Conference to finalise changes in environment laws today

The Environment Ministry is all set to hold a two-day national conference tomorrow which is seen as a final step of consultations and taking states on board before bringing amendments in existing green laws.

The conference will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which state environment ministers and officials will brainstorm on proposed changes in the six environment laws apart from reflecting upon "simplification" of existing processes and ensure "strict" compliance of green norms. A comprehensive National Air Quality Index to inform people about air quality will also be launched. After the conference, the Environment Ministry will finalise its recommendations, prepare the cabinet note and bring it before the cabinet so that the bills as amended can be brought in the second half of Parliament session, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar had earlier said.