## Report on the Constitution of State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority and State Level Expert Appraisal Committee in Meghalaya
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report details the constitution of the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) in Meghalaya. This policy, enacted under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, establishes the SEIAA and SEAC to oversee environmental impact assessments of projects within the state. The core purpose is to ensure environmental protection and sustainable development through expert appraisal and regulation of projects. The key finding is the formal establishment of these bodies, outlining their composition, terms of office, powers, and procedures, including guidelines to prevent conflicts of interest.
**2. Introduction:**
This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of a government notification regarding the constitution of the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) in Meghalaya, based solely on the provided policy text.
**3. Policy Overview:**
This is a *new* policy establishing the SEIAA and SEAC for Meghalaya.
* **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective is to establish the necessary administrative and expert bodies (SEIAA and SEAC) at the state level in Meghalaya to conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and manage environmental protection in accordance with the Environment Protection Act, 1986. This includes ensuring projects are appraised effectively and with appropriate expertise, and to prevent conflicts of interest within the appraisal process.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
* **Rationale:** The policy addresses the need for a structured environmental oversight framework at the state level in Meghalaya. The establishment of the SEIAA and SEAC, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, suggests a recognition of the necessity to assess the environmental impact of projects within the state and to ensure sustainable development. The reference to the earlier notification S.O. 1533(E) dated 14th September 2006 suggests this action is in response to a broader framework for environmental governance.
**5. Key Provisions:**
This policy establishes the following:
* **Constitution of SEIAA, Meghalaya:** The policy formally constitutes the SEIAA, listing the Chairman (Shri Tony Trabert C. Marak) and Member (Dr. Hiambok Jones Syiemlieh) and Member Secretary (Chief Conservator of Forests Social Forestry and Environment) with their respective addresses.
* **Constitution of SEAC, Meghalaya:** The policy formally constitutes the SEAC, listing the Chairman (Shri Nababrata Bhattacharjee) and Members (Shri Millanburgh R. Sangma, Dr. Highland Kayang, Shri Gideon Lamborlang Kharkongor, Shri Pynbiang Singh Nongbri, Dr. Shiva Shankar Chaturvedi, Dr Mrs Van Jennifer Joan Wallang) and Member Secretary (Deputy Conservator of Forests Social Forestry Environment, Govt. of Meghalaya) with their respective addresses.
* **Term of Office:** The Chairman and Members of both the SEIAA and SEAC hold office for a term of three years from the date of publication of the notification.
* **Powers and Procedures:** The SEIAA shall exercise powers and follow procedures as specified in the earlier notification (S.O.1533(E), dated the 14th September, 2006). The SEIAA shall take decisions based on the recommendations of the SEAC. The SEAC shall function on the principle of collective responsibility, and strive for consensus in each case, but the majority view will prevail if consensus isn't reached.
* **Conflict of Interest:** Detailed provisions are established to avoid conflict of interest. Members must declare affiliations with consulting organizations and project proponents. They are prohibited from undertaking consultations for projects appraised by the SEIAA/SEAC during their tenure. They must recuse themselves from meetings concerning projects where they provided consultancy services within the preceding five years.
* **Secretariat:** The Government of Meghalaya shall notify an agency to act as Secretariat for both Authority and Committee, and provide financial and logistical support.
* **Compensation:** The Chairman and Members of the SEIAA and SEAC will be paid sitting fees, travelling allowances, and dearness allowances according to the rules of the State Government of Meghalaya.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The primary target audience and stakeholders include:
* **Project Proponents:** Entities planning projects within Meghalaya that require environmental impact assessments.
* **Government of Meghalaya:** Responsible for implementing and overseeing the functioning of the SEIAA and SEAC.
* **Members of the SEIAA and SEAC:** Individuals appointed to these bodies.
* **Consulting Organizations:** Companies involved in preparing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Environmental Management Plans.
* **Citizens of Meghalaya:** Who are affected by the environmental impacts of projects within the state.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The SEIAA and SEAC, under the oversight of the Government of Meghalaya, are the primary responsible bodies.
* **Timelines/Procedures:** The policy establishes a three-year term for the Chairman and Members of the SEIAA and SEAC. The SEAC is expected to function on the principle of collective responsibility. The SEIAA will follow procedures outlined in the earlier notification S.O. 1533(E).
* **Secretariat:** The Secretariat will handle the finances and logistics.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
* **Expected Outcomes:** The intended outcomes include:
* Improved environmental governance in Meghalaya through expert appraisal of projects.
* Enhanced transparency and accountability in the EIA process through conflict of interest provisions.
* More effective implementation of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 at the state level.
* Sustainable development in Meghalaya by ensuring that environmental concerns are properly addressed in project planning and execution.
**9. Conclusion:**
This notification represents a significant step towards strengthening environmental governance in Meghalaya. The formal constitution of the SEIAA and SEAC, along with the outlined provisions for their functioning, demonstrates a commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development within the state. The successful implementation of this policy will depend on the effective functioning of the constituted bodies and adherence to the established procedures, particularly the conflict of interest guidelines.
Key Entities Referenced
Environment Protection Act, 1986: A law enacted by the Parliament of India to provide for the protection and improvement of the environment.
Gazette of India: An official journal of the Government of India, publishing official notifications, acts, and regulations.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: A ministry of the Government of India.
Central Government: The executive authority of India.
State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority, Meghalaya: A state-level authority in Meghalaya constituted to assess the environmental impact of projects.
Meghalaya: A state in Northeast India.
Shri Tony Trabert C. Marak: Chairman of State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority, Meghalaya
Dr. Hiambok Jones Syiemlieh: Member of State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority, Meghalaya and Professor, Department of Geography, NorthEastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya
State Level Expert Appraisal Committee: A committee constituted to assist the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority, Meghalaya in appraisal of projects.
SEAC, Meghalaya: State Level Expert Appraisal Committee in Meghalaya
State Government of Meghalaya: The government of the state of Meghalaya, India.
Shri Nababrata Bhattacharjee: Chairman of the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee, Meghalaya and Former Commissioner, National Green Tribunal.
Shri Millanburgh R. Sangma: Member of the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee, Meghalaya and Retd. Chief Engineer, Public Works Department.
Dr. Highland Kayang: Member of the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee, Meghalaya and Head of Department., Botany, NorthEastern Hill University, Shillong
Shri Gideon Lamborlang Kharkongor: Member of the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee, Meghalaya and Associate Professor, Geography Department, St. Edmunds College, Shillong
Shri Pynbiang Singh Nongbri: Member of the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee, Meghalaya and Retd. Chief Conservator of Forests SF and E, House No. 38, Pynthorbah, Block2, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong, Meghalaya
Dr. Shiva Shankar Chaturvedi: Member of the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee, Meghalaya and Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Studies, NorthEastern Hill University, Umshing, Shillong
Dr Mrs Van Jennifer Joan Wallang: Member of the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee, Meghalaya and Associate Professor Department of Geology St. Anthonys College, Shillong
National Green Tribunal: A tribunal established for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection.
East Khasi Hills District: A district in the state of Meghalaya, India.
Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi: Location of the Government of India Press.
Controller of Publications, Delhi: Publisher of the gazette.
रजिस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
सी.जी.-डी.एल.-अ.-23042022-235337
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असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
भाग II—खण् ड 3—उप-खण्ड (ii)
PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (ii)
प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
स.ं 1827] नई दिल्ली, िुक्रवार, अप्रलै 22, 2022/ विै ाख 2, 1944
No. 1827] NEW DELHI, FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022/VAISAKHA 2, 1944
पर्ाावरण, वन और िलवार् ु पररवतना मत्रं ालर्
अजधसचू ना
नई दिल्ली, 22 अप्रैल, 2022
का.आ. 1920(अ).—केन्द रीर् सरकार, पर्ाावरण (संरक्षण) अजधजनर्म, 1986 (1986 का 29) की धारा 3 की
उपधारा (3) द्वारा प्रित् त िजत र्ों का प्रर्ोग करते हुए और भारत के रािपत्र, असाधारण, भाग 2 खंड 3, उपखंड (ii) म ें
का.आ. स.ं 1533(अ), तारीख 14 जसतंबर, 2006 द्वारा प्रकाजित भारत सरकार के तत्कालीन पर्ाावरण और वन मंत्रालर्
की अजधसूचना (जिसे इसम ें इसके पश् चात् उत अजधसूचना कहा गर्ा ह)ै के अनुसरण म ें राज्र् स्ट् तर पर्ाावरण समाघात
जनधाारण प्राजधकरण मघे ालर् (जिसे इसम ें इसके पश् चात ् प्राजधकरण, मेघालर् कहा गर्ा ह)ै का गठन करती ह,ै जिसमें
जनम्न जलजखत सिस्ट् र् होंग,े अर्ाता ्:-
1. श्री टोनी राबट ा सी. मारक, आईएफएस (सेवाजनवृत्त) अध्र्क्ष;
उम्सावली, डाकघर मॉजडर्ांजडर्ांग, जिलॉंग-793012 मेघालर्
2. डॉ. जहर्ॉंबोक िोन्दस सार्मलीह्, सिस्ट्र्;
प्रोफेसर, भूगोल जवभाग, नॉर्ा इस्ट्टना जहल र्ूजनवर्साटी, जिलॉंग-793022, मेघालर्
3. मुख्र् वन सरं क्षक (सामाजिक वन्दर् और पर्ाावरण), मेघालर् सरकार सिस्ट्र्-सजचव;
2. प्राजधकरण, मेघालर् के अध्र्क्ष और सिस्ट्र् रािपत्र म ें इस अजधसूचना के प्रकािन की तारीख स े तीन वर्ा की
अवजध के जलए पि धारण करेंग े ।
2841 GI/2022 (1)2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]
3. प्राजधकरण, मेघालर् ऐसी िजिर्ों का प्रर्ोग करेगा और ऐसी प्रदक्रर्ा का अनुसरण करेगा िो उि अजधसूचना म ें
जवजनर्िष्ा ट ह ैं।
4. प्राजधकरण, मेघालर् अपन े जवजनश्चर् पैरा 5 के अधीन गरठत राज्र् स्ट्तर जविेर्ज्ञ अंकन सजमजत की जसफाररिों के
आधार पर अपने जवजनश्चर् िगे ा ।
5. केन्दरीर् सरकार, प्राजधकरण, मेघालर् की सहार्ता के प्रर्ोिन के जलए मेघालर् राज्र् सरकार के परामि ा स े राज्र्
स्ट्तरीर् जविेर्ज्ञ अंकन सजमजत, (जिसे इस अजधसूचना म ें इसके पश् चात् एस.ई.ए.सी., मेघालर् कहा गर्ा ह)ै का गठन करती
ह ैजिसम ें जनम्न जलजखत सिस्ट्र् होंगे, अर्ाात:्-
1. श्री नब्रत भट्टाचािी, पूवा कमीश्नर, राष्ट्रीर् हररत अजधकरण, ''मेघारन'' ढपनी रोड, केन्दच अध्र्क्ष;
रेस, डाकघर लबन, जिलॉंग-793004 मेघालर्
2. श्री जमलनबुघा आर. सांगमा, (सेवाजनवृत्त), मुख्र् अजभर्न्दता, लोक जनमााण जवभाग, सिस्ट्र्;
आईटीआई के सामन,े एराइमाईल-डाकोपग्रे रोड, तुरा-794101
मेघालर्
3. डॉ. हाईलेंड कार्ांग, सिस्ट्र्;
जवभागाध्र्क्ष,वनस्ट्पजत िास्त्र, नॉर्ा इस्ट्टना जहल र्ूजनवर्साटी, जिलॉंग-793022
4. श्री जगजडओन लंबोरलगैं खारकोंगर, एसोजसएट प्रोफेसर, भूगोल जवभाग, सेंट एडमंडस ् सिस्ट्र्;
कॉलेि, जिलॉंग
5. श्री जपनजबर्ांग ससंह नॉंगब्री (सवे ाजनवृत्त) मुख्र् वन सरं क्षक (एसएफ एंड ई), मकान नं. 38, सिस्ट्र्;
प्र्ोंर्बााह, ब्लॉक-2, जिला ईस्ट्ट खासी जहल्स्, जिलॉंग, मेघालर्-793001
6. डॉ. जिव िंकर चतुवेिी, सिस्ट्र्;
एसोजसएट प्रोफेसर, पर्ाावणीर् अध्र्र्न जवभाग, नार्-ा ईस्ट्टना जहल् र्ूजनवर्साटी, उमसिंग,
जिलॉंग-793022
7. डॉ. (श्रीमती) वैन िैजनफर िोन वॉलंग, सिस्ट्र्;
एसोजसएट प्रोफेसर,भूजवज्ञान जवभाग, सेंट एंर्नीज़ कॉलेि, जिलॉंग-793001
8. उप वन संरक्षक (सामाजिक वन्दर् और पर्ाावरण), मेघालर् सरकार सिस्ट्र् सजचव।
6. एस.ई.ए.सी., मेघालर् के अध्र्क्ष और सिस्ट्र् इस अजधसूचना के रािपत्र म ेंप्रकािन की तारीख स े तीन वर्ा की
अवजध के जलए पि धारण करेंग े ।
7. एस.ई.ए.सी., मेघालर् ऐसी िजिर्ों का प्रर्ोग करेगी और ऐसी प्रदक्रर्ाओं का पालन करेगी िो उि अजधसूचना
म ें जवजनर्िष्ा ट ह ैं।
8. एस.ई.ए.सी., मेघालर् सामूजहक उत्तरिाजर्त्व के जसद्ांत पर काम करेगी और अध्र्क्ष प्रत्र्ेक मामले म ें सवासम् मजत
पर पहुचं ने का प्रर्ास करेगा और र्दि सवासम् मजत पर नहीं पहुचं ा िा सकता ह ैतो बहुमत का मत अजभभावी होगा ।
9. जहतों के टकराव स े बचने के जलए-
(क) प्राजधकरण, मेघालर् और एस.ई.ए.सी., मेघालर् के अध्र्क्ष और सिस्ट्र् र्ह घोजर्त करेंग े दक व े दकस परामि ा
संगठन और पररर्ोिना के प्रस्ट्तावक स े भी िुडे ह;ैं
(ख) प्राजधकरण मेघालर् और एस.ई.ए.सी., मेघालर् के अध्र्क्ष और सिस्ट्र् दकसी पररर्ोिना के जलए पर्ाावरणीर्
समाघात जनधाारण (ईआईए) पर्ाावरण प्रबंधन र्ोिना की तैर्ारी के जलए कोई परामि ा र्ा सहर्ोगी नहीं लगें ,े िो
उनके कार्ाकाल के िौरान प्राजधकरण, मेघालर् और एसईएसी, मेघालर् द्वारा मूल्र्ांकन दकर्ा गर्ा; तर्ा[भाग II—खण् ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 3
(ग) र्दि जपछले पांच वर्ों म,ें अध्र्क्ष र्ा प्राजधकरण, मेघालर् और एस.ई.ए.सी., मेघालर् के दकसी भी सिस्ट्र् ने
दकसी पररर्ोिना प्रस्ट्तावक के जलए परामि ा सेवाए ं प्रिान की ह ैं र्ा ईआईए अध्र्र्न आर्ोजित दकर्ा ह,ै तो उस
जस्ट्र्जत म ें व े स्ट्वर् ं को ऐस े समर्ाकों द्वारा प्रस्ट्ताजवत दकसी भी पररर्ोिना के मल्ू र्ांकन की प्रदक्रर्ा म ें प्राजधकरण,
मेघालर् और एसईएसी, मेघालर् की बैठक बचाव करेंगे।
10. मेघालर् राज्र् सरकार, प्राजधकरण मेघालर् और एस.ई.ए.सी., मेघालर् के जलए सजचवालर् के रूप म ें कार् ा करन े के
जलए दकसी अजभकरण को अजधसूजचत करेंगी और सभी जवत्तीर् और संभार तंत्र संबंधी सहार्ता, जिसके अंतगात वास-
सुजवधा, पररवहन और उनके सभी कानूनी कृत्र्ों की बाबत अन्दर् सुजवधाएं भी ह,ैं उपलब्ध कराएगी ।
11. प्राजधकरण, मेघालर् के अध्र्क्ष और सिस्ट्र्ों तर्ा एस.ई.ए.सी., मेघालर् के अध्र्क्ष और सिस्ट्र्ों की बैठक की
फीस, र्ात्रा भत्ता और मंहगाई भत्ता मेघालर् राज्र् सरकार के जनर्मों के अनुसार संित्त दकर्ा िाएगा ।
[फा.स.ं आईए 3-1/3/2021-आईए.।।।]
डॉ. सुिीत कुमार बािपेई, संर्ुि सजचव
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 22nd April, 2022
S.O. 1920(E).—In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 3 of the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986) and in pursuance of the notification of the Government of India, published in the
Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii) in the erstwhile Ministry of Environment and
Forests, vide number S.O.1533(E), dated the 14th September, 2006 (hereinafter referred to as the said notification),
the Central Government hereby constitutes the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority, Meghalaya
(hereinafter referred to as the Authority, Meghalaya) comprising of the following persons, namely:-
1. Shri Tony Trabert C. Marak, IFS (Retd.) Chairman;
Umsawli, P.O. Mawdiangdiang, Shillong – 793012, Meghalaya
2. Dr. Hiambok Jones Syiemlieh, Member;
Professor, Department of Geography, North-Eastern Hill
University, Shillong – 793022, Meghalaya
3. Chief Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry and Environment) , Member Secretary;
Government of Meghalaya
2. The Chairman and Members of the Authority, Meghalaya shall hold office for a term of three years from the date
of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette.
3. The Authority, Meghalaya shall exercise such powers and follow such procedures as specified in the said
notification.
4. The Authority, Meghalaya shall take its decision on the recommendations of the State Level Expert Appraisal
Committee constituted under paragraph 5.
5. For the purpose of assisting the Authority, Meghalaya, the Central Government, in consultation with the State
Government of Meghalaya, hereby constitutes the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (hereinafter referred to as
the SEAC, Meghalaya) comprising of the following Members, namely:-
1. Shri Nababrata Bhattacharjee, Chairman;
Former Commissioner, National Green Tribunal, “Megharun” Daphne Road,
Kenchs Trace, P.O. Laban, Shillong -793004, Meghalaya
2. Shri Millanburgh R. Sangma, (Retd.) Member;
Chief Engineer, Public Works Department, Opposite ITI, Araimile-Dakopgre
Road, Tura – 794101, Meghalaya
3. Dr. Highland Kayang, Member;
Head of Department., Botany, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong - 793022
4. Shri Gideon Lamborlang Kharkongor, Member;
Associate Professor, Geography Department, St. Edmund’s College, Shillong4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]
5. Shri Pynbiang Singh Nongbri Member;
(Retd.) Chief Conservator of Forests (SF and E), House No. 38, Pynthorbah,
Block-2, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001
6. Dr. Shiva Shankar Chaturvedi, Member;
Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Studies, North-Eastern Hill
University, Umshing, Shillong-793022
7. Dr (Mrs) Van Jennifer Joan Wallang, Member;
Associate Professor
Department of Geology
St. Anthonys College, Shillong-793001
8. Deputy Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry & Environment), Govt. of Member Secretary.
Meghalaya
6. The Chairman and Members of SEAC, Meghalaya shall hold office for a term of three years from the date of
publication of this notification in the Official Gazette.
7. The SEAC, Meghalaya shall exercise such powers and follow such procedures as specified in the said
notification.
8. The SEAC, Meghalaya shall function on the principle of collective responsibility and the Chairman shall
endeavour to reach a consensus in each case, and if consensus cannot be reached, the view of the majority shall
prevail.
9. In order to avoid any conflict of interest, –
(a) the Chairman and Members of the Authority, Meghalaya and SEAC, Meghalaya shall declare as to which
consulting organisation they have been associated with and also the project proponents;
(b) the Chairman and Members of the Authority, Meghalaya and SEAC, Meghalaya shall not undertake any
consultation or associate with preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Environment
Management Plan for a project, which is to be appraised by the Authority, Meghalaya and SEAC, Meghalaya
during their tenure; and
(c) if in the preceding five years, the Chairman or any of the Members of the Authority, Meghalaya and SEAC,
Meghalaya have provided consultancy services or conducted Environment Impact Assessment studies for any
project proponent, in that event they shall recuse themselves from the meeting of the Authority, Meghalaya
and SEAC, Meghalaya in the process of appraisal of any project being proposed by such proponents.
10. The Government of Meghalaya shall notify an agency to act as Secretariat for the Authority, Meghalaya and
SEAC, Meghalaya and the Secretariat shall provide all financial and logistic support including accommodation,
transportation and such other facilities in respect of all their statutory functions.
11. The sitting fee, travelling allowances and dearness allowances to the Chairman and Members of the Authority,
Meghalaya and SEAC, Meghalaya shall be paid as per the rules of the State Government of Meghalaya.
[F. No. IA3-1/3/2021-IA.III]
Dr. SUJIT KUMAR BAJPAYEE, Jt. Secy.
Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064
and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.