The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on March 05, 2026, issued the Draft notification regarding the amendment to the number no. S.O.1533(E), dated September 14, 2006, which states “Requirement of Prior Environmental Clearance for New, Expansion, or Modernization Projects under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986”
The following has been stated namely: -
• The following sub paragraph has been inserted in paragraph 3 namely: -
“(6a) In addition to the constitution of SEIAA as above, there shall also be a Standing Authority on Environment Impact Assessment (SAEIA) for each State/UT which shall be constituted by the Central Government, under sub-section (3) of section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and shall comprise of ex-officio Members as deemed appropriate. The SAEIA which shall discharge the functions of SEIAA in the event of SEIAA being nonfunctional due to expiry of its term or on account of any other circumstances for a maximum period of 6 months in each case subject to another extension of up to maximum period of 6 months. The SAEIA shall also discharge the functions as mentioned at para 8(iiia) and such other tasks as may be entrusted to it by the Central Government from time to time related to the implementation of this notification within the State/UT. The SAEIA may function as per the scenarios mentioned at Appendix VI.”
• The following sub paragraph has been inserted in paragraph 5 namely: -
“(ca) A Standing Committee on Environment Impact Appraisal (SCEIA) for each State/UT shall be constituted by the Central Government comprising of ex-officio Members, which shall discharge the functions of SEAC in the event of SEAC(s) being non-functional due to expiry of its term or on account of any other circumstances for a maximum period of 6 months in each case subject to another extension of up to maximum period of 6 months. The SCEIA shall also discharge such other tasks as may be entrusted to it by the Central Government from time to time related to the implementation of this notification within the State/UT. The SCEIA may function as per the scenarios mentioned at Appendix VI”
• Appendix VI has been substituted.
objections or suggestions may be sent within 60 days to the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change or send it at the e-mail address: [email protected] within 30 days
[Notification No. S.O. 1165(E)]
