Independent Environment Regulator

Why is it in News?
  • Supreme Court asked government to explain why it had not set up an independent environment regulator to oversee environmental clearances.
Details:
  • SC previous order:
(1) SC had asked to set a national environmental regulatory body to supervise green clearances in 2011.
(2) The order was given during ‘Lafarge Mining Case’.
(3) Identification of an area as forest area is solely based on declaration to be filed by the user agency. 
(4) User agency is required to take Environmental Impact Assessment by an expert body/institution.
(5) Till such mechanism was put in place, the environment ministry should prepare a panel of an accredited institutions.
(6) User agency should obtain rapid EIA from that panel within terms of reference formulated by ministry. 
  • Present SC observations:
(1) Wildlife Board of India has not met in 6 years.
(2) The government has not appointed a national environmental regulator to oversee green clearances.
Source: The Hindu
Posted by Jawwad Kazi on 10th Mar 2021
<< Previous Next >>