Guwahati, July 16 -- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has reprimanded the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) of Assam for issuing environmental clearances (ECs) in blatant disregard of Supreme Court guidelines.

The Tribunal has now directed SEIAA to explain its actions and submit an affidavit detailing any remedial measures it has taken.

The issue concerns the clearance of sand, stone, and gravel mining projects, locally known as "mahals" in Assam's Udalguri district.

SEIAA approved at least three ECs for these sites before finalizing the District Survey Report (DSR), a key document required by law.

According to a Supreme Court directive, only a valid and approved DSR can form the basis for granting ECs, and a draf...