The proposal has four options on the structure of NEPA:

* Create a national environment monitoring authority focussed on compliance and enforcement;

* Create a full-fledged NEPA that subsumes the Central POllution Control Board (CPCB);

* Create a NEPA, with a separate CPCB continuing to report to the ministry; and

* Create a NEPA, with CPCB reporting to it.

Ramesh said NEPA would depend more on fiscal incentives and disincentives than on inspectors to implement pollution control laws.

The ministry would also look at the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process through which all environmental clearances for projects were given, he added.

'The (current) EIA process leaves a lot to be desired. I'm not very happy with the project proponent getting his favoured consultant to do the EIA. We're discussing the mater with the National Quality Council of India and are thinking of introducing a rating or pre-qualification system for EIA consultants.'

The ministry had already started taking a wider approach to environmental clearances, including the entire river basin where the project was located, Ramesh said. 'For example, all clearances are on hold in the North Teesta basin of Sikkim.' Five power generation and other industrial projects had been proposed there.