Government-Accredited Environmental Consultants
Environmental assessments are typically conducted by Environmental Consulting Agencies that are accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET) under the Quality Council of India (QCI). These firms are authorized to carry out:
- Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
- Environmental Management Plans (EMP)
- Baseline environmental studies covering air, water, noise, and soil
- Public consultation facilitation for Category A and B industrial projects
Examples include firms like EQMS India Pvt Ltd, SENES Consultants, ERM India, or other regionally certified agencies.
Appointed by the Project Proponent or Developer
The industrial developer or landowner initiating the project is responsible for appointing the accredited consultant. Their duties include:
- Submitting Terms of Reference (ToR) to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) or State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA)
- Coordinating the entire EIA study, site visits, and stakeholder engagement
- Preparing documentation for Consent to Establish (CTE) and Environmental Clearance (EC)
- Responding to technical queries during expert appraisal committee reviews
The developer bears the cost and ensures the report aligns with regulatory formats.
Reviewed by Regulatory Authorities
While consultants conduct the studies, they are thoroughly reviewed and approved by:
- State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) for Category B projects
- MoEFCC or SEIAA for Category A projects (as per EIA Notification, 2006)
- Expert Appraisal Committees (EAC) for sector-specific technical evaluation
These authorities ensure the assessment is accurate, comprehensive, and compliant with applicable environmental laws and zoning conditions.