Environmental Clearance in India

Environmental Clearance (EC) is a mandatory regulatory process in India that ensures industries, infrastructure projects, and developmental activities do not harm the environment. Governed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the EIA Notification 2006, Environmental Clearance plays a crucial role in balancing economic growth with sustainable development.

In simple terms, no new project or expansion of an existing project listed in the EIA Notification Schedule can begin without prior Environmental Clearance approval from the competent authority.

Legal Framework and Governing Bodies for Environmental Clearance  

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the central authority responsible for granting Environmental Clearance to large-scale projects (Category A). At the state level, the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) handles smaller projects (Category B), based on recommendations from the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC).

Key authorities involved in the EC process in India include:

• MoEFCC – Grants Environmental Clearance to Category A projects and for Category B projects if certain general conditions apply, as per the EIA Notification 2016 and its updates

• SEIAA/SEAC – Grants Environmental Clearance to Category B projects.

• Expert Appraisal Committee (EACs) – Provide technical evaluation and recommendations.

• District Environment Impact Assessment Authority (DEIAA) – For B2-level minor mineral mining (where applicable).

Projects Requiring Environmental Clearance

As per the EIA Notification 2006 (with amendments), the following projects require Environmental Clearance:

• Mining & mineral extraction (coal, lignite, major minerals).

• Infrastructure projects such as highways, ports, airports, and railways.

• Thermal power plants, nuclear power plants, and hydroelectric projects.

• Industrial projects – chemical industries, cement plants, fertilizers, petrochemicals.

• Real estate and township projects exceeding the specified thresholds.

• Irrigation and river valley projects.

Projects are categorised into:

Category A → Assessed at the central level by MoEFCC.
Category B → Assessed at the state level by SEIAA.
Category B1 vs B2 → B1 requires a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report; B2 does not.

Stages of Environmental Clearance Process

The Environmental Clearance procedure involves multiple stages to ensure thorough evaluation:

1. Screening

• Applicable for Category B projects.

• Determines if an EIA study is required.

• Projects are classified into B1 (with EIA) and B2 (without EIA).

2. Scoping

• Preparation of Terms of Reference (ToR) for conducting the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study.

• Standard ToRs are issued by MoEFCC/SEIAA within a fixed timeframe.

3. Public Consultation

• A key part of the EC process in India.

• Involves public hearings at project sites and written responses from stakeholders.

• Ensures affected communities and the public can voice concerns.

• Exemptions apply to certain projects such as defence, B2 projects, or those within industrial estates.

4. Appraisal

• Conducted by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for Category A or SEAC for Category B projects.

• Includes detailed scrutiny of the EIA report, public consultation outcomes, and project documents.

• Final recommendations are made to the MoEFCC or SEIAA for Environmental Clearance approval.

5. Grant or Rejection of EC

• The decision must be communicated within 105 days of receiving complete documents.

• If no decision is made, the recommendation of the appraisal committee is considered final.

Application Procedure for Environmental Clearance

The Environmental Clearance application must be submitted online through the PARIVESH portal.

Steps in the application process:

• Submission of Form 1/Form 1A (with pre-feasibility report).

• Upload of conceptual plan/EIA study (as applicable).

• Payment of prescribed fees.

• Evaluation by SEAC/EAC.

• Public consultation in EC process (if required).

• Appraisal and final decision.

QCI/NABET-accredited consultants must prepare all documents in accordance with the MoEFCC guidelines.

Validity and Compliance of Environmental Clearance

The Environmental Clearance validity depends on the project type:

• 10 years → Most industrial, infrastructure, and construction projects.

• 13 years → River Valley projects.

• 15 years → Nuclear power projects.

• 30 years (extendable up to 50 years) → Mining projects.

Environmental Clearance compliance and monitoring requirements include:

• Submission of half-yearly compliance reports (June & December).

• Display of EC approval and reports on both the company and the MoEFCC websites.

• Online continuous monitoring system (OCMS) for specific industries.

Amendments and Updates in EC Regulations (2006–2025)

Key updates in the Environmental Clearance procedure include:

• 2016 Amendment → Shift to digital processing via the PARIVESH portal.

• 2020–2021 → COVID-19 relaxations in validity calculations.

• 2022–2023 → New project categories, faster timelines for approvals.

• 2025 Updates → Integration of monitoring mechanisms to strengthen compliance.

Challenges and Importance of EC Regulations

While the EC process in India ensures accountability, challenges remain:

• Delays in Environmental Clearance approval are affecting project timelines.

• Ensuring transparency in public consultation in the EC process.

• Balancing industrial growth with ecological safeguards.

• Strengthening Environmental Clearance compliance and monitoring.

Despite these challenges, EC continues to safeguard India’s environment while supporting responsible development.

Why EC is Critical for Sustainable Growth

Environmental Clearance is more than a regulatory requirement—it ensures India’s future growth remains environmentally responsible.

For businesses, obtaining EC means compliance with the EIA Notification 2006, avoiding penalties, and building credibility. For the nation, it is a shield for natural resources and communities.

To ensure a smooth Environmental Clearance application and approval, work with accredited consultants and stay updated with MoEFCC and SEIAA guidelines.

Get Expert Guidance on Environmental Clearance

Navigating the Environmental Clearance process in India can be complex, but the right support makes all the difference. Partner with the best environmental consultancy in India to ensure smooth approvals, full compliance, and faster project execution.

At Hubert Enviro Care Systems (HECS), we are recognised as one of the best environmental consultants in India, with decades of expertise in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), clearance procedures, and compliance monitoring. Our team of QCI/NABET-accredited experts provides end-to-end solutions—from application and documentation to public consultation and final approval.

✅ Ensure compliance with MoEFCC & SEIAA regulations
✅ Avoid costly project delays and penalties
✅ Build credibility with sustainable, eco-friendly operations

📩 Contact HECS today to simplify your Environmental Clearance journey and move your project forward with confidence.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as official legal or regulatory advice. For official updates and guidelines, please visit the MoEFCC and SEIAA websites.