Real estate could be exempted from central environmental rules

Following the NDA government’s “Ease of Business” mantra, the environment ministry has proposed that the entire construction sector could be exempted from mandatory environmental clearances if states impose pre-specified and standard green conditions under their building bye-laws.

But, even before the environment ministry carries out mandatory public consultation and notifies these proposed changes, the urban development ministry has already amended its model Building bye-laws public announcing the relaxation for the construction industry.

It has asked the states to adopt the model bye-laws to avoid the mandatory environmental clearances. Taking cue, the Delhi Development Authority has adopted these amended building bye-laws without awaiting a final notification of the changes by the environment ministry.

Business Standard reviewed documents that show the two ministries consulted repeatedly to decide that the changes would be made to ease the business for the entire real estate and construction industry though the environment ministry’s draft said the purpose of the changes was to provide houses to the weaker section under the ‘Housing For All’ scheme.

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