PIL accuses two Adani Power firms of violation of green norms

AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat High Court today issued notice to Adani Power Ltd and Adani Port and Special Economic Zone Ltd in response to a public interest litigation which alleges violation of environmental norms in the Mundra tehsil of Kutch district.

The bench of Chief Justice Bhaskar Bhattacharya and Justice J B Pardiwala also sought replies from the state government and the Centre, posting the hearing for July 11.

The PIL, filed by `Kheti Vikas Seva Trust, an organisation of residents of Navinal and Zarpala villages in Mundra tehsil, also alleges non-compliance of conditions set by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests while granting clearances.

"Adani Port Limited has constructed a water outfall channel from the power plant in Kotdi creek area that violates the conditions set by the union government," the PIL says, adding that MoEF had told the company not to do any construction in the creek area.

"Adani Power Limited violated the conditions by constructing outfall channel in the creek area in Mundra which restricted the movement of fishermen from Zarpara and Navinal villages whose livelihood has been affected," the petition claims.

MoEF had also asked Adani Power Limited to build a harbour for local fishermen which the company has not done, the petitioners allege.

The PIL seeks action against these companies and revocation of conditional environmental clearances.

It also wants a direction to the two companies not to discharge waste water in the outfall channel without complying with the conditions stipulated in the environmental clearance.