The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), draft notification S.O. 195 (E) dated 19th January 2009, proposes to make certain changes in the Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006.
The changes proposed are wide ranging and will have implications on the environmental security of the country. Though the changes have been projected as a way towards making the notification more comprehensive, increase societa l vigil of projects, simplify procedure and enhance powers of states with respect to certain types of clearances, in reality, these changes will dilute the process of environmental clearance further and making EIA an ineffective tool. It is also important to understand that we need a strong EIA as it is better to scrutinise a project, before key decisions are taken. A weak and inconsequential EIA, we believe, will also lead to more conflict and more delays in implementing the project.
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