The ambitious Rs. 1.5 lakh crore steel project proposed by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India Limited (AMNSIL) in Andhra Pradesh has encountered a setback after the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change deferred its environmental clearance. The delay stems from ambiguity surrounding new siting guidelines introduced earlier this year under notification GSR 85(E). The committee has sought further clarification from the ministry’s Controller of Pollution Division before proceeding.