ORDER

The Issue

1. Issue involved in this batch of appeals is validity of Environmental Clearances (EC) dated 11.4.2022 and 12.4.2022 to two interconnected projects - integrated steel plant (with cement and power plants) and a jetty project near Paradeep Port in Orissa mainly on the ground that appraisal conducted by the Expert Appraisal Committee is procedurally as well as substantively erroneous and detrimental to the environment inter alia for the reason that water will be sourced from the river which is source of water supply to the inhabitants, apart from adding pollution to the already polluted area, result in reducing forest cover and affect flora and fauna in eco sensitive area. Identical project was earlier proposed by POSCO Company which did not proceed due to objections.

2. This Tribunal considered the EC to the Posco project in Appeal No. 8/2011 filed by the present appellant vide judgment dated 30.03.2012 and inter alia commented upon adverse impacts particularly those highlighted by Ms. Meena Gupta, former Secretary, Environment. It was particularly mentioned that water supply source to the downstream will be seriously impacted affecting the drinking water sources. The s