EIA Notification 2006
The EIA Notification 2006 is a significant environmental regulation issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in India. It mandates the process for conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for various developmental projects to ensure sustainable development while minimizing adverse environmental impacts.
As per notification under sub-rule (3) of Rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 for imposing certain restrictions and prohibitions on new projects or activities, or on the expansion or modernization of existing projects or activities based on their potential environmental impacts as indicated in the Schedule to the notification, being undertaken in any part of India1, unless prior environmental clearance has been accorded by the objectives of National Environment Policy as approved by the Union Cabinet on 18th May, 2006 and the procedure specified in the notification, by the Central Government or the State or Union territory Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), to be constituted by the Central Government in consultation with the State Government or the Union territory Administration concerned under sub-section (3) of section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for the purpose of this notification, was published in the Gazette of India
EIA Notification 2006 Summary
- The EIA notification 2006 applies to a wide range of projects, including industries, infrastructure development, mining, thermal power plants, highways, ports, airports, and large-scale industrial estates.
- Projects are categorized into Category A and Category B. Category A projects require mandatory clearance from the MoEFCC, while Category B projects are cleared by State Environment Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAA) or Union Territory Environment Impact Assessment Authorities (UTEIAA).
- Public hearings are conducted to gather opinions, concerns, and suggestions from affected communities and stakeholders. Public participation is essential in the environmental clearance process.