Green nod for 943 projects in 21 months: Javadekar on environmental clearance

The Union Minister referred to PM Modi's emphasis on climate change that "though India is not part of the problem, it wants to be part of the solution."

The Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Independent Charge), Shri Prakash Javadekar delivering the inaugural address at the 11th National Convention of GLOBAL COMPACT NETWORK, in Mumbai on March 12, 2016.

The Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Independent Charge), Prakash Javadekar delivering the inaugural address at the 11th National Convention of GLOBAL COMPACT NETWORK, in Mumbai on Saturday. (PIB Photo)

Revealing that 943 projects worth Rs 6.72 lakh crore were cleared by his ministry in 21 months, Union Minister for Environment and Forests Prakash Javadekar on Saturday said fast-tracking of environmental clearances through policy reforms was aimed at sustainable development and generating employment.

He asserted that the government, along with quick decision-making, was exercising caution not to compromise on environmental safeguards.

[related-post]

Comparing the minimum of “600 days” it took for environmental clearance under the UPA government, he said the NDA government has stuck to an average of 190 days.

Story continues below this ad

“It is my endeavour to reduce it from 190 days to 100 days. The number of departmental clearances which exceeded 39 have been integrated along with facilities of online application complete with a tracking system,” he said.

Unveiling a 10-point agenda to fact-track projects, he said, “We have accorded more autonomy to the states to expedite the process.” The terms and reference clearance, which would take 12 to 13 months, has been brought down to just one month.

Referring to climate change, a global challenge, he said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made our commitment to UN goals clear.” Saying that India’s contribution to carbon emission does not exceed 3 per cent, he blamed developed countries for carbon emission. He said, “We have to admit climate change is a reality.”

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram