8-Dec-2022: Credible system of environmental scrutiny

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1986, the Government has issued the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification vide S.O. 1533 (E), dated 14/09/2006.As per the extant provisions of EIA notification,2006, prior Environment Clearance (EC) is required for (i) all new projects or activities listed in the Schedule to this notification; (ii) expansion and modernization of existing projects or activities listed in the Schedule to this notification with addition of capacity beyond the limits specified for the concerned sector, that is, projects or activities which cross the threshold limits given in the Schedule, after expansion or modernization; and (iii) any change in product-mix in an existing manufacturing unit included in Schedule beyond the specified range. The EC process for projects comprises of four stages namely screening, scoping, public consultation and appraisal. The Ministry has taken various initiatives and made the required changes in the policies, rules, and notifications with the objective to create a robust and transparent process of EC with the focus on sustainable development. The important initiatives are:

1. Online submission and processing of proposals has been mandated through PARIVESH (Pro-Active and Responsive facilitation by Interactive, Virtuous and Environmental Single-window Hub). PARIVESH automates the entire process starting from submission of application, preparation of agenda, preparation of Minutes as well as grant of clearances.
2. It facilitates single registration for all types of clearances [Environment, Forest, Wildlife and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)].
3. EIA Notification, 2006 has been amended and various Office Memoranda have been issued from time to time to streamline the EC process without compromising on environmental rigour and safeguards.

7-May-2020: Notice period for draft Environment Impact Assessment Notification(EIA), 2020 extended till 30th June.

The Central Government, in exercise of the powers conferred under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 published the draft notification namely, Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2020 vide S.O. 1199(E) dated the 23rd March, 2020 in the official gazette on 11th April, 2020, for the information of the public likely to be affected thereby and for making any objections or suggestions on the proposal contained in the draft notification within sixty days from the date on which copies of the Gazette containing said draft notification were made available to the Public;

The Ministry is in receipt of several representations for extending the notice period expressing concern that the draft EIA Notification 2020 was published during the lockdown imposed due to the Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic. Therefore, the Ministry after due consideration, deems it fit to extend the notice period up to 30th June, 2020;

Any person interested in making any objections or suggestions on the proposals contained in the draft notification may forward the same in writing for consideration of the Central Government before 30th June 2020 to the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, Jor Bagh Road, Aliganj, New Delhi-110003, or send the same on the e-mail address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

15-Apr-2020: Key amendment to Environment Impact Assessment(EIA) Notification 2006

To address unprecedented situation arising from global outbreak of Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19), and to ramp up availability or production of various drugs, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on 27th March 2020, has made an amendment to EIA Notification 2006.  All projects or activities in respect of bulk drugs and intermediates, manufactured for addressing various ailments, have been re-categorized from the existing Category ‘A’ to ‘B2’ category.

Projects falling under Category B2 are exempted from requirement of collection of Base line data, EIA Studies and public consultation. The re-categorization of such proposals has been done to facilitate decentralization of appraisal to State Level so as to fast track the process. This step of the Govt is with a view to help in increasing the availability of the important medicines/ drugs in the country within short span of time. This amendment is applicable to all proposals received up to 30th September 2020. The states have also been issued advisories to expeditiously process such proposals.

Further, to ensure expeditious disposal of the proposals within given time-line, Ministry has also advised states to use information technology e.g. video conference, considering the fact that in view of the prevailing situation on ground, appraisal of proposals may not be possible through physical meetings.

Within a period of about two weeks, more than 100 proposals have been received under this category, which are at different levels of decision making by the concerned regulatory authorities in the states.