In a move that might speed up environmental clearances for mining firms, the Centre may ask the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) to independently verify compliance of norms suggested by the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) for all mining projects.
This is being done to ensure constant monitoring of projects during the execution and completion stages. The MoEF has already proposed the need for evolving an independent monitoring system to get a fair assessment of the project and also reduce chances of conflict between the ministry and project proponents.
?We insist on a plan for each mine before we clear the terms of reference and the IBM shares data on production from the mines, transportation and the overburden. We then make suggestions on the layers of coverage and the pits open for water coverage. The mines ministry has asked for an independent verification. However, the final authority will remain with the Central Pollution Control Board and the regional officer of the ministry,? said a ministry official.
As the ministry itself puts down conditions for environment clearance, it is considered that an independent agency could do a fair assessment of progress made by companies in this direction. Besides, the moves assumes significance with the MoEF being constantly blamed for delays in mining projects due to slow administrative procedures.
?We feel the process could eliminate chances of conflict and facilitate smooth progress of mining projects where getting environmental clearances consumes a major chunk of the project cycle,? said a mines ministry official.
The ministry has already suggested that the role could be given to IBM that functions under its administrative control and has experience in dealing with environment and ecology related issued. A wing within the IBM could be entrusted with the new task that would also get expert guidance from the MoEF.
?The Indian Bureau Mines could be mandated under the specific EIA notification to undertake independent verification,? the ministry said in reply on views it has got from various ministries on MMDR Bill 2011.
The views have been sought by a parliamentary standing committee that is vetting the Bill before it could be passed.
Though the clearance is mandated to be given over an 18-month period, normally any proposal takes at least three to four years to get the elusive green nod from the MoEF.
This has delayed several mining projects that are being developed for feeding raw material to downstream industries.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has already taken steps to remove bottlenecks for the infrastructure sector and the new initiative is aimed to take the process further.