Experdited forest, environmental clearance for strategic projects: Rajnath

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said the government will expedite forest and environmental clearance issues that bog down strategic projects and that relaxations will be obtained to facilitate completion of projects in national interest.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also laid emphasis on the subject, Rajnath Singh said at the inauguration of 43rd Annual Day function of the MES Builders Association of India here.

Military Engineer Services (MES) is one of the largest government construction agencies in India and provides works cover to Army, Navy and Air Force. It has a large number of units and sub units spread across the entire country.

"The government will expedite forest and environmental clearance issues which still continue to dog such strategic projects. The relaxations will be obtained to facilitate completion of projects in national interest," Rajnath Singh said.

He also said the government has embarked upon a five year ambitious project during 2017-2022 worth over "seven lakh crore rupees to build road infrastructure".

"The project includes more than 2,000 km border roads," the Minister said.

He also highlighted the importance of Private-Public Partnership model, saying "it would be crucial to create strategic infrastructure in the country".

Pointing out that e-tendering process has led to transparency, he said quality delivery of the projects will be paramount.

The Minister also called upon the paramilitary forces and armed forces for better coordination on the creation of border infrastructure.

"For the first time in India's history, this government has continued to roll out economic reforms even while the economic situation in the country has remained comfortable; normally the previous governments were compelled on the path of reforms after landing in dire financial position," he said.

--IANS

rak/vd