New Delhi, Jul 30 (PTI) Twenty infrastructure projects or activities located wholly or partly in a protected area or eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) or eco-sensitive area (ESA) were granted environment clearances (EC) between financial years 2024-26, Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh said in Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
The minister, in a written reply to a question raised by DMDK MP LK Sudhish, said that before getting the EC, “such proposals (involving tiger reserves or other protected areas) have to undergo a stringent, multi-tier scrutiny and approval process”.
The first tier involves the Environment Ministry’s expert appraisal committee (EAC) or the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) examining the proposal.
The second tier consists of competent bodies and authorities seeking wildlife clearance under the relevant provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, read with the ministry’s guidelines and the directions of the courts, the minister said.
“In accordance with the appraisal carried out by the Expert Appraisal Committee at the Centre/ State/UT level, as applicable, project-specific environmental safeguards as part of the Environmental Clearance conditions to avoid, minimise and mitigate adverse environmental impacts are prescribed,” he added.
According to the minister, these safeguards include measures related to wildlife protection, habitat conservation, pollution control, compensatory plantation, and environmental monitoring. PTI ALC APL
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