NEW DELHI: The dissolution of the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) has resulted in delays in the issuance of environmental clearances, according to a builder’s statement to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on July 31.
In an affidavit to the NGT, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) noted that the state is unable to issue environmental clearances because both authorities are currently inactive. Consequently, the Union Ministry of Environment is now responsible for granting these clearances.
The NGT is reviewing a plea from a builder who applied for environmental clearance (EC) in February of last year, following the end of SEIAA and SEAC’s tenure in September 2024 before the EC process could be finalized. The builder is seeking approval for a group housing project in Kirti Nagar.
In its response dated July 31, the DPCC confirmed, “The tenure of the two bodies ended on September 5, 2024. So far, no new notification has been issued by the Union government. Matters regarding EC applications that typically fall under the jurisdiction of these authorities in Delhi are now being handled by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).”
Before their terms concluded, the DPCC provided financial and logistical support to these bodies. Established in 2021 via a Union Ministry notification, SEIAA and SEAC were tasked with reviewing construction projects needing EC under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) notification of 2006. This included large apartment complexes, hotels, commercial developments, and infrastructure projects exceeding certain thresholds.
Former members of the dissolved committees mentioned that while the MoEFCC or the Delhi government can initiate the reconstitution process, progress has been stagnant since their terms ended. “The process of granting EC often involves extensive back and forth. Under the Centre’s oversight, it may take even longer,” remarked a former member, preferring to remain anonymous.
The State Level Expert Appraisal Committee, which included three members, was chaired by a former Public Works Department chief, Delhi’s former environment special secretary, and an appointee from the previous Aam Aadmi Party government. SEIAA consisted of 11 members and was led by a former Delhi Development Authority commissioner.
