Centre extends notice period for draft Environment Impact Assessment notification

The Union Environment ministry on Thursday extended till June 30 the period of receiving public suggestions on the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification after several representations expressed concern over publication of the document during the coronavirus-forced lockdown.

The draft EIA notification, published on March 23, 2020, aims to bring significant changes to the environment clearance process for all infrastructure projects in the country.

The ministry had invited suggestions from public within 60 days from the date on which copies of the draft notification were made available to the public.

In its official statement, the ministry said the public opinions and suggestions will now be invited and considered till June 30. The deadline initially was May 22.

"The Ministry is in receipt of several representations for extending the notice period expressing concern that the draft EIA Notification 2020 was published during the lockdown imposed due to the coronavirus ...