PTI reported that the National Green Tribunal has issued notices to the Centre and Odisha on a plea alleging that iron ore refining company Brahmani River Pellets Ltd, promoted by UK based Stemcor Group, is drawing water from river Baitarani without environmental clearance.

A NGT bench, comprising acting chairman Justice Mr AS Naidu and expert member Mr PC Mishra has also issued a notice to BRPL on the application filed by a Orissa native Mr Murli Manohar Sharma.

The Tribunal has directed the river water not be used contrary to the agreement between the state government and BRPL which has been ordered not to go ahead with its project without obtaining environmental clearance.

The bench has said that “Heard. Admit. Let notice be issued to the respondents. The water from river Baitarani shall not be used contrary to the agreement. Respondent 4 shall not go ahead with construction of the project without obtaining environment clearance.”