The Lok Sabha yesterday passed the bill providing for the establishment of a National Environment Appellate Authority for quick redressal of public grievances.
This replaces the ordinance issued by the government in January for the purpose.
Replying to over two hours of debate, environment minister Saifuddin Soz said that the proposed authority would be an independent body and there would be no appeal against its verdict either in the Supreme Court or any high court.
Soz assured the members that the government would come up separately on its stand on the aquaculture sector which was a non-industry sector.
He criticised the Western nations for doling out advice to developing countries on environment and said that Indian laws on environment were stronger than any other country. Protection of environment was part of Indian culture and ethos.
Members from the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) benches said that the bill should be referred to the select committee or the standing committee of the ministry. The bill was later passed by a voice vote.
