Experts Raise Concerns As Centre Proposes New Green Clearance Authorities

The Central government has proposed the creation of new authorities to accelerate environmental clearance for development projects in states and Union Territories, amid concerns over delays in the green approval process. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued a draft notification on Saturday outlining the establishment of the Standing Authority on Environment Impact Assessment (SAEIA) and a Standing Committee on Environment Impact Appraisal (SCEIA) at the state level.

According to the draft, the SAEIA and SCEIA will take over the functions of existing state-level bodies if they become non-functional, providing timely clearance for Category B projects, which include construction, mining, building projects, and industrial activities. Experts note that over 90% of green projects in India fall under this classification, highlighting the potential impact of the proposed changes on development approvals nationwide.

Currently, Category B projects are assessed by the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC), established under the Environment Impact Assessment Notification of 2006. The SEAC provides technical advice to the SEIAA, a role that the proposed Standing Committee on Environment Impact Appraisal will continue for the new Standing Authority. The notification specifies that the new bodies will operate for a maximum of six months when the existing bodies are non-functional, with the possibility of a six-month extension.

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Some experts have expressed concern about the coexistence of the new and existing structures, noting that the system could create confusion rather than streamline approvals. “The government is trying to establish a Central Committee to perform the jobs of the existing bodies to expedite environmental clearance,” said a legal advocacy expert familiar with environmental regulations.

Another point of contention is the composition of the new authorities. Unlike the current system, where members are environmental experts, the draft allows for members such as chartered accountants, civil servants with a minimum of two years’ experience, and other professionals. Experts warn that this dilution of expertise could affect the quality of environmental evaluations, potentially undermining the technical scrutiny traditionally applied to Category B projects.

The MoEFCC has invited feedback on the draft notification, with stakeholders expected to weigh in on both the operational structure and composition of the proposed authorities. Analysts say the initiative reflects the government’s ongoing push to balance rapid infrastructure development with environmental oversight, although its ultimate effectiveness will depend on clear guidelines and enforcement.

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