CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -About a year ago, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had suspended the environmental clearance granted to the INO.

Detailed explanation-2: -Environmental Clearance (EC) for the certain project has been made compulsory by the MoEF, i.e. Ministry of Environment & Forests, via its notification released under the norms of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Indian Neutrino Observatory (INO) is a proposed particle physics research mega project. The objective of the project was to study neutrinos in a 1, 200-metre deep cave. A neutrino is a fundamental elementary particle, and atmospheric neutrinos can be studied when solar radiation hits the earth’s atmosphere.

Detailed explanation-4: -The project proponent submits an application for environmental clearance with the MoEF if it falls under Project A category or the state government if it falls under project B category. The application form is submitted with EIA report, EMP, details of public hearing and NOC granted by the state regulators.

Detailed explanation-5: -Objectives: INO will observe neutrinos and antineutrinos produced in the atmosphere of the Earth. Over the years this underground facility is expected to develop into a full-fledged underground science laboratory for other studies in physics, biology, geology, hydrology etc.