Green Clearances Get Faster with Removal of Land Acquisition Hurdle for Non-Coal Mining Projects

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{ "title": "Green Clearances Get Faster with Removal of Land Acquisition Hurdle for Non-Coal Mining Projects", "article": "The Indian government has made a significant change in its environmental clearance process by removing the requirement of proof of land acquisition for non-coal mining projects. This move aims to speed up the approval process for oil exploration and production, oil and gas pipelines, highway projects, and mining of minerals. Until now, developers had to provide proof of land acquisition before receiving environmental clearance. However, a recent office memorandum (OM) has done away with this requirement, citing that it was not practical for certain projects. According to experts, this change will accelerate the environmental clearance process but may also lead to a more sequential and time-consuming land acquisition process. The OM, issued on December 18, applies to offshore and onshore oil exploration and production, oil and gas transportation pipelines, highway projects, and mining of minerals. The change has been welcomed by some as it will reduce the time taken for environmental clearance, but others have raised concerns that it will weaken conservation safeguards and facilitate mining at the expense of environmental protection. Prakriti Srivastava, a retired IFS and former principal chief conservator of forests, Kerala, said that the OM 'dilutes provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and ensures that instead of considering a diversion proposal after approval of the Standing Committee National Board of Wildlife (SC NBWL) for EC, in fact makes approval of the SC NBWL a fait accompli for such projects.' The move has been seen as another step in the government's efforts to facilitate mining and development, despite concerns about the impact on the environment and wildlife."