"We have notified the extension of the validity of EC from five years to seven years. The EC can be renewed for a maximum period of three years," the official told PTI.
For extension of EC, an application should be filed before the regulatory authority within the validity period. The regulatory authority may also consult the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) or State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC), as the case may be, for grant of such extension.
According to the gazette notification, if the application filed within one month after the validity of EC, such cases should be referred to concerned EAC or SEAC. Based on their recommendation, the delay should be condoned at the level of the Joint Secretary in the Union Environment Ministry.
"No condonation for delay shall be granted for any application for extension filed 90 days after the validity period of EC," the notification added.
It is mandatory to take environment clearance for execution of both 'A' and 'B' category projects in the country. The EC is granted after carefully assessing the environment impact of a project and taking into account the environment management plan.