After the resignation of Ms Jayanthi Natrajan last week, the ministry of environment and forests has got a new head. The union petroleum minister, Dr M. Veerappa Moily has taken additional charge of the ministry . 

While speaking to media persons in New Delhi on December 24, after assuming the charge , Dr Moily said " There is space for everyone ... environment, wildlife and mankind. It is only our mental block which sometime thinks that there is friction and I think that friction will have to end up with fusion. There are already set , rules and laws laid down and we need to perform the duty of regulator. The rules of game will have to be strictly followed. As far as possible nothing should be left for the discretion. Ultimately, we have to go by rules of games which are laid down by the Ministry. He further said that he will not compromise on the green image. "

While the change of head might raise hopes of few policy decisions in the new year, the industry insiders hardly expect any major change vis a vis the functioning  of Genetic Engineering Apprisal Commitee (GEAC) that hasn't met since one year now. The outgoing minister has completely over-ruled any concerns on the approvals and trials issue. However, the industry bodies associated with agricultural practices and respresenting agri-biotech companies might still write to the new minister for the immediate decisions on the pending issues.