Date:22/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/06/22/stories/2007062204801100.htm

Back NGO calls for repeal of EIA 2006

Our Bureau

New Delhi, June 21

An NGO working in the field of environment today sought the repeal of the Environmental Impact Assessment notification 2006 of the Environment Ministry, alleging that it "prioritised" the needs of the industry and investment over environmental and social issues. The Bangalore-based Environment Support Group (ESG) alleged the notification protected the interests of industry above enivironment. ESG activist, Mr Leo Saldanha, who released a book co-authored by him — Green Tapism: a review of the Environmental Impact Assessment 2006 — said, ``Instead of fulfilling its purpose of minimising adverse impacts of development/industrial projects, all it does is to protect the interests of industrial lobby while keeping the public out of its purview.''