New Delhi, Sep 07: The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Central Pollution Control Board, organised a high-level workshop in New Delhi to discuss measures to improve the ease of doing business and expedite environmental clearances for real estate projects across the country.
The workshop, held at the India Habitat Centre, was attended by CREDAI President Shekhar Patel, President-Elect G. Ram Reddy and Rajat Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, along with senior officials from the Ministry and CPCB.
The discussions focused on reducing delays in the environmental clearance process, ensuring greater consistency in regulatory interpretation and simplifying approval procedures without compromising environmental compliance.
CREDAI President Shekhar Patel said the real estate industry was not seeking any relaxation in environmental compliance or dilution of existing norms, but only a reduction in the time required to obtain Environmental Clearance approvals.
“CREDAI sincerely appreciates the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Central Pollution Control Board and Mr Rajat Agarwal for their continued engagement and for providing a platform for constructive dialogue with the industry. CREDAI and its members are not seeking any relaxation in compliance requirements or any dilution of environmental norms. We are only seeking a reduction in the timelines for obtaining Environmental Clearance approvals across the country. This will significantly contribute to improving the ease of doing business and enable the timely execution of real estate projects,” Patel said.
Clarity on phase-wise approvals
During the workshop, the Ministry clarified several provisions aimed at facilitating environmental approvals for the real estate sector. One of the key issues discussed was the possibility of phase-wise Consent to Establish for projects where the Environmental Clearance provides for phase-wise development. This would allow environmental consents to be aligned with the actual development schedule of a project.
The CPCB also reiterated its policy direction to integrate CTE-related requirements with the EC application process. CREDAI emphasised the need for this integrated approach to be implemented uniformly across all states to avoid duplication and reduce parallel approval processes.
Greater consistency in EC appraisal
The workshop also highlighted the need for greater uniformity in the interpretation and appraisal of EC applications by State Expert Appraisal Committees across states.
CREDAI said greater consistency in regulatory interpretation would reduce uncertainty and improve predictability for developers operating across multiple jurisdictions.
The Ministry also clarified that an amendment to an existing EC may not be required for certain changes to a project’s conceptual plan if such changes do not result in an increase in parameters such as built-up area or pollution load, subject to the conditions prescribed under the relevant Office Memorandum.
Measures to prevent approval delays
To ensure continuity in the appraisal of Category-B projects in cases where SEIAA or SEACs are non-functional, MoEFCC has provided for a Standing Authority and Standing Committee comprising senior government and technical officials. The arrangement is intended to ensure continuity in project appraisals until the respective bodies are reconstituted, for a defined period.
Another key measure discussed was the introduction of a “zero period” for projects stalled due to proceedings before the National Company Law Tribunal or courts. The period during which such projects remain stalled would be excluded from the calculation of EC validity, helping avoid the need for de novo appraisal and facilitating the resumption of projects.
The workshop also discussed the removal of the requirement for separate presentations before SEIAA after appraisal by SEAC. The move is aimed at eliminating duplication and streamlining the approval process for Category-B projects.
Focus on technology-led regulatory reforms
The Ministry also highlighted several other reforms aimed at reducing procedural complexity and improving regulatory predictability for the building sector. These include rationalisation of green-belt requirements, greater clarity on the transfer and amendment of Terms of Reference (ToR) and ECs, streamlined requirements for land-acquisition documents and technology-led reforms through the PARIVESH portal.
The Ministry informed participants that quarterly review meetings are held with SEACs to monitor the progress of applications and review approval timelines, with the objective of ensuring timely decisions across the country.
CREDAI seeks further reduction in EC timeline
CREDAI also acknowledged the efforts of MoEFCC and CPCB officials in reducing the average time taken for the Environmental Clearance process from 120 days to 57 days. Building on this progress, CREDAI urged the Ministry and CPCB to further reduce the EC approval timeline to 45 days, while maintaining full compliance with environmental regulations.
According to CREDAI, a time-bound and streamlined approval process would strengthen the ease of doing business, improve regulatory predictability and facilitate the timely execution of real estate projects. CREDAI said it would continue to work with MoEFCC, CPCB and state authorities to promote greater regulatory clarity, consistency and time-bound environmental approvals while strengthening environmental governance in the real estate sector.