Panel asks govt to fix deadline for NGOs to flag objection

Stating that last minute objection by NGOs delay the environment clearance process, a green panel that appraises coal mining and thermal power projects has asked the Environment Ministry to fix a deadline for any organisation to flag their concerns related to projects.
The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the ministry discussed the issue of delay submission of comments by various organisations in detail in the recent meeting.
"The ministry may consider issuing appropriate guidelines to all concerned clearly indicating that objections if any should be submitted at least a week in advance of the date of consideration of any proposal," as per the minutes of the EAC meeting held on February 5.

The panel also said even the project proponents should be asked to submit their documentation to the EAC members at least a week before the date of consideration.
The EAC also shared that it has come to its notice that an NGO often sends various comments on the projects which are being placed before the EAC meeting.
"While recognizing that some of the concerns raised by the NGO may have some merit, receipt at the last stage makes it difficult for their proper consideration," it said.

In addition, since the project proponent is asked to respond to these issues, their late receipt one day before consideration of the proposal, and that too sometimes late in the evening invariably leads to a delay in the clearance as the proposal often get deferred, it added.

"While deferment of the proposal may not be only on this ground, nevertheless a delay factor does come in on this account also," the EAC noted.
It is not the intention of the EAC to deny the right for any party to voice its concerns. However, the EAC is of the view that sufficient time is available for any organisation to give its views very much in advance of the day of consideration of a proposal, it added.