MoEF asks SCCL to ‘apply mind’ before seeking project clearances

HYDERABAD: Two proposals seeking environmental clearance for expansion of coal mines in Khammam and Peddapalli districts by the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) were recently shot down by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests’ Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for environmental appraisal of coal mining projects, due to violation of environmental laws.

In an embarrassment to the SCCL, the EAC in its meeting held this month denied proposal by SCCL for expansion of a cluster of coal mines in Godavarikhani of Peddapalli district. The EAC asked the SCCL to ‘apply mind’ and read the provisions of the Environment Impact Assessment notification, 2006 before applying for clearances.