Why in the News?

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has introduced the Environment Audit Rules, 2025, creating an independent class of Environment Auditors.

Who are the Environment Auditors?

Overview: Independent, certified professionals comparable to Chartered Accountants, but for environmental compliance.
Accreditation: Certification and registration granted by the Environment Audit Designated Agency (EADA).
Responsibilities:
- Ensure compliance across environmental domains.
- Conduct project audits and assess performance.
- Collect and analyze environmental samples.
- Verify self-reported project data.
- Check conformity with environmental clearances and consents.
- Calculate environmental compensation in case of violations.
- Support implementation of Green Credit Registry, Ecomark Certification, and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) compliance.

About Environment Audit Rules, 2025:

Introduced by: MoEFCC in August 2025.
Purpose: Establishes independent auditors to assist Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), SPCBs, and Pollution Control Committees facing manpower/resource gaps.
Objectives:
- Strengthen monitoring and compliance.
- Enhance transparency, accountability, credibility.
- Promote sustainable governance and stakeholder trust.
Scope of Audits: Covers compliance with Green Credit Rules, Ecomark Rules 2024, E-Waste Rules 2022, Plastic Waste Rules 2016, Battery Waste Rules 2022, Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam 1980, Wild Life Protection Act 1972 and related rules.
Institutional Features:
- EADA certifies, registers, and monitors auditors.
- Categories: Certified Environment Auditor (qualified) and Registered Environment Auditor (certified + authorised).
Certification Pathways:
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for experienced professionals.
- National Certification Examination (NCE) for new entrants.
Registration: Valid for 5 years, renewable on review; requires technical proof and clean track record.
Oversight: A Steering Committee (chaired by MoEFCC Additional Secretary) supervises; government retains powers to issue guidelines, resolve disputes, and order audits.