India, March 10 -- The Union government has decided to set up a standing body on environment impact assessment which will appraise projects when state level impact assessment authorities are non-functional -- a move aimed at fast-tracking environmental clearances for projects.

The body will also discharge other tasks as may be entrusted to it by the Centre from time to time, the union environment ministry said in a draft notification issued on March 5 .

Currently, State Environmental Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAAs) and State Expert Appraisal Committees (SEACs) are responsible for clearances for certain categories of projects like smaller mining projects, infrastructure and area development projects.

While the SEIAA is responsibl...