Just 19 projects were denied green clearance of 1,689 proposals

Out of the 1,689 projects that the environment ministry decided upon from 2008 up to August 2011, only 19 were rejected.

The ministry cleared 186 thermal power plants in the same period. Another 641 building and construction projects got the nod from the government and not a single project was rejected. Forty-five hydroelectric projects were given green sanction without any rejection.

Environment ministry records show that 136 mining projects, 77 building and construction projects, 22 thermal power projects and 10 hydroelectric projects were still pending with the government for clearance in August 2011.

It is believed that Jairam Ramesh had led a high-pitched debate with his colleagues and industry on clearances , but the data suggest otherway.