NDTV Correspondent reported that the ministry of environment and forests has cleared Vedanta Aluminium’s project in Lanjigarh, Orissa.

The expansion of Vedanta Aluminium's 4 million tonne Lanjigarh refinery plant in Kalahandi had been put on hold by the Union Environment Ministry on October 21st 2010.

In July this year, the Cuttack Bench of the Orissa High Court had also affirmed the decision of the ministry. The project was stuck due to environment related concerns and rehabilitation of tribals, which would have been affected by expansion of the aluminium facility.

Environment ministry’s expert appraisal committee has cleared the project with 70 conditions, sources told NDTV. Major conditions among them are 5% of the total project cost would be spent on social welfare projects. The company will maintain air, water quality & develop 164 hectare of plant area as green belt.

Others conditions said that the company will also submit rehabilitation and resettlement policy covering tribals, which should be in line with government policies. The company will also be required to submit corporate environment policy approved by its board.

(Sourced from NDTV)