CBI investigation into alleged irregularities in granting mining permits in Saranda could limit the space for political discretion in giving green clearances

The decision will now lie with the district-level forest administrator, the divisional forest officer (DFO), to give away forest land to miners in such cases

60% of the coal blocks had secured environment clearance and a similar number had also received their forest clearances

It could take a year or more for redistribution of the coal blocks if environment and forest clearances are made mandatory

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made some rather emphatic and significant statements on international economic and environmental policy in his UN General Assembly speech that were all but lost in the

The ministry raises concerns that Forest Rights Act doesn't provide any exception to the need for tribal consent to divert their traditional forest lands for industrial projects

The Supreme Court recently termed all captive coal blocks allocated by the government from 1993 to 2010 illegal. A verdict on their future is likely this week.

The minister is expected to showcase India's achievements on the climate change in order to push the focus back on the developed countries to deliver more on their existing commitments

To facilitate projects, the ministry of environment and Forests has further relaxed the process of granting forest clearances under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

Special session called to clear state Bill with sweeping powers for govt; National Judicial Appointments Commission Act also on agenda