Contesting the Environment Ministry’s claim that the Centre had not waived a ₹200-crore fine imposed on Adani Port and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ) in Mundra, the Congress said the Narendra Modi government had favoured the company by allowing it to damage ecology.

Party spokesperson and former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said the UPA government had asked the APSEZ not construct a port at North Mundra and imposed a fine of ₹200 crore for the environmental damage caused by constructions in the area. “RTI documents obtained by us reveal that the Narendra Modi government favoured Adani to flout environment norms (sic). Modi chants Adani eva Jayate instead of Satyameva Jayate,” Ramesh said.

He said the decision to let off APSEZ was taken in 2015.

“Who will be responsible for the heavy damage to the environment in the area?” Ramesh asked. “When the reports appeared in the public domain, the Modi government said they had done no such thing. But if one takes a look at the Ministry’s files, it’s absolutely clear that the decision to not enforce the ₹200-crore fine and the recommendations of an expert committee to restore the environment in Mundra port have been completely sabotaged,” Ramesh added.

After reports that the Centre had waived the penalty, the Environment Ministry on Sunday denied having taken such a decision.

“It is amply clear that MoEF&CC (the Environment Ministry) has not withdrawn its demand for ₹200 crore restoration fund. The decision of the ministry is much more stringent than asking for ₹200 crore from APSEZL,” the statement had said.

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