Environment Ministry Gives Powers To States To Clear Projects In Naxal Area

Environment minister Jairam Ramesh's decision to permit state governments to divert more forest land for development projects came as a response to requests made by Union home ministry, Planning Commission and affected states.

"The MoEF has decided to permit state governments to clear projects of upto five hectares of forest land for critical public utility infrastructure projects in 60 left-wing extremist affected districts without reference to the Forest Conservation Act, 1980," Ramesh said in a statement here. Read the full report here.

Source: DNA, New Delhi.