all matters". Adani admitted in December that its Carmichael proposal would lead to "unavoidable vegetation clearing" on land where endangered black-throated finches live, AAP said.