The Union Environment Ministry has formed a fresh panel to look into the alleged violation of forest rights of tribals in Niyamgiri hills, where it has held up clearance to the bauxite mining project of Vedanta Resources.
The Ministry, in a notification on Tuesday, announced a four-member panel to be headed by NC Saxena from National Advisory Council (NAC). S Parasuraman from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Promode Kant and Amita Baviskar – both from Institute of Economic Growth – are the other members. The move comes following reports that the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has asked the ministry to “clear the project after a thorough scrutiny and due consideration of all aspects.” The committee has been asked to submit its report within a month. It has been mandated to make field visits and review all previous reports. In fact, the mandate is almost same given to a three-member committee formed early this year which had noted ‘violation’ of forest laws and tribals’ rights by Vedanta.
According to the Ministry, the need for another review is required to take a final decision on the application for diversion of forest land. The primary issue which needs consideration is the settlement of rights under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, particularly the specific impact on the livelihood, culture and material welfare of the Dongria Kondhs.
Besides, the impact on the wildlife and biodiversity in the surrounding areas because of bauxite mining needs further study, the notification said. The previous committee had been formed to make recommendations on the proposal submitted by the Orissa Mining Corporation under the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for diversion of 660.749 hectares of forest land in Lanjigarh bauxite mines in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts for the Vedanta project.
Vedanta’s plan to mine bauxite for its alumina refinery in the State has been bogged down in controversy since 2005. It is also facing stiff resistance by the tribals who fear losing their homes and livelihood.