Standing Authority for Environmental Impact Assessment (SAEIA)

Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has released draft notification, proposing establishment of a Standing Authority on Environment Impact Assessment (SAEIA) and Standing Committee on Environment Impact Appraisal (SCEIA) to fast-track environmental clearances (EC) and prevent delays in project approvals. These new bodies will operate when state-level environmental appraisal authorities become non-functional or delay project evaluation.

Background

Environmental clearances for many projects in India are governed by the Environment Impact Assessment Notification 2006, issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

At the state level, project appraisal is conducted by:

• State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA)
• State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC)

These bodies normally have a three-year tenure, extendable by one additional year. However, delays often occur in the reconstitution of SEIAA and SEAC, mainly due to late or incomplete proposals submitted by states.

When these bodies are not functional, environmental clearance proposals are transferred to the central level, leading to:

• Delays in project appraisal
• Extended approval timelines
• Reduced investor confidence.

About Proposed SAEIA

It will act as an interim mechanism to ensure continuity in project appraisal.

Key Functions

• Appraise projects when SEIAA or SEAC are non-functional.
• Process pending proposals delayed at the state level.
• Perform additional tasks assigned by the central government related to implementation of the EIA Notification 2006.

Composition: It will consist of ex-officio members appointed by the central government.

Automatic Transfer of Delayed Proposals

The draft notification proposes automatic escalation mechanisms through the PARIVESH Portal.

Key Provisions

• If SEAC does not appraise an application within 120 days: The proposal will automatically be forwarded to the Standing Committee on Environment Impact Appraisal (SCEIA) through the PARIVESH portal.
• If SEIAA fails to communicate its decision within the prescribed time: The application will be automatically transferred to the SAEIA for review and recommendation.

This system aims to prevent delays and improve efficiency in the environmental clearance process.

Standing Committee on Environment Impact Appraisal (SCEIA)

• Constitution: By the Central Government for each State/UT
• Functions: To discharge the functions of the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) whenever the SEAC is non-functional.

Accountability Measures

The draft notification also introduces provisions to ensure accountability of appraisal committees.

• Removal of Committee Members: Chairpersons and members of Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC),SEAC and SEIAA cannot be removed before completion of their tenure except in cases of proven charges affecting fair and efficient functioning.
• Such charges may include delays in processing environmental clearance proposals beyond prescribed timelines.

What is Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?

• EIA is critical, legal, and predictive tools used to evaluate the potential, social, and economic impacts of proposed projects before approval.
• They aim to ensure sustainable development by identifying risks, comparing alternatives, and proposing mitigation measures to reduce environmental damage.
• Key Stages:
  1. Screening: Determines if a project requires a full or partial assessment.
  2. Scoping: Identifies the key issues and impacts to be addressed.
  3. Public Hearing: Provides an opportunity for stakeholders and the public to voice concerns.
  4. Appraisal: Final evaluation by authorities to decide if the project should proceed.