Court ignored people's organisations while preparing EIAs

New Delhi, Aug 12 (UNI) The Government had only consulted apex industry associations, including CII and Assocham, while preparing the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notifications and completely ignored the suggestions of peoples' organistions, according to an NGO.

The Campaign for Environmental Justice India (CEJI) said it had obtained documents under RTI pertaining to the process and status of the notifications from the Environment and Forest Ministry.

CEJI said the documents revealed that Ministry had only consulted industries and industry lobby groups.

''The Ministry admits that a draft of final notification had been circulated to the Apex Industry Associations and the Central Ministries, Departments for obtaining their comments and views,'' the NGO said.

''The Environment and Forest Ministry also admits that the comments of the Associations and Central Ministries and Departments are under examination,'' it added.

CEJI said Environment and Forest Minister A Raja had responded to their appeal and promised to open up the process of amending the notifications to peoples' organsiations, regional and local governments and public interest organisations.

''Mr A Raja has indicated that these consultations would be held after the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament,'' it added.

A CEJI delegation had called on the Minister on August 9 and handed him a representation.

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