Procedure for Environmental Clearance (EC) for Airports Projects

Anamika Rathore

Anamika Rathore

Published on: Mar 6, 2026

Shatakshi Sharma

Updated on: Mar 6, 2026

★★★★★(2 Ratings)

420

INTRODUCTION

Environmental Clearance (EC) is a statutory legal requirement under the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006, issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for setting up airport projects or major expansion works before construction or land preparation. All airport development, expansion, modernisation, and allied aviation infrastructure projects fall under Item 7(a) – Airports of the Schedule and are classified as Category ‘A’ projects in the EIA Notification, 2006, including greenfield and brownfield projects, due to their potential environmental impacts.

• New airport projects → interpreted as Greenfield
• Expansion/modernisation of existing airports → interpreted as Brownfield

To help ensure sustainable development, Environmental Clearance (EC) is awarded only after rigorous assessment of direct and indirect impacts on the surrounding environment, including air quality, noise, traffic, ecology, water resources, and socio-economic factors.

Mandatory Requirements

To apply for Environmental Clearance for an airport project, the following documents are required:

• Form-1 (mandatory for all projects under the EIA Notification)
• Pre-feasibility report / conceptual plan
• Brief project description
• Land details (ownership, acquisition status, land use)
• Location map

Note: Form-1A is generally applicable to Item 8 construction projects and is not typically required for airport projects under Item 7(a)

Procedure

The EIA Notification prescribes a four-stage process (Screening, Scoping, Public Consultation, and Appraisal). Since airport projects are Category A, the Screening stage does not apply. The process is as follows:

1. Project Screening
   • Determine that the project falls under airport activities listed in the EIA Notification (e.g., Item 7(a)).
   • Airport projects are appraised at the Central level by MoEFCC.
2. Submission of Application

   Project Proponent shall submit Form-1 or Form-1A along with the following documents on the PARIVESH portal:

   • Project brief & summary
   • Land ownership and land use approvals
   • Layout plan/site plan
   • Details of project proponent & environmental consultant
   • Traffic management plan
   • Copy of Terms of Reference (ToR) issued
   • Wildlife/forest/groundwater clearance if applicable.
3. Scoping – Terms of Reference (ToR)

   After submission of the application, MoEFCC forwards the application to the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for scoping. The EAC reviews the submission and issues Terms of Reference (ToR) specifying the scope of environmental studies, study area (typically 10 km radius), and monitoring requirements.

4. Baseline Environmental Studies

   Baseline studies are conducted as per approved ToR, generally for one season (3–6 months, excluding monsoon unless specified), covering:

   • Air, noise, water & soil quality
   • Ecology & biodiversity
   • Socio-economic data
   • Traffic impacts

   These studies form the backbone of the EIA report.

5. Preparation of Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) & Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

   An accredited environmental consultant prepares the:

   • EIA Report analyzing impacts
   • Environmental Management Plan (EMP) outlining mitigation measures
   • Public hearing draft documents (if applicable)
   • Risk Assessment & Disaster Management Plan

   The EIA report shall follow the structure and guidelines in the EIA Guidance Manual – Airports.

6. Public consultation
   • Public consultation is conducted through the SPCB/UT Pollution Control Committee as per the EIA Notification.
   • Public hearing is mandatory unless specifically exempted under the Notification (e.g., certain expansion projects within existing premises without additional land acquisition or as notified by MoEFCC).
   • Public hearing proceedings and responses to issues raised must be incorporated in the final EIA.
7. Submission of Final EIA Report

   Upload final EIA & EMP documents on PARIVESH portal https://environmentclearance.nic.in/ along with:

   • Public hearing proceedings
   • Compliance to ToR
   • Risk & Disaster Management Plans
   • Traffic Management Plan
   • Wildlife / Forest / Groundwater clearances (if applicable)
8. Appraisal by Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC)
   • Appraisal by Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC)
   • May recommend site visit (if necessary)
   • EAC recommends approve/reject to MoEFCC.
9. Grant of Environmental Clearance

   If approved, MoEFCC issues Environmental Clearance with:

   • Specific conditions for implementation & monitoring
   • General conditions as per notification
   • Validity and timelines for compliance

   Environmental Clearance may be amended, transferred, extended, suspended, or revoked as per provisions of the Notification and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

10. Post-Clearance Compliance

    After grant of Environmental Clearance (EC):

    • Submit periodic compliance reports (half-yearly or annual).
    • Implement EMP measures.
    • Upload compliance status on MoEFCC website
    • Submit environmental monitoring reports
    • Obtain Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from SPCB
11. Penalty for Non-Compliance

    Failure to comply with Environmental Clearance conditions or the Environmental Management Plan may attract action under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, including:

    • Suspension or revocation of Environmental Clearance
    • Monetary fines
    • Closure of operations
    • Legal prosecution

Important Notes

• Airport projects are high-impact infrastructure projects and are almost invariably appraised at the Central level under Category A of the EIA Notification, 2006.
• EC shall be obtained before any preparation of land or construction begins.
• Expansion or modernisation of airports requires EC where it involves an increase in capacity, a change in configuration, or a potential increase in environmental impacts.
• Additional clearances (e.g., forest, wildlife, groundwater) may also be required under separate regulations.