Built-up area norms for SEZs in smaller cities relaxed

The Union Government has relaxed the minimum built-up area norms for SEZs (tax-free enclaves) coming up in smaller cities.

The move is likely to urge investments in IT/ITES SEZs in Tier II and Tier III cities. It could also help sectors such as gems and jewellery, non conventional energy, biotechnology and free-trade warehousing, where minimum built up area norms are prescribed.

For 21 cities which have been categorised as B1 (including Kochi, Agra, Allahabad, Madurai and Raipur), the Government has reduced minimum built-up area for SEZs to 50 per cent of the current norms.

For 'B2' cities (smaller cities), the minimum built-up area has been lowered to just 25 per cent of the present norms. The current built up requirements range from a minimum 40,000 sq mtrs for bio-technology SEZs to one lakh sq mtrs in case of IT/ITES SEZs.

PNGRB to get licensing powers

The Union Government is likely to strengthen the powers of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) by allowing it to grant licences to companies for taking up city gas projects - piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG).

The government is likely to notify Section 16 of the PNGRB Act, 2006, which will enable the Board to function in its full capacity. Besides, it will get the authority to invite bids and issue licences for oil product pipelines as well.

Till now the Board was only following the process of selecting the cities, inviting the bids, evaluating the bids, selecting the winner and recommending to the government. The Board did not have the powers to authorise the selected bidders.

MoEF increases coal mining zone in forest area

The MoEF has agreed to increase the "go zone" for coal mining in forest areas by 10 per cent from 3,44,000 to 3,80,000 ha in eight coal blocks in the country.

"Go areas" are the designated zones in forest areas where coal mining is allowed in case they meet the environment clearance. Also, the new agreement includes some underground mines, which are environmentally preferable to the original strip mining proposals.