About Environmental Clearance

In S.O. 1533 dated 14th September 2006, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), GoI have notified EIA Notification 2006 under sub-rule (3) of Rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 by imposing certain restrictions and prohibitions on new projects or activities, on the expansion or modernization of existing projects and activities based on their potential environmental impacts. It applies irrespective of whether the proposed project is in urban, rural, forest or other area

It is mandatory to obtain prior Environmental Clearance for certain new projects, expansion, or modernization of existing projects based on their potential environmental impact, as per the notification. Projects falling under Category 'A' in the Schedule to the Notification require Environmental Clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF & CC), Government of India. For matters falling under Category 'B', clearance at the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) is required, depending upon the thresholds of the activities.

The Environmental Clearance [EC] process for majority of projects will comprise of a maximum of four stages – Screening, Scoping, Public Consultation & Appraisal.