A bill which will drastically increase penalties for those violating green norms is under consultations and will be tabled in the Winter Session of Parliament.
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar while addressing a press conference on completion of one year of NDA government said that the bill has been presently circulated for consultations.
"What is happening today is that if one cuts a big tree, the penalty is only Rs 1,000. This seems to be a profitable bargain for them.
"Cut a tree, give Rs 1,000 penalty and go home. This will not happen. That is why a bill which will greatly increase the penalties is presently under inter-ministerial consultation," he said.
At the same time, he said that Environment Protection Act, 1986, Forest Conservation Act 1980, Indian Forest Act 1927, Water and Air Acts and Wildlife Protection Act will be revised to address the sensibilities of effective environment protection and ensuring development without destruction.
"The responses from the states have come on the TSR Subramaniam committee report. After detailed deliberations, in the Winter Session of Parliament, the framework will be made ready and we will bring it," Javadekar said.
The government had formed the committee headed by former Cabinet Secretary TSR Subramanian to review environmental laws. The panel has submitted its report.
"We have to agree to every suggestion that they have given, this is not necessary. Whatever suggestions have come from all quarters, what is good for the environment, we will do," Javadekar said.
He said that CAMPA Bill too has been introduced in the Parliament and this would unlock Rs 38,000 crore through for more afforestation.
The Union minister said that approvals for 40 ha and below have now been delegated to Regional Empowered Committees consisting of the state officials, scientists, experts and Ministry officials.
Javadekar said that State Environment Impact Assessment Authorities will decide on the projects of distilleries upto 60 mld per year and irrigation projects upto 10, 000 ha.
