People applying for Environmental Clearance now need not have to acquire an approval or No Objection Certificate from the concerned Dzongkhag, Thromde Administration or concerned agencies.
The National Environment Commission Secretariat (NECS) repealed Section 12 and 13 from the Regulation for Environment Clearance of Projects 2016. This is expected to reduce the bureaucratic burden and enhance service delivery.
The National Environment Commission during a Press Conference informed that changes will come into effect from 13th of January this year.
“The main reasons behind repealing these sections are to reduce the bureaucratic burden and other, no scientific interferences. When we start we are asking them to bring all the clearances to us which are actually not required. We are there for the environment and there are other authorities for other requirements. The good part of this is that the proponent can concurrently apply for all these and move towards,” said Sonam Phuntsho Wangdi, the Secretary of NECS.
The commission has also decided to classify and categorise all projects and activities into three colour-coded project categories. Under this classification, projects will be categorized into three categories, Green, Blue and Red.
The projects under the green category are those with minimal environmental impact. Projects listed under this category will not require Environment Clearance. Likewise, Blue Category will have projects with minimum impact on the environment. This category shall be assessed at the Initial Environment Examination level by a designated competent authority or the commission. And projects in the Red Category will have a major impact on the environment and such projects will undergo detailed study.
Regulation for Environment Clearance of Projects 2016:
12# The applicant shall acquire an approval of the concerned Dzongkhag or Thromde administration and clearances from relevant agencies for submission along with the application for Environmental Clearance.
13# When the location of a proposed project falls within 50 meters distance of a public park, hospital, school or a sacred landscape or site, the applicant shall acquire the official clearance of concerned agencies before submitting the application. Notwithstanding, the Secretariat or the Competent Authority may require the applicant to obtain official clearance of concerned agencies outside 50 meters distance depending on the nature of the project.
Passang Dorji
