The Attorney-General of India has given the government a free rein to refuse forest clearance for Vedanta Aluminium’s bauxite mining proposal in the Niyamgiri Hills of Orissa.
The project has been put on hold, while a committee led by NAC member N.C. Saxena examines how it would impact the life, livelihood and culture of Dongria Kondhs, a notified tribal community living in the region, as well as a possible impact on biodiversity and wildlife. Forest Conservation Act clearances for diversion of 660 hectares of land have not been granted to Vedanta and its partner, the Orissa Mining Corporation.
See http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article528834.ece.