Conference to finalise changes in environment laws tomorrow

The Environment Ministry is all set to hold a two-day national conference tomorrow which is seen as a final step of consultations and taking states on board before bringing amendments in existing green laws.
The conference will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which state environment ministers and officials will brainstorm on proposed changes in the six environment laws apart from reflecting upon "simplification" of existing processes and ensure "strict" compliance of green norms.
A comprehensive National Air Quality Index to inform people about air quality will also be launched.
After the conference, the Environment Ministry will finalise its recommendations, prepare the cabinet note and bring it before the cabinet so that the bills as amended can be brought in the second half of Parliament session, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar had earlier said.

The six laws that govern environment, forest and wildlife related issues are Environment (Protection) Act, Forest (Conservation) Act, Wildlife (Protection) Act, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and Indian Forest Act.
Government had constituted a high-level committee headed by T S R Subramaniam to review various environment laws in order to bring them in line with "current requirements".

A copy of the latest Tiger census report will be presented to the Prime Minister during the conference.
The first day will have two sessions each on 'Waste to Wealth' and 'Ease of doing business and TSR report'.

There will be three break-out sessions on issues related to forest wildlife, pollution, bio-diversity and climate change, including eco-sensitive zones and Western Ghats.
There will be a presentation on the use of new technologies being undertaken in forest, wildlife and pollution management.
A film will be shown on how drones are used, electronic surveillance is done through towers, use of internet to see live activities and satellite monitoring of crops etc.