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EXCLUSIVE Look who is opposing the #EIA2020!
India’s 2 influential real estate lobby groups took contrasting positions about #EIADraft2020 in recent letters to the MoEF. The Builders' Association of India opposed it entirely, the CREDAI welcomed it. https://bit.ly/3fMuu3e
The BAI criticised specific provisions of the #EIA2020 and sought its withdrawal as well as postponement of ongoing public consultation due to #coronavirus; the CREDAI welcomed #EIA2020draft calling it “transparent”; “promotes sustainable development”. https://bit.ly/3fMuu3e
The CREDAI's support for the #EIADraft2020 is not surprising for, among other reasons, the draft law proposes to make the changes it sought (see this report 4 details). It is the complete opposition by the Builders' Association of India that's unexpected. https://bit.ly/2CbWAqK
The BAI, which claims over 15,000 members in 148 centres across India, criticised 8 specific provisions of the #EIADraft2020 that dilute the requirement of conducting public hearing, especially in cases of hazardous projects and activities. https://bit.ly/3fMuu3e
When asked what it makes of the CREDAI's support for the #EIADraft2020 , a BAI office bearer said, “If they are supporting the draft, it is wrong.” When I asked CREDAI VP Shantilal Kataria what he makes of the BAI's criticism, he refused to comment. https://bit.ly/3fMuu3e
To be sure, the BAI's letter didn't refer to any provision directly benefiting the real estate sector in its list of 8 provisions 'against public interest'. But it criticised the provision to grant post-facto EC that may benefit some real estate projects. https://bit.ly/3fMuu3e
A BAI office bearer said, “We are also citizens of India & this letter has been written in larger public interest as we believe some of the provisions are wrong & need wider public consultation which is presently not possible due to #coronavirus pandemic.” https://bit.ly/3fMuu3e
On his part, the CREDAI VP didn't leave any doubt about the group's position: 'This notification has come after thorough thought by the central government, particularly the environment department. Easing business is important and we welcome this.' https://bit.ly/3fMuu3e
