Big relief for Adani group, SC sets aside NGT order on Adani Hazira Port

In a relief to the Adani Group, the Supreme Court has set aside the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) order cancelling the environmental clearance granted to Adani’s port in Hazira, Surat. In 2016, the NGT had set aside the 2013 environmental clearance of the port following a petition against Adani Hazira Port Pvt Ltd by fishermen group — Hazira Macchimar Samiti. The Samiti had alleged before NGT that the port developer had commenced construction work in 2010, reclaiming port backup area and constructing berths without transfer of environmental clearance or seeking fresh Coastal Regulation Zone permission.

The Adani Hazira Port had filed an appeal against the order in Supreme Court, which set aside the NGT direction in its order dated April 23, 2018.

“The counsel for the parties state that the matter has been settled for the satisfaction of the fishermen who have also been paid adequate compensation. We are also informed that mangroves have been planted at some other place. In view thereof, since the order of the tribunal has been worked out, the embargo placed in the judgment stands removed and is set aside,” the SC said in its order.

Watch this Zee Business video here:

Adani Group said in a release on Wednesday that following the Supreme Court order, the environmental clearance granted to Adani Hazira Port Pvt Ltd stands restored.

The release said that the apex court had also ordered return of Rs 25 crore along with the accrued interest to Adani Hazira Port, which it had deposited with the Surat collector after the NGT order.

Adani Group had contended that the NGT had not given reasons to support its order.

Source: DNA India