Environmental Clearance :
The Indian government has made significant strides in streamlining the process for obtaining environmental clearance, bringing the average time down to an impressive under 90 days in 2021, compared to over 150 days in 2019. This achievement has been met with mixed reactions, with some lauding the efficiency boost while others raise concerns about potential environmental compromises.
Here's a closer look at the key initiatives driving this faster turnaround:
1. Technology-driven solutions:
Parivesh portal: The online platform Parivesh facilitates application submission, document management, and status tracking, enhancing transparency and streamlining workflows.
Automated modules: Specific modules for expansion or modernization of industries with no pollution increase expedite clearances.
Online generation of clearances: Unique ID numbers and automated clearance generation reduce manual processing and delays.
2. Streamlined processes:
Revised EIA notification: Aligned with the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2021, the notification clarifies project categories and clearance requirements.
Improved coordination: Enhanced communication between state and central authorities reduces bureaucratic bottlenecks.
Focus on low-impact projects: Fast-tracking clearances for projects with minimal environmental impact further improves overall efficiency.
3. Motivators for effectiveness:
State-by-State Ranking: To promote healthy competition and best practices, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) ranks states according to removal speed.
Award for fast-trackers: The MoEFCC grants recognition to states and authorities who routinely obtain expedited clearances.
Challenges and concerns:
While the faster clearances are welcome for businesses and infrastructure development, some environmentalists raise concerns about potential compromises:
Rushed assessments: Reduced timeframes could lead to inadequate environmental impact assessments and missed ecological risks.
Public participation: Compressing public hearing timelines might limit community involvement and raise concerns about transparency.
Focus on speed over quality: Prioritizing speed over thorough evaluation could lead to environmental issues down the line.
The next phase is:
It's critical to strike the correct balance between environmental protection and efficiency. The government needs to keep honing its strategy by:
Upholding strict environmental standards: Public consultations and environmental protections cannot be sacrificed in the name of process simplification.
Increasing the capability of environmental impact assessment teams through training and resource allocation will guarantee high-caliber assessments completed on time.
Accountability and transparency: Sustaining transparent dialogue regarding project particulars, evaluations, and choices cultivates confidence and guarantees conscientious progress.
Final Words :
The Indian government's success in reducing the average time for environmental clearances to under 90 days is undoubtedly commendable. This swiftness offers a much-needed boost to businesses and infrastructure development, potentially accelerating economic growth. However, this efficiency must not come at the expense of environmental protection.
Striking the right balance between speed and sustainability is crucial. While streamlining processes is essential, environmental safeguards and public consultations must remain rigorous and inclusive.
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