Environment
Centre doubles port environmental clearances to 20 years
The Indian Express··4d ago
The Centre has doubled the minimum validity of environmental clearances for ports and harbours to 20 years, with room for two five-year extensions under conditions. The Monday notification amended the EIA notification 2006. Clearances were previously valid for 10 years with a one-year extension. The Ports ministry had sought alignment closer to a 30-year project period.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Port developers can now hold an environmental clearance for at least 20 years before seeking a fresh one.
- Two further five-year extensions remain possible if appraisal committees find safeguards adequate.
- Capacity additions for new cargo such as LNG can still need separate clearances or amendments.
What's Happening
- A Monday gazette amendment to the EIA notification 2006 doubled the minimum port clearance validity to 20 years.
- The previous rule allowed 10 years plus a one-year extension.
- The Ports ministry had asked for validity closer to a 30-year project period.
How the Rule Change Was Built
- A sectoral expert appraisal committee first recommended 15 years plus five.
- An expert advisory committee said existing validity looked insufficient for long gestation port projects.
- A draft was published on May 20 before the final 20-year notification.
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