Project permissions in RRZ in accordance with Central law: Devendra Fadnavis

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has told ET that the recent permissions given to industries to set up plants within two kilometres of River Regulatory Zones ( RRZ) are in accordance with the central environment protection act and the projects would not damage the environment along rivers in the state because only non-polluting industry which does not release any discharge in the river is going to be allowed in the RRZ.

Speaking exclusively with ET, CM Fadnavis said “We feel that the notification issued by the earlier government under the River Regulatory Zone was not in accordance with law. We took the advice of the law and judiciary department on this. RRZ prevents location of industry within two kilometers of rivers. However under central Environment Protection Act, all chemical and other industry need to be Environmentally Appraised by the state environmental appraisal committee. However previous govt in addition to national environmental policy added one more layer and that was to take RRZ permission. Because of this even engineering industry, which does not damage the river with any discharge was stopped from setting up plants in the RRZ. We have now corrected this and allowed them to set up plats. The decision immediately enables coal production in Penganga mine upto 3 million tonnes relieving coal shortage for Mahagenco thermal plants”.

“We are not doing away with all the permissions that are required to set up projects. But we are only simplifying the process of taking permissions. This has been done in order to generate more employment especially in rural areas where the manufacturing sector’s expansion will help economic growth. We have done a lot to change that perception. Most clearances required for setting up new projects have been simplified. We are talking about the single window clearances which has impressed the investors and I see a positive reaction from them. We have told them you just come to Maharashtra, whatever you want, land, water supply, power etc everything will be provided. We want to encourage manufacturing in a big way", Fadnavis added.

Maharashtra government decision to do away with the RRZ related notification has raised a controversy in the state. Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party and the Congress have alleged that the decision is pro-industry and it has been taken under pressure from certain groups. NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said “Government’s decision has been taken only by taking one side into consideration. We have to protect the fragile rivers in Maharashtra. Setting up manufacturing plants in RRZ will damage the environment and hurt farmers”.

The state government says that RRZ restrictions were hurting all projects. While some plants which may have damaged the river environment needed to be kept away from RRZ, there was no reason to stop the non-polluting plants coming in the RRZ region.