Parliament Question: Review of Environmental Clearance System

OIH GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3662 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.08.2026 Review of Environmental Clearance System 3662. SHRI MANSUKHBHAI DHANJIBHAI VASAVA: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is reviewing the existing system of Environmental Clearance; (b) if so, the main objectives thereof and the timeline set in this regard; (c) whether the Government has constituted groups related to environmental evaluation for consultation on matters pertaining to Environmental Clearance for major projects; and (d) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH) (a) and (b): The review and reform of the existing system of Environmental Clearance (EC) is a continuous process. The Ministry periodically reviews the legal, policy and administrative framework governing the EC process with a view to strengthening environmental governance while facilitating sustainable development. Such reviews are undertaken to ensure that the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, and the Rules, Notifications, Guidelines, Office Memoranda and other instructions issued thereunder remain responsive to emerging environmental challenges, operational requirements, judicial pronouncements, technological advancements and stakeholder feedback. Based on these reviews, the Ministry undertakes legislative and procedural reforms, including amendments to the EIA Notification, 2006, and issuance of appropriate guidelines and Office Memoranda, to enhance the efficiency, transparency and effectiveness of the EC process while ensuring environmental safeguards. (c) and (d): In accordance with the provisions of the EIA Notification, 2006, the Central Government has constituted sector-specific Expert Appraisal Committees (EACs) for appraisal of projects and activities requiring prior Environmental Clearance under the Schedule to the Notification. Such projects are required to undertake environmental impact assessment studies covering site-specific environmental aspects, including land use, water resources, air quality, ecology, energy, waste management and suitable mitigation measures. Further, Public Consultation, wherever applicable, is conducted to provide the likely affected persons and other stakeholders an opportunity to raise their views, concerns and suggestions regarding the project. A final Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, incorporating the issues raised during public consultation, together with the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and other required documents as submitted by the Project Proponent, is appraised by the sector-specific EACs at the Central level. Based on the recommendations of the EAC, the proposal is considered by the Ministry for grant or otherwise of Environmental Clearance in accordance with the provisions of the EIA Notification, 2006. *********