The new system ProposalsThe State (or Union Territory) Environment Impact Assessment Authorities are rated on seven criteria. For example, two marks are given to states for clearing a project within 80 days and one mark for clearing it in 105 days. Zero is awarded for projects that take more than 120 days. The ministry was inaugurated on Jan. 24. AnnouncementThere will be no negative marking if the applications take longer than 120 days.
The Notification of Environment Impact Assessment for 2006Provides a time period 105 daysEC can be granted within 60 days after the appraisal and 45 days after the decision by regulatory authorities.
Dash stated that the rating system gives rise to the desire to undermine all the statutory processes designed to protect the environment and ensure the rights of communities.
The SEIAA reviews all projects classified under Category B. Notification of Environment Impact Assessment for 2006. These IncludeProjects like mining projects and hydroelectric power projects have a smaller spatial extent, so they have a significantly lower impact than Category A projects which fall under the authority of the central authority.
The ProcedureThe review includes four stages: screening to determine if the activity is subject to further environment studies; scoping which is where the expert panel addresses environmental concerns and prepares Terms of Reference; public consultation; and appraisal to grant or reject environment clearance.
“Such detailed assessments require careful review of all materials and outcomes of public hearings. IndiaSpend’s Kohli explained that expert committees are created to bring in legal and technical expertise and examine proposals that could have a negative impact on the environment and people. “Limiting the role of expert boards and reducing the need to inquire in favor of faster decisions does not benefit the environment or project operations.
Kohli said that faulty approvals can lead to social conflicts and ecological disasters because of poor baselines and poor assessments. Valid concerns are relegated for post facto studies.”
The Take the decisionThe decision to rate the states was made following a meeting in November 2021, chaired by the cabinet secret. They discussed rating states based upon the time it took to give clearances. “It was decided to incentivise states through a Star Rating system based on efficiency and timeliness in the grant EC. This is a way to recognize and encourage, as well as to promote improvements where necessary.” The ministry.
Kohli explained that there is an assumption that quick approvals or decisions will benefit business operations or ease their investment flows. This will in turn improve our economy. “However the current economic state is not due to environmental approval processes as few projects are held back. India’s business has been affected by a deeper rut, systemic issues and monopoly control, corruption, and global investment flows.
IndiaSpend earlier reported that the government’s push for business freedom has led to a compromise in regulation. reportedIn January 2020. We found that 70% of the rules governing the pollution industry were changed between 2014-2017, when the ruling National Democratic Alliance government was in power.