New Delhi: In the midst of a continued threat of Covid-19 pandemic and the possibility of the third wave, the center has released drug manufacturers from a strict environmental permit process until December 31.
Under the exception, notified by environmental services on Friday, all the proposals will be assessed for fast green permits by putting activities related to ‘active pharmaceutical material’ (API) under the Category Projects ‘B2’.
Because projects under the ‘B2’ category do not require environmental impact assessments (EIA) and public hearings, drug producers can obtain fast green licenses.
Flexibility that is believed to be helping independent domestic drug manufacturers in the manufacture of APIs used as raw materials to produce drugs.
“All proposals for projects or activities in connection with active pharmaceutical materials (API), received from July 16, 2021 to December 31, 2021, will be assessed as the ‘B2’ category project,” the Ministry’s notification is under the environment (protection).
ACT, 1986.
This is at the same time, clarifying all the projects / activities after December 31 will be considered in accordance with the applicable provisions at that time.
The ministry in his notification confirmed the liberal approach in giving green permits due to existing Covid-19 threats.
It was said, “The central government considers it necessary to provide other windows (exceptions) given the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic and advanced need of drug manufacturing fast.” This records the ministry has received a demand for extension of time in a period of time outside the earlier time ending on March 30 as “there are further requirements to accelerate the making of the drug” remember the outbreak of the second wave of pandemic.
Regulations that are notified under the 1986 law classify the project into three categories – categories ‘a’ that needs to be assessed by the Ministry, the ‘B’ category where the state needs to provide ‘B2’ permits and categories that relieve projects from the EIA and Public Session.
Even though the previous ministry issued a notice twice while giving liberation to drug producers, there was no special order that exceeded March 30.