Expert Appraisal Committees 

• Expert appraisal committees (EAC) exist at the Union as well as state levels (state expert appraisal committee or SEAC) to advise the government on environmental clearance of development projects.
• The role of EAC is integral to the process of granting environmental clearance to development projects. According to the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, evaluation of proposals involves four steps: screening, scoping, public hearing and appraisal. EAC/SEAC are involved in various capacities in all the stages, except for public hearing. 
• These panels of experts that have representatives from the government as well as from outside, trained in matters of ecology, wildlife and habitat preservation.
• There are separate EAC committees for industrial projects, coal mining, non-coal mining, river and hydroelectric projects, each with its own independent chairperson and committee members. 

Why in the news?

• Government has rolled a new set of recommendations to fast track the appraisal of projects. 

Recommendations include:

• EAC meetings are held at least once in 15 days.
• The queries or issues, which the division may have, should be raised during the EAC meeting only.
• All proposals that were placed for approval 10 days before a meeting. 

Criticism

• Many experts have criticised the move curtails the role of the EAC that requires detailed scrutiny of applications seeking environmental clearance. 

References:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/government-to-fast-track-green-nod/article33163541.ece
2. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/coverage/experts-without-expertise–45800