Vedanta Ltd.’s aluminium plant in Jharsuguda, Odisha, faces intense regulatory scrutiny over unauthorized groundwater extraction. The state’s water resources department demanded a detailed report on the plant’s water usage history since its construction.
This action follows a complaint alleging illegal groundwater use without required environmental approvals. The Central Ground Water Board requested a joint committee to investigate these claims.
The Odisha government previously issued a demand notice for approximately ₹233.11 crore. This notice cited unauthorized water extraction from the Bheden river system.
Vedanta contested the earlier demand. However, the new investigation signals escalating regulatory pressure on the company’s operations in the state.