Debate Over Exemption for Strategic Mineral Mining

The Indian government defends its exemption of certain mineral mining projects from public consultation, despite opposition from Tamil Nadu. The exemption is justified under existing EIA provisions for national strategic projects, ensuring no compromise on environmental and social concerns.

The central government on Monday confirmed the receipt of a letter from the Tamil Nadu government opposing the recent exemption granted to mining projects involving key strategic minerals from public consultations.

According to Union Minister for Environment, Kirti Vardhan Singh, the memorandum, exempting these critical projects from mandatory public consultations under the 2006 Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, was defended as a strategic necessity. He assured that environmental, social, health, and livelihood concerns will still be addressed through the established EIA processes.

The Ministry explained that the exemption falls under a pre-existing provision for projects linked to national defense and strategic requirements, emphasizing the continued importance of critical minerals in India's energy, defense, and nuclear advances, while Tamil Nadu's concerns were thoroughly examined.

(With inputs from agencies.)