Goverment exempts educational institutes from prior green nod

The government has exempted builders from obtaining prior green nod for construction of universities, school, college and hostel facilities provided they follow sustainable environment practises.

However, for construction of medical universities and institutes having hospital facilities, prior environment clearance is required, it said.

"The Ministry of Environment has exempted school, college and hostel for educational institutions from obtaining prior environment clearance under the provisions of the EIA Notification, 2006 subject to sustainable environmental management," the Environment Ministry said.

In a circular, the ministry clarified about the exemption granted for construction of what type of educational structures in the notification issued on December 22, 2014. "It is clarified that the Notification dated 22.12.2014 provides exemption to buildings of educational institutions including universities from obtaining prior environment clearance under the provisions of the EIA Notification, 2006 subject to sustainable environmental Management," it said.

Besides, educational institutes, the government has exempted builders from obtaining prior green nod for construction of 'industrial sheds'.

Industrial sheds are those which are being used for keeping plant and machinery of industrial units. They also include godowns and buildings connection with production related and other associated activities of the unit in the same premise, the ministry said.

The exemptions have been given provided the buildings ensure sustainable environment management, solid and liquid waste management, rain water harvesting and use recycled material such as fly ash bricks, the ministry added.

The Ministry, however, said that the building and construction projects which cover an area greater than or equal to 20,000 sqm and having a built-up area greater than 1,50,000 sqm of built-up area continue to need prior environment clearance.

Similarly, townships and area development projects covering an area greater than or equal to 50 hectares and or having a built-up area of greater than or equal to 1,50,000 sqm need prior green nod, it added.