India's Hydrocarbon Outlook – 2022-2023

173 DGH: 3 DECADES OF UNLOCKING INDIA'S HYDROCARBON POTENTIAL Therefore, the MoEF&CC clarified that for the projects which involve forest land and require Stage-I and Stage-II FC under the provisions of the FCA, 1980, the validity period of the prior EC granted [after Stage-I FC], shall be reckoned from the date of grant of Stage-II FC, or a maximum period of two (02) years, whichever is less. May 2022: Extension of Validity of EC, Simplifying Public Hearings EC Validity: TheGoI hasextendedthetenureofEnvironmental Clearances (EC) granted for existing or new projects. Hydrocarbon Projects would now have a valid EC for a period of ten (10) years. A provision for one (01) year extension has also been incorporated. Easing out of Public Hearing process: GoI in its amendment dated 09.05.2022 in EIA notification regarding reduced the notice period to 15 days for rescheduling of public hearing and approved that the Sub-Divisional Magistrate may supervise and preside over the public hearing if the project is confined to the territorial jurisdiction of one sub-division, otherwise any District level officer can preside as authorized by District Magistrate. June 2022: Standardizing the validity of Baseline data The MoEF&CC in its OM dated 08.06.2022 standardized the validity of baseline data and public consultation reports for submission of proposal within the validity period of terms of Reference (ToR) under the provisions of the EIA Notification, 2006. The OM clarifies that the baseline data and the Public Hearing shall not be more than three (03) years at the time of submission of application for consideration of EC. Exploratory Drilling as B2 projects Using secondary data as baseline data beyond 12 NM Composite Clearance for EC and CRZ EC validity extended for 10 years EC to be reckoned from the date of grant of Stage-II FC or a max period of 2 years Public Hearing could be presided by SDM EC Policy Alterations/ Enhancements