About Green clearances: The missing green

News: For many years, many environmentalists have raised the apprehension that a large number of infrastructure projects in the country are implemented without mandatory due diligence. They often complain of irregularities in green clearances. There have also been reports that mega initiatives proposed in the country in the last 15 years have failed to fulfil their green commitments. 

What are the reasons for ineffective environmental protection in the country? 

The Public hearing requirement in the Environmental Impact Assessment notification was diluted. 

There is an absence of an effective mechanism to ensure environmental compliance. This is due to reasons like lack of manpower in the Ministry of Environment and Forests, state pollution control boards and environmental tribunals. 

Governments at the Centre and states have been relying on procedures such as post-facto clearances instead of strengthening the monitoring mechanism. This is despite the supreme court in 2020 calling the practice of allowing project developers to report a violation retrospectively as “a derogation of the fundamental principle of environmental jurisprudence”.  

What is the way forward? 

Sites of developmental projects are often located in ecologically fragile zones. As India strives to grow into a $5-trillion economy, which will involve rapid infrastructural development, the government needs to ensure that such prosperity doesn’t come at the cost of the environment. 

This can be done by providing autonomy to institutions mandated to protect the environment. As green clearance will require a strong foundation of strong checks and balances.  

Source-This post is based on the article “The missing green” published in Indian Express on 7th Feb 2022.