943 projects worth Rs 6.72 lakh crore get environmental nod

Average time taken for clearance before onlin system was 599.29 days, which has now come down to 192.59 days

As many as 943 projects entailing investments worth Rs 6.72 lakh crore received environmental clearance in the last 20 months, government said Tuesday.

Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar informed the Lok Sabha the government has reduced the time taken for giving environmental clearance to around 192 days from 600 days and efforts would be made to reduce it further.

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"During the last 20 months, the Ministry has accorded environmental clearance to 943 projects involving an approximate investment of Rs 6,72,422.60 crore," Javadekar said during Question Hour.

According to him, the average time taken for giving environmental clearances has come down to around 192 days after the launch of the online system for applications.

"The weighted average time taken in granting environmental clearance before launching online system (July 4, 2014) was 599.29 days, which has now come down to 192.59 days after launch of the online system for applications for environmental clearance," Javadekar said.

He noted that the delay in grant of environment clearance is "by and large due to non-submission of timely and complete information by the project proponent".

The Ministry has reclassified industries into 'red', 'orange', 'green' and 'white' based on the score of pollution load index.

Javadekar said re-categorisation of industries was part of the government's efforts to create a clean and transparent working environment, promote the ease of doing responsible business as well as boost the 'Make in India' drive.

"The old system of categorisation was problem for many industries and was not reflecting their pollution. The new categories will remove this lacuna and give a clear picture to everyone," the Minister said.

There are 36 non-polluting industrial sectors in the 'white' category. "The new category of white industries which are practically non-polluting will not require environmental clearance and consent and will help in getting finance from lending institutions," Javadekar said.

He replied in the negative when asked whether any study has been undertaken to assess the impact of delayed clearance to projects and the economy.