According to the Ministry, some projects experienced a long gestation period because of several variables that were beyond the control project proponents.
According to the Ministry, some projects experienced a long gestation period because of several variables that were beyond the control project proponents.
In order to ease the norms for infrastructure projects the Union environment minister has extended the tenure for environmental clearances (EC), granted for existing or new projects.
The EC for river-valley projects will now have a 13-year validity. Nuclear power projects or those involving nuclear fuel processing will have a 15 year validity. Other than river valley projects and mining, ECs will be valid for a further 10 years.
The Ministry explained that the gestation period of nuclear power and hydropower projects was high due to geological surprise, delays in forest clearing, land acquisitions, rehabilitation and relocation, etc. which are often beyond project proponents’ control. The Central Government therefore extends the validity of Environmental Clearance for such projects.
An EC is a lengthy process that is required for projects exceeding a certain size. It often involves an environment assessment of a potential project, and sometimes public hearings involving local residents who may be affected by the project.
Nevertheless, in other cases, due to the delay in addressing local concerns, including environmental issues, the Central Government deems necessary to extend the validity such ECs. The notification dated August 12 Thadded.
An EC requires that a project begin construction within the time it has been granted. If not, a new process must be initiated. This makes projects financially unviable.
Mining leases can now be granted for up to fifty year, while the Environment Clearance can be used for up to thirty years. The note states that the Central Government believes it is necessary to align the validity mining ECs. This is currently permissible up until a maximum period of thirty years, subject review and appropriate environmental safeguards.
