Govt Constitutes Committee To Review Environment Laws

The central government today set up a committee to review different environment laws so that they could be brought in line with the "current requirements." The committee, which consists of four members, will be headed by former cabinet secretary TSR Subramanian. It has been asked to review five crucial environment laws concerning conservation of environment, forest, wildlife, water and air among others.

The government has been looking to speed up the environmental clearances to propel economic growth. The Environment Ministry has asked the committee to submit its report in two months.

The ministry’s order said, "Based on experience gained in the implementation of aforesaid Acts, it has been decided to constitute a high-level committee to review these Acts and suggest appropriate amendments to bring them in line with their objectives."

The laws to be reviewed include Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

"The panel has been asked to recommend specific amendments needed so as to bring them in line with current requirements. It has also been asked to draft proposed amendments in each of the aforesaid Acts to give effect to the proposed recommendations," the ministry order said.