Introduction
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has taken another major step towards automation and transparency in the Environmental Clearance (EC) process.
Through its Office Memorandum (OM) dated 14th January 2025, the Ministry has introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for obtaining comments from State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) via the PARIVESH Portal – https://parivesh.nic.in.
This initiative aligns with the Ministry’s notifications G.S.R. 703(E) and G.S.R. 702(E) dated 12th November 2024, which grant exemptions to certain industries from obtaining Consent to Establish (CTE) under the Water Act, 1974 and the Air Act, 1981, provided they have obtained prior Environmental Clearance under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Objective of the SOP
The new SOP aims to:
– Automate the process of obtaining SPCB/PCC comments.
– Reduce manual intervention and delays.
– Improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the EC process.
– Integrate all related workflows within the PARIVESH Portal using technologies such as GIS and Advanced Data Analytics.
Implementation on PARIVESH
With the latest update, all Environmental Clearance proposals, especially those exempted from separate CTE will now be processed through PARIVESH as per the provisions outlined in the OM dated 14.01.2025.
All Member Secretaries of SPCBs/PCCs are required to submit their comments within prescribed timelines through the portal to ensure timely appraisal of EC proposals.
Key Process Flows
The SOP details two main EC process workflows on PARIVESH, depending on whether Terms of Reference (ToR) are applicable.
Scenario 1: EC Proposals Where ToR Is Applicable
Step-by-Step Workflow:
1- PP submits ToR application → Proposal reaches MoEF/SEIAA.
2- ToR granted → Proposal automatically visible to SPCB.
3- SPCB raises Demand Note within 7 days.
4- PP uploads payment receipt on PARIVESH.
5- SPCB verifies payment & uploads comments within 30 days.
6- PP submits an EC application with SPCB comments.
7- EAC/SEAC appraises and grants EC with safeguards.
Key Notes:
- Proposals are automatically routed to SPCBs after ToR approval.
- Payment must be verified before SPCB uploads comments.
- SPCBs must include project-specific environmental safeguards.
Scenario 2: EC Proposals Where ToR Is Not Applicable (Para 7(ii)(a) & B2 Projects)
Step-by-Step Workflow:
1- PP submits EC application directly to MoEF/SEIAA.
2- Member Secretary (MS) forwards a proposal to SPCB/PCC for comments.
3- SPCB raises Demand Note within 7 days.
4- PP uploads payment receipt on PARIVESH.
5- SPCB verifies payment & uploads comments within 15 days.
6- Proposal proceeds for appraisal by EAC/SEAC, followed by EC with safeguards.
Key Notes:
- Automated alerts ensure timely actions by SPCBs and PPs.
- If SPCB comments aren’t uploaded within 15 days of payment verification, the proposal moves to the “Beyond Timeline” bucket for follow-up.
Important Provisions
- All EC proposals post designated date (15 days after OM issuance) must follow this automated route.
- Projects already granted EC or accepted after 12.11.2024 must seek environmental safeguards from the SPCB within 30 days of the designated date.
- Comments from SPCB/PCC are mandatory before EC issuance, ensuring proper environmental oversight.
Benefits of the Automated Workflow
Transparency: Every step from submission to clearance is digitally traceable.
Efficiency: Defined timelines ensure faster EC processing.
Integration: Real-time data exchange between MoEFCC, SEIAAs, and SPCBs.
Accountability: Role-based tracking for SPCBs, PCCs, and proponents.
Conclusion
The automated SOP through PARIVESH Portal marks a significant leap toward a paperless, technology-driven environmental clearance system. By integrating the SPCBs and PCCs into a unified digital framework, the Ministry ensures faster, more transparent, and accountable environmental governance paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable India.
References
- OM dated 14th January 2025 – MoEF&CC
- Notifications: G.S.R. 703(E) and 702(E), dated 12th November 2024
- PARIVESH Portal: https://parivesh.nic.in