New Delhi/Kohima, June 5: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has reconstituted two key statutory bodies in Nagaland responsible for assessing and granting environmental clearances to development projects.
According to an official notification issued on June 4, the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority Nagaland and the State Expert Appraisal Committee Nagaland have been reconstituted for a fresh three-year term from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.
The State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) serves as the statutory body responsible for granting environmental clearances to projects, while the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) evaluates project proposals and provides technical recommendations during the appraisal process.
Under the revised structure, the SEIAA will consist of a chairman, one member and a member secretary. The SEAC will include a chairman, a member secretary and four members.
The notification also introduces safeguards aimed at preventing conflicts of interest. It specifies that any chairman or member who has provided consultancy services or conducted Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies for a project proponent within the previous five years will be required to recuse themselves from related appraisal meetings.
Officials said the move is intended to strengthen transparency, ensure impartial decision-making and enhance the credibility of environmental governance in the state.
The SEIAA and SEAC play a central role in scrutinising projects with potential environmental impact and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards before clearances are granted.
