Odisha High Court Dismisses Jindal Steel's Plea

The Odisha High Court has dismissed a plea by Jindal Steel Limited (JSL) against an order by the forest authority.

The court said that JSL was using a road in the Siddhamatha Reserved Forest for transporting minerals without proper permission.

The court emphasized that economic progress should not harm nature.

The mining lease for the area was originally granted in 1963 and has since been renewed and transferred to different companies.

The current lease was secured by JSL in a state auction, but they lacked the necessary forest clearance for the road.

The court noted that the company had been using the road illegally and had excavated more minerals than permitted.

The court's decision highlights the importance of preserving nature while pursuing economic activities.