Govt transfers green nod of earlier blocks to Hindalco, GMR

Hindalco Industries and GMR need not apply for fresh environment clearances (EC) for four blocks allotted to them in the recent auction as the government has transferred to them the approvals granted to the earlier allottees.

In a bid to expedite operations from the recently allocated coal mines, the Environment Ministry had amended EC norms after a request made by the Coal Ministry to facilitate transfer of ECs to successful coal bidders.

"We have transferred the ECs of three coal blocks -- Kathautia project, Gare IV/4 and Gare IV/5 -- to Mumbai-based Hindalco Industries. We have also transferred the EC of Talabira-I project to Bangalore-based GMR Chhattisgarh Energy," a senior Environment Ministry official told PTI.

The ministry transfered the ECs last month to these two companies with some conditions, the official added. "Any change in scope of work will attract the provision of Environment Protection Act (EPA) 1986 and Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification 2006 in conjunction with the subsequent amendments/circular," said the letters sent to these two companies.