when it comes to development in india, one thing that a crucial ministry like moef make sure is that they have ex-bureaucrats, politicians and engineers in their expert committees so that projects concerning mining, dams, etc can be cleared smoothly.

in end of 2006, when CEC recommendend distinguished names in field of forests like Belinda Wright (WPSI), Bittu Sahgal (Sanctuary Asia), Shyam Chainani (Bombay Environment Action Group), P K Manohar (a lawyer who has filed cases related to forest issues), Claude Alvares (Goa Foundation), S C Sharma (a retired forest officer), P K Sen (presently with Ranthambhore Foundation), Pranay Waghray (Wildlife Activist) and V R Chitrapoo (also a retired forest officer), moef did not like it.

it is obvious. all across india forests are cleared for mega projects like massive mining, dams, logging, etc. and moef wants to make sure these names above do not get into the forest advisory committee, which FAC advises the MoEF on whether the forest land should be allowed to be diverted, and if yes, then under what conditions and restrictions.

when the motivation is to clear projects at any cost to achieve the 10% growth magic mark, it is better to have your own men rather than having real experts who can point out the fallacies of this mindless developedment.