The environment ministry wants to change the format for projects in eco-sensitive zones and multi-sectoral projects. It will mean that for projects in eco-sensitive zone of Ganga or huge investment projects such as Posco, the ministry will get the EIA studies conducted. Posco is a multi-sectoral project as the company is developing a steel plant, a captive power plant and a port.
“We will ask the agencies to conduct the studies rather than depending on project proponents for the EIA," environment minister Jairam Ramesh said. “It will not require any change in the rules".
The move is aimed to make the EIA impartial as there is perceived conflict of interest in project proponents also evaluating the impact of the project on environment. “No company says that its project will adversely impact the environment. Most of the EIAs are on the steps companies will take to reduce the impact on environment," said a senior ministry said. Read the full report here.
Source: Chetan Chauhan, Hindustan Times, New Delhi.
