Online system for environment clearances for industrial and infrastructure projects has become fully operational from yesterday. Environment, Forests and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar has said that environment clearances can now be sought online.

Talking to reporters in New Delhi yesterday, Mr Javadekar said, the submissions can be done both online and in the form of hard copies. However no application will be entertained for clearance through any other route from 1st July, 2014. The Minister said the step is an indication of promoting transparency in governance and better functioning of the Ministry. The e-clearance mechanism is the first in a series of online approvals that the government proposes to put in place. In the next stage, forest clearances will be made online and work has begun to give mining-related approvals as well through the same route.