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

The Union environment ministry is set to ease clearance norms for townships and building and construction projects in or close to wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and eco-sensitive zones.

A third of the poorest urban population had exclusive supply of drinking water in 2012 against 28.5% in 2008-09

Expert panel okays it without land demarcation or settling of tribal rights; also clears Rs 2,000-cr Kundaliya irrigation scheme in MP

Rules for mining, roads, power and irrigation projects relaxed

The Union environment ministry has notified the reconstitution of the standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).

Asks states to register growth, felling and sale of timber at local levels, instead of blanket bans

In an unprecedented move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a toothless National Board for Wildlife without the mandatory non-government members.

Agrees to coal ministry idea of doing away with individual mine examination and to, instead, consider clusters in the case of Coal India

The Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government has given environment clearance to five projects since it took charge on May 26.