The Hindu : National : “Companies should ‘look within’ on eco-issues”

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Tuesday, Jun 30, 2009
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“Companies should ‘look within’ on eco-issues”

Sujay Mehdudia

NEW DELHI: Flooded with demands from both private and public sector companies for fast track environmental clearance of various power projects in the country, Environment and Forests Minister, Jairam Ramesh, said the track record of these companies did not inspire much confidence, and they needed to look within to set right the damage to environment and ecology.

Ruling out any kind of blanket clearance to power projects in the name of achieving targets, Mr. Ramesh said he was prepared to help the power sector in getting early clearances, but private and public sector companies would have to show greater sensitivity on environmental issues.

Contentious issues

“Over 50 per cent of CO2 emissions are coming from power stations, which is not something to be proud about. They have to show how efficient and concerned they are about climate change and how they adopt environmental friendly technologies and measures,” he added.

Mr. Ramesh said two of the most contentious issues in the development of power projects were land and water. “These are very serious issues which directly impact the people and the local population. In States like Orissa and Chattisgarh, people want the government to come clear on the issue of priority for use of water vis-À-vis power projects and irrigation facilities,” he said.

The minister said things in the power sector have to change dramatically and at a fast pace. Those not adhering to local laws, and to environmental and forest issues in the development of projects, will face action.

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