The State Government has decided to make the process of accepting applications for setting up new industrial projects online from November 1. Those existing units who seek a host of permissions for the projects will also have to follow the same process.
Starting November 1, the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB) will accept only online applications for setting up industrial projects and other applications by existing units.
A decision to this effect was taken in the 31st Board meeting of CECB chaired by its Chairman N Baijendra Kumar here on Thursday.
In the meeting, Kumar said that the Board has decided to accept online applications so as to expedite works, save time and ensure more transparency.
He said that online application system will relieve industrialists of the inconvenience of visiting the Board office repeatedly to get approval for establishing and operating industrial units. Several other important decisions were also taken in the Board meeting.
The CECB has decided to establish more number of ‘Continuous Air Monitoring Stations’ and equip them with lED screens for better resolution so that even the general public may access the information about level of environment pollution.
In the context of idol immersion, officials were directed to conduct public awareness campaign for prevention of environment pollution.
Activities of eco-clubs, constituted in schools were also discussed. It was decided that every Regional Officer of the Board would ensure formation of at least 250 eco-clubs in their respective areas.
Various programmes will be organised for the clubs to create environment awareness among the members. In the meeting, the board has also decided to take action for approval of Service Recruitment Regulations 2014 by Environment Department and to conduct internal audit of various documents of the board before the due date and to get Statutory Auditor appointed by the CAG.
Application fee for renewal, water and air-related approval have been decided to be `500. The board has taken a number of decisions in larger interest of officials and employees.
“We are doing away with all hard copy (paper) work for accepting applications for new industrial projects besides for offering other clearances required by the industry,” Kumar told The Pioneer.
“The system would also generate reports on status of applications and projects. The entire process is already very well streamline,” he stated.