Why in news?
The Government of India notified the Environment Audit Rules 2025, creating a new class of “environment auditors.” These independent professionals will support pollution control boards in monitoring compliance with environmental laws.
What are environment auditors?
Environment auditors are certified individuals or agencies authorised to inspect and audit industrial and infrastructure projects. Their mandate is to verify that projects comply with environmental permits and sustainability norms.
Key details
- Legal basis: The Environment Audit Rules 2025 were issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on 29 August 2025.
- Aim: To overcome the manpower shortage faced by Central and State Pollution Control Boards and to foster a culture of self‑compliance among industries.
- Functions: Environment auditors will conduct systematic audits, collect and analyse samples of emissions and effluents, report non‑compliance and calculate environmental compensation. They will also serve as verifiers under the Green Credit, E‑Waste and Plastic Waste rules.
- Significance: By involving qualified professionals outside the government, the new system aims to enhance transparency, credibility and accountability in environmental monitoring.
The creation of environment auditors signals a shift towards more rigorous and independent oversight of polluting activities, which is essential for safeguarding public health and the environment.