• The Indian government has recently come up with a new mechanism to expedite environmental clearances for projects in the country.
• Under this mechanism, all environmental clearances will be accorded within a period of 75 days for large infrastructure projects, mining, and other industrial activities.
• This new initiative has been brought in to boost the economic growth of the country by simplifying the procedures and reducing delays in the environmental clearance process.
• The move will attract more foreign investments in India as it provides speedy clearance of projects.
• The importance of this mechanism lies in the fact that long drawn out processes of getting environmental clearances have delayed many critical infrastructure projects in the past, which has caused major setbacks for the economy.
• The government's initiative will help bring down the time and cost of the clearance process, thereby making the environment and industry more viable partners in growth.
• However, some environmentalists have criticised the government's decision, stating that the clearance process should not be bypassed, as it is critical for protecting the environment and the rights of local communities.
• The government will need to ensure that the 75-day timeframe is adhered to while also ensuring that proper environmental safeguards are in place for local communities and the environment.

In conclusion, the move by the Indian government to expedite environmental clearances through a time-bound clearance mechanism is a welcome step towards promoting growth and investment in the country. While the initiative has the potential to attract more investments and boost economic growth, the government must ensure that environmental safeguards are not bypassed. The mechanism should be implemented with due diligence and transparency to ensure that environmental clearances are given without impacting the environment and the rights of local communities.