Elections have come in the way of setting up an environment regulator. The onus is on the next government, if the Supreme Court allows the environment ministry an extension.
The Supreme Court had asked the ministry to formalise a national environment regulator by March 31 to monitor policy implementation.
On March 5, the Election Commission notified polling in nine phases from April 7 to May 12. Votes will be counted on May 16.
According to a senior official from the ministry of environment and forests, the poll announcement will act as an impediment.
"Since this is a separate post and body, it needs Cabinet clearance. With the election code of conduct in place, it will be difficult for the Cabinet to clear it. Though a Cabinet note has been circulated, the ministries concerned need at least three weeks to respond," the official said. "We may approach the court and seek an extension," he added.
The note proposes clauses on penalty and legal procedures linked to the regulator's decisions.
