Notice Issued to Environment Ministry, NHAI Over EIA Exemption to Highways

Karnataka High Court on September 26 issued a notice to the Union Environment Ministry and National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). The notice was issued following a PIL filed against the exemption of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for widening of highways up to 100 km. The petitioners called this a violation of 'Environment (Protection) Act and Environment (Protection) Rules', and said this will adversely impact the environment.