It is reported that the National Environmental Appellate Authority has revoked the ecological clearance given to a thermal plant of Nagarjuna Construction Company by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests.

Till such time the environmental clearance to the plant stands suspended and the company, NCC, has been directed not to undertake any further activity at the site.

In another press release, an official spokesman of the NCC said no written communication had yet been received from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests or the NEAA regarding suspension or quashing of eco-clearance to the plant and the future course of action would be contemplated only after the receipt of the order.

According to Mr EAS Sarma, the former Union Energy Secretary, who moved the NEAA along with the Forum for Sustainable Development, the NEAA issued the order on Thursday morning, revoking the clearance. Further, the NEAA also directed the Government to conduct a survey of all wet lands in Srikakulam districts and not to permit any other thermal plant.

The directive is likely to have a bearing on other power plants proposed in the district as well those planned in other coastal districts.

Mr Sarma said that “The clearance was given on the basis of wrong information furnished by the administration that the plant was not situated in a wet land and that the livelihood of anybody would not be affected.

(Sourced from BL)