environmental clearance is to assess the impact of the proposed/ upcoming project on the environment.
Getting environmental clearance involves a process covering aspects like screening, scoping and evaluation of the upcoming project. The main purpose behind environmental clearance is to assess the impact of the proposed/ upcoming project on the environment and people and, in turn, to try to abate/ minimize the same to the maximum extent possible.
Screening
The process begins with identifying the location of proposed unit by the entrepreneur. If the proposed location of unit does not agree with the existing prescribed guidelines, the entrepreneur has to identify some other alternative location for his / her unit.
Scoping
The entrepreneur then assesses if the proposed unit falls under the purview of environmental clearance as per the Government of India’s notification issued on 27th January 1994. If it is mentioned in schedule of the notification, the entrepreneur is required to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study either directly or through a consultant.
Evaluation
The final step involved in the process of environmental clearance is environmental evaluation. The documents submitted by an entrepreneur are first scrutinized by a multi-disciplinary staff functioning in the Ministry of Environment and Forests who may also undertake site-visits wherever required, interact with the entrepreneur and hold consultations with experts on specific issues as and when necessary
