Environment clearance becoming a source of corruption: PM

The Economic Times , Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Correspondent : PTI
NEW DELHI: Concerned over environment clearance becoming a "source of corruption", Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said the matter needs to be addressed to make the process fair and hassle-free.

"Environment clearances have become a new form of License Raj and a source of corruption," he said addressing a national conference of state ministers of environment and forests here.

Singh said the matter needs to be addressed, so as to make the process "fair, transparent and hassle-free".

"This is a matter that needs to be addressed. There are trade-offs that have to be made while balancing developmental and environmental concern. But the procedures must be fair, transparent and hassle-free," he said.

The Prime Minister rubbished criticism from developed nations that India was not doing enough to combat global warming, saying it fully recognised the importance of the issue.

He also said domestic capacity should be strengthened to meet the challenges arising out of growing energy needs.

"We fully recognise not just how important this issue is to India but also our own obligation to address it," he said apparently referring to criticism from developed nations.

Singh said the country's energy needs will increase sharply in the decades to come. "We can and must walk a different road, an environment-friendly road," he said.

For this, access to new technologies available with developed countries was required, he said asking States to create their own action plans consistent with the National Action Plan on Climate Change unveiled last year.

 
SOURCE : Wednesday, August 19, 2009
 


Back to pevious page



The NetworkAbout Us  |  Our Partners  |  Concepts   
Resources :  Databases  |  Publications  |  Media Guide  |  Suggested Links
Happenings :  News  |  Events  |  Opinion Polls  |  Case Studies
Contact :  Guest Book  |  FAQs |  Email Us