Forest Clearance

Forest Clearance

Overview

At Everain Global Services™—an accredited consultant under the Forest Clearance Consultant Organization (FCCO) by the Quality Council of India for MoEF&CC Category-A and Category-B Forest Clearance projects. We specialize in providing comprehensive consultancy services for obtaining Forest Clearances under the Forest (Conservation) Act, or Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980. With a strong track record of successful project executions, we expertly guide our clients through the intricate process of securing permissions for forest diversion in both Category-A and Category-B projects.

Our services are backed by a deep understanding of the Forest Conservation Act,ESZ requirements, recent forest guidelines or OMs issued by theMoEFCC and/or State Forest Departments, and procedural requirements, ensuring smooth and efficient navigation of the complex clearance process.

Our Expertise

We offer end-to-end solutions for forest clearance, tailored to meet the specific needs of your project:

Component-I: Preparation of Forest Diversion Proposal (FDP) as per the MoEF&CC updated guidelines and Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 and any other guidelines issued by the state government for processing / clearance of FDP.

  1. Preparation of Digitized & Mosaiced maps such as location map (on Topo- Sheet)/revenue village map/cadastral sheets (1:50000 scale) /Forest Demarcation Map/ Compensatory Afforestation Land Map, etc.
  2. Registration and online uploading of all the required documents for FCA proposal.
  3. On-line Submission of the proposal at specific website and to the different offices as per relevant rules and guidelines.
  4. Review of details of land identified for Compensatory Afforestation (CA) by the proponent.
  5. Assist in preparation of Compensatory Afforestation Plan (CAP) on the land identified for Compensatory Afforestation.
  6. Assist in Joint Inspection with respective DFO for Site-Inspection, Tree enumeration/ listing of tree details to be affected by the project tree in the form of enumeration data (species-wise) and obtain approval on the same.
  7. Preparation of Cost-Benefit Analysis of the project.

Component-II: Assist in obtaining ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the concerned authorities under the Forest (Rights) Act 2006. This includes the following

  1. To identify the forest dwellers / forest dwelling schedule tribes / other traditional forest dwellers as per the “Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dweller (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006” and obtain No Objection Certificate from the concerned authorities.
  2. To facilitate with BDO/ Tehsildar / Concerned Authority to convene Gram Sabha as per FRA, 2006, so as to identify beneficiaries.
  3. Preparation and submission of Application to Collector for issuance of Certificate under Forest Rights Act to be used for Forest Diversion Proposal (FDP).

Component-III: DGPS Survey

  1. Identification & demarcation of forests boundary pillars by DGPS Survey and documentation of forests records including clear marking of approximately.) and preparation of Geo-reference maps in concerned forest divisions for forest land and the CA land.

Component-IV: E-filling of Forest Clearance Application

  1. Preparation of Form A and Forms /Documents / No Objection Certificates (NOC) / Other Certificates /Undertakings / Consent Letters, for preparation of forest clearance application as per prescribed format of MoEF&CC
  2. Preparation of Form ‘A’
  3. E-filing of Forest Diversion application on the latest PARIVESH Portal

Component-V: Follow up for processing of Forest Clearance Application and Obtaining Stage – I Clearance from MoEF& CC, GoI

  1. Follow up with Nodal Office for listing of the proposal in the Project Screening Committee (PSC
  2. Assist user agency to attend PSC meeting and presentation of the proposal
  3. Assist in preparation of compliance as per the observations/comments of the PSC-I and resubmission of the same in the PSC-II meeting for aprpoval
  4. Follow up with the PSC for forwarding of the proposal to the concerned DFO
  5. Assist user agency to conduct joint inspection and site survey of the DFO
  6. Assist in preparation and submission of compliances sought by the State Forest Department
  7. Follow up with PCCF Office to recommend the proposal and forwarding the same to Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, State Government.
  8. Follow up with State Government for forwarding the proposal to the MoEFCC, Govt. of India.
  9. Assist in site inspection to be carried out by the MoEFCC, if required
  10. Preparation of presentation and necessary documentation for presenting the Forest Diversion Proposal to the MoEFCC
  11. Assist in preparation and submission of compliances sought by the MoEFCC
  12. Assist in obtaining Stage – I approval from the MoEFC

Component-VI: Compliances of Stage – I Clearance & Obtaining Stage – II (Final) ForestClearance from Regional Empowered Committee of MoEF& CC, GoI

  1. Assist in completion of compliances to the clauses of Stage – I Clearance and Submit Compliance report of the same
  2. Assist in completion of compliances to the clauses of Stage – I Clearance and Submit Compliance report of the same
  3. Obtain final Stage – II Clearance from MoEF& CC, GoI

 

Our Approach

  • Customized Solutions: Each project is unique, and we tailor our services to match the specific requirements of your project, ensuring compliance with all regulatory frameworks.
  • Strategic Coordination: Leveraging our well-established relationships with key government bodies, including the MoEFCC, we facilitate a timely and transparent approval process.
  • Sustainability Focus: We prioritize sustainable development, balancing ecological preservation with the developmental needs of our clients.
  • End-to-End Support: From initial planning to post-clearance compliance, we provide comprehensive support at every stage of your project.

Why Choose Everain Global Services?

  • Accredited Expertise: As an accredited consultant under the Quality Council of India (QCI) and National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET), we are authorized to handle Category-A and Category-B projects. 
  • Proven Track Record: With years of experience in the industry, we have successfully facilitated clearances for some of the largest and most complex projects in India. 
  • Professional Team: Our team consists of former senior officials from the Central Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEFCC) and state forest departments, bringing unmatched expertise and insights into the clearance process. 
  • Client-Centric Approach: We work closely with our clients, providing personalized service to ensure their projects are delivered on time and within regulatory compliance. 

Contact Us

If you are planning a project that requires forest land diversion under Category-A or Category-B, trust Everain Global Services Pvt. Ltd. to provide you with the professional guidance and support you need. Contact us today on email info@everainglobal.com or Phone: +91-9999677158/9 to discuss your project requirements and learn how we can help you achieve your development goals while ensuring environmental stewardship.

FAQs

Ans: Category-A and Category-B forest diversion projects are classified based on their size, impact, and the nature of the project:

  • Category-A Projects: These are large-scale projects that involve significant forest land diversion, typically exceeding 40 hectares. Due to their potential environmental impact, Category-A projects undergo a more rigorous scrutiny process, including mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and public hearings. Examples include major infrastructure developments, large-scale mining projects, and hydropower projects.
  • Category-B Projects: These involve smaller forest land diversion, usually less than 40 hectares, and are considered to have a relatively lower environmental impact. While they still require Forest Clearance, the approval process is generally less stringent compared to Category-A projects, and they may not require an EIA or public hearing. Examples include small-scale mining, infrastructure, and road construction projects.

The classification determines the level of scrutiny and the specific approval process required under the Forest Conservation Act.

Ans: Some of the essential documents for submitting a Forest Diversion Proposal on the PARIVESH Portal include the authenticated land schedule for forest and non-forest areas, DGPS maps of the proposed diversion, Toposheet and KML maps for both forest and non-forest areas, Detailed Project Report (DPR) or Approved Mining Plan (for mining projects), and undertakings regarding the payment of NPV/CA, compliance with the Forest Conservation Act, and minimum forest area requirements, among others.

Ans: The duration for obtaining forest clearance can vary depending on the complexity of the project, the completeness of the submitted documentation, and the responsiveness of the relevant authorities. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, but our expertise helps expedite the process.

Ans: Proceeding without the necessary forest clearance can lead to severe legal repercussions, including project stoppage, fines, and penalties. It can also result in significant delays and additional costs to bring the project into compliance later on. Ensuring proper clearance before beginning any project is essential for legal and environmental compliance.

Ans: To ensure the efficient preparation and submission of a Forest Diversion Proposal (FDP), the user agency must provide the following assistance:

 

  • Authorization Letter: Grant an authorization letter allowing us to prepare the FDP and conduct necessary meetings on behalf of the user agency.
  • Nodal Person Assignment: Designate a nodal person from the user agency to coordinate and expedite the provision of required documents and information.
  • Existing Approvals/Permissions: Provide records of any approvals or permissions already obtained for the project.
  • Project Documentation: Share available documents such as the Detailed Project Report (DPR) or project brief, along with alternate sites examined and relevant maps/surveys, including digitized and mosaiced maps (location map, Topo-Sheet, revenue map, cadastral sheets, KML maps).
  • Land Details: Provide details on land ownership, cadastral maps, revenue maps, and information on land identified for the project.
  • Component-Wise Project Breakdown: Supply a detailed component-wise breakup of the project, distinguishing between forest and non-forest land.
  • Additional Requirements: Assist with any other requirements requested by statutory authorities that are outside the scope of this proposal.