The Union Cabinet on June 27 cleared a proposal that will allow the construction of highways of up to 100-km length and 40-m width without seeking an environment clearance. So far, environment clearance was mandatory for building any highway stretch that was over 30-km long and more than 20 metre wide.
This norm had resulted in humongous delays with over two dozen projects getting stuck. Senior road ministry officials said that the cabinetÂ’s decision will rev up highways expansion which has hit a snailÂ’s pace over the last one year because of delays in getting various clearances.
Because of relaxation of norms, now almost 70 of the highway projects wonÂ’t require environment clearance. It will automatically expedite expansion work, said a senior ministry official.
The cabinet has also waived off mandatory environment clearance that was so far required for procuring soil from up to 2 metre depth and from an area which is less than two hectare in length. Soil is required for levelling of roads during construction and embankments.
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