Environment

The sector’s key responsibilities include reviewing and processing applications for Environmental Clearance (EC) for projects delegated to the Dzongkhag Environment Committee (DEC), conducting site assessments, monitoring compliance with Environmental Clearance conditions, and forwarding projects that fall beyond the Dzongkhag’s mandate to the relevant competent authorities for further review and approval.

The sector also monitors cross-sectoral environmental issues and provides technical guidance to ensure that development activities are carried out in an environmentally responsible manner.

Services Provided

The Environment Sector provides the following key services:

• Processing and issuance of Environmental Clearance (EC) for projects under the delegated authority of the Dzongkhag Environment Committee (DEC).
• Screening and review of project proposals in accordance with environmental laws, rules, and guidelines.
• Conducting site assessments for proposed development activities.
• Monitoring compliance with Environmental Clearance conditions and environmental safeguards.
• Forwarding projects requiring higher-level approval to the designated competent authority.
• Coordinating and implementing environmental conservation initiatives, including waste management, pollution prevention, environmental awareness, and monitoring of cross-sectoral environmental issues.

How to Obtain Environmental Clearance (EC)

1. The concerned Sectors and Gewogs/Dungkhags seeking Environmental Clearance (EC) shall submit an application addressed to Dasho Dzongdag, Chairman of the District Environment Committee (DEC), along with the required documents listed in the Annexure.
2. Private applicants or individuals shall route their application through the concerned Gup/Dungkhag along with the required documents. The concerned Gup/Dungkhag shall forward the application with the complete set of documents to Dasho Dzongdag, Chairman of the DEC.
3. The applicant, proponent, or promoter shall pay the prescribed application fee to the Dzongkhag Revenue Section or Dungkhag Revenue Office.
4. The DEC shall review the application, verify the required documents, request additional information if necessary, and process the application for Environmental Clearance.
5. The DEC shall coordinate site visits in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
6. The DEC may endorse the proposal for issuance of Environmental Clearance, reject the proposal, request re-verification or a joint field visit, seek additional documents, or keep the application pending until the required information is submitted.
7. The decision on the Environmental Clearance (approved or rejected) shall be communicated to the applicant or promoter.

Annexure (Required Documents)

• Forwarding letter addressed to Dasho Dzongdag (Mandatory)
• IEE Form applicable to the proposed activity (Mandatory)
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) or Public Consultation Record endorsed by the Gewog Administration
• Application fee receipt (Mandatory)
• Google KMZ file

How to Renew Environmental Clearance (EC)

The concerned applicant or promoter shall submit an application for renewal at least three (3) months before the Environmental Clearance expires, together with the following documents:

• A copy of the Environmental Clearance.
• A statement explaining the reasons for seeking the extension or renewal.
• The duration for which the extension is requested.
• A brief report describing how the environmental terms and conditions have been implemented.