Thread by @sumanthraman

The Draft #EIA2020 Bill is a must read document. 83 pages but priceless. It systematically goes about removing several environmental safefguards ,transferring huge powers to Govt & dismantling even the minimal rights of the public to question violations #EIAdraft2020

Some highlights.
1. Central Govt can declare any Project as "strategic"without assigning any reason. No details of such projects will be placed in public domain.
2.Violations can be taken cognizance of only if reported by Govt or regulatory authority or by violators themselves

Public cannot question violations.
3. Violators can apply for post facto clearances taking steps to remedy the situation and compensating for the same. So you can start a project without all clearances and apply for them later

4. If Regulatory authority feels public hearing cannot be held for whatever reason they can report the same and project can proceed without public hearing and with only written correspondence.
5. Many sectors given exemptions from various stages of the approval process

6. Construction activities upto 15 lakh sq feet given exemption.
These are only a few of the issues that I could make out as clearly against the interests of the very Act that this draft Bill aims to strengthen. Experts point to other technical issues too that could weaken the

very purpose of laws to protect environment. Govt. would do well to withdraw this draft EIA Bill and come up with a better version, at least one that does not look like it may have been drafted by the sand or mining mafia.If there are any errors in my points I wd stand corrected

Experts kindly