Hydro projects can get in-principle clearance before impact study: Govt to states; Experts sound caution

Proposed hydropower projects can be given in-principle approval before studies are conducted on carrying capacity and cumulative impact assessment of a river basin, the environment ministry has informed state governments, raising concerns by experts.

- Jayashree Nandi

"Since grant of approval under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 is a time taking process, the Forest Conservation Division of the MoEFCC may consider grant of 'in-principle' approval under the Adhiniyam following due process subject to the conditions that Carrying Capacity Studies (CCS) and Cumulative Impact Assessment Studies (CIS) as per the OM NOJ-11013/1/2013-IA-I dated May 28, 2013 shall be carried out, except for the first hydro-electric Project in a river basin where such study CCS and CIS need not be carried as mentioned in the aforesaid OM, and based on the outcome of such study the 'final' shall be granted for taking up any hydro-power project in a basin