Panel Cites Presence Of Lions In The Area As One Of The Reasons For Suggesting Plant Relocation
The roar of Asiatic lions in Samadhiala Bandhara in Mahuva may have influenced ministry of environment and forest’s recommendation to the Supreme Court for relocation of the Nirma cement plant.
The expert appraisal committee, headed by former provice-chancellor of Delhi University C R Babu, has observed that apart from other eco-sensitive hazards, the presence of lions in the area was also one of the reasons for the relocation of the plant.
The MoEF in an affidavit filed on Tuesday told the SC that Nirma’s Bhavnagar cement plant has to relocate since it is in eco-sensitive wetland. The expert panel was formed following directives from the SC to study whether the plant was in a wetland
The 88-page report of the committee states: “It may also be noted that Mahuva taluka also harbours Asiatic lions and four of them are spotted in and around the Bandhara water body which is the site of the Nirma plant.” The April 2010 census has shown presence of 33 lions in Mahuva and nearby areas.
The report noted that in 10 km radius of the plant there is a reserved forest, which is home to critically endangered vulture species. It states that the plant will affect onion production because of pollution by the unit.
By :Times of india
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