MoUD Proposes Green Exemption for Stalled Metro Projects
It has been seen that metro rail projects in many cities across the country have been languishing due to want of necessary government clearances. With the motive of fast-tracking such projects, the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) has proposed that these projects be exempted from environment clearances for an area upto five acres.
Ministry seeks ‘Critical Projects Status’ for metro projects:
Considering the importance of metro connectivity in big cities towards easing public life, a ‘Critical Projects Status (Public Utility)’ has been sought by the MoUD. This is on similar lines to the status given to other critical sectors like water supply, roads and other essential public utilities, especially in areas affected by extremism. This would better enable state governments to go ahead with granting environmental and forest clearances.
Proposal for Compensation at Govt-to-Govt prices:
The ministry also made a proposal regarding the compensation that was needed to be paid to governmental departments like the Development Authority of a city. It was proposed that compensation should be only at government-to-government prices and not as per market determined prices. This would relieve developers of a huge financial burden that they would have otherwise had to bear.
Metro projects facing Land Acquisition issues:
It has been seen that many metro projects across the country are facing inordinate delays in land acquisition thereby resulting in considerable cost escalation. A case in point is with regards the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. Due to land acquisition issues, there is a possibility that Phase III of the project could miss its deadline. Similar issues are plaguing the progress of other metro projects like the Kochi metro , the Hyderabad metro and the Mumbai metro.
General Approval on MoEF lines sought:
With regards to the exemption of environment clearances upto five areas for metro projects, it was proposed that a general approval should be granted for such projects on similar lines to those granted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). The MoEF grants approvals for certain categories of critical projects involving the development of roads and public utilities, especially in areas afflicted by extremism. Incidentally, clearances from the MoEF are not required for such projects, since state governments are empowered to clear them.
Ministry requests revision in Ancient Monument and Archaeological Remains Act:
The general scenario is such that no major hurdles are faced for acquiring project land belonging to state governments, their agencies as well as of private parties. The major stumbling block is with regards to acquiring land belonging to Central government departments, particularly Defense and PSUs. This is the main reason why many major infra projects are held up indefinitely. Besides, the MoUD has also requested for a revision in the Ancient Monument and Archaeological Remains Act. This is to prevent any impediment that could be faced in case there is any prohibition for construction in such protected areas.
