Environment & Ecology·Environmental Laws
Mining and Environment — Environmental Laws
Constitution VerifiedUPSC Verified
Version 1Updated 5 Mar 2026
| Entry | Year | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| MMDR Amendment Act | 2015 | Introduced auction-based allocation of mining leases, District Mineral Foundations for benefit-sharing with local communities, enhanced penalties for illegal mining, and stronger environmental compliance requirements including mine closure plans and financial assurances. | Transformed mining governance from discretionary allocation to transparent auctions, ensured community benefit-sharing, and strengthened environmental safeguards, though implementation challenges persist in balancing revenue generation with environmental protection. |
| EIA Notification Amendment | 2020 | Introduced post-facto environmental clearances for projects operating without clearance, reduced public consultation requirements for certain project categories, and streamlined clearance procedures for linear projects and capacity expansions. | Controversial amendments that environmental groups argue weaken environmental safeguards while the government claims they improve ease of doing business and reduce procedural delays in legitimate projects. |