(a) whether the proposal of Odisha Government/Odisha Mining Corporation were examined by the Central Government
for stage-II clearance for diversion of some forest land for mining bauxite ore in Lanjigarh Bauxite mines;
(b) If so, the salient features of the stage-II clearance requirements and State Government’s views in this
regard; and
(c) the action proposed to be taken thereon and to issue the stage-II clearance?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)
(a)to (c) The State Government of Odisha on 10th August 2009 submitted a report on compliance to the conditions stipulated in the stage-I approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 accorded by the Ministry of Environment
and Forests (MoEF) for diversion of 660.749 hectares of forest land in favour of the Orissa Mining Corporation for
mining of bauxite ore in Lanjigarh Bauxite mines located in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts and requested the MoEF to
accord stage-II approval for diversion of the said forest land. Requirements for grant of stage-II approval inter-alia include settlement of rights of tribals (including ‘Primitive Tribal Groups’ and Other Traditional Forests Dwellers in accordance with the provisions of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 on the forest land proposed for diversion.
The MoEF, after examination of the report of a team of experts constituted by it, observed serious violations of
various legislations, especially the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, in respect of the said mining project and its linked Alumina Refinery project. The MoEF therefore, inter-alia decided that the stage-II
approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for diversion of the said forest land cannot be granted. The MoEF therefore, vide its letter dated 30th August 2010 informed the State Government of Odisha that stage-II approval under
the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for diversion of the said forest land stands rejected.