India Revises Procedure for Obtaining Forest, Environmental Permits to Streamline Process

摘要

India's federal Ministry of Environment and Forests has relaxed a policy requiring businesses to obtain a forest clearance before applying for an environmental clearance in an attempt to speed up approvals. A ministry order (No. J-l 10 13/41/2006-IA.II(l)) dated Sept. 9 allows project proponents to apply for environ- mental clearance if they submit "credible proof" that an application for forest clearance is under review. Such proof must include details about the application's status and supporting documents from state or federal forest authorities, depending on the spatial extent of the project. The latest order was issued by the administration of Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan, who took the post in July (34 INER 706, 7/20/11).