New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) Activists of environment group, Greenpeace, Thursday accused the central government of inaction over checking the threat of ecological damage posed by a port in Orissa and sought immediate action.
Demanding action to prevent environmental damage due to the Dhamra port in Orissa, Greenpeace activists released documents to prove the alleged negligence and double standards of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.
‘Vedanta was rightly punished for violating the law, but are there different rules for different corporations? Why not extend the law to this joint venture (Dhamra port) between Tata Steel and L&T,’ asked Ashish Fernandes, oceans campaigner with Greenpeace India.
The green group is opposed to the port due to its proximity to the Bhitarkanika and Gahirmatha protected areas in Orissa and the threat posed to the critical habitat for endangered Olive Ridley Turtles and other wildlife.
‘If (environment and forests minister) Jairam Ramesh is serious about enforcing the law impartially, then he and the UPA government owe the public an explanation,’ Fernandes said.
The green activist claimed that over 20 national politicians, earlier this year, wrote to Ramesh asking him to take action on this issue.
‘On April 1, a report of the ministry’s regional office in Bhubaneswar re-confirmed after a site inspection that the port was in violation of the Forest Conservation Act. On May 5, the ministry gave a clean chit to Dhamra port,’ said an activist, producing documents obtained through right to information applications.
