The mission of AERB is to ensure that the use of ionizing radiation & nuclear energy in India does not cause undue risk to health & environment. AERB enforces the provisions of Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules, 2004 to ensure protection of environment from possible adverse effects arising from nuclear & radiation facilities through its established regulatory programme which includes issuance of consents, safety review and regulatory inspection. It is the responsibility of licensee to establish written procedures and plans for ensuring adequate protection of environment wherever applicable.

The environmental impact assessment is carried out by the nuclear facility prior to its establishment. Site Evaluation Report depicting the radiological impact of the nuclear facility on the environment is submitted to AERB. Based on the satisfactory review of this report, consent for siting is issued by AERB to the nuclear facility. The independent Environment Survey Laboratories (ESLs) of BARC stationed at site carry out the periodic environmental surveillance which includes air monitoring, water monitoring, soil monitoring etc. and reports are submitted to AERB. These reports are reviewed by AERB to assess the adequacy of the environment protection measures.