Head Environment

Adani Group; Ahmedabad District; On-site; INR 2,800,000 - 5,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Adani Group, a leading Indian conglomerate, seeks a seasoned Environmental Compliance Lead in Gujarat to drive end-to-end clearances with MoEFCC, SEIAA, and other authorities.

You will manage EIA/EMP preparation and reviews, coordinate public hearings, lead a team of environmental professionals, and liaise with regulatory bodies to ensure timely approvals and ongoing compliance for major projects.

Qualifications

• 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 and coastal projects.
• Strong working knowledge of Indian environmental laws and PARIVESH system.
• Excellent report-writing and compliance documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end Environmental Clearance process from MoEF&CC and SEIAA.
• Coordinate CRZ and mangrove approvals and compliance.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies for timely approvals.
• Represent the company at public hearings and regulatory meetings.
• Build and lead a team of environmental professionals.
• Manage PARIVESH submissions and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Liaison skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Presentation

Report writing

Compliance documentation

Regulatory affairs

Education

Bachelor’s in Environmental Science or related field

Master’s in Environmental Science/Management

Ph.D. in Environmental Science (preferred)

Tools

PARIVESH system

GIS & Remote Sensing

Environmental auditing

Job description

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• 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.