GS IAS Logo

< Previous | Contents | Next >

The siting criteria delineated by MoEF include:


I. As far as possible prime agricultural land/forest land may not be converted into an industrial site


II. Land acquired should be minimum but sufficient to provide for a green belt wherein the treated wastewater, if possible/suitable, could be utilised from wastewater treatment systems

III. Enough space may be provided for storing solid wastes. The space and the waste can be made available for possible reuse in future

IV. Layout and form of the project must conform to the landscape of the area without unduly affecting the scenic features of that place

V. Associated township of the project if any to be created must provide for space for phyto- graphic barrier between the project and the township and should take into account predominant wind direction.

In addition the following distances should be maintained:


Coastal Areas: at least 1/2 km from the high tide line (within 0.5 km of High Tide Line (HTL), specified activities as per CRZ notification, 1991 are permitted) (The HTL is to be delineated by the authorised agency only.)

Estuaries: At least 200 metres from the estuary boundaries


Flood Plains of the Riverine systems: at least 500 metres from flood plain or modified flood plain or by flood control systems

Transport/Communication System: at least 500 metres from highway and railway


Major Settlements (3,00,000 population) at least 25 km from the projected growth boundary of the settlement

In addition to the siting criteria listed above, the proposed project location should be reviewed in relation to the following salient issues:

Ambient air, water and noise quality standards


Critically polluted areas


Natural disaster prone areas


Ecologically sensitive areas


Availability of water and other critical infrastructures like electricity, roads with adequate width and capacity


Do you know?


Government of India has established the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) with a budget provision of Rs 350 crore for 2015-16 and 2016-17 to assist States and Union Territories to undertake projects and actions for adaptation to climate change.