The Union environment ministry has relaxed the mandatory compliance norms for coal mining expansion projects citing higher demand for coal amid an ongoing power crisis — a move that has been criticised by environmentalists, especially since the coal ministry has said there is no shortage of coal in the country.
According to the revised norms, coal mines with environmental clearances (EC) to expand by 40%, can now expand by up to 50% without any environment impact assessment or public consultation.
In an office memorandum (OM) dated May 7, the environment ministry said the change was made after the coal ministry raised an alarm regarding pressure on domestic coal supply.
