Selection of Consultant for Environmental Clearance
Preparing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Reports and obtaining an Environmental Clearance involves assessing the environmental impacts and providing suitable mitigation measures to reduce the impact of the developmental project on their surroundings.
Now that you have understood what environmental clearance is in the last blog let’s find out what to look for when choosing the right environmental consulting firms in India to help you attain environmental clearance seamlessly.
How to Select the Right Environmental Consultant?
You may be aware that your proposed developmental project is subject to environmental regulations and compliances. Where would you go for assistance? Although many environmental consulting firms in India offer environmental clearance and related environmental compliance services, choosing the right one depends on a few aspects.
Firstly, understanding that project proponents require technical assistance to navigate through this unknown territory of environmental compliance is crucial to saving time and effort. As environmental norms and regulations developed and became more intricate, consultants specialised in understanding them began to play a crucial role.
Know Your Consultants
Choosing the right Consulting Company for Environmental Clearance is critical to your project. What to do when you have many options in front of you right now? How can you make the best choice?
Here are a few aspects to check when choosing an environmental consultant for your project.
- The consultant should be NABET Accredited
In August 2007, NABET (National Accreditation Board for Education and Training), a constituent Board of the QCI (Quality Council of India), launched a voluntary Accreditation Scheme for EIA Consultant Organizations. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change (MOEF&CC) made the Scheme compulsory for EIA Consultant Organizations in 2009.
Hence you must look for environmental consultants accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Education & Training (NABET), a constituent board of the QCI for the relevant sectors of your project. This will ensure that you are getting the most professional advice on your business and investment.
- Look into their track record
Take the time to review their portfolio and talk to their clients to understand the quality of their services.
Prior specific industry experience that matches the specific requirement for your project would also be beneficial. The consultant should have a good track record of clearing EAC/ SEAC presentations in minimum attempts.
- Provide clear communication and guidance
The consultant you are communicating with should have extensive knowledge of your project’s technical and even legal aspects and be capable of assisting you in providing the right service. They should clearly communicate all the issues that are currently there in the proposal and provide a timely and appropriate solution for them.
The consultant should provide proper guidance on every aspect of obtaining an EC, right from selecting a project site which is environmentally compliant.
The consultant should intimate well ahead of time, about obtaining the various approvals like water permission, approval of Conservation Plan, NOC from Forest Department/ Village Panchayats etc, that would be required for obtaining an EC, to avoid any undue delays in the EC process.
Summary
Ask detailed questions about the Environmental Clearance process, Environmental Clearance validity and the other compliances that need to be followed after obtaining the EC. Environmental Clearance fees in India differ according to the state, investment, the process you choose, etc.
Cost is always a consideration, but it should not be the deciding factor. Delay in the EC process due to the lack of experience of the consultant could lead to significant financial implications.
Working with a trusted & renowned environment consultant for all your compliance needs is a necessity rather than a luxury now.
Pioneer Enviro Consultants is one of India’s leading environmental consulting firms with a vision to promote Environmentally Sustainable Economic Development through our EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) services.
We are one of the top-rated EIA consultants in India that offers unparalleled technical expertise and experience in implementing EIA services for 750+ projects across India.
Give us the opportunity to navigate through the EC process. Contact us today to get your project assessed. Call us on 9000380040.