Vedanta Univ: MoEF keeps green signal on hold

However,in its Tuesday order,the ministry said it has received information alleging irregularities,illegal,unethical and unlawful deeds by the Foundation. The ministry also said it has received information that serious objections raised at a Orissa Coastal Zone Management Authority meeting were not appropriately considered in granting the CRZ and environmental clearance.

A ministry official said the CRZ and environmental clearance passed on April 16 thus would be kept in abeyance till the ministry took a final decision.

The university,proposed over an area of 6892 acres,is already at the centre of a controversy with Orissa Lok Pal Justice P K Patra recommending appointment of a competent authority to probe and inquire into the land deal for the proposed institution.

In his report,the Lok Pal indicted the Naveen Patnaik government,particularly the chief minister’s office,and accused four senior government officials of acting hastily in handing over the land to the Foundation.

The Lok Pal had noted that since the Foundation was not a public company under the Companies Act,the state government’s acquisition of land for the university was illegal. The government was also asked to find out the people and public servants responsible for advancing the cause of the Foundation in haste without compliance of the provisions of various laws.