MoEF constitutes state level environment assessment authority for Assam

GUWAHATI: What is expected to expedite environment clearance of infrastructure projects, the ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India has constituted state level environment assessment authority (SEIAA) and State level expert appraisal committee ( SEAC) for Assam.

Now environment clearance of “B” category projects and activities will be given by these authorities in Guwahati itself. Prior to creation of these authorities, the projects were sents to New Delhi for clearance.

“B” type projects include mining up to 50 hectares, hydro electric power project up to 500 MW, thermal power plant up to 500 MW, state highways up to 30 km of length, state highways and national highways widening projects up to 20 meters of width, construction projects up to 20000 sq km, town ship projects up to 50 hectares.

Assam minister for environment and forests, Rakibul Hussain said that state government has moved a proposal for creation of SEIAA and SEAC. “With early clearance of the project proposals there would be fast development in the state.”