The Indian government has introduced a Standing Authority on Environment Impact Assessment (SAEIA) to expedite environmental clearances, addressing delays in state-level appraisals.
The SAEIA will take over when state-level impact assessment authorities are non-functional, ensuring continuity in the appraisal process.
The new authority will also handle delayed projects at the state level and discharge other tasks entrusted to it by the central government.
According to a draft notification, the SAEIA will be composed of ex-officio members appointed by the central government.
The draft also proposes a penalty clause for state-level committees that fail to swiftly approve projects.
