New Delhi, Aug 10 (UNI) Refuting all the allegations and criticism over the EIA , and questioning the reason for the protests against the same , Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Monday said that it was still under process and is just a draft so far and such attitude is not healthy at the moment.
Mr Javadekar said that the government will only finalise the draft after taking into consideration the suggestions and due to COVID situation the consultation period which is ususally 60 days was extended to 150 days.
' Jumping on the draft in this manner is not a good practice ' Mr Javadekar said, adding that ' Today it is premature reacting to the draft , once it comes out after consultation and finally then it would be ok to respond then'
He said that he had already given a reply to the previous regime's concerned minister and further said that during their regime the decisions were taken without consultations from the public.
The time for receiving the suggestions on the amendment proposal just got over on Sunday,and now suggestions will be considered.
After the thought, what changes does the government make and what form does it bring to the public. It is appropriate to respond, as today it is too early for that , Mr Javadekar said.
Meanwhile , not only the environmentalists ,but, the main opposition Congress strongly criticised the proposed changes in the EIA rules, while former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has even written to Mr Javadekar mentioning his objections.
The opposition has alleged that the current ruling dispensation is going against environment by relaxing the rules of clearances in view favouring the capitalists.
UNI APS ADG 1555