HYDERABAD
The State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority has now set up a new expert committee to look into the eco-tourism project in the Kothaguda reserve forest, even after the State Expert Appraisal Committee recommended that the project be rejected as the motive is more commercial than ecological.
According to the Environment Impact Assessment Notification 2006, any report that needs environmental clearance has to be scrutinised by the SEAC and then suggest recommendations.
“In this case, they have sent back the file and advised to set up a seven member committee now. This is only to support vested interests and enable profit out of natural resources. Why set up this committee now? What is the need for revaluing any project when a group of experts from the SEAC have recommended its rejection?” asked A.V. Reddy, general secretary, Botanical Gardens Walkers’ Association.
Though not illegal, in the last six years, the SLEIAA has not sent back any report or suggested any such formation of a committee.
Full report here Deccan Chronicle
