Project Location(s)

The site(s) selection can be an effective approach in minimising the requirement of mitigation measures.

             Proposed project locations should be reviewed based upon regulatory and non-regulatory criteria.

            Project siting restrictions depend on the sensitivity of the surrounding environment. Sensitivity should be assessed in relation to proximity of the project to the places/sites listed in Annex II A list of identified ecologically sensitive zones (ESZ) notified by MOEF is given in (Box 1.1, Chapter I).

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

     n 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