SMT.K.G.MITTAL INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH.

MALAD (WEST), MUMBAI-400064

ASSIGNMENT ON RECOMMENDATIONS FOR VEDANTA PROJECT

SUBJECT: - ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT

SUBMITTED BY Sameer Gupta MMS-II (2011-2012)

Environment management Case Details. Vedanta

Answer for the case
Vedanta which has set up Alumina Refinery at foot of Niyangiri Orissa was mainly established for purpose of Extraction of Bauxite. Problem existing in the case 1. Vedanta violated various environment protection and related acts regarding the project which had caused problem to Dongria Kondh tribe residing there. 2. Proper Information regarding Details was not given to the people of that area. 3. National Advisory council investigating the case states that it has violated environmental norms necessary for forest protection. 4. Data presented by EIA 2002 was inadequate in many sense. a) About how many people could be affected by mining activities? b) Nor about ways in which these communities use water, wood and other natural resources c) About Impact of outsiders on communities living close to mine site. 5. Data presented by EIA 2005 On Bauxite

Only Benefits of Project for People living in area of 5km were listed a) Rise in Literacy b) Employment c) Social Status d) Civic Amenities . e) Health Care (how this would be achieved was not mentioned in the report) I. II. III. Impact on Air and Noise was not considered Amount of water usage was not mentioned Only one Impact regarding 50% population increase in the area was listed.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Ensure that there is no expansion of the refinery and mining does not go ahead until existing problems are resolved. Ensure that Vedanta Aluminium undertakes a comprehensive clean-up of the pollution it has already caused and any person whose human rights have been violated has access to justice and to an effective remedy and reparations. Ensure that all applicable regulations, including those related to water and air pollution are enforced consistently and transparently. To carry out a full social, environmental and human rights impact assessment of the proposal for expansion of the alumina refinery and bauxite mining project, in adequate consultation with the affected communities. Carry out systematic health monitoring on the possible health effects of pollution associated with the refinery and take appropriate action to address negative health impacts. Introduce strict penalties and/or disqualify projects where the EIA requirements are not met or where proper and effective environmental management plans are not implemented. Set up a process to seek the free, prior and informed consent of the Dongria Kondh for the proposed mining project. Ensure respect for and protection of the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly; the policing of protest actions should be fully consistent with human rights law and standards, including in relation to the rights to freedom of expression and assembly and the use of force.

People

People living in the Dongria Kondh have full right to get information regarding activities carried out in that area .

Right of Information as per (ICCPR) gives freedom to people/ villagers to know the activities performed out there which states what are the activities of the project whether it will affect them.

People of this area should also remain aware of the activities for protection of environment regarding Land water and minerals extraction from that area.

If the activities are in favor of National Interest it should be supported considering all situations to be favorable like company is following all rules and regulations of environment protection acts.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO VEDANTA

Adopt leading international industry methods for managing the environmental impacts of bauxite mining and alumina refining. Ensure that any displacement or land loss is fully compensated, regardless of formal land ownership. Urgently and fully address the existing negative environmental, health, social and human rights impacts of the Lanjigarh refinery in genuine and open consultation with the affected communities and the relevant state authorities in Orissa. Make a clear commitment to respect the right to free, prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples. Put in place policies and process to ensure that all affected individuals have timely access to full information about projects that may affect them. Recognise cultural values attached to the proposed mine site. Ensure full disclosure of impact assessments in a format that is accessible to those affected, as well as full disclosure of management and implementation plans to address the findings of the assessment.

y y

RECOMMENDATIONS TO BANKERS AND INVESTORS y Express concern to Vedanta Resources about the actual and potential impact of its operations in Orissa on human rights and call on Vedanta Resources to implement the above recommendations. Ask Vedanta Resources to report regularly on its progress to address the risks and human rights concerns surrounding its operations in Orissa. Develop an engagement and escalation strategy that will bring about changes in Vedantas conduct, including effective forms of pressure and sanctions. Call for a suspension of all plans to mine or expand the refinery until the human rights issues are properly addressed. Call on Vedanta Resources to publicly commit to ensuring that adequate human rights impact assessments are carried out for all its operations; that such impact assessments are taken fully into account in decision-making processes which respect human rights; and that the information is made accessible and available to the affected communities.