Following the PMO’s intervention to fast-track linear projects like roads, railway lines and power transmission lines, the Ministry of Environment & Forests has agreed to relax its guidelines for clearance of forest land falling in such project areas.
The MoEF has agreed to “facilitate phased preparation and processing” of linear project proposals. It has, however, added that a “technically feasible alternative alignment” for segments that fall in forest land will have to be provided. The user agency must resort to this alternate alignment in case forest clearance is not granted.