The Supreme Court has recently reactivated stalled construction projects, encompassing housing, industrial sheds, and educational institutions, that have covered areas ranging from 20,000 to 150,000 square meters. This ruling implies that these constructions will no longer require a central green nod, potentially streamlining the development process.

Previously, the Ministry of Environment had modified its notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), stating that construction in areas between 20,000 and 50,000 square meters would no longer require environmental clearance from the government. The Ministry decided to "re-engineer" EIA rules based on amendments and experience gained over the years. This decision aimed to ease the clearance processes for sand mining and construction activities.

The original notification had undergone substantial changes over the years, prompting the Ministry to re-engineer the entire notification in line with the amendments and circulars issued from time to time. While the easing of restrictions was intended to streamline development, it faced criticism from environmental activists who were concerned that the EIA notification compromises public hearings.