In 2025, the Indian environmental clearance process involves screening, scoping, public hearings, EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) report submission, appraisal by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), and a decision by the competent authority (MoEFCC or SEIAA), all within specific timeframes.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the environmental clearance process in India:
1. Screening:
Purpose:
To determine if a project requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Process:
The project is screened based on its scale, location, and type of development to determine if it needs a statutory clearance.
Categorization:
Projects are categorized as Category A or Category B, with Category B further divided into B1 and B2.
Category A projects
require environmental approval and do not undergo the screening procedure.
Category B projects
undergo a screening procedure, and Category B1 projects require EIA (compulsory).
2. Scoping:
Purpose:
To determine the scope of the EIA, including potential environmental impacts, the zone of impact, mitigation possibilities, and the need for monitoring.
Process:
The proponent, either directly or through a consultant, conducts an EIA study if the project falls under the EIA notification schedule.
3. Public Hearing:
Purpose: To allow public participation and address concerns about the project's potential environmental impact.
Process: The concerned State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) conducts a public hearing at the project site or in its vicinity within 45 days.
The public hearing process also includes the collection of written responses from stakeholders.
4. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report:
Purpose:
To assess the potential environmental impacts of the project and propose mitigation measures.
Process:
The EIA report is prepared based on the scoping stage and includes information on the project's potential impacts, mitigation measures, and monitoring requirements.
