Question : DELAY IN CLEARANCES OF MINING LEASES



(a) whether there is inordinate delay in the clearances of mining leases by the Ministry;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the remedial measures being taken by the Government for their early clearances?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)

(a) No, Sir.

(b) Does not arise in view of reply to (a) above.

(c) The proposals for the grant of environmental clearance for mining projects are dealt with as per the procedure prescribed under Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006. In order to facilitate an early decision on the proposals for environmental clearances, various steps have been initiated by the Ministry which include continuous monitoring of the status of pending projects, regular and longer duration meetings of Expert Appraisal Committee and streamlining of the procedure for appraisal of projects.