Which permit or document is typically required before construction can begin under the EIA system?

• A. Building Permit
• B. Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC)
• C. Construction Permit
• D. Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)

Answer: (D)

In the EIA system, construction can begin only after the project has secured the Environmental Compliance Certificate. This certificate confirms that the project has undergone the environmental impact assessment process, meets the approved environmental safeguards, and agrees to follow the monitoring and mitigation conditions set by the reviewing agency. It serves as the formal authorization that the environmental aspects of the project are acceptable before any physical work starts. A Building Permit is a separate local-government requirement for construction activities, not the environmental authorization that the EIA process grants. The term Environmental Clearance Certificate is sometimes used informally, but the official environmental permit to begin construction is the Environmental Compliance Certificate.