The MoEF is likely to reconstitute the Expert Appraisal Committees (EACs) in order to organise the clearance procedures in more effective manner.

The EACs are constituted under the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification for giving clearances to projects.

As for EACs, there will be three appraisal committees set up to look into coal and power projects, infrastructure and hydel projects. These committees are likely to be set up soon.

The clearance for work in a coastal zone has now been clubbed with environment clearance. Projects that involve both environment and forestry clearance will no longer be given piecemeal clearance as was done in the past. In case of Power projects, no environment clearance will be given without looking at forest clearance.

The ministry has also stopped the practice of giving "in-principle" clearance to projects. Now, there is likely to be a stage of recommendation and a final approval.