MoEF expert panel visits Odisha to assess environmental impact of proposed Posco plant

MoEF expert panel visits Odisha to assess environmental impact of proposed Posco plantAn expert panel constituted by the Union ministry of environment & forests (MoEF) on Tuesday toured various villages in Jagatsinghpur district near Paradip of Odisha, and discussed with local people about Posco's proposed steel plant in the state.

The four-member expert panel tried to evaluate the environmental impact of South Korean steel maker's proposed plant, which would be the country's biggest foreign direct investment (FDI). It may be noted here that the construction of the proposed $12 billion plant will lead to forest diversion and cutting of thousands of trees in the coastal area.

The panel was led by former civil aviation secretary K Ray Paul. Other members of the panel were R Ramesh, R D Singh and S R Wate. Senior officials of the district administration also accompanied them. They toured Polanga, Nuagaon, Gobindapur and Noliasahi villages in Erasama block.

K Ray Paul, who led the team, said, "We discussed with several villagers at the proposed steel project site. We will submit a detailed report to MoEF soon."

MoEF constituted the team on the order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which on March 30 put the environment clearance for the project in suspension and suggested that an expert panel should pay a visit the site to assess the potential impact of the project on the environment.

Environmentalists and a section of local villagers are openly opposing the project, arguing that cutting of thousands of tree would destroy the natural shield that protects the locals against cyclones.