May 11: In a major setback to the Rs 15,000-crore Vedanta University Project (VUP), the Union ministry of environment and forests on Tuesday asked the Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), the promoter, not to proceed for any construction and development works till objections and complaints raised against the projects were heard.
In a letter to the AAF, the ministry said it had received allegations of irregularities; illegal, unethical and unlawful deeds by the foundation.
Besides, it stated that serious objections raised during Orissa Coastal Zone Management Authority meeting had not been appropriately considered in granting the aforesaid Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and environmental clearance.
“The above issues are relevant and important and predict a detail examination. Therefore, the environment and CRZ clearance issued on April 16, 2010 shall be kept in abeyance till a final decision in the matter is taken by the ministry,” the letter said.