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.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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