Groups opposing POSCO's mega steel project in Odisha today welcomed the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) order suspending the green clearance granted to the South Korean major by the Environment Ministry.
The NGT order "exemplifies the strength of our democracy and the independence of various institutions of democracy," POSCO Pratirodh Sangram Samiti said in a statement.
"We are confident that at the end of the day the voice of people will be victorious," it said.
President of Lok Sakti Abhiyan and petitioner in the NGT against POSCO Prafulla Samantara described it as the victory of the people of Dhinkia, Gadakujanga and Nuagaon Gram Panchyats of Jagatsinghpur where the project is located.
"The women and children of the struggle deserve special thanks for the sacrifice they have made and also for inspiring the whole nation," he said.
In its order yesterday, the NGT said, "The environment clearance granted on January 31, 2011 to the project shall remain suspended till such review and appraisal is done by the ministry".
The tribunal has pointed out that memorandum of understanding between the Odisha government and POSCO states that the project is for production of 12 million tonnes of steel per annum (MTPA) but the environment impact assessment (EIA) report has been prepared only for 4 MTPA steel production in the first phase.
