Cos' suggestions sought to make environment clearance simpler

The Fertiliser Ministry has sought comments from companies on critical environmental issues
leading to delay in clearance of projects.
"The letter has been forwarded to seek the companies feedback for making laws simpler," a source said.
In a letter addressing to all the Single Super Phosphate (SSP) and phosphate & potassic (P&K) fertiliser companies, the ministry has said,"...Refer to a meeting held on August 29..Regarding critical issues of environment and forest related
laws impinging upon the programmes and schemes being undertaken by the Department of Fertilisers."
The ministry has also sought specific suggestions for simplification of procedures for environment clearance and also

for single window clearance.

The letter also sought information on "whether any delay/harassment is done by the Department of Environment of States/ Ministry of Environment & Forest/ State Pollution Control Boards".
The ministry further asked for information about those companies that have obtained the environment clearance in the last 10-15 years and the delay faced by them.
A copy of the letter has also been forwarded to the industry body Fertilizer Association of India (FAI).
There are around 40 companies in the country which are in the business of SSP and about 15 players are in P&K fertilisers.
Both the SSP and P&K are decontrolled fertilisers.