Make model villages in project areas: Environment ministry's committee

NEW DELHI: The environment ministry's committee that looks into appraisal of all industry sector projects has called on every project proponent to adopt a village in impacted areas and convert it into a ‘ model village in an attempt to get industry to participate in stronger and environmentally relevant CSR initiatives.

It has also said that 2.5% of project capital cost should be earmarked towards environmental conservation.

While some corporate houses already adopt villages in project-impacted areas or help bring in development measures, the Modi government has been pushing almost all stakeholders towards greater public participation and social commitment and especially village adoption schemes.

The Expert Appraisal Committee (Environment Impact assessment division) for environmental appraisal of Industry sector projects has said in its meeting held on 28-30th December 2015 that “the project proponent should be insisted for adopting a village in the project impacted area for converting the same in a model village having all social amenities i.e., electricity (solar lights and use of LED bulbs), clean drinking water, sanitation etc”.

This proposal towards ‘social commitment’ will be incorporated as a specific Term of Reference (ToR) at scoping stage and will be considered by the Committee when the project is considered for environment clearance.

This Committee has also ‘unanimously agreed for uniform earmarking 2.5% of the capital cost of the project towards Environmental Conservation Activities, in addition to the committee’s commitment under the Companies Act”.

ET View

Need to Track Action Taken

Setting up targets for improvements in the projectaffected areas is a good idea.

But these targets should not be in lieu of measures that project developers must take to mitigate environmental impact. Neither should improvement efforts be focused on a single habitation or village.

Fixing a financial outlay does not guarantee action. Instead, the environment ministry must ensure that every project developer submits and implements an environmental management plan that will include measures such as provision of clean drinking water, proper sanitation facilities. Failure to meet the targets should attract penalties.