4 rail projects in NE affected for want of forestry clearance

PTI Jul 24, 2014,

• 

((Representative Image)…)

NEW DELHI: Four key railways projects in the North Eastern region have been affected for want of forestry clearances, the government said today.
Noting that several railway projects are pending due to want of forest clearances, Railway Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said efforts are being made to speed up approvals.

"Four national projects -- Lumding-Silchar, Agartala- Sabroom, Bhairabi-Sairang and Sivok-Rango have been affected for want of forestry clearances," Gowda said in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour.
"Co-ordination meetings have been held with state government and Ministry of Environment and Forests, for faster clearance of these projects and consequently all clearances have been received for Lumding-Silchar project," the Minister said.
Projects important from strategic viewpoint in Jammu and Kashmir and North Eastern region or developmental projects that result in greater integration of these regions with the rest of India, are generally categorised as national projects.
"National projects have been provided with an all time highest allocation of Rs 6,000 crore in 2014-15 for their speedier implementation.
"Field units have also been empowered for faster decision making," the Minister said.
With regard to clearances, the Railway Ministry has already discussions with Environment and Forests Ministry and early approvals are expected, Gowda added.