STATUTORY APPROVAL PROCESS FOR CROSS-COUNTRY HYDROCARBON PIPELINE PROJECTS

摘要

Laying of petroleum and natural gas pipelines requires Clearances pertaining to Environment, Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), Forests and Wildlife from various statutory bodies of the Central and State Government depending on the proposed pipeline route. Because of the time-consuming appraisal process undertaken at various levels, planning the statutory approval process forms a very important part of the project implementation schedule. The project proponents have to forecast and plan well in advance for obtaining statutory approvals as scheduled. This paper details the clearances required for pipeline projects mainly from environmental angle, the procedures involved and difficulties faced by project proponents. It also suggests project proponents to plan the activities in advance and be updated on the new guidelines and notifications issued by the authorities. It also puts forth some recommendations to Statutory Authorities to simplify the procedures for speedy disposal of proposals related to pipeline projects.