EC mandatory for airport, port projects
All airport projects including greenfield projects would require environmental clearance, according to the new draft National Environment Policy.
By PTI |
NEW DELHI: All airport projects including greenfield projects would require environmental clearance, according to the new draft National Environment Policy.
Earlier, environmental clearance (EC) was required for new airports with an investment of more than Rs 100 crore and expansion projects with an investment of Rs 50 crore.
Now, it is proposed that all airport projects will have to get environment clearance ".... it would seem appropriate for all greenfield projects and other airports in which a major expansion of area is taking place to require to take such clearance," the draft said.
It, however, exempts the Airport Authority from EC for every construction project.
Similarly, for port projects too the draft states that ECs would be required for all projects, those above five million tonnes at the central level and below that at the state level.
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All developmental activities in ports like deepening of channels, extension of existing berths, installation of equipment, improvement of rail and road network would require clearance.With regard to industrial estates and SEZs, the draft proposes to include all industrial complexes including SEZs within the purview of the notification if the complex houses any unit which by itself requires EC, irrespective of the size of the complex.
However, industrial estates of less than 500 ha would not require any clearance and the exemption for small SEZs, particularly those housing gems and jewellery or biotech and IT units.
Procedures for environmental clearance for construction of roadways and highways would continue to be the same (new projects with investment of Rs 100 crore and expansion or modernisation with investment of Rs 50 crore).
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Additionally, clearance would be required at the Central level if the expanded ROW (right-of-way) is more than 20 metres and the length of the highway is more than 30 kms. Clearance at the state level would be needed if the length is less than 30 kms.In case of real estate and house construction there is no objection to EC of new national highways and state highways like when the alignment is new, as in the case of an expressway or when an extensive bypass is being constructed.
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"There is little justification for requiring environmental clearance for conversion of roads from double to four or six lane unless the road passes through eco-sensitive areas such as wildlife sanctuaries," the draft said.The draft policy has been sent to the Planning Commission to consider the suggestions made in the draft regarding ports, highways, airports and mineral prospecting and residential, non-residential construction.
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