Govt panel denies permission to Vedanta for mining project

A government panel has said no to the controversial Vedanta mining project in Orissa citing violation of a series of laws by it in active collusion with state government officials.

"This committee is of the firm view that allowing mining in the proposed mining lease area by depriving two primitive tribal groups of their rights... In order to benefit a private company would shake the faith of the tribals in the law of the land," the N C Saxena Committee set up by the Environment Ministry said in the report.

The four member panel headed by Saxena, a National Advisory Council member, submitted their findings today to Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh who said a final decision in the matter will be taken after the Forest Advisory Council (FAC) takes a view on the committee's findings on August 20.

Talking to reporters here, he said, "After the FAC makes its observations, I will take a decision in totality under the Forest Conservation Act. Then only the final clearance will be given to the mining project."