Question raised in Lok Sabha on Green clearance for Onshore and Offshore Explorations, 13/03/2020
As per the extant provisions of the CRZ Notification, 2011, exploration and extraction of oil and natural gas and all associated activities and facilities thereto in the CRZ areas requires prior CRZ clearance from Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). Under the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, the Government has re-categorized the On-shore and Off-shore oil and gas exploration projects or activities from Category ‘A’ to Category ‘B2’ vide notification number S.O. 236 (E) dated the 16th January, 2020. The project proponent is required to apply to the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the State Coastal Zone Management Authority for clearances. The State Environmental Assessment Committee (SEAC) examines and appraises such projects with respect to environmental impact and proposed mitigation measures and thereafter makes appropriate recommendation to the SEIAA. Likewise, the concerned Coastal Zone Management Authorities also appraise the project in respect of specific provisions under the Coastal Regulation Zone notification. Such projects are also required to obtain consent under Air and Water Acts from the respective State Pollution Control Boards.
