Another OCCRP Revelation: Vedanta Ran ‘Covert’ Lobbying Campaign to Weaken Environmental Regulations During Pandemic 2023

Another OCCRP Revelation: Vedanta Ran ‘Covert’ Lobbying Campaign to Weaken Environmental Regulations During Pandemic 2023

The Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has disclosed the results of a new investigation into Vedanta Ltd., a global mining giant with offices in Mumbai, in response to new claims against Adani Group.

According to a report released by OCCRP on Thursday, Vedanta engaged in ‘covert’ lobbying during the Covid-19 outbreak to undercut important environmental rules. It further stated that the modifications were authorised by the Indian government without seeking input from the general public and were carried out using means that experts consider to be unlawful.

Additionally, the investigation noted that Cairn India, a division of Vedanta’s oil company, sought to have public hearings on exploratory drilling on oil blocks that the company had acquired through government auctions cancelled. Since then, despite local resistance, six of Cairn’s oil projects in Rajasthan have been authorised.

It claimed that Vedanta spearheaded an effort in one instance to guarantee that mining firms could produce up to 50% more without obtaining fresh environmental licences. What actually occurred, then? Anil Agarwal, the chairman of Vedanta Resources Ltd., reportedly wrote a letter to Prakash Javadekar, the then-environment minister, in January 2021 stating that the government could give India’s economic recovery “impetus” by allowing mining companies to increase production by up to 50% without needing to obtain new environmental clearances.

According to Agarwal’s letter, the move could be implemented with “a simple notification,” and will immediately increase production and economic growth in addition to generating significant income for the government and creating a large number of employment, according to the OCCRP story. The environment ministry relaxed rules later in 2022 to let mining corporations expand production by up to 50% without having to undergo public hearings.

Internal records and government sources reveal Vedanta’s lobbying was crucial, according to OCCRP, despite the fact that the leader of a significant industry lobby organisation and India’s mining secretary also called for the laws to be relaxed. OCCRP claimed to have read through hundreds of government data received through FOI requests, including internal memoranda, minutes from meetings held behind closed doors, and even letters like the one from Anil Agarwal.

In response, Vedanta informed OCCRP that it operated “with an objective of import substitution by enhancing domestic production in a sustainable manner” and was “one of the leading natural resources organisations in India.”

Vedanta addressed a letter to OCCRP with the following statement: “In view of the same, continuous representations are submitted for consideration to the Government in the best interest of national development and India’s march towards self-reliance in natural resources.”

The research said that it is unclear if any particular Vedanta operation has profited from the new mining regulations. It further said that OCCRP had discovered proof that Vedanta had contributed significantly to the BJP. According to contribution records submitted to India’s electoral commission by the BJP and one of the entities, two entities connected to a Vedanta subsidiary contributed a total of Rs 43.5 crore rupees (about $6.16 million) to the party between 2016 and 2020.

In a shocking revelation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), global mining conglomerate Vedanta has been exposed for allegedly running a covert lobbying campaign aimed at weakening environmental regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The OCCRP investigation sheds light on the intersection of corporate interests and environmental safeguards, highlighting the potentially detrimental impact on ecosystems and communities that depend on them. This article delves into the details of the OCCRP report, exploring the implications of Vedanta’s actions and the broader context of corporate influence on environmental policies.

Vedanta Resources Limited, headquartered in London, is a major player in the global mining industry, with operations spanning multiple countries and commodities. The company is involved in the extraction of minerals like zinc, copper, iron ore, and aluminum. Operating in diverse geographical areas, Vedanta is subject to a range of environmental regulations that are intended to mitigate the ecological impact of its activities.

The OCCRP investigation alleges that Vedanta conducted a clandestine lobbying campaign aimed at weakening environmental regulations in various countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As governments grappled with the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic, the mining giant purportedly saw an opportunity to exploit the situation for its benefit.

The campaign is said to have involved discreet communications with government officials, industry associations, and influential stakeholders, urging them to relax environmental norms under the pretext of economic recovery.

The OCCRP report suggests that Vedanta’s alleged covert lobbying campaign could have severe implications for environmental safeguards. Regulatory standards are put in place to ensure responsible and sustainable resource extraction, safeguarding ecosystems, biodiversity, and local communities.

Weakening these regulations, especially during a crisis, could potentially lead to irreversible damage to fragile ecosystems, deforestation, water pollution, and harm to indigenous communities who rely on these resources for their livelihoods.

The case of Vedanta highlights the ongoing conflict between corporate interests and environmental protection. Corporations often advocate for reduced regulatory burdens in the name of economic growth and job creation. While these claims hold merit, it is crucial to strike a balance between economic development and environmental preservation.

The pandemic has magnified this tension, as governments face pressures to stimulate economic recovery while also safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Vedanta’s alleged covert lobbying campaign raises concerns about its impact on the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs aim to address global challenges, including environmental conservation, poverty reduction, and economic growth.

Weakening environmental regulations in pursuit of short-term economic gains could undermine progress toward these goals, leading to long-term social, economic, and environmental repercussions.

The OCCRP report underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in corporate practices. Transparency ensures that lobbying efforts are conducted openly and in compliance with legal and ethical standards.

By shedding light on covert activities, journalists and investigative organizations play a vital role in holding corporations accountable for their actions and advocating for policies that prioritize the common good over narrow interests.

The OCCRP’s revelation of Vedanta’s alleged covert lobbying campaign to weaken environmental regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic raises crucial questions about the relationship between corporate power and environmental protection.

As the world grapples with both the pandemic and the urgent need for sustainable development, it is imperative that governments, civil society, and corporations work together to strike a balance between economic growth and ecological integrity. This case serves as a reminder that the pursuit of profit must not come at the expense of our planet and its inhabitants.