NEC to charge for enviroment clearance

NEC-EnvClearanceGetting an environment clearance from the National Environment Commission (NEC) will be charged from July this year. The commission will charge Nu. 500 for any application. Environment clearance is a perquisite to begin any kind of developmental activities. An additional amount, depending on the type of the work, will be charged for processing the clearance.

Even constructing a private house in rural areas, which now requires an environment clearance will cost Nu. 2,500 including an application fee. The fee structures were presented to the Dzongdas and Dzongkhag Tshodu Chairpersons of six eastern districts in Trashigang. However, Dzongkhag Tshogdu Chairpersons requested the commission to waive-off the fees to get environment clearance for constructing rural houses.

“Activities like construction of irrigation channel, construction of outreach clinics and even construction of houses in the villages are liable to pay fees for environment clearance. But our concern is how can our people pay the fees?” questions Cheku, Chairperson of the Dzongkhag Tshogdu, Trashi Yangtse.

The Chaiperson of the Tashigang Dzongkhag Tshogdu, Kinzang Dorji, said there are already so many problems. “People are leaving their villages due to human wildlife conflict and other issues. On top of that if we impose a fee to construct a rural house, our concern is that people might say they cannot afford and leave the village.”

According to the commission, the fee is to cover the administrative costs involved in processing the clearance. It is also to discourage applicants who are not serious about their endeavours.

After the meeting, the commission agreed not to impose any fees for constructing rural houses for the time being.

The fee structure was drawn in line with the Environment Assessment Act 2000.

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