India Streamlines Rules for Oil and Gas Exploration in Forest Areas

The Union Environment Ministry has recently optimised the approval process for conducting surveys and exploratory drilling in forest regions to search for oil and gas deposits. This initiative balances environmental considerations with the need for national energy security.
The new guidelines issued by the ministry involve a more efficient procedure, allowing up to 100 trees to be felled for necessary drilling activities without requiring extensive prior clearances. This streamlined approach is part of the government's broader strategy to encourage the exploration and exploitation of natural resources to enhance India's energy independence.

The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has confirmed that preliminary drilling is vital for designing and planning resource extraction projects, including oil and gas and hydroelectric power developments. These activities are now facilitated by the detailed guidelines provided by the ministry, which ensure a quicker yet environmentally considerate process.

Under the new rules, the divisional forest officer must record observations and recommendations within a month of receiving a proposal and directly forward these insights, along with any compensatory levies like the Net Present Value (NPV), through an online system to the nodal officer designated under the Van (Sarankshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam.

This officer then has 15 days to review and potentially approve the application, significantly reducing the bureaucratic delay previously associated with such endeavours. This change is part of a broader amendment that distinctly separates oil and gas mining activities from the general mining sector, reflecting the specific needs and impacts of these industries.

By facilitating quicker decisions on exploratory operations, the government hopes to expedite the development of critical energy resources while still upholding stringent environmental safeguards. This policy adjustment is expected to attract more investment in India's oil and gas sectors, driving growth and supporting the country's long-term economic and energy goals