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Category: ENVIRONMENT

Published: 13 December 2019

JAMMU: The Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing in collaboration of Department of Geology and Mining organized a one-day workshop on “Environmental Impact Assessment-Challenges and way forward” at Udyog Bhawan here at Jammu. The objective of the workshop was to sensitize the Stakeholder Departments, Project Proponents, NGOs, academicians, and environment managers to understand the process of Environmental Clearances and interpretation of EIA reports.

Speaking on the occasion, PCCF/Director Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing /Member Secretary (Environmental Impact Assessment Authority) Dr. Neelu Gera said that the capacity of the state-level regulators and state level expert appraisal Committee (SEAC) is needed to screen and scope the EIA process, to conduct transparent public consultations and to evaluate the EIA reports, especially after the new EIA notification. She highlighted the importance of the Ecosystem services towards the society and the need to strike balance between development activities and environmental protection.

Secretary, SEAC Humayun Rashid enlightened the audience about the guidelines, processes and formalities for getting environment clearances in case of developmental projects. Besides, he spoke about the importance of Environment Protection in the light of Indian Constitution and Legislation. Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu Prof. Sanjay Sharma spoke about the formulation of Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Environmental Management Plan which are necessary for scoping of projects for environmental clearances.

Environmental Engineer JKPCB Er. J. N. Sharma highlighted the role of Pollution Control Board and Process of Public Hearing. He informed the participants about the provisions under Air, Water and Environmental Protection Acts. Deputy Director, DGM Nissar Ahmad expressed his views about Environmental Issues during Mining and compliances required thereof. He also added that while framing the Mining Plans and subsequent Mining, the Mining Act should be implemented.

Moreover, participants were given hands on introduction to PARIVESH Portal by an expert from MoEF &CC, NIC Mr. Vikas Kumar. He highlighted the various steps involved in filling online consent and application using www.parivesh.nic.in for obtaining the environmental clearances and tracking the status of the projects at various stages. He also discussed about various functions of the online portal and it’s applicability in ease of doing business. Earlier, Joint Director (K), Department of Geology & Mining Mr. Imtiyaz Ahmad Khan welcomed the participants and wished for the healthy interactions during the workshop.