Get Online Environmental Clearance in India

Environmental protection has become a critical issue globally, with countries adopting stringent regulations to safeguard natural ecosystems. In India, environmental clearance (EC) is mandatory for industries and infrastructure projects that have the potential to impact the environment significantly. This requirement is governed by the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

Obtaining environmental clearance ensures that a project is compliant with environmental regulations and mitigates the negative impacts on air, water, soil, and biodiversity. In recent years, the process for obtaining EC has been made more efficient and transparent with the introduction of the Online Environmental Clearance System (OCMS). This article provides an overview of how to apply for environmental clearance online in India.

What is Environmental Clearance?
Environmental clearance is a formal approval granted by the government to ensure that proposed industrial and infrastructure projects comply with environmental protection regulations. It evaluates the potential environmental impacts of a project and suggests mitigation measures to reduce harmful effects on the environment.

Projects that typically require environmental clearance include:

Mining operations
Thermal power plants
Large infrastructure developments such as highways, ports, and airports
Manufacturing and processing industries
Real estate developments above a certain size
Without securing this clearance, these projects cannot commence legally in India.

The Online Environmental Clearance System (OCMS)
To streamline the environmental clearance process, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) introduced the Online Environmental Clearance System (OCMS). This portal digitizes the entire process of applying, tracking, and obtaining environmental clearance. The online system has made the process faster, more transparent, and accessible to all stakeholders.

Steps to Apply for Online Environmental Clearance
1. Registration on the EC Portal
The first step is to register on the MoEF&CC’s online environmental clearance portal. This registration is mandatory for project proponents (businesses or individuals applying for clearance) to submit their application. Once registered, the applicant can log in to the system and start the process.

2. Submit Application
The next step involves filling out the required forms and submitting the application online. The form includes details such as:

Nature and location of the project
Proposed capacity and size
Type of raw materials used
Potential environmental impacts
Environmental management plan (EMP) and measures to mitigate negative impacts
For larger projects, a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report may also be required.

3. Upload Supporting Documents
Applicants need to upload relevant documents such as:

Project feasibility reports
Site location maps and plans
Consent from local authorities (if applicable)
EIA reports and public consultation outcomes
Environmental Management Plan (EMP) detailing mitigation strategies
4. Payment of Fees
The next step is the payment of the prescribed fee for processing the environmental clearance application. The fee amount depends on the category and size of the project, and it is paid through the online portal.

5. Scrutiny and Review
Once the application is submitted, it is reviewed by an expert appraisal committee (EAC) or State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC), depending on the category of the project. Projects are categorized as:

Category A: Large-scale projects reviewed by the MoEF&CC at the national level.
Category B: Smaller projects assessed by the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAA).
The review process may involve field inspections, technical assessments, and consultations with stakeholders.

6. Public Consultation (if applicable)
For certain projects, public consultation is a mandatory part of the clearance process. This involves gathering feedback from local communities that may be impacted by the project. The feedback is considered before granting clearance.

7. Final Decision
After thorough scrutiny, the expert committee provides its recommendations, and the final decision is made by the MoEF&CC or SEIAA. If approved, the project proponent receives an Environmental Clearance Certificate with specific conditions to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Benefits of the Online Clearance System
Transparency: The entire process is digitized, allowing stakeholders to track the status of their applications and stay informed about any delays or issues.
Efficiency: The online system reduces paperwork and speeds up decision-making, ensuring faster clearance for projects.
Accountability: The online portal maintains records of all applications, making it easier to monitor and review environmental clearances. For more information visit https://www.registerkaro.in/environmental-clearance