MoEF’s two stage forest clearance concept questioned by NGT

The National Green Tribunal has questioned the concept of two-stage forest clearance granted by Ministry of Environment and Forests to industries,saying “you have no business to do what you have been doing”.“Show us under the Forest (Conservation) Act that you can grant two stage forest clearance. It is a question we want an answer to as it has serious consequences. It will have far reaching effect,” a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said. The tribunal asked the ministry to come prepared on the next date with an answer to its query as to from where it derives the power to grant two-stage forest clearance as it is an issue having serious consequences.