Tuesday, July 20, 2010

New environment clearance norms

The union ministry had imposed many rules for the protection of nature and environment. The department is keen in observing many of them.Now the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has come out with new norms for environmental clearances. As usual it also faces allegations of delaying project approvals.

The Ministry has decided that from July 2010 onwards all final environment impact assessment reports which is essential for any clearance must be prepared only by agencies accredited by the National Accreditation Board of Education and Training and the Quality Council of India. Consultants must include an accreditation certificate with the report for approval.

The Ministry has also decided to put a time limit on the validity of the terms of reference issued to undertake detailed assessment reports, effective from this April. Since these terms are site-specific and dynamic and dependent on site features, land use and the nature of development, they will only be valid for two years. Extension of one year may be possible.

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