No new projects in erosion prone zones: Ramesh

Tougher norms for projects near coastal areas

“Andhra Pradesh government has been advised to set up an independent monitoring agency to instil confidence among the people in the affected  regions,” he told the media  here.

The minister said the Centre would be rigid on environmental issues related to power and port projects on the coast line and no projects would be permitted in identified high-erosion zones in coastal states.

“A satellite-based imagery  is being developed on the coastline of all states. Satellite map ping has been completed for  Gujarat, Orissa and Puduchery while it will be ready by August in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka,” he said.

Ramesh said all the state governments were advised to get cumulative environment assessment of power and port projects before seeking approvals.

“The Centre will re-do   and review its environmentclearances based on such assessment even in projects that are already approved,” he said, adding that all the port and power projects of Andhra Pradesh are being scrutinised on this basis only.

Hyderabad has been chosen to host the 11th conference of the  parties for the  UN convention on bio–diversity in October  2012 in which environment leaders,  including prime ministers of 194  countries will participate.