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Environmental and Regulatory Oversight in India’s ream Oil & Gas Sector 153

As of now, 36 ESZs have been finalized, with not penalize operators for delays that are
16 under active review by State and Central beyond their control due to local constraints.
authorities. This focused intervention by
DGH has significantly improved regulatory These tailored measures collectively aim to
clarity for projects falling within 10 km of balance environmental stewardship with the
Protected Area boundaries. strategic need for energy security in one of India’s
most underexplored yet resource-rich frontiers.
8.3.9 North-East Region–Specific Provisions
8.4 Institutional Mechanisms for
Recognizing the ecological sensitivity, Regulatory Facilitation at MoP&NG/
biodiversity richness, and logistical challenges DGH
unique to the North-Eastern region of India,
several targeted initiatives and policy flexibilities To ensure timely and coordinated regulatory
have been introduced to facilitate responsible approvals for hydrocarbon projects, particularly
hydrocarbon exploration and production in this in ecologically and administratively sensitive
strategic area. regions, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural
Gas (MoP&NG) and the Directorate General of
• Key provisions include: Hydrocarbons (DGH) have instituted several

Establishment of North-East Hydrocarbon robust mechanisms. These initiatives aim to
Coordination Cells: Dedicated coordination enhance inter-agency coordination, strengthen
cells have been set up within the Directorate stakeholder engagement, and build institutional
General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) to fast-track capacity to address complex challenges related
the appraisal and processing of statutory to Environmental and Forest Clearances.
clearance proposals related to the region. 8.4.1 Empowered Coordination Committees
These cells serve as nodal points for inter- (ECCs)
agency coordination, helping reduce
delays caused by regional complexities and An Empowered Coordination Committee
administrative bottlenecks. (ECC), chaired by the Cabinet Secretary and
comprising representatives from key ministries
Forest Clearance (FC) Flexibilities: Given including the Ministry of Environment, Forest
that many North-Eastern states have high and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Ministry of
forest cover, special provisions have been Defence, Department of Space, and others
made under the Forest (Conservation) Act was constituted in May 2019 through a Gazette
to relax compensatory afforestation (CA) Notification issued by MoP&NG. The ECC was
norms. established to streamline and expedite the
States may be allowed to undertake CA grant of statutory approvals and clearances for
hydrocarbon projects.
in non-forest areas or degraded forest
lands where suitable forest land is not Since its inception, seven ECC meetings have
available. been held, leading to the resolution of several

The MoEF&CC has acknowledged the long-pending issues and the formulation of key
policy decisions. These efforts have significantly
region’s natural forest richness and
limited availability of non-forest land, facilitated the development of the oil and gas
allowing for customized afforestation sector.
strategies that support both 8.4.2 North-East Coordination Committee
environmental and operational goals. (NECC) Cell at DGH

Extended Timelines for Exploration To fast-track regulatory clearances for Exploration
Phases: In recognition of the terrain, climatic, and Production (E&P) projects in the North-East
and socio-political challenges in the region, region of India, DGH established the North-East
the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Coordination Committee (NECC) on July 2, 2021.
Gas (MoP&NG), in coordination with DGH, Operating under the Hydrocarbon Clearance Cell
provides additional time for completing (HCC) within DGH, the NECC collaborates with
exploration phase commitments. These the E&P operators of NE region, North-Eastern
region-specific timeline relaxations ensure state governments, and other stakeholders.
that Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs)
and Revenue Sharing Contracts (RSCs) do As part of this initiative, young professionals