Overview
- A March 5 draft from the environment ministry would establish a Standing Authority/Committee (SAEIA/SCEIA) of ex‑officio members appointed by the Centre to take over environmental appraisals when SEIAA/SEAC are non-functional.
- If a SEAC does not appraise a proposal within 120 days, the application would be automatically forwarded on PARIVESH to the standing committee, with a similar transfer if a SEIAA delays communicating its decision.
- The proposed bodies would operate at the state level for up to six months, with a possible six‑month extension, and handle Category B projects such as construction, mining and area development.
- The draft seeks to extend SEIAA and SEAC tenures from three to four years and introduces removal provisions for members over proven charges including delays beyond EIA timelines.
- Legal and forestry experts warn the centrally appointed mechanism could weaken independent, expert-led scrutiny and recommend default extensions of outgoing state committees as an alternative.