Exemption of SEZ from public hearing

Exemption of SEZ from public hearing

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

As per EIA Notification, 2006, the proposals relating to Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as listed under Clause 7(c) of the Schedule to the Notification, require prior Environmental Clearance.

As per EIA Notification, 2006, public consultation is a component in the environmental appraisal process in respect of projects falling in Category ‘A’ and Category ‘B1’ for which an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report is required to be prepared by the project proponent.

No proposal relating to setting up of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as specified under item 7 (c) of the Schedule to EIA Notification, 2006 has been granted exemption from public consultation, except the projects or activities located within industrial estates or parks as per the provisions of the Notification. However, SEZs not covered under 7(c), but covered under item 8(a) and 8(b) of the Schedule of the Notification have been considered in terms of the provisions thereunder.

This information was given by the Shri Namo Narain Meena, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and currently looking after Ministry of Environment and Forests in a return reply to a question by Shri S.R.Jeyadurai in the Lok Sabha today.