Goa Pollution Board Issues Show Cause for Withdrawal of its Consent orders allowing operation of 3 more beneficiation plants
The Goa Foundation’s application before the NGT led to an order for closure of the Vedanta beneficiation plants at Codli mining lease. These were being operated without an environment clearance. Vedanta moved the Supreme Court and obtained a stay. However, in the meanwhile, the two year permit (challenged by the Goa Foundation before the High Court) issued by the Directorate of mines and geology expired, and was not renewed, hence the two plants had to close.
Thereafter, the MOEF&CC issued an office memorandum which made it clear that such plants cannot be granted consent to operate unless they have an EC under the EIA notification of 2006.
The Goa Foundation in the meanwhile on 8th march 2021 filed formal complaints against the Vedanta beneficiation plants at Amone and Surla, and the Fomento plant at Santona, asking for their closure on the same grounds. These plants have also been functioning on the basis of illegal permits issued by the Chief Inspector of Factories and Boilers.
It has taken several months for the Pollution Board to act. Finally, show cause notices for withdrawal of the consent orders have been issued.