Environmental Clearance Now Mandatory for Smaller Buildings
The Ministry of Environment has introduced a new model building law, requiring buildings with an area between 5,000 to 20,000 square feet to meet environmental standards. Previously, these smaller buildings were exempt from the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA).
Objective Behind the Move
According to the Environment Ministry, the primary goal is to ensure that all buildings, regardless of size, adhere to environmental norms. As stated by Manoj Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary, “The main aim is to construct buildings that follow environmental norms.”
Decision-Making Process
The Ministry has been reviewing the matter with multiple stakeholders to streamline clearance for the real estate sector and building construction. The process involves:
- States submitting proposals
- Ministry of Environment inspecting and announcing decisions on the necessity of environmental clearance for building projects in individual states
Regulatory Framework
Buildings requiring environmental clearance will be governed by either the 1986 E(P) or 2006 EIA Notification.
Background
In February, Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu highlighted the benefits of this notice for the real estate sector in a letter to the Ministry of Environment. The matter has been under discussion among various ministries.
