India extends environmental clearance validity for ports to 20 years

The Indian government has extended the validity period of environmental clearances for ports, harbours, breakwaters, and dredging projects from 10 years to 20 years. This amendment to the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, aims to provide greater regulatory certainty for large-scale maritime infrastructure projects that often involve long gestation periods and phased development.

Under the new framework, eligible projects will receive an initial 20-year validity. Developers may subsequently seek two additional extensions of up to five years each, subject to assessments of existing environmental safeguards. The decision follows recommendations from expert appraisal committees noting that the previous 10-year limit was insufficient for complex maritime works.

The policy change has faced political criticism. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh suggested the amendment might benefit specific upcoming initiatives, such as the proposed transshipment port in the Great Nicobar Islands project.