New Delhi | January 6, 2026

The Union environment ministry has recently clarified that developers of non-coal mining projects will no longer be required to provide proof of land acquisition before receiving environmental clearance (EC). The move aims to fast-track approvals for a range of projects, including onshore and offshore oil and gas exploration, pipelines through eco-sensitive areas, highway projects, and mineral mining.

Previously, the ministry mandated that project developers show proof of land acquisition, as outlined in a 2014 office memorandum (OM). This could include a preliminary notification issued by the state government under the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013, or, for private acquisitions, a credible document demonstrating the landowner’s intent to sell. This requirement often delayed the clearance process and was considered a bottleneck for project implementation.

In February 2025, the ministry amended the rules to allow a confirmation from the state government, or its authorized agency, indicating its intent to acquire land as stated in the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, to be accepted as sufficient for EC purposes. This change meant that developers would no longer have to complete land acquisition before starting the clearance process.

On December 18, 2025, the ministry issued another OM clarifying that consent from landowners should not be insisted upon for non-coal mining projects at the time of granting EC. The order also emphasized that linking land acquisition status to environmental clearance was not practical, particularly for projects where mining operations start while acquisition proceeds in phases.

The decision was based on recommendations from the non-coal mining Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC). After reviewing requests from industry stakeholders, the EAC observed that delinking EC from landowner consent was reasonable. The committee highlighted that many mining projects commence operations even as land acquisition continues incrementally based on project needs. The EAC also suggested that a similar approach could be considered for other sectors where insisting on acquisition documents during appraisal might not be practical.

According to the ministry, the changes aim to make the EC process more efficient while still ensuring that land acquisition is completed in accordance with the law. The EAC noted that the 2014 OM only required the initiation of land acquisition through preliminary notification or credible agreements with private landowners. By removing this prerequisite, the process of obtaining EC can move forward without waiting for acquisition to be fully completed.

However, experts caution that while this may accelerate the clearance process, it could also lead to sequential delays in project execution. Chetan Agarwal, an environment and forest policy analyst, noted that beginning operations without completed land acquisition could prolong the overall timeline, as acquisition processes will have to continue after EC is granted.

The ministry’s clarification is expected to impact a large number of non-coal mining projects across the country. It seeks to reduce administrative hurdles while balancing the need for compliance with environmental safeguards. Developers, state agencies, and investors are likely to benefit from a more streamlined clearance process, though careful monitoring will be required to ensure that land acquisition and environmental safeguards remain aligned with legal standards.

The move also reflects the ministry’s recognition that modern project timelines often involve phased acquisition and incremental development, making rigid land acquisition requirements impractical. By focusing on state intent and phased compliance, the ministry aims to support faster infrastructure and resource development while maintaining environmental oversight through the EIA process and follow-up monitoring.

This change may particularly affect mineral-rich states where non-coal mining projects are critical for industrial and economic development. Analysts predict that by decoupling EC from full land acquisition, the approval process could become faster, allowing more projects to begin work promptly while land acquisition continues in parallel.

Overall, the ministry’s new approach is designed to simplify the clearance process, address project delays, and encourage investment in critical sectors, while retaining safeguards to ensure that environmental standards are respected and land acquisition is completed legally.

: Union Environment Ministry Delinks Land Acquisition from Green Clearances for Non-Coal Mining Projects

The Union environment ministry has clarified that non-coal mining projects no longer need proof of land acquisition to get environmental clearance (EC). This change aims to speed up approvals for projects like mineral mining, oil and gas exploration, pipelines through eco-sensitive areas, and highway development.

Earlier, developers had to provide documents showing completed or ongoing land acquisition, such as a preliminary government notification or a credible agreement with landowners. This often delayed clearances. In February 2025, the ministry allowed confirmation from the state government or its authorized agency indicating intent to acquire land as enough for EC. Later, in December 2025, it further clarified that consent from landowners is not needed at the time of clearance, even if acquisition is still in progress.

The move follows recommendations from the non-coal mining Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), which noted that many projects start operations while land acquisition continues in phases. Officials say this approach will make the clearance process faster, though experts caution that starting projects before full acquisition may extend overall timelines.

The ministry’s decision is expected to benefit developers, investors, and state agencies by reducing administrative delays while still ensuring environmental safeguards and legal compliance.