The Government has put in place a new framework and an institutional structure for streamlining the environmental clearance for building and construction sector. Briefing media persons on the notification, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, aid that this is another step towards decentralization, delegation of powers and enhancing the Ease of Doing Responsible Business. The notification will come into effect, if States do make the required changes in their building bye-laws. These changes have to be done in consultation with the Ministry. Hence, the Environment Minister has written to all the Chief Ministers and Administrators of Union Territories to take necessary steps for making changes in the building bye-laws. The Ministry has issued a notification S.O. No. 3999 (E) dated 09.12.2016 for integrating standard and objectively monitorable environmental conditions with building permissions for buildings of different sizes; Category ‘1’ 5000 sq. mtr. to 20,000 sq. mtr.; Category ‘2’ 20,000 sq. mtr. to 50,000 sq. mtr. and Category ‘3’ 50,000 sq. mtr. to 1,50,000 sq. mtr., with rigorous monitoring mechanism for implementation of environmental concerns and obligations in building projects.