Question : Environmental Clearance for Projects

(a) whether a number of projects in rural areas particularly left wing extremism affected areas are pending for environmental clearance under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana for the last several years;
(b) if so, the details thereof, project and State-wise;
(c) whether the cost for such projects is escalating due to delay in grant of environmental clearance and if so, the reaction of the Government thereto; and
(d) the steps/measures being taken by the Government to expedite the environmental clearance for the said projects?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

(a) to (d) No Sir. The Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 mandates the requirement of prior Environmental Clearance for National Highways and State Highways, and not for the projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.

*****