Environment Audit Rules, 2025

Syllabus: GS3/Environment

Context

• The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has introduced a major reform through the Environment Audit Rules, 2025.

About

• Environment Audit means a systematic audit, verification, examination, inspection, or analysis of any project, activity or process having a bearing on the environment.
• This scheme aims to bridge the manpower and infrastructure deficits faced by regulatory authorities.
  • To ensure greater transparency, accountability, and credibility in the compliance monitoring process, fostering trust among stakeholders and promoting sustainable environmental governance.

Main Features of Environment Audit Rules, 2025

• Under the new rules, private agencies can get themselves accredited as auditors.
• Auditors to be Certified and Registered by MoEFCC notified Environment Audit Designate Agency (EADA).
  • EADA is responsible for certification and registration of EAs, monitoring their performance, taking disciplinary action, facilitating capacity building, and maintaining online registration.
• Certification of Environmental Auditors to be based on either scrutiny of their qualification and experience or by conducting an exam.
• Registered Environment Auditors (REAs): Responsible for compliance evaluation and related activities of sampling, analysis, compensation calculation, verification under Green Credit Rules, audit under waste management rules, and under various other environment and forest related legislations.

Key Regulatory Stakeholders under the Rules:

• Certified Environment Auditor: Individuals who qualify through either Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or the National Certification Examination (NCE).
• Registered Environment Auditor: Those certified individuals officially registered to perform audits.
• Environment Audit Designated Agency (EADA): The body responsible for certification, registration, oversight, and training of auditors.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change will oversee the implementation of the Rules and issue necessary guidelines from time to time.
• CPCB/SPCB/ROs: To continue with their existing role of inspection and verification, as and when required and to assist MoEFCC in overseeing the implementation of the Rules.
• Oversight Mechanism: A Steering Committee, led by an Additional Secretary from MoEFCC, along with representatives from relevant divisions and regulatory bodies, monitors progress, addresses implementation challenges, and suggests reforms.

Source: TH