Baseline environmental data for Environmental Impact Assessment studies now available on PARIVESH portal

India’s Environment Ministry said project proponents can now access baseline environmental data on the PARIVESH portal to support Environmental Impact Assessment studies. The dataset outlines existing environmental conditions in a project area, helping identify potential impacts. Previously, proponents relied on offline collection from multiple agencies or primary monitoring. Use of the portal data is voluntary.

The Environment Ministry said project proponents could now use the PARIVESH portal to access baseline environmental data. The ministry said this information supports Environmental Impact Assessment EIA studies. It helps users understand site conditions before any work begins. It also assists in spotting possible effects linked to a proposed project.

The ministry said the move is meant to reduce delays and effort. Baseline data often needs time to gather and verify. The portal option offers a central place to find it. The ministry shared the update through a notification issued on Monday.

PARIVESH portal baseline environmental data for EIA studies

The ministry said the baseline data gives a broad picture of current environmental conditions. It focuses on the project area before any activity starts. This foundation supports the EIA process. It also helps identify potential impacts that may arise from the planned work.

The Environment Ministry said proponents currently depend on slower methods. Many collect information offline from several Central and State Government agencies. Others gather primary data using monitoring equipment. The ministry said this approach needs major time and resources.

PARIVESH portal baseline environmental data use remains optional

The ministry said access through PARIVESH is intended to simplify and streamline the process. It clarified that use of the portal data is voluntary and optional. The ministry said proponents can still create or buy baseline data on their own. This can continue under applicable regulatory requirements.

PARIVESH portal baseline environmental data joins single-window clearances

PARIVESH began on August 8, 2018. The name expands to Pro Active and Responsive Facilitation by Interactive and Virtuous Environmental Single-window Hub. The portal acts as a single window for environment clearance. It also covers forest clearance, wildlife clearance, and coastal regulation zone CRZ clearances.

The Environment Ministry later rolled out PARIVESH 2.0. The ministry said the newer version helps project proponents track environment clearance applications. With baseline environmental data now available on the portal, proponents have another online tool for early EIA work. The ministry’s notification set the change within the existing clearance system.

With inputs from PTI