New Delhi:
The Gujarat-based Adani group has been fined Rs. 200 crore by the Union environment ministry, which has accused it of damaging mangroves and creeks while developing a port project.
A committee set up by the green ministry said that the Adani Group, seen as close to Chief Minister
Narendra Modi, has violated several environmental rules in the Mundra port and special trade zone that it runs in the Kutch district. It is India's largest private port.
Officials said a part of the project could face suspension after a more detailed investigation into the alleged violation of environmental clearance norms.
The money from the fine will go into an environment restoration fund for the area.
The committee, headed by environmentalist Sunita Narain, reportedly found widespread destruction of mangroves in 75 hectares of land that had been declared a conservation zone. The company was also blamed for not taking precautions to guard against the blocking of creeks due to construction.
The panel reportedly used remote sensing technology to assess environmental damage over the past decade.
It reported that extensive ecological damage had badly hit the fishing community which depends on the coasts for livelihood.