Parl committee hears experts' reservations on env panel report

In the wake of media reports that the TSR Subramanian Committee recommendations may weaken green laws, a parliamentary panel today heard the views of experts on the matter.
The panel took note of the views of experts against the backdrop of several "reservations" and "apprehensions" expressed by them about the recommendations made by the high- powered committee which was constituted by the government to look at the various environmental laws.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) on Science and Technology, Environment and Forest today met around eight organisations to consider their views on the Subramanian panel report, whose recommendations, experts say, might "weaken" the green laws.

"These are important recommendations and have been debated in the media for the last few days. It was but natural that the committee had to know what these recommendations were and what will be its impact on environment.
"Many people are of the view, which has come out through the media reports, that these recommendations can weaken the environmental laws. That is why it was important for us to discuss them," MP and the chairman of the committee, Ashwani Kumar, told reporters here.
He said the reservations arise out of apprehensions that the recommendations, if implemented, could "dilute" the laws designed to protect the environment, forests and wildlife.

"Considering the non-negotiable imperatives of environmental protection and preservation, it was considered advisable for the committee to apprise itself of the views of experts, activists and stakeholders," he said.

He, however, refused to divulge the apprehensions which were aired by the experts, saying it would be a breach of confidentiality.
"I cannot comment as that would breach the confidentiality clause. The (parliamentary panel's) proceedings are stated to be confidential and I read that oath every time I preside over a committee," Kumar said after what was the panel's first meeting this year.
He, however, said there is already disquiet among many environmentalists and the people at large say that this report may actually not serve its purpose.

Among the various organisations which made presentations before the parliamentary panel today were the Centre for Science and Environment, The Energy Research Institute and Centre for Wildlife Studies.