MoEF approaches EC over project clearances

The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has approached the Election Commission seeking permission to issue official orders in cases where environment and forest clearance were accorded before the model code of conduct came into being on March 5.

Earlier, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has requested Election Commission of India to issue clarification to MoEF on the continuation of the grant of environment and forest clearances for projects while the model code of conduct is in place.

Writing to VS Sampath, Chief Election Commissioner, Dr A Didar Singh, Secretary General, FICCI said “Ever since the model code of conduct has been implemented from 5th March 2014, we are given to understand that MoEF has kept these permissions for the projects in abeyance pending opinion about the on-going clearance process under different statutes. This is further delaying the implementation of these projects and affecting the viability as it has taken many months for these projects to reach at this stage of clearance”.

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has also urged the Election Commission to urgently provide all clarifications sought by the MoEF vis-à-vis environment, forest, wildlife and other necessary clearances which have been pending since the implementation of model code of conduct.

“All the project proponents are facing a lot of difficulties owing to delay in grant of environment and forest clearances by the MoEF,” said D.S. Rawat, Secretary General of ASSOCHAM in a communication addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner.

Citing many of its members are facing a lot of problems, Mr Rawat said, “About a month ago, the Ministry had sought clarification from the EC regarding on-going clearance processes under different statutes however, the matter is still pending with the EC.”