CPCB

The TrickyScribe: Twenty five sectors seeking environment clearance (EC) for expansion of existing projects or new projects have standard conditions imposed by Indian government now. The government-constituted green panel called Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) assesses the projects and makes recommendations, based on which the Environment Ministry grants the final EC.

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“In order to bring uniformity on stipulated terms and conditions across the projects and sectors and as a general guide to the EAC as well as project proponents, the ministry has prepared standard conditions for 25 sectors,” the Environment Ministry, in a statement, said. The 25 sectors include iron, steel, cement, coal, petroleum refineries industry, paper and pulp industries, hydro-electric projects, industrial estates, amongst others.

The standard EC conditions will have to be considered by the EAC at the time of appraisal of the proposals. The EAC after due diligence can modify, delete and add conditions based on the project-specific requirements, the statement said.

NGT fines sewage plant for damage to environment

National Green Tribunal has imposed an interim fine of Rs 2.5 lakh on the project proponent of Bandhwari sewage treatment plant in the district for damaging the environment. A Bench headed by NGT Chairperson Adarsh Kumar Goel noted that there was no substantial compliance by the project proponent in managing waste and ruled that mere a promise for future compliance was not enough.

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“Ecogreen Energy Gurgaon Faridabad Pvt Ltd is directed to pay an interim compensation of ₹ 2.5 lakh for damage to the environment under Section 15(2) of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. The amount may be deposited with the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB). The above amount may have to be increased if any violation continues. We direct the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the SPCB to conduct an inspection within four weeks,” said the Bench. The tribunal posted the matter for consideration of the compliance affidavit and report of the CPCB and the SPCB on February 6.