Posted on 20 Jan 2010
The Indian government is understood to be considering a proposal to do away with the mandatory public hearing for environment clearances to certain coal expansion projects.
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh is believed to have assured Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal that necessary changes in the existing regulations regarding public hearing for grant of environment clearances would be made.
Public hearings for environment clearance involve a meeting of all stakeholders, including villagers of the concerned area, district administration, company and Ministry representatives to chalk out a strategy for minimising the damage to environment and allay fears in this regard.
