MoE slaps Rs 200 crore penalty on Adani group

A committee, established by the Ministry of Environment and Forests,  under the chairmanship of Sunita Narain, director general of Centre for Science and Environment, has slapped a penalty of Rs 200 crore on the Adani Group’s Mundra Port and Special Economic Zone for inflicting harm to mangroves, creeks and the local environment at the project site. In addition to the fine, a part of the project could face suspension after a more detailed probe into the alleged violation of environmental clearance norms. The money from the fine will go into an environment restoration fund for the area.

Why did the environment ministry impose fine on Adani Group?

As per the report submitted by Sunita Narain panel, it was found the Adani Group infringed environmental norms in the country’s largest private port in Mundra and special trade zone that it operates in the Kutch district in Gujarat. The penalty has been slapped for damaging mangroves, creeks and the local environment at the project site. During its investigation the panel found widespread destruction of mangroves-75 hectares of mangroves have been lost in Bocha Island, which was declared as a conservation zone under the environmental clearance conditions.

The panel stated in its report that “the company has not taken precautions to guard against blocking of creeks because of construction activities; satellite imagery shows signs of deterioration and loss of creeks close to the proposed North Port.”

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2013