Goa authority tightens rules for environment consultants

Panaji: The Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (Goa-SEIAA), at a recent meeting, said that project proponents required to prepare an environmental impact assessment (EIA) report or environmental management plan (EMP) must engage accredited environmental consultant organisations from the relevant sector and category.

The Goa-SEIAA decided that “wherever EIA or EMP is required to be prepared through an accredited environmental consultant organisation, it shall be prepared and submitted through such an accredited organisation from the concerned sector and category”.

The Goa-SEIAA also clarified that during appraisal proceedings before the authority or the Goa State Expert Appraisal Committee (Goa-SEAC), the presence of the consultant for clarifications will not bar the project proponent from participating in the presentation.

“The project proponent may appear personally or through authorised representative and may be assisted by project team members or relevant technical persons for furnishing clarifications during appraisal. The presence of the accredited environmental consultant organisation or registered qualified person, wherever required under EIA notification 2006, or directions issued by the ministry, shall not prevent participation of the project proponent or its authorised representative during appraisal proceedings,” the Goa-SEIAA said.

The authority added that both the consultant and the project proponent may participate virtually, if required.

Goa-SEIAA noted that clarification was needed on the process for presentation of proposals before the authority and the Goa-SEAC to ensure uniformity in project appraisal procedures.

Under the EIA Notification 2006, projects seeking environmental clearance are required to undergo appraisal before the Goa-SEIAA and Goa-SEAC.

The notification empowers the authority to seek clarifications from the project proponent or authorised representative and also provides for preparation and submission of EIA reports and EMPs through accredited environmental consultant organisations.