Guidelines Issued For The Expansion / Modernisation Of Existing Projects Having Prior EC

The Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 (“Notification”) requires new projects or existing projects requiring expansion, modernisation or any change in the product mix or raw material mix, as covered under the Schedule to the Notification, to take prior environmental clearance (“EC”) before undertaking any activity related to the project.

In relation to existing projects, Para 7(ii)(a) of the Notification provides that the application for prior EC for existing projects requiring: (a) expansion with increase in the production capacity beyond the capacity prescribed in prior EC; (b) expansion with increase in lease area or production capacity in mining projects; or (c) modernisation with increase in the total production capacity beyond the specified threshold limit through change in process, technology or change in the product –mix, shall be considered by the appropriate authority. Such authority would also decide on the requirements for considering