Earmark green areas, conserve turtles, Ramesh tells Posco

New Delhi, Jan 31 (PTI) Earmarking 25 per cent of theproject area as green area and detailed plans for regenerationof mangroves and turtle conservation are among the 60additional conditions that have been set for Posco for itssteel-cum-captive power plant and a minor port in Orissa.

The conditions were outlined in the conditionalclearance given by Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh for themulti-billion dollar project that was kept on hold for thepast few months.

28 additional conditions were set for thesteel-cum-captive power plant while the captive port mustmeet 32 addtional conditions.

Ramesh, who "carefully considered" the recommendationsof the committees appointed to examine green issues, said theNational Ambient Air Quality Standards issued by the Ministryof Environment and Forests will be followed while setting upthe steel-cum-captive power plant.

The minister said a reputed institute will carry outsustainability study of water requirement for the ultimatesteel production capacity of 12 million tonnes per year.

"Should there be a shortfall of water at the JobraBarrage for irrigation purposes, the company will voluntarilysacrifice water intake for facilitating irrigation."

One of the most significant conditions for setting upthe steel-cum-captive power plant is that "the total greenarea within the plant will be 25 percent of its area as perthe guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)."

The Ministry also directed the company to submit its"risk and disaster management plans due to plant operation andnatural hazards such as floods, cyclones and earthquakes."

In his 32 additional conditions for setting up thecaptive minor port, the Minister also made it clear that "noconstruction" would be allowed in the high erosion zone.

Ramesh, who stated late last month that no newinfrastructure projects will be allowed in the high erosioncoastal zone in the country, also emphasized that "noconstruction shall be undertaken" in such places identified bythe Institute of Ocean Management.

"Shoreline protection measures to counter erosion onthe northern side of north breakwater shall be undertaken," hesaid.

"The shoreline shall be protected to ensure that nofurther erosion occurs on the northern side of the NorthernBreakwater up to Paradip port," he said.

The Minister directed POSCO to sign a Memorandum ofUnderstanding (MoU) with the National Institute OfOceanography (NIO) which will include works relating tomonitoring of the shoreline, sand bypass system, beachnourishment and any other activity that has an impact alongthe coast/coastal waters.

"The Institiute for Ocean Management will monitor theprogress periodically on behalf of the MoE&F," the Minister

Directing the company to submit detailed MarineEnvironment Conservation Plan including mangrove regenerationand conservation of turtles and horse shoe crabs, Ramesh said,"the implementation of conservation plan should start beforecommencing of construction of port." PTI TGB GSN