What are the changes proposed in environmental norms to ensure ease of doing business

Please go through the article on the recommendations of TSR Subramanian Committee to gain a better perspective. The panel had sought state controls based on environmental regulations be removed.  Here is the link to the article – TSR Subramanian Committee Recommendations

What has the government recommended now?

– Industries need not acquire mandatory consent-to-establish (CTE) certificates from state pollution control boards for power connections. CTE certificate is not mandatory in every state, while in some states it is compulsory. Central Pollution Control Board has not issued any directives for obtaining CTE. States might reconsider the provisions . Why is the government issuing only an advisory ? It is so, because, water and air fall under the state list.

– Under the water and air acts, it is mandatory for industries to obtain a CTE certificate from the state pollution control board. This is also applicable in case of expansion of output or any technological change and is valid for a particular time limit. Without this certificate, industries cannot secure a power connection. SPCBs are also empowered to carry out inspections and scrutiny of the workings of these industries. SPCBs prosecute industries found violating environmental laws. Government has formed a committee that will draft the rules to allow industries to self-certify and self-regulate their environmental performance, against the practice of industries being subjected to inspection and scrutiny by SPCBs.

– Central government has also asked state governments to do away with their licensing powers under environmental laws.

Why such leeway to industries ?

– Establishment of upcoming projects and overall industrial development in the state is adversely affected in the process of obtaining licenses. There is a delay in obtaining electricity connection.  This has been a long standing complaint of industries. For improving ‘ease of doing business’ in the state, these measures have been suggested.

– However concerns have been expressed. The purpose of CTE is  to ensure that the site of industry is right. A state would not want to let a polluting plant come up behind a school or a hospital or a residential area. If located at such a place, it will prove to be detrimental to the health of the people residing in that area.  Recall, many residential areas near Bhopal plant were severely affected in the Bhopal gas tragedy.

See the larger picture. Environment being sacrificed at the altar of development.