Debunking Myths Related to Infrastructure Projects and Environment.
This International Environment Day
Debunking Myths Related to Infrastructure Projects and Environment.
Not All That Builds, Destroys. Know the Process, Trust the Checks.
Peerzada Mohsin Shafi
As the world marks World Environment Day on 5th June this year’s theme “Ending Plastic Pollution” highlights our shared responsibility to protect the planet from unsustainable consumption. While this is an important global issue, it's also a timely occasion to address widespread but unfounded concerns that often arise at the intersection of infrastructure development and environmental conservation, especially in ecologically sensitive regions like Jammu & Kashmir.
Over the years, several myths have taken root in public discourse suggesting that infrastructure development recklessly destroys forests, bypasses environmental norms and receives arbitrary approvals. The reality however is far more nuanced, involving multi-layered legal, scientific, and procedural checks and balances that ensure responsible execution. Below, we debunk some of the most common misconceptions.
Myth 1: Infrastructure Projects Get Approved Without Environmental Scrutiny.
A common belief is that large-scale development projects, particularly those involving roads, tunnels and power infrastructure are approved hastily without considering their environmental consequences. In truth, every such project requires a mandatory Environmental Clearance (EC), governed by the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
This process is anything but cursory. It includes detailed baseline studies on air, water, soil, wildlife, and socio-economic impact, site inspections, public hearings involving affected communities and expert appraisal by environmental committees. For Jammu & Kashmir, projects like the NH-44 Upgradation, USBRL Project, and upcoming infrastructure projects like Singhpora Vailoo Tunnel, Sudhmahadev Dranga were all subject to comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments before any approval was granted.
Clearance is granted only after extensive vetting and projects are often delayed or returned for reappraisal. For example, even minor changes in design or alignment can require the submission of fresh environmental data, proving that the system is robust and not a mere formality.
Myth 2: Forest Clearances Are Easily Obtained and Lead to Indiscriminate Tree Felling.
One of the most persistent myths is that forest land is freely handed over for infrastructure projects with little concern for biodiversity or ecological balance. This is only myth and lacks facts Any diversion of forest land, no matter how small, falls under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and requires a rigorous Forest Clearance (FC).
Forest clearance involves two distinct stages. Stage-I (In-principle Approval) examines the ecological sensitivity of the land, the availability of alternative non-forest sites and the project's justification. Only if these are found satisfactory is the project allowed to move to Stage-II (Final Approval), which requires the fulfilment of several conditions such as Compensatory Afforestation (CA), often in double the diverted area, Payment of Net Present Value (NPV) for ecological loss and Mutation and transfer of equal land to the Forest Department.
This process is painstakingly thorough. A telling example is the Singhpora-Vailoo Tunnel in Kashmir, a crucial project aimed at providing all-weather connectivity. Though the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) submitted the forest clearance file in 2022, the project is still awaiting final approval due to pending assessments and compliance reviews. This underscores the due diligence applied in evaluating such proposals.
Moreover, forest clearance proposals pass through a chain of command, from District Forest Officers to Divisional Forest Officers, the State-level Advisory Groups, and finally to the MoEFCC at the central level. This extensive pipeline makes arbitrary approvals virtually impossible. In addition, Integrated Regional Office (IRO) meetings are held bi-annually to review proposals and monitor implementation. Non-compliance can attract penalties and suspension of approvals.
Myth 3: Infrastructure Projects Randomly Fell Trees Without Environmental Compensation.
The assumption that tree felling is conducted arbitrarily for the sake of roads or tunnels is not grounded in facts. Under current norms, tree cutting is strictly regulated and only permitted after all clearances have been granted. Every tree cut must be accounted for and Compensatory Afforestation is mandatory.
Projects such as the Z-Morh Tunnel, Baramulla-Uri Highway Expansion, and the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel had to provide detailed afforestation plans, which included planting of native species, soil protection measures, and post-plantation monitoring. These plantations are geo-tagged and supervised by forest departments, ensuring accountability and survival of the saplings.
Further, where projects involve ecologically sensitive zones, wildlife conservation plans and biodiversity management plans are also mandated to ensure that local flora and fauna are not disrupted.
Myth 4: Pollution-Causing Activities Like Crusher Plants Are Allowed Without Regulation.
Another myth is that construction activities like crusher plants and concrete batching plants, which generate dust, noise and water pollution are allowed to operate without regulation. In reality, these activities fall under the stringent oversight of the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).
Before establishing such facilities, project proponents must obtain a Consent to Establish (CTE) and later a Consent to Operate (CTO) under the Air and Water Acts. These consents are granted only after thorough site inspections, verification of pollution control devices (like water sprinklers, dust collectors, and green belts), and compliance with emission and effluent standards. Routine monitoring, surprise inspections, and strict penalties ensure that operators cannot bypass environmental safeguards. Any lapse in environmental performance can lead to immediate suspension or revocation of these consents.
Myth 5: Environmental and Forest Approvals Are Done Secretly Without Public Involvement.
This myth stems largely from lack of awareness. To counter this perception and bring transparency into the clearance process, the Government of India launched the PARIVESH Portal, a centralized online system that integrates the entire chain of environmental, forest, wildlife and coastal regulation zone (CRZ) approvals.
Through Parivesh, every file submitted for clearance can be tracked by the public, including its stage of approval, conditions imposed, and decision timeline. The portal also features public consultation records, expert appraisal committee observations, and site inspection reports. This digital governance reform has made it virtually impossible to process any file without proper documentation and traceability. Parivesh not only empowers citizens to stay informed, but also encourages them to participate in the process. If any citizen notices irregularities or has concerns regarding a specific project’s clearance, they are legally and practically enabled to file objections or queries.
Myth 6: Citizens Have No Role in Environmental Decision-Making.
Contrary to popular belief, public participation is a statutory requirement in the environmental clearance process. During the EIA process and 2nd stage approval for forest land conversion, public hearings are held in affected districts to gather the opinions and objections of local residents, NGOs, panchayat bodies and civil society organizations. The outcome of these hearings significantly influences whether a project is approved, delayed, or rejected.
Additionally, citizens can track projects on the Parivesh portal, raise concerns through grievance redressal platforms, and even file RTI applications to seek further information. If infrastructure is to benefit the public, it is only fair that the public plays a role in how it’s developed and that mechanism exists robustly today.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the theme of "Ending Plastic Pollution" this World Environment Day, it is equally important to end the pollution of misinformation. Infrastructure projects are not inherently destructive rather they are governed by some of the most stringent environmental frameworks in the world.
Through mechanisms like the Environmental Clearance system, Forest Clearance process, Pollution Control Board consents, and the Parivesh Portal, India has built a complex but necessary system to balance ecological preservation with developmental needs. However, for this system to function at its best, it requires not only government diligence but also citizen engagement.
