: The Environment Ministry has informed the National Green Tribunal that Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) rail projects do not require environmental clearance.
Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) told a bench headed by Justice U. D. Salvi that Railway projects and Metro Rail projects were not within the purview of the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006, and therefore, prior Environmental Clearance (EC) was not required.
An affidavit filed by DMRC read: “The construction of the Metro line from Noida to Greater Noida does not require an EC and it is respectfully submitted that the construction is in accordance with the Office Memorandum dated June 2, 2009, issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (sic).’’
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The affidavit was filed in response to a plea filed by environmentalist Vikrant Tongad seeking directions to the Noida Metro Rail Corporation to obtain environmental clearance for its project from Noida to Greater Noida after conducting proper Environment Impact Assessment.