Good resolutions

The National Conservation Strategy and the Policy Statement on Environment and Development was adopted by the Governink ,nt of India in June 1992 to provide the basis for the integration and internalisation of environmental considerations in the various policies and programmes of the government.

In 1994, a far-reaching notification by the ministry of environment and forests (MOEF) made it obligatory for almost all developmental and in4ustrial concerns to conduct Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies.

In a decision intended to make industry more accountable to thepeople,the Cabinet Secretariat on January 15, 1997, ma depublic hearings mandatory before giving environmental clearance to any industry project or activity, whether private and governmental.

On April 9, 1"7, by an extraordinary gazette notification, the MOEF established the National Environment Appellate Authority (NEAA), in exercise of its powers under a, 1997 Act. The NEAA will deal with complaints against develooental projects that fall under the EIA of 1"4. "The aim is to enable people directly affected by developmental and industrial projects, as well ts NGOs, to present their point of view and ensure transparency in the process of EIA." Surprisingly, however, no NGO finds representation on the NEAA.