Green clearance for onshore and offshore oil and gas exploration

Green clearance for onshore and offshore oil and gas exploration

In news:

The Environment Ministry has exempted oil and gas firms, looking to conduct exploratory drilling, from seeking an environmental clearance (both on-shore and offshore drilling explorations)

From Prelims Point of View:

Environment impact assessment (EIA):

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural and human-health impacts, both beneficial and adverse.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC):

• Indian Multinational Crude Oil and Gas Corporation
• It is the largest oil and gas exploration and production company in the country.
•  It produces around 70% of India’s crude oil (equivalent to around 57% of the country’s total demand) and around 84% of its natural gas
• Maharatna status