New Delhi, Nov. 1 -- The Union environment ministry has said that no prior environmental clearance under the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, is needed to set up heliports and helipads because these were not listed in its Schedule.

In an office memorandum dated October 27, the ministry said it had received requests from various stakeholders seeking clarification on the applicability of EIA Notification, 2006, for setting up of heliports or helipads.

"As per extant provisions, heliports or helipads are not listed in the schedule of the EIA Notification, 2006. This is issued with the approval of the competent authority." the memorandum said.

Experts said while helipads and heliports are not explicitly mentioned und...