Star-rating for state environment bodies not operational yet, Ministry tells NGT

La Excellence IAS Academy

Star-rating for state environment bodies not operational yet, Ministry tells NGT

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La Excellence IAS Academy | March 19, 2024 | Environment, Ecology and Disaster Management



Syllabus: GS-III; Subject: Environment, Ecology and Disaster Management; Topic: Environmental Impact Assessment, Issue: Star ratings for State environment bodies.

Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change planned star-rating for state environmental efficiency.

About Star Ratings:

  • The plan is aimed to rank State Environment Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAAs) based on efficiency in granting clearances.
  • SEIAAs receive points ranging from 0 to 7 based on clearance efficiency, with criteria specified.
  • This System was introduced in 2022 but challenged for potentially diluting scrutiny during assessments.

Prelims Connect (Institutions in news)

State-Level Environment Impact Assessment Authorities:

●         Central Government forms SEIAAs under the Environmental Protection Act 1986.

●         Functions: To grant Environmental Clearance to mitigate pollution and protect the environment.

●         Projects are categorized as ‘A’ or ‘B’ based on their potential environmental impact.

➢        Category ‘A’ projects require clearance from Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), GoI.

➢        Category ‘B’ projects require clearance from State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), based on activity thresholds.

Source: Indian Express

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