Many new projects, and expansions or modernisations of existing ones, need prior environmental clearance before any work starts on the ground. The EIA Notification, 2006 lists which projects need it and who grants it.
Category A projects are appraised at the central level by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Category B projects go to the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA). Getting the category right at the start is one of the simplest ways to save months later.
We check whether your project is covered by the Schedule and which category it falls in.
For projects that need a full EIA, Terms of Reference are applied for and issued.
Baseline data on air, water, soil, noise, ecology and social conditions is collected, usually over one season, and the EIA and Environmental Management Plan are prepared.
Where it applies, we support the public hearing and help you respond to the concerns raised.
The final report goes to the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) or the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC). We prepare and support your presentation.
Once EC is granted, its conditions apply for the life of the project. We help you stay on top of them.
Does every project need environmental clearance?
No. Only projects listed in the Schedule to the EIA Notification, 2006 that cross the set thresholds need prior EC. Many smaller activities don't, but they may still need a consent from the State Pollution Control Board. We'll confirm which applies to you.
What's the difference between Category A and Category B?
Category A projects are appraised by the MoEFCC at the central level. Category B projects are handled by the SEIAA in your state. Some Category B projects are further classed as B1 (needing a full EIA) or B2 (not needing one).
How long does environmental clearance take?
It depends on the category, whether a public hearing is needed, and committee meeting schedules. After screening we give you a realistic timeline for your project, not a generic one.
What happens after EC is granted?
The clearance comes with conditions you must follow, and half-yearly compliance reports are due every year. Our compliance reporting service covers this.
