Environment ministry to NGT: Metro projects do not need green clearance.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) told the National Green Tribunal Thursday that Metro rail projects are not required to seek environmental clearance.

The environment ministry told the principal bench that railway projects and Metro rail projects are not within the purview of 2006 Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, therefore prior Environmental Clearance is not required.

The government of India, Ministry of Urban Development (Metro Rail Cell) in an Office Memorandum dated May 22, 2009 has sent a Cabinet note to the Ministry of Environment and Forest and that the MoEF has replied on June 2, 2009 stating that Metro projects are not required to seek Environmental Clearance under EIA Notification. … The construction of the Metro line from Noida to Greater Noida does not require an EC..,” an affidavit by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said.

The affidavit was filed in response to a plea filed by environmentalist Vikrant Tongad seeking directions to Noida Metro Rail Corporation to obtain environmental clearance for its project from Noida to Greater Noida after conducting proper Environment Impact Assessment.


THE INDIAN EXPRESS