Topic: Environmental impact assessment
Q6. “Strategic minerals are central to defence preparedness, energy transition and technological sovereignty”. Analyse the rationale behind India’s recent move to fast-track clearances for such projects. Do these exemptions dilute environmental accountability? (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question
The exemption of strategic mineral mining projects from public hearings by MoEFCC in 2025 has sparked debate on balancing national security imperatives with environmental accountability, making it a contemporary and high-stakes issue.Key Demand of the question
The question asks you to analyse why India is fast-tracking clearances for strategic mineral projects and then critically assess whether these exemptions undermine environmental accountability.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly highlight the rising importance of strategic minerals as the new drivers of defence, clean energy, and technology sovereignty.
Body:
- Rationale for fast-tracking: Mention defence, energy transition, technology self-reliance, supply chain vulnerability, and investment climate.
- Do exemptions dilute accountability?: Present both sides—risks of weakening EIA safeguards, community exclusion, ecological loss; countered by national security exemptions, centralised appraisal, and technology-based compliance.
Conclusion:
Stress that mineral security is vital but must be balanced with environmental justice through innovative monitoring and robust safeguards.
