Question : PROVISIONAL CHANGES IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS



(a) Whether the Government is contemplating to make some changes in the provisions made for construction projects affecting the environment, particularly in metro-cities; and

(b) if so, the details thereof?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) & (b) As per the 7th July, 2004 Notification issued by the Central Government in the Ministry of Environment & Forests, new construction projects above a project cost of Rs. 50 crores or occupancy of 1000 persons or discharging sewage of 50,000 litres/day required prior environmental clearance from the Ministry as per the procedures specified therein. Subsequently, Ministry has issued a Draft Notification vide S.O. 1324(E) dated 15 September, 2005 whereby Ministry has proposed that construction projects in metro-cities above a built-up area of 20,000 sq.m would require prior environmental clearance.