The Cabinet Committee on Investments (CCI) received a request from the union coal ministry for streamlining approval process for mining projects.

In a letter written by the union coal ministry to CCI, it suggested parallel processing of environmental clearance (EC) and forest clearance (FC) for coal projects as in the case of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) projects.

The ministry also requested the CCI to waive prior environment approval for enhanced borehole density during exploration in forest areas.

While the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) has recommended issuance of EC for 11 proposals of Coal India (CIL), the environment ministry is yet to give the approval, the letter shows.

Two projects are awaiting grant of terms of reference (ToR) and the EAC has already recommended the same.

Also, the environment ministry is yet to clear seven proposals where coal companies have submitted all necessary documents as the same are to be considered by EAC.

Further, in the case of seven proposals, coal companies have submitted the required documents for grant of ToR and EAC to consider the same, the letter points out.