The Central Government has informed the Rajya Sabha that environmental clearance was granted to 20 infrastructure projects and activities located either fully or partially within Protected Areas (PAs) and Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)/Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs) during the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26.
Responding to a question in the Upper House, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh said that every project approved under the existing regulatory framework is required to comply with project-specific environmental safeguards aimed at preventing, minimising and mitigating ecological impacts.
According to the minister, these safeguards cover a range of measures, including wildlife conservation, habitat protection, pollution control, compensatory afforestation and continuous environmental monitoring.
Singh said the approval process involves a detailed scientific assessment to ensure that adequate safeguards are incorporated before granting environmental clearance, particularly for projects located in ecologically sensitive regions.
He explained that proposals requiring Wildlife Clearance for projects situated within Protected Areas, Eco-Sensitive Zones or forest land undergo a comprehensive multi-level evaluation. The process begins with scrutiny by the State Chief Wildlife Warden and the State Board for Wildlife before being examined by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SCNBWL).
“Thereafter, the proposals are scrutinised by the Ministry and the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SCNBWL), which examines the ecological sensitivity of the area, the cumulative and site-specific impacts on wildlife habitats and corridors, and the proposed mitigation measures on a case-by-case basis,” Singh said.
He added that the SCNBWL recommends proposals for Wildlife Clearance only after carefully evaluating their environmental implications, proposed mitigation strategies and necessary safeguards.
The minister further stated that environmental clearance is granted only after a project’s likely environmental impacts have been thoroughly assessed and appropriate mitigation measures have been incorporated into the Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
He also emphasised that no construction or project-related activity can commence unless the project proponent secures Wildlife Clearance in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Source: Mid-day
