Haryana tops the list of 16 States where environment and forest clearance norms are being violated, fully or partially, by projects. In the 2011-12, a total of 86 projects in Haryana reported partial- or non-compliance with stipulated environmental norms, Ms Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister of State (Independent) for Environment and Forests, told the Rajya Sabha recently. A total of 42 projects in Punjab, 38 in Himachal Pradesh, 37 in Goa and 29 in Tamil Nadu were also reported as not complying or partially complying with green norms, she added. "Based on the reported non-compliances, follow-up action has been taken including issuance of show-cause notices…," the Minister said. The Environment Ministry has set up six regional offices to monitor the projects, located in Bangalore, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Lucknow and Shillong. THERMAL PLANTS Since 2004, a total of 360 coal and gas-based thermal power plants with an installed capacity of 2,71,102 MW have been given environmental clearances, Ms Natarajan said in reply to another question by Mr P. Rajeeve. She said 17 thermal power plants were still pending clearances, of which 89 per cent were coal-based. Asked if land acquired for the proposed plants had been acquired under the provision of the Land Acquisition Act, 1984, the Minister said prior possession/ acquisition of land was not a pre-requisite for consideration of a proposal for environmental clearance of a thermal power plant. She, however, clarified that land use of the area and its proximity to national parks, wildlife sanctuaries etc. were considered while appraising projects.