New Delhi, June 5 (IANS) The environment ministry has given clearance to 21 companies for import and export of hazardous waste, an official said here Saturday.

According to ministry, 74 companies have sought permission for import and export of hazardous waste since April 2010.

‘Of the 74 applications – 21 were granted permission, 41 are pending and 12 were rejected,’ the official said.