The Initial Environment Examination will be monitored by the MOFAD

Kathmandu, March 4

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development has delegated its power to approve Initial Environmental Examination concerning collection and extraction of river products to the concerned district development boards.

According to Environment Management Section of the MoFALD, a decision to this effect was taken on Tuesday. The MoFALD has already communicated the decision to all 75 district development committees and directed them to act accordingly.

An official said the delegation of power is consistent with the Environment Protection Regulation, 1998.

“This decision will be applicable till mid-July only. The IEE to be carried out by the DDC, VDC, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, sub-metropolitan city and municipality offices prior to collecting or extracting river products under the Environmental Protection Act, 1997 and Regulation will be examined and approved by the concerned district development boards.

The implementation status of the IEE so approved will be monitored by the Environment Management Section of the ministry,” said an official.

A seven-member IEE Review and Recommendation Committee led by head of the concerned district technical office should be formed for discussion on the IEE reports before recommending them to the district development board for approval or disapproval.

The IEE report should include the details with site map, quantity, duration, equipment and method for collection or extraction of river products.

The existing law requires any agency to include a geologist and environmentalist in its consultant expert group. According to the MoFALD, the district development boards should abide by the Cabinet decisions and other directives of the government issued from time to time.

The concerned party is not allowed to carry out and submit the IEE report on instalment basis. Any IEE report should be sent to the ministry within 15 days from the date of approval.

The delegation of power is meant to facilitate the local bodies in post-earthquake reconstruction works.