Dharna seeking cancellation of eco nod to ECEPL today

http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/07/stories/2011030752360500.htm

Special Correspondent Dharna seeking cancellation of eco nod to ECEPL today Several rights organisations, political parties to participate Officials withhold vital ecological information, alleges Human Rights Forum Declaration of Naupada wetland system as a conservation reserve sought VISAKHAPATNAM: Several rights organisations and political parties will stage a protest dharna at Collectorate here on Monday at 10 a.m. demanding cancellation of the environmental clearance accorded to East Coast Energy Pvt Ltd (ECEPL) for constructing a thermal plant in Kakarapalli wetland in Srikakulam district. The dharna will also press for dropping cases foisted on local people in the wake of incidents witnessed on February 25 and 28. State general secretary of Human Rights Forum (HRF) alleged that right from the beginning, both State officials as well as the project proponents withheld vital ecological information , falsified the ecological significance of the wetland, concealed sensitive information, fabricated data and destroyed evidence. “They continue to treat environmental regulations with contempt. We have been saying all along that the project location conflicts with both livelihood and conservation objectives. However, the government insisted on facilitating the project on this precious wetland, thereby leading to tragic loss of two lives in police firing on February 28. Following the killings, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has only temporarily suspended ECEPL's construction and has called for a meeting of its Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) on March 7 to review the clearance regime for the project,” he stated. HRF demand HRF demanded scrapping of all clearances given to the ECEPL and action against all officials who colluded with the project proponent. The entire land handed over to the ECEPL must be resumed by the government and the Naupada wetland system must be declared a conservation reserve. © Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu