Page 141 - DGH_Annual_Report

Environmental and Regulatory Oversight in India’s ream Oil & Gas Sector 141

international commitments (e.g., Sustainable studies that have negligible environmental
Development Goals, the Paris Agreement), and impact.
fosters long-term sustainability in the energy
sector. These reforms not only reduce transaction
costs and project delays but also align with
A well-structured regulatory regime, including India’s broader goals of energy security, climate
Environmental Clearance (EC), Forest Clearance action, and sustainable development. As the
(FC), and other statutory approvals, is thus sector matures, governance is emerging not
essential. It enables sustainable development just as a regulatory requirement, but as a driver
while maintaining investor confidence. of resilience, innovation, and long-term value
creation.
In this context, environmental governance
refers to the institutions, processes, and legal 8.1.3 Overview of Statutory Oversight:
frameworks that regulate how humans interact Roles and Responsibilities of Central and
with the environment, particularly in high- State Authorities
impact industries like oil and gas. It encompasses
regulatory approvals, environmental impact India’s oil and gas sector operates within a
assessments (EIA), public consultations, and multi-layered statutory framework, involving a
continuous monitoring of ecological and social constellation of institutions at both the central
impacts throughout the project lifecycle. and state levels. These authorities collectively
ensure environmental oversight, facilitate
8.1.2 Looking Ahead: Governance as a regulatory compliance, and uphold the
Growth Enabler principles of sustainable development in project
planning and execution.
Environmental governance is often perceived
as a compliance burden, a procedural necessity Central Authorities
that slows down project execution. However,
this view is rapidly changing. Increasingly, • Ministry of Environment, Forest and
governance is being recognized as a strategic Climate Change (MoEF&CC):
enabler of growth in the oil and gas sector. The MoEF&CC serves as an apex authority for

Projects that proactively adhere to evaluating the environmental implications of
environmental norms early in their lifecycle projects and activities. It is responsible for:
tend to face fewer litigations, encounter Granting statutory environmental, forest &
smoother approval processes, and are better wildlife clearances after due assessment of
positioned to attract responsible investment. potential impacts.
In an era of heightened ESG (Environmental,
Social, and Governance) scrutiny, environmental Reviewing compliance with stipulated

compliance is no longer optional, but it is a conditions under various environmental,
marker of credibility and foresight. forest & wildlife laws, rules, and regulations.
The Government of India has acknowledged this Overseeing the Environmental Impact

shift and is actively pursuing regulatory reforms Assessment (EIA) processes and maintaining
to make environmental governance more platforms such as PARIVESH 2.0 for digital
transparent, efficient, and investor friendly. Key clearance workflows.
initiatives include:
• Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
Ease of Doing Business Measures: Enhancing (MoP&NG):
procedural clarity and accelerating the
clearance process. As the administrative ministry for the sector,
MoP&NG plays a facilitative and policy-oriented
Digitization of EC/FC Processes: Introduction role, including:
of platforms like PARIVESH 2.0, which provide
end-to-end online submission, monitoring, Formulating and updating sectoral policies
and tracking of clearances. and guidelines.

Policy-Level Exemptions for Low-Impact Coordinating with MoEF&CC and state
Exploration: Special provisions for activities agencies for smooth processing of statutory
such as seismic surveys or geophysical approvals.