The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) released a new clarification on September 10, 2025, regarding amendments to Environmental Clearance (EC) for building and construction sector projects. This clarification aims to simplify rules for projects making design changes that reduce built-up area or floor area ratio (FAR), without increasing environmental impact.

No EC Amendment Needed for Reduced Built-Up Area

The Ministry had earlier issued an Office Memorandum (OM) on May 5, 2022. It stated that any change in the design, layout, or configuration of an approved building project would not require an EC amendment if there were no change in built-up area, FAR, open spaces, or other critical project features.

Recently, MoEF&CC received representations from developers requesting that projects reducing built-up area should also be exempted from amendment requirements. After review, the Expert Advisory Committee recommended that the rule be modified to focus on "no increase" rather than "no change."

Key Changes in the Clarification

The Ministry accepted the Committee's recommendation and substituted paragraph 5 of the 2022 OM. According to the new order, any change in project configuration, planning, or design will not require an EC amendment as long as there is no increase in the following:

• Built-Up Area as defined in the EIA Notification.
• Total excavation of the earth.
• Height of the building.
• Water consumption, sewage generation, or waste generation.

Additionally, there should be no reduction in exterior open spaces or green belts, and no change in the designated use of the building. This ensures that environmental impact remains within already approved limits of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

Importance for the Construction Sector

This clarification brings relief to the real estate and construction sector. Projects often undergo design changes due to updated statutory requirements or improved planning strategies. Earlier, even a slight modification could trigger a lengthy EC amendment process.

Now, projects that reduce built-up area or keep resource use within approved limits will not face delays. This step not only reduces administrative burden but also encourages sustainable construction practices by rewarding designs with lower environmental impact.

By focusing on pollution load, resource use, and green space protection, the new rules ensure that environmental safeguards remain intact while giving flexibility to developers.

The MoEF&CC’s clarification of September 2025 marks an essential reform for environmental compliance in the construction industry. By changing the requirement from "no change" to "no increase" in built-up area and related factors, the Ministry has aligned the rules with the practical needs of the sector. This decision balances environmental protection with ease of doing business, supporting sustainable urban development in India.