Mr Jairam Ramesh union environment and forests minister said that the alleged violation of Forest Rights Act and environmental norms by mining company Vedanta Resources and Korean steel maker POSCO in Orissa is being investigated by a four member expert group.

Replying to supplementaries during question hour in Rajya Sabha, the minister said the expert group is currently in Orissa looking at all cases of alleged violation by Vedanta Co. He said that “Any violation of the Forest Act will not be spared adding that the final decision will be taken after the expert group submits its report.”

Mr Ramesh said that “We will take a final call after report of the expert group is received.”

While Vedanta Co is being investigated by the ministry for alleged violation of this guideline, POSCO is under investigation for alleged violation of forest act in acquisition of land for the mega project.

(Sourced from SNS)