The fate of South Korean giant Poscos Rs 54,000 crore integrated steel plant in Orissa hangs in balance with a green panel on Friday recommending to the environment ministry to temporarily reject the nod given to the project citing alleged infringement of Forest Rights Act. However,when contacted,Ramesh said he was not aware of such suggestions from the Forest Appraisal Committee (FAC) noting that he was yet to get the report. He said that decision in the Posco case will be taken within a couple of weeks. It is a complex issue.facts are being considered and we will take an integrated call and final view on it which will be fair and balanced. We have to review recommendations of the FAC and the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) on infrastructure and coastal regulation zone (CRZ). However,it is clear that we would not take months to decide its fate. The decision will be taken within a couple of weeks, Ramesh said on the sidelines of a function here. In a bid to avoid further questions on the issue,he maintained that the FAC was a statutory body and as a minister he would not intervene into its decision. However,sources in the environment ministry said the FAC has suggested temporary rejection of the forest clearance to the project which may make things difficult for Posco in getting nod for the steel plant. Ramesh will take a final call in the matter,they said. The FAC,which was divided on the issue,took a long time in finalising its decision and held a series of meetings. Several members were reluctant to give a clean chit to the project,the sources said.
