The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has extended by three months the term of the committee headed by environmentalist Sunita Narain, which was formed in September to investigate alleged violations of environmental laws by the Adani Port and Special Economic Zone in Mundra, Kutch.
The MoEF is also learned to have said that the committee should ideally visit the site after the Assembly elections conclude in December, but has not curbed it from carrying out preliminary investigations.
The state government had urged that the committee’s visit be postponed till elections.
Narain said Monday she would summon all the parties involved, including the company, government officials and the complainants, for a hearing in New Delhi on November 19 and 20.
“The state government should be able to send its representatives for this hearing. I am sure the entire state machinery and all officials will not to take part in preparing for the elections,” she said.
Sources said the committee may visit Kutch in January.