Indian environment minister Mr Jairam Ramesh said the Supreme Court’s order in the Lafarge limestone mining case would set the stage for further reforms in environmental governance and make the structure more effective.

The minister in a statement said that “The ministry of environment and forests believes this is a landmark judgement, which would set the stage for further reforms in environmental governance.” He added the apex court had given a new and enhanced status to the National Forest Policy, which was prepared under former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Mr Ramesh also welcomed the court’s directive to set up a national regulator.

(Sourced from BS)