Power projects given time frame for clearances: Javadekar

Says environment ministry will take decisions in nation's interest but will also ensure that ministry does not hurriedly give clearances

Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Monday his and power ministry had reviewed power projects awaiting environment clearances and set a time frame to speed the process.

"We met Power Minister Piyush Goyal and officials from his ministry and have taken review of the delayed power projects. We have set a time frame for each project and will take decisions accordingly," environment minister Prakash Javadekar told at an interaction here in the Capital today.

Javadekar added that the ministry will take decisions in the nation's interest but will also ensure that the ministry does not "hurriedly give clearances."

Javadekar said the ministry was talking to Maharashtra and Goa.

According to the ministry, there are 80 projects awaiting environment clearances at various stages in Maharashtra.

Javadekar said defence projects will be a priority for the new government. "In fact, we have started giving clearances in this sector on merit basis."

The minister said the government was reviewing the case of setting up a radar station at the Narcondam Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

"There is an island called the Coco Island in the Bay of Bengal which is under Myanmar. However, China has its presence on the island. There is a project pending to set up a radar on the Narcondam Island, opposite to the Coco Island."

However, Javadekar didn't reveal the number of projects that has been clearance since the new government has taken charge of the office.

Javadekar listed out the major environment concerns - air pollution, water pollution and solid waste. "We want to make sure that there is less pollution and more production," Javadekar said.