In a major setback to Nirma’s proposed controversial cement plant, the Supreme Court of India today ordered formation of five-member independent expert committee to check whether the land allotted to Nirma company is wasteland or water body.

The five-member team will visit the ground and take assessment. The team will submit its report in eight weeks.

Supreme Court denied stay on Environment ministry’s notice to Nirma. The court directed Nirma company to withdraw its petition on same pending in the Gujarat High Court.

Crux of the judgment

-The Supreme court bench of Chief Justice of India SH Kapadia and Justices KS Panicker Radhakrishnan and Swatanter Kuma directed fresh assessment by a panel of five expert scientists appointed by Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) who will visit the site for spot assessment.

-Meanwhile the construction of the plant will remain in abeyance.

-The expert body report will answer the following questions :

– Whether the lands in question were wetlands/water bodies?

– Whether project could come upon such a wetland/water body? If so what would be its impact in terms of environment degradation?

– If at all, the project should come up on such wet lands/ water bodies, what steps should the user agency take for environmental safeguards?

– What is the precise stage of projects?

-The panel would submit its report in eight weeks to the MoEF.

-MoEF will then appraise the apex court of the findings and conclusions on the next hearing listed for May 10.