Jaiprakash Associates has received clearance from environment ministry for its expansion of its cement plant in Madhya Pradesh. The ministry has recommended clearance, with certain riders, for the project in the Sidhi district, Madhya Pradesh, where the company operates a two million tonnes per annum (MTPA) plant. The Jaypee Group firm proposes to augment the existing capacity to 3.5 MTPA by putting up one additional unit of 1.5 MTPA within the same facility. The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) recommended the proposal for environmental clearance subject to stipulation of specific conditions. The conditions include developing a green belt in at least 33 per cent area in and around the plant and earmarking at least 5 per cent of the total cost of the project towards the enterprise social commitment. Jaiprakash Associates plans to put up the new plant on 10 hectares and invest Rs 60 crore to put pollution control measures in place.