Centre approves creation of new, independent class of ‘environment auditors’

The Environment Ministry has authorised the creation of a new, independent class of “environment auditors” to supplement the work of State pollution control boards (PCBs) in inspecting and verifying projects for compliance with environmental laws. Private, accredited agencies can also undertake environmental impact assessment studies that will then be appraised by expert committees.

Under the new rules, called the Environment Audit Rules, 2025, private agencies can get themselves accredited as auditors. Much like chartered accountants, environment auditors can avail of licences and be authorised with evaluating project compliance with environmental laws and adherence to best practices in prevention, control and abatement of pollution.

“The overall framework for monitoring and compliance within existing environmental framework is presently supported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Regional Offices of the Ministry, and the State PCBs/Pollution Control Committees, which are facing significant constraints in terms of manpower, resources, capacity, and infrastructure. These limitations hamper their ability to comprehensively monitor and enforce environmental compliance across the vast number of projects and industries operating nationwide,” said a press statement by the Ministry.

“This scheme aims to bridge the manpower and infrastructure deficits faced by regulatory authorities, thereby strengthening the effective implementation of environmental compliance mechanisms. Furthermore, the scheme is designed to ensure greater transparency, accountability, and credibility in the compliance monitoring process, fostering trust among stakeholders and promoting sustainable environmental governance.”

Audits undertaken by these private agencies can also be used for compliance with Green Credit Rules, under which individuals and organisations can gain tradeable “credits” for afforestation, sustainable water management, and waste management, among other activities.

The auditors can also check for compliance with Ecomark Rules, 2024; E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022; Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016; and Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, among others, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change from time to time, including rules under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980; Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972; and rules or regulations framed thereunder, said the accompanying gazette notification of August 29.