Environmental Clearance Certificate in Haryana - Process, Fees, Docs
Before starting any of the projects listed in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, project proponents must get an Environmental Clearance (EC) in Haryana. The Environmental Clearance Certificate promotes sustainable growth by guaranteeing that all operations follow environmental safety regulations. You must get an environmental clearance in Haryana before starting any on-site activity, including land preparation. An environmental clearance license in Haryana reduces adverse environmental consequences, preserves ecological equilibrium, and protects human health. Professional Utilities guarantees adherence and helps companies swiftly and efficiently receive an Environmental Clearance certificate in Haryana.
Environmental Clearance Certificate [Sample]
Table of Content
- What is Environmental Clearance Certificate?
- Benefits of Environmental Clearance in Haryana
- Categories of Environmental Clearance in Haryana
- List of Projects Requiring Environmental Clearance Certificate in Haryana
- Documents Required for Environmental Clearance in Haryana
- Application for Environmental Clearance in Haryana
- Fees for Environmental Clearance in Haryana
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- Environmental Clearance for Expansion or Modernization in Haryana
- Environmental Clearance Validity in Haryana
- Environmental Clearance Renewal in Haryana
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Environmental Clearance Certificate?
Environmental Clearance in Haryana is a document issued by the government that allows project development while guaranteeing adherence to environmental regulations. Environmental clearance certificate in Haryana assess a project's effects on the environment, society, and economy and offer solutions to mitigate negative outcomes.
Environmental Clearance in Haryana for Category A projects, which pose serious environmental problems and require a federal evaluation, are issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF &CC). The State Environmental Effect Assessment Authority (SEIAA) oversees Environmental Clearance in Haryana for smaller, high-impact Category B projects.
Benefits of Environmental Clearance in Haryana
Environmental Clearance license in Haryana benefits the environment, stakeholders, and project developers by promoting sustainable development and regulatory compliance.
- Environmental Sustainability: Environmental Clearance protects natural resources, biodiversity, and ecosystems by imposing actions to reduce environmental harm. It encourages sustainable methods that maintain long-term ecological balance while still promoting economic development.
- Public Health: Environmental Clearance protects public health by reducing pollutants and environmental health hazards benefitting nearby populations by improving overall air, water, and soil quality, resulting in a healthier living environment.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Environmental Clearance licence promotes transparency via obligatory public consultations and allows stakeholders to express their concerns, ensuring that project developers handle environmental and social issues properly, and promoting trust and cooperation.
- Regulatory Compliance: Obtaining Environmental Clearance guarantees that projects comply with national and state environmental rules and prevents penalties, legal actions, and project delays, resulting in a smoother project execution.
- Global Recognition: Global Recognition: Environmental Clearance projects adhere to international environmental guidelines and sustainable development goals. This improves global competitiveness, increases market opportunities, and displays a commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Categories of Environmental Clearance in Haryana
Projects are classified as Category A and Category B, based on their scale and environmental sensitivity.
- Category A:
- It is regulated by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under MoEF &CC.
- It includes large-scale projects such as thermal power plants, major mining operations, and ports.
- Category B:
- It is supervised by SEIAA, with recommendations from the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC).
- It is further divided into:
- B1: Requires detailed EIA reports.
- B2: Exempted from EIA but still needs compliance with environmental norms.
Note: Projects near sensitive areas are treated as Category A, even if they fall under Category B.
List of Projects Requiring Environmental Clearance Certificate in Haryana
Specific industrial, infrastructure, and construction projects in Haryana require an Environmental Clearance permit before they may function. A list of projects requiring an Environmental Clearance Licence in Haryana is listed below.
| Category | Project |
|---|---|
| Mining, Extraction of Natural Resources, and Power Generation |
|
| Primary Processing |
|
| Materials Production |
|
| Materials Processing |
|
| Construction, Area Development Projects, and Townships |
|
| Manufacturing and Fabrication |
|
| Service Sectors |
|
| Physical Infrastructure and Environmental Services |
|
| Construction, Area Development Projects, and Townships |
|
Documents Required for Environmental Clearance in Haryana
To begin the Environmental Clearance process in Haryana, project proponents must provide several documents demonstrating compliance with environmental standards. The following documents are required for the Environmental Clearance procedure in Haryana:
- Covering Letter
- Terms of Reference (ToR) or Previous EC and Certified Compliance (if applicable)
- Form 1, Form 1A, or Other Requisite Forms
- Land Ownership Documents
- Land Use Documents with Approval
- Environment Management Plan (EMP)
- Pre-Feasibility Report and Conceptual Plan
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report and Compliance with ToR
- Risk Assessment Report
- Brief Project Summary
- GPS File (KML Format)
- Location Details Relative to Important Features
- Environment Consultant Details
- Details of Project Proponent with Undertaking
- Layout and Building Plan with Site Plan and Tree Mapping (Approved)
- Traffic Management Plan
- Application Copy for Wildlife Clearance (if applicable)
- Previous EC Letter (for Expansion, Modification, or Amendment)
- Ground Water Details
- Local Body Approvals
For construction projects, additional documents related to energy conservation, air quality, and waste management are necessary.
Application for Environmental Clearance in Haryana
The Environmental Clearance process in Haryana includes several steps, managed by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) at the central level and the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) at the state level, based on the project category. Step-by-step Environmental Clearance in Haryana is given below:
Step 1: Application for Environmental Clearance
- The project proponent may fill out Form 1, along with Form 1A if applicable, and submit all required documents. Projects in categories 1 to 7 must submit a Pre-Feasibility Report, while projects in category 8 must give a Conceptual Plan.
Step 2: Application Screening
- The Appraisal Committee examines the application, which applies to Category B projects only, to determine whether the project requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). If an EIA is required, the project is classed as Category B1; otherwise, it is classified as Category B2, without the need for thorough environmental evaluations.
Step 3: Application Scoping
- The proposed Terms of Reference (ToR) that outline the scope of the environmental studies, are reviewed by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC). A site visit may be conducted if necessary. The applicant is notified of the outcome within 60 days if the application is denied.
Step 4: Public Consultation
- The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Pollution Control Committee (PCC) organizes a public hearing and written responses for the impacted community to provide feedback during public consultation. The time frame is extended by an additional 45 days if the SPCB does not hold the hearing within that time frame. Before submitting the final documents, the applicant must address the issues brought up during this phase and make revisions to the EIA and Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
Step 5: Appraisal by the Expert Appraisal Committee
- The application, the EIA, outcomes of the public consultation, and all submitted documents are examined by the Expert Appraisal Committee. After submission of the final Environmental Assessment Report, the committee has 60 days to make a decision.
Step 6: Grant of Environmental Clearance Certificate
- Following the recommendations made by the EAC or SEAC, the applicant is informed of the regulating authority's decision by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) or the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC). After obtaining the recommendations, the Environmental clearance certificate is issued within 45 days.
Fees for Environmental Clearance in Haryana
The fee for Environmental Clearance certificate in Haryana varies based on the total project cost. Tabulated below are the applicable fees and public hearing expenses:
| Total Project Cost | Application Fees for Environmental Clearance | Public Hearing Expenses |
|---|---|---|
| Upto ₹50 lakh | ₹10,000 | Entire expenses to be borne by the project proponent |
| Above ₹50 lakh and upto ₹1 crore | ₹20,000 | |
| Above ₹1 crore and upto ₹5 crore | ₹50,000 | |
| Above ₹5 crore and upto ₹10 crore | ₹1,00,000 | |
| Above ₹10 crore and upto ₹25 crore | ₹2,00,000 | |
| Above ₹25 crore and upto ₹100 crore | ₹4,00,000 | |
| Above ₹100 crore | ₹5,00,000 |
Note: The professional fee for Environmental Clearance certificate in Haryana starts from ₹99,000 (exclusive of GST).
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a critical component of the Environmental Clearance process, predicting potential impacts and proposing mitigating strategies. The Environmental Impact Assessment includes:
- Air, water, and soil quality
- Biodiversity and vegetation.
- Noise pollution and aesthetic impacts.
- Socio-economic aspects and resettlement plans.
Environmental Clearance for Expansion or Modernization in Haryana
Any expansion in project capacity, area, or technology update has to be done through a new application for Environmental Clearance licence in Haryana. This ensures that updated environmental standards are consistently met.
Environmental Clearance Validity in Haryana
An Environmental Clearance in Haryana has a validity ranging from 5 to 30 years, depending on the type of project. Construction projects have a shorter validity period, while large infrastructure and mining projects may have a longer duration. The standard validity periods of Environmental Clearance certificate in Haryana are:
- Mining projects: 30 years
- River valley projects: 10 years
- All other projects and activities: 5 years
It is important for project proponents to comply with the terms of the Environmental Clearance in Haryana during its validity period in order to maintain compliance with environmental regulations.
Environmental Clearance Renewal in Haryana
To extend the validity, submit a renewal application for Environmental Clearance (EC) in Haryana before the validity has expired. The application must include updated project information, compliance reports, and, if applicable, public hearing records. Authorities will review these submissions to confirm adherence to environmental standards before granting an extension. Missing deadlines of renewal for Environmental Clearance in Haryana may lead to project delays and legal penalties.
For construction projects, the project proponent must submit an amended application using Form 1 and additional Form 1A. After consultation with the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), the regulating authority may extend the Environmental Clearance validity. However, this consultation is optional and depends on the authority's discretion.
Conclusion
Environmental clearance in Haryana promotes long-term development by limiting project environmental effect. It improves public health, conserves natural resources, and encourages environmentally sustainable industrial development. By acquiring an Environmental Clearance certificate in Haryana, project proponents can comply with national legislation, avoid legal obstacles, and involve stakeholders through public consultation. The Environmental Clearance process consists of project classification, document submission, screening, scoping, public consultation, and final evaluation. Environmental Clearance Fees vary with project cost, and validity extends from 5 to 30 years. Professional services makes acquiring the Environmental Clearance license in Haryana easier, resulting in seamless project execution and long-term ecological balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an Environmental Clearance Certificate in Haryana?
An Environmental Clearance Certificate in Haryana is a government-issued document that assures project development adheres to environmental standards while avoiding negative repercussions on society, the economy, and the environment.
Why is Environmental Clearance Important?
Environmental Clearance Certificate in Haryana promotes environmental sustainability, public health, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder participation, all while avoiding legal difficulties and project delays.
What is the role of environmental impact assessment (EIA)?
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) assesses potential environmental consequences and recommends mitigation solutions for air, water, soil quality, biodiversity, noise, and socioeconomic aspects.
What documents are required for an environmental clearance in Haryana?
Documents required for an environmental clearance in Haryana include Form 1, the Environment Management Plan (EMP), the EIA Report, land use approvals, and pre-feasibility or conceptual plans.
