Head of Environmental Compliance and Regulatory Approvals

Head Environment Responsibilities A. Environmental Clearance • Lead end-to-end Environmental Clearance process from MoEF&CC and SEIAA. • Ensure compliance with EIA Notification, 2006 and subsequent amendments. • Manage preparation and review of EIA / EMP reports through accredited consultants. • Obtain and manage Terms of Reference approvals. • Coordinate public hearings and stakeholder consultations. • Represent and defend proposals before EAC / SEAC committees. • Liaise with regulatory authorities for timely approval. B. Forest Clearance • Drive Forest Clearance process including Stage-I and Stage-II approvals. • Coordinate compliance related to Compensatory Afforestation, NPV and other conditions. • Submit and track proposals through the PARIVESH Portal. • Liaise with State Forest Departments and Nodal Officers. • Ensure compliance with Forest Conservation Act and related regulations. C. CRZ Clearance • Lead CRZ approval process for coastal and marine projects. • Manage CRZ demarcation and ensure CZMP compliance. • Liaise with SCZMA and NCZMA. • Prepare, submit and follow up CRZ proposals. • Ensure compliance with CRZ Notifications 2011 and 2019. D. Mangrove & Coastal Ecosystem Approvals • Manage mangrove diversion permissions and related compliance. • Oversee afforestation, restoration and conservation plans. • Coordinate coastal and marine ecological assessments. • Ensure compliance with directions of regulatory authorities, NGT and courts. • Mitigate risks in environmentally sensitive coastal areas. E. Wildlife & Biodiversity Clearances • Secure Wildlife Clearance from the National Board for Wildlife, wherever applicable. • Obtain approvals for projects within or near protected areas and Eco-Sensitive Zones. • Ensure compliance with Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and Biological Diversity Act, 2002. • Coordinate with Biodiversity Management Committees and relevant authorities. F. Pollution Control Consents • Obtain Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate from Pollution Control Boards. • Ensure compliance under the Water Act, Air Act and related environmental laws. • Manage hazardous waste authorizations and other environmental consents. G. Other Statutory Approvals & NOCs • Coordinate approvals and NOCs from MoEF&CC, CPCB, SPCBs, SCZMA, Forest Department, CGWA, Ports, Revenue and local authorities. • Ensure all regulatory dependencies are resolved for smooth project execution. H. Leadership & Stakeholder Management • Define and implement the organization’s environmental strategy and compliance framework. • Act as the principal interface with regulatory bodies and statutory authorities. • Represent the company in public hearings, site inspections, appraisal meetings and regulatory consultations. • Build and lead a strong team of environmental professionals, liaison officers, consultants and technical experts. • Engage with local communities, project-affected persons, NGOs, consultants and government agencies. • Identify environmental, regulatory, legal, cost and reputational risks and advise management on mitigation plans. Qualifications Qualification Requirements Essential Qualification • Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Ecology, Botany, Zoology, Forestry, Marine Science or allied discipline. • Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering / Management, Ecology, Forestry, Marine / Coastal Science or Natural Resource Management. Preferred Qualification • Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Ecology, Marine Biology, Forestry or related field. • NABET / QCI accreditation as EIA Coordinator or Functional Area Expert. • ISO 14001 Lead Auditor certification or similar environmental auditing qualification. • Certification in Environmental Law, GIS & Remote Sensing, ESG, Sustainability or Occupational Health & Safety. Experience Requirements • Minimum 25 years of progressive experience in environmental management, regulatory affairs and statutory approvals. • Proven track record of independently securing EC, FC, CRZ, Wildlife, Mangrove and other statutory clearances. • Experience in large-scale infrastructure, industrial, port, coastal, irrigation, dam, canal, water supply, power, oil & gas, mining, cement, highway or similar projects. • Strong working knowledge of Indian environmental laws, approval procedures and the PARIVESH system. Key Skills & Competencie s • Strong knowledge of EIA / EMP preparation and review. • Expertise in EC, FC, CRZ, Wildlife, Mangrove and Pollution Control approvals. • Sound understanding of Indian environmental legislation and regulatory procedures. • Strong liaison and representation skills with government authorities. • Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation and presentation skills. • Ability to handle public hearings, stakeholder consultations and regulatory committees. • Strong technical report-writing and compliance documentation skills. • Knowledge of GIS, remote sensing, CRZ mapping, mangrove mapping and environmental monitoring. • Strong professional network with regulatory bodies, consultants, institutions and industry forums. Key Performance Indicators • Timely acquisition of EC, FC, CRZ, Wildlife, Mangrove and other approvals. • 100% statutory compliance with no major adverse regulatory action. • Timely submission of compliance reports and closure of approval conditions. • Effective mitigation of environmental, legal and reputational risks. • Optimization of clearance-related costs including CA, NPV, EMP and restoration commitments. • Achievement of afforestation, restoration, biodiversity, ESG and sustainability targets.