NewsStocksEnvironment Ministry Removes Land Acquisition Proof Requirement for Non-Coal Mining Environmental ClearanceEnvironment Ministry Removes Land Acquisition Proof Requirement for Non-Coal Mining Environmental Clearance
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has removed the land acquisition proof requirement for environmental clearance of non-coal mining projects. The decision follows Expert Appraisal Committee recommendations noting that many mining operations start after receiving clearance while land acquisition continues in phases, making the previous requirement impractical for project implementation.
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The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has announced a significant policy change that will streamline the environmental clearance process for non-coal mining projects. According to a recent ministry memorandum, project developers will no longer need to provide proof of land acquisition as a prerequisite for obtaining environmental clearance.
Policy Revision Background
The ministry's decision came after receiving multiple requests to delink landowner consent from the environmental clearance process for non-coal mining projects. Previously, the ministry mandated proof of land acquisition before granting environmental clearance, but stakeholders argued that land acquisition status should not be tied to clearance approval.
The matter was referred to the non-coal mining Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for detailed consideration and review.
Expert Committee Recommendations
After thorough deliberation, the sectoral EAC provided crucial observations that shaped the ministry's decision:
| Key Findings: | Details |
|---|---|
| Request Assessment: | Delinking landowner consent appears reasonable and acceptable |
| Operational Reality: | Many mining projects start operations after EC grant while land acquisition continues |
| Implementation Approach: | Land acquisition proceeds in phased manner based on requirements |
The committee's analysis revealed that the existing requirement created practical challenges for project implementation, as mining operations typically begin after receiving environmental clearance while land acquisition processes continue simultaneously.
Ministry's Decision Process
The ministry examined the non-coal mining EAC recommendations comprehensively and sought additional inputs on the applicability of the existing office memorandum dated October 7, 2014. Based on the feedback received, officials concluded that insisting on land acquisition documents during environmental clearance appraisal may not be practical for certain projects.
This assessment led to the formal policy revision, which removes a significant procedural hurdle for non-coal mining project developers.
Implementation Impact
The new policy addresses several operational challenges:
- Streamlined Process: Environmental clearance applications no longer require land acquisition proof
- Practical Approach: Recognizes the reality that land acquisition often continues after project commencement
- Phased Development: Accommodates projects where land acquisition occurs in stages based on operational needs
This change is expected to expedite the environmental clearance process for non-coal mining projects while maintaining environmental assessment standards. The ministry's decision reflects a more pragmatic approach to balancing regulatory requirements with project implementation realities.
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