NAGPUR: Minister for environment and forests Prakash Javadekar on Sunday pushed for development by clearing stuck up projects with focus on protecting environment. At the same time, he made it clear that there will be no compromise on non-compliance for environment clearance by project proponents either private or government.
Javadekar, who was in the city for a private function at RSS headquarters, was talking to newsmen at Neeri conference hall. He said many projects were stalled and he would see to it that these projects are cleared in a transparent and time-bound manner. "We have started accepting online applications for clearances for this," he added.
Javadekar said Vidarbha is paying a heavy price for protecting forests. "It will be suitably compensated with a package under Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA)," he announced.
In a first, the environment minister said after the Parliament session concludes, he will hold 'janata darbar' for environment and forests issues and talk to the people directly. Experts from the field will also be invited. "I used to hold such durbars in the city earlier too when I was not a minister," said Javadekar.
Javadekar admitted that in the last few years image of environment ministry has take a hit and it is being seen as a hurdle in development. However, to shed this image, prime minister Narendra Modi has come out with a slogan 'Ek Haath Me Vikas, Dusre Haath Me Paryavaran Ka Zenda' (Development in one hand and environment in other). "I will strike a balance and show that both can go hand-in-hand," the minister said.
When asked that several projects sent by the state forest department were pending with his ministry, Javadekar said one of the proposals of Bor tiger reserve has already been cleared. The proposals which are pending before National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) will also be cleared soon as board has been constituted.
During his meeting with head of forest force (HoFF) AK Saxena, the minister said the pending eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) proposals around national parks and sanctuaries will be expedited. He promised full support to Gorewada project.
Javadekar also asked about total forest area in the state and how much of it was degraded. The forest officials told him that one-fourth (15,000 sq km) of the area was degraded. He also asked about forest area in the city, which was around 2,700 hectares.
On a delegation led by district honorary wildlife warden Kundan Hate, the minister also raked up issue of destruction of wildlife trophies by the Central Museum at Nagpur. On rampant tiger poaching in the region, he said it is a serious issue and action will be taken against officials for negligence.
