Considering Translation Of Draft Environment Assessment In 22 Languages: Centre To High Court

The high court on February 25 had observed that its view that the draft Environment Impact Assessment be translated in all 22 languages should not be taken so "combatively" by the central government.

The Centre told the Delhi High Court on Friday that its views on translating the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) in all 22 languages in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution was being given "thoughtful consideration" and some more time will be required to arrive at a decision. The submission was made before a bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan by Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, pursuant to which the court listed the matter for further hearing on April 30. The high court on February 25 had observed that its view that the draft Environment Impact Assessment be translated in all 22 languages should not be taken so "combatively" by the central government. People in remote areas are "our citizens" who need to be heard and may not understand the draft if published only in English and Hindi, the court had said to the Environment Ministry which has been against translating the draft Environment Impact Assessment in the vernacular languages.