Step 1 – Application for Environmental Clearance

• The project proponent may fill out Form 1, along with Form 1A if applicable, and submit all required documents. Projects in categories 1 to 7 must submit a Pre-Feasibility Report, while projects in category 8 must give a Conceptual Plan.

Step 2 – Application Screening

• The Appraisal Committee examines the application, which applies to Category B projects only, to determine whether the project requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). If an EIA is required, the project is classed as Category B1; otherwise, it is classified as Category B2, without the need for thorough environmental evaluations.

Step 3 – Application Scoping

• The proposed Terms of Reference (ToR) that outline the scope of the environmental studies, are reviewed by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC). A site visit may be conducted if necessary. The applicant is notified of the outcome within 60 days if the application is denied.

Step 4 – Public Consultation

• The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Pollution Control Committee (PCC) organizes a public hearing and written responses for the impacted community to provide feedback during public consultation. The time frame is extended by an additional 45 days if the SPCB does not hold the hearing within that time frame. Before submitting the final documents, the applicant must address the issues brought up during this phase and make revisions to the EIA and Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

• The application, the EIA, outcomes of the public consultation, and all submitted documents are examined by the Expert Appraisal Committee. After submission of the final Environmental Assessment Report, the committee has 60 days to make a decision.

• Following the recommendations made by the EAC or SEAC, the applicant is informed of the regulating authority’s decision by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) or the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC). After obtaining the recommendations, the Environmental clearance certificate is issued within 45 days.