With Nepal’s surge in development projects – spanning infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and hospitality – compliance with environmental laws has become a critical component of project planning and execution. Nepal’s Environment Protection Act and Regulations require that new projects assess and mitigate their environmental impact through Initial Environmental Examinations (IEEs) or full Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), as applicable. Environmental compliance is not a one-time hurdle but a continuous responsibility: from incorporating environmental management plans at the outset to monitoring during operations and adhering to emission or effluent standards. Failure to comply or a lack of awareness of environmental obligations can result in project delays, fines, community opposition, or in severe cases, halting of operations by regulators.

Gandhi & Associates has extensive experience in environmental law and regulatory compliance in Nepal. We advise project developers and companies across industries on securing necessary environmental approvals and on integrating environmental considerations into their business decisions. Our team assists clients in conducting IEEs/EIAs in coordination with certified environmental consultants and in obtaining approvals from the Ministry of Forests and Environment or relevant authorities. We also counsel clients on compliance with conditions imposed by environmental licenses, such as implementing resettlement plans, pollution control measures, or community benefit programs. In addition, our lawyers have represented clients in environmental litigation and enforcement actions – whether defending against alleged violations or challenging unfair regulatory decisions. By providing guidance that is both legally sound and practically informed, we help clients advance their projects responsibly while protecting the environment and complying with the law.

Representative Experience:

• Advised an West Indian tobacco products manufacturer on securing Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) approval for a manufacturing facility in Nepal, ensuring compliance with public health and environmental standards; and
• Advised several hotel and resort developers – including franchisees of international hospitality brands – on conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and obtaining environmental clearances for new hospitality projects across Nepal.