Forest clearance

A dedicated and result-oriented environmental and Forest professional with around 10 years of progressive experience in managing statutory clearances, supporting land acquisition, and environmental compliance for large-scale hydro/pumped storage projects and other infrastructure projects with significant forest land requirements. Possesses in-depth knowledge of forest clearance (FC) processes under the Forest Conservation Act, environmental clearance (EC) under the EIA Notification, wildlife clearance from National Board for Wildlife, and land acquisition in accordance with RFCTLARR Act.

Well-versed with key forest and environmental regulations including the Forest Conservation Rules, 2022, the Environment Protection Act, 1986, the EIA Notification, 2006 and its amendments, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the FRA Act, 2006, and associated guidelines. Demonstrated ability to liaise with government agencies, coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, and ensure project compliance with applicable laws and sustainability standards. Proficient in using Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, GIS software, and Google Earth for documentation, analysis, and project mapping.

The professional should have successfully completed at least two such projects in the last 10 years, encompassing all major statutory clearances and land acquisition processes. Place of posting is Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, with proficiency in speaking and writing both Hindi and English.

Key Skills:

• Forest clearance process in line with the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and Forest Conservation Rules, 2022 (including online submission on Parivesh Portal, site inspections, NPV and Compensatory Afforestation compliance, and adherence to guidelines issued by MoEF&CC)
• Environmental clearance process under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and EIA Notification, 2006 (including scoping, Terms of Reference, EIA/EMP studies, public consultation, appraisal by EAC, and EC compliance monitoring)
• Wildlife clearance as per the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and NBWL guidelines, including preparation of Wildlife Management Plans for eco-sensitive zones and protected areas
• Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 compliance for diversion of forest land, including Gram Sabha resolutions and ensuring recognition of forest rights
• Land acquisition process in accordance with RFCTLARR Act, 2013 including compensation, R&R planning, and stakeholder consultations
• Stakeholder engagement and community liaison
• Coordination with environmental consultants and regulatory agencies
• Project documentation and reporting
• GIS mapping and forest land diversion proposals
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), AutoCAD, GIS software, and Google Earth
• Languages spoken: Hindi and English

Professional Experience Highlights:

• Successfully led and managed forest clearance proposals for projects with forest land diversions exceeding 100 Ha, ensuring compliance with Forest Conservation Act and Forest Conservation Rules, 2022.
• Coordinated environmental clearance processes as per the EIA Notification, 2006 including EIA/EMP preparation, public hearings, and responding to queries from regulatory bodies.
• Managed wildlife clearance proposals for projects falling within eco-sensitive zones or wildlife corridors, including site-specific wildlife conservation and management plans as per Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Ensured compliance with the FRA Act, 2006 for diversion of forest land, including community consultation and documentation.
• Oversaw land acquisition processes, including preparation of land schedules, facilitating negotiations with landowners, and addressing issues related to compensation and rehabilitation as per RFCTLARR Act, 2013.
• Effectively liaised with MoEF&CC, State Forest Departments, State Pollution Control Boards, District Collectors, and other statutory bodies to ensure timely approvals.
• Utilized GIS software and Google Earth for mapping forest areas, project alignment, and preparing spatial analysis required for clearance proposals.
• Provided technical inputs for project planning to minimize environmental and social impacts and ensure sustainability.
• Maintained robust documentation for compliance monitoring, including periodic reports, site inspections, and third-party audits.
• Completed at least two major infrastructure or pumped storage hydro projects requiring substantial forest land diversion and multi-stakeholder clearances in the last decade.

Education:

• Bachelors/Masters degree in Environmental Science, Forestry, Civil Engineering, or a related field.

Professional Attributes:

• Proactive and detail-oriented with strong documentation and data analysis skills.
• Effective communicator and team player, capable of working with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to adapt to evolving regulatory frameworks and policy changes.
• Comfortable working in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, and engaging with stakeholders in both Hindi and English.