The Indian Express reported that the union environment ministry has deferred clearance to the proposed cast steel wheel project of the Indian Railways at Saran district of Bihar and has sought a slew of clarifications before reconsideration.

The Expert Appraisal Committee of the environment ministry in its recent meeting, while appraising the project observed that during the public hearing for the project conducted by the Bihar State Pollution Control Board on June 30, issues were raised regarding the impact of the project on water, air and farm land.

The EAC after due deliberations recommended that the Railways scale down its land requirement as it was on the higher side.

The Committee said that “The land requirement appears to be high and should be optimized. Besides, the company should explore alternative fuel instead of LPG and should try and install its own gas and oxygen plants. Details of steel making technology should also be provided.”

It has also asked for at least 5% of the total project cost to be earmarked towards Enterprise Social Commitment based on the needs of the locals along with a time-bound action plan.

The railway officials said that all issues raised in the public hearing have been addressed and incorporated in the final Environment Impact Assessment report.

The Railways have proposed to set up a rail cast wheel plant at a cost of INR 1417.23 crore at Bela village of Saran district in Bihar. The total land acquired for the project is 256.646 acres of which 84.17 acres have been earmarked for the green belt development along the plant boundary.

(Sourced from www.indianexpress.com)