Chennai: Having suffered a setback from the National Green Tribunal, the India Neutrino Observatory (INO) team has now approached the Kerala government to obtain the clearance.
Labelling as a category ‘A’ project, the southern bench of the National Green Tribunal recently shot down the Environmental Clearance (EC) obtained by the INO team from the ministry of environment, forests and climate change (MoEFCC), stating it as a ‘B’ category project.
The team had, thus, surpassed the mandatory rules of conducting a public hearing and an Environmental Impact Assessment from an authorised body. Defying the tribunal’s direction of filing a fresh EC, the team had allegedly approached the National Board of Wild Life, Kerala, to seek permission, said sources at the board.
Petitioner, G. Sundar Rajan of Poovulin Nanbargal, told DC, “It is important to get a wildlife clearance as the proposed project at Theni is just 4.5 kilometres away from the Mathikettan Shola National Park in Idukki district of Kerala. But, the primary step is to obtain an EIA through a fresh application. The EIA should be taken to the project affected people and their concerns should be heard.”
Sundar Rajan said that he would take legal steps if the project is commenced, without following the requisite steps. Spokesperson for the INO project had not responded to the calls made by the Deccan Chronicle.
