Environmental Assessment Draft 2020

The draft also stated that public consultation would not be required for the following projects: modernization of irrigation, buildings, constructions and area developments, inland waterways, national highways, projects concerning national defense and security, or those involving “other strategic considerations” determined by the central government.

Furthermore, projects like pipelines in border areas and all the off-shore projects that are located beyond 12 nautical miles. Though these projects still require clearance, they are not up for public consultation. Mining projects have been given much more leeway in the new draft by extending the duration of environmental clearance from the earlier 30 years to 50 years. This overlooks the fact that these industries are major ecological polluters. For instance, the building and construction sector is among the most abundant greenhouse gas emitters.

The 2006 EIC required that the project proponent must submit a report every six months, showing that they are carrying out all the activities as per the terms on which permission has been given. However, within the new draft, the promoter is required to submit a report only once every year. This provides scope for negligence and violations to be left undetected.