In a move that would result in thousands of crores in savings for the real estate industry, the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MEF) has proposed diluting amendments to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) notification, 2006. If passed, the proposed amendments will exempt many commercial projects from having to assess and disclose their negative environmental impacts, or seek public consent....Given the poor compliance with environmental laws by industries, the trust placed in selfcertification would seem misplaced...the ministry had several rounds of face-to-face consultations with various industry organisations. No such meeting was held to consult civil society organisations, or representatives of local bodies.