The Environment Ministry has exempted oil and gas firms, looking to conduct exploratory drilling, from seeking an environmental clearance.
The clearance is for both on-shore and offshore drilling explorations.
The process is an ecologically-intensive exercise that involves digging multiple wells and conducting seismic surveys offshore.
Until today, even exploratory surveys have merited the highest level of environmental scrutiny — called category ‘A’.
That required project proponents to prepare an environment impact assessment (EIA) plan and have scrutinized by a centrally constituted committee of experts.