Hyderabad: Green activists up in arms, says it dilutes norms

The environmentalists point out that the draft EIA 2020 legitimises violations by those who start projects without environment clearance, weakens the public consultation process and gives a lot of discretionary powers to authorities

Hyderabad: Concerned over the impact on nature, theenvironmentalists and green activist are up in arms against EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) which dilutes the norms for environment clearances for projects. Fearing that the pandemic would provide scope for the Union government to bypass the standard procedures, they demanded that all the details are placed in public domain for greater discussion amongst stakeholders.

Government of India's Environment Ministry has proposed a new set of rules to govern the country's environment clearance regime for industrial projects like dams, mines, airports, highways.

The draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification 2020, which was unveiled in March, proposes to ease processes for business, and does away with the public hearings for many projects, ease rules for expansion of projects among other things.

Environmentalists and researchers who analysed the draft, point out that the draft EIA 2020 legitimises violations by those who start projects without environment clearance, weakens the public consultation process and gives a lot of discretionary powers to authorities.

With notice period extended till June 30, the campaign has already picked up pace. Speaking to The Hans India, the green activists from city held that they were not against the progress of nation through 'ease of doing business' but the process should not skip 'standard format' where opinions of all stakeholders are taken into consideration.

"The government should take a stand-point of watchdogs and should not hurry citing reforms. NGOs working on an environmental action plan should be taken into confidence. The existing draft does not encompass complete details like plan of action and consultation process with stakeholders. Hence, we hope more transparency is brought into the process," said, Amardeep Singh, life member of Society to Save Rocks based in City.

While other activists held that both the State and Central government were akin in 'destroying' the greenery. "The draft EIA was completely diluted and the Central government should review it before placing it in public domain for discussion. Environmental concerns should be addressed before chopping-off trees.

In Telangana, on one side they burnt down over 100 banyan trees on Hyderabad-Chevella road and after huge hue and cry they are now creating hype of Haritha Haram," pointed out, Dr Lubna Sarwath, former convenor, Save Our Urban Lakes (SOUL).

At national level, online campaign have picked up pace, with thousands signing online petition to Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar on LetIndiaBreathe, demanding withdrawal of draft EIA.

"It is appalling that the ministry put out a draft notification for public comments in the midst of global economic and public health emergencies," it emphasizes.

While on the other hand, Twitter is also abuzz with #WithdrawEIA2020 #ClimateChange #rejectetalinclearance #stopetalinsavedibang.