Centre Clears 43 Projects in Eco-sensitive Zones in 5 Years

Union Minister Ashwini Choubey informed the Rajya Sabha that the Centre has granted environmental clearance to more than 80% of the proposals for "projects and activities" in the eco-sensitive zones of the country over the last five years. He revealed that the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife (SCNBWL) recommended a total of 689 proposals during this period.

Out of the total proposals, the environment ministry approved 43 out of 53 proposals received for "projects/activities" in the default eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) in accordance with the provisions of the Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006.

ESZs are defined as eco-fragile areas within 10 kilometers of the borders of protected areas, including national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Government data shows that SCNBWL recommended 153 proposals in 2018-19, 71 in 2019-20, 85 in 2020-21, 149 in 2021-22, and 231 in 2022-23.