Environmental clearances play a crucial role in balancing economic development with environmental protection in India. Here are some points to consider:

• Environmental clearances have helped India to mitigate the impact of industrialization on the environment. Stringent regulations and compliance requirements have ensured that companies operate within the limits of environmental sustainability.
• Clearances help in the conservation of natural resources like forests, rivers, and other biodiversity hotspots.
• Environmental concerns are no longer just an afterthought but an integral part of the decision-making process in infrastructure and energy projects. This has improved the quality of projects and reduced conflicts with local communities affected by these projects.
• Clearances have also made sure that the environmental impact assessments of projects are carried out by the experts, and the reports and findings are made public. This enables people to question the legitimacy of such projects and hold the authorities accountable.
• Clearances have undoubtedly slowed down the pace of development in India, but it has helped the country avoid the kind of environmental catastrophes experienced by countries that have overlooked the environmental impact of unchecked growth.

Therefore environmental clearances remain an important aspect of sustainable development in India.