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IMPORTANTA recent order of the Karnataka HC about #DraftEIA2020 has not got adequate attention. The Modi Govt was told if it does not publicise the draft law in local languages & give people enough time to send feedback, the HC may stay the draft law. https://bit.ly/30tHiGj
This is significant because the environment minister Prakash Javdekar had overruled his officials' request of granting more time for public consultation--lending credence to claims that he wanted to ram through #DraftEIA2020 during #coronavirus lockdown. https://bit.ly/2YuIiKt
We have previously revealed, through official documents accessed under the RTI, how two ministers of the Modi Govt--Dr Harshvardhan and Prakash Javadekar--ensured that India's draft law for green clearance waters down provisions in the current law: EIA2006 https://bit.ly/31Ebb99
Recognising its relevance, and contentious provisions which require a robust public debate, the Delhi HC extended time for public feedback till August 11 and asked #DraftEIA2020 to be translated in 22 languages. By now, the translations should've been done https://bit.ly/2YWo4K5
Since those translations are not yet ready and public feedback process has far from gathered steam, the United Conservation Movement approached the Karnataka HC for extension of public feedback deadline till 31 December 2020. https://bit.ly/30tHiGj
The court appears inclined to direct the Modi Govt to extend the deadline. Its order clearly says so, but does not mention a specific date. The HC has taken note of the inadequate public consultation for #DraftEIA2020 Next hearing is likely on July 23. https://bit.ly/30tHiGj
