Lead - Forest Clearance (Site)

Purpose/Objective

The Lead - Forest Clearance (Site)-Tx is responsible for overseeing and expediting forest clearance processes for transmission projects, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and statutory requirements. This role involves coordinating with government authorities, regulatory bodies, and internal stakeholders to secure necessary approvals while minimizing project delays. By managing documentation, facilitating site inspections, and addressing regulatory concerns, the Lead ensures smooth execution of transmission projects while adhering to sustainability and compliance frameworks.

Key Responsibilities of Role

Lead - Forest Clearance (Site)-Tx Forest Clearance Planning and Execution: Drive timely forest clearance approvals by coordinating with regulatory authorities, state forest departments, and environmental agencies to ensure project compliance. Expedite land acquisition processes by overseeing forest diversion proposals, resolving encroachment issues, and ensuring adherence to compensatory afforestation commitments. Ensure smooth execution of transmission projects by aligning clearance timelines with project schedules, minimizing delays, and mitigating risks related to environmental approvals. Regulatory Compliance and Documentation: Maintain 100% compliance with environmental regulations by ensuring all forest clearance processes adhere to the Forest Conservation Act, Wildlife Protection Act, and other statutory requirements. Strengthen approval efficiency by preparing and submitting accurate reports, including environmental impact assessments, compensatory afforestation plans, and clearance applications. Facilitate seamless audit processes by maintaining up-to-date records of forest clearance approvals, compliance certificates, and regulatory correspondences. Stakeholder Engagement and Liaison: Build strong relationships with forest authorities by proactively engaging with divisional forest officers, state nodal agencies, and environmental committees to fast-track approvals. Enable smooth project execution by resolving stakeholder concerns related to biodiversity, wildlife clearances, and compensatory afforestation obligations. Enhance coordination with internal teams by providing updates on clearance status, ensuring alignment with project execution timelines, and mitigating risks related to regulatory delays. Risk Mitigation and Conflict Resolution: Minimize project roadblocks by identifying and addressing potential clearance risks such as legal disputes, environmental objections, and land acquisition delays. Ensure proactive resolution of site-level challenges by coordinating with legal, project, and land acquisition teams to address compliance and environmental concerns effectively. Technology and Process Optimization: Improve clearance tracking by implementing GIS-based monitoring systems, digital mapping tools, and real-time progress dashboards for better project visibility. Optimize approval timelines by leveraging data analytics to identify bottlenecks, propose process improvements, and drive efficiency in forest clearance workflows. Team Leadership and Capacity Building: Strengthen site execution capabilities by mentoring field teams, enhancing regulatory knowledge, and ensuring adherence to forest clearance protocols. Foster a culture of compliance by conducting training sessions on environmental regulations, clearance procedures, and sustainable project execution practices. Key Stakeholders - Internal Project Management Team Environmental & Sustainability Team Land Acquisition & Right-of-Way (ROW) Team Legal & Regulatory Compliance Team Survey & GIS Team Construction & Execution Team Finance & Procurement Team Senior Management & Decision-Makers Key Stakeholders - External Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) State Forest Departments Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) & Conservators of Forests Wildlife Boards & Environmental Committees Pollution Control Boards National Green Tribunal (NGT) & Environmental Authorities Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management & Planning Authority (CAMPA) Local Communities & Tribal Welfare Departments Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) & Environmental Advocacy Groups Survey & Land Assessment Agencies Legal Consultants & Compliance Auditors

Technical Competencies

Budgeting & Cost Adherence-PRJ,Data Management & Reporting-ENERGY,Liaison Management-ENERGY,Project Management-ENERGY,Quality Management-PRJ,Regulatory Compliance-PPC-PRJ,Risk Management-ENERGY,Technology Integration and Innovation-ENERGY

Qualifications and Experience

Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Forestry, Ecology, Civil Engineering, Geography, or a related field. Work Experience (Range of years): 5–10 years of experience in forest clearance, environmental compliance, or land acquisition within infrastructure or energy sectors.