INDIA has decided to halt Vedanta Resources’ plans to expand its alumina refinery in Orissa, newspapers reported today, after the environment ministry found “serious violations” of green laws.
The ministry has decided to revoke the permission given to the company to study the environmental impact of increasing the capacity of the refinery in Orissa to six million tonnes from one million tonnes, the Economic Times said, adding that a formal order is expected this week.
The paper said a Vedanta representative declined to comment saying they had not received any communication.
Citing unnamed sources, the Indian Express newspaper also said the ministry is all set to tell the company that the expansion cannot be allowed.
The ministry had earlier asked Vedanta to explain why the environment clearance given to the plant should not be revoked.
