Forest Min for 'comprehensive review' of of clearance process

Forest Min for 'comprehensive review' of of clearance process

 

CENTRAL Government appears to be in a process of simplifying the process for forest and environmental clearance. Prakash Javadekar. Minister for Environment. Forests and Climate Change, gave indications in this regard in a meeting of officials of Forest Department and other agencies, held here on Sunday.
Javadekar visited CSIR-National Environmental Engineering
Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) and held a meeting of scientists of CSIR-NEERI. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, officials from Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). MOIL Limited. Western Coalfields Limited, and Indian Bureau of Mines.

After taking stock of the situation. Javadekar sought suggestions on simplifying the procedures for obtaining environment and forest clearances. To further improve and expedite the environmental clearance process and make it more effective. lime-bound, and transparent, Javadekar emphasised on its 'comprehensive review. He desired lo discuss the matter again with the officials of Maharashtra Forest Department.

Javadekar discussed various issues related to compliance of environmental regulations, status of pending proposals in environment and forest departments, and issues to be resolved immediately by Central Government, with reference to Vidarbha. He also took stock of the forest area of Nagpur.

The Minister expressed concern over dilapidated condition of Centra I Museum of Nagpur city, and stressed on concrete efforts to rejuvenate it. In response to another issue. Javadekar warned that industries not meeting environmental standards would not be permitted to operate further.

Hema Deshpande, Sub-Regional Officer. MPCB. stressed that Nagpur city's sewage treatment capacity needed to be increased as only 100 MLD of sewage was treated as against 600 MLD generated. A K Saxena, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, informed that 20 proposals were pending for forest clearance with Forest Department. 55 with Central Government. and seven were awaiting wildlife clearance.
Earlier. Javadekar visited "Lab to Land" exhibition organised by CSIR-NEERI. He also interacted with scientists and took cognisance of research and development activities.
The exhibition displayed various technologies under the themes "Clean Air Mission. 'Clean Water Mission'. 'Waste to Wealth'. 'Transformation of Barren Lands into Productive Lands'. 'Wastewater Treatment. Recycle and Reuse'. Renewable Energy". 'Ecosystem Restoration", etc.

Posted in: News 2014