Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Environment
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a scientific and administrative process used to predict the environmental, social, and economic impacts of a proposed project before it is approved. It helps planners integrate environmental safeguards into developmental activities.
Definition
• UNEP: EIA is a tool used to identify environmental, social, and economic impacts of a project prior to decision-making.
• Purpose: Predict impacts early, reduce adverse effects, redesign projects to suit local conditions, provide information to decision-makers.
History of EIA
• Origin: USA, under National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 1969.
• Popularized after Sustainable Development discussions (Brundtland Report 1987, Rio Summit 1992).
• India:
– 1976-77: EIA introduced for river valley projects (Planning Commission direction).
– 1994: First EIA Notification under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
– 2006: Major overhaul; current framework.
EIA Process
Screening
• Determines whether a project needs EIA based on size, type, and location.
Scoping
• Identifies key issues, impacts, and need for specialized studies.
• Defines Terms of Reference (ToR).
Baseline Data Collection
• Studies current environmental conditions of the project site.
Impact Prediction
• Predicts positive/negative, temporary/permanent, reversible/irreversible impacts.
Mitigation Measures and EIA Report
• Suggests measures to prevent or reduce adverse effects.
• Includes Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
Public Hearing
• Local community and stakeholders provide feedback.
• Mandatory for most Category A and B1 projects.
Decision Making
• Expert committees evaluate the project using EIA, EMP, and public feedback.
Monitoring
• Ensures implementation of environmental safeguards during project execution.
Assessment of Alternatives
• Examines different site options, technology choices, designs.
• Selects the least-impact alternative.
Risk Assessment
• Identifies hazards, evaluates disaster probability, and mitigation.
Rapid EIA vs Comprehensive EIA
Rapid EIA
• Data from one season (excluding monsoon).
• Used for quick appraisal.
• Must not compromise quality.
Comprehensive EIA
• Data from all four seasons.
• Preferred for high-impact or long-term projects.
Legal Authority for EIA Notification
• Issued by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Under Section 3 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Central Government can restrict industrial activity in sensitive areas.
EIA Notification, 2006
Objectives
• Create transparent, efficient, decentralized regulatory structure.
• Integrate environmental safeguards early in planning.
• Ensure stakeholder involvement.
Features
• Projects classified into:
– Category A: Central appraisal (MoEFCC).
– Category B: State appraisal (SEIAA/SEAC).
• Scoping stage introduced for better EIA quality.
• Two-step public consultation: written feedback + public hearing.
• Videography of hearings mandated.
• NOCs from other agencies not needed before EIA appraisal.
Environmental Clearance Process
Screening Stage
• For Category B projects—to decide if full EIA needed.
Scoping Stage
• Identification of key issues and ToR.
Public Consultation
• Collects public opinion on the project.
• Not a decision-making stage; inputs used in final appraisal.
Appraisal Stage
• Expert committees examine all documents and recommend approval/rejection.
Draft EIA Notification 2020 (Major Provisions)
Public Consultation Changes
• Hearing period reduced to 40 days.
• Public response time reduced from 30 to 20 days.
• Concern: Reduced accessibility for remote communities.
More Power to Government
• Govt can declare “economically sensitive areas” without public hearing.
• Govt decides “strategic” projects exempt from public scrutiny.
Post-Facto Clearance
• Legalization of projects that started without prior clearance (with penalties).
• Criticized for weakening environmental protection.
Shortcomings in Current EIA Process
Applicability
• Many projects exempted due to investment size or category.
Expertise Issues
• Committees often lack ecologists, wildlife experts, social scientists.
Public Hearing Limitations
• Held too late.
• Indigenous/local knowledge often ignored.
Quality Issues in EIA Reports
• Copy-paste reports, poor data, outdated baseline data.
• Emergency preparedness plans poorly covered.
Lack of Credibility
• Multiple cases of fraudulent or plagiarized EIAs.
Strengthening the EIA Process
Independent Agency
• Independent national accreditation body for EIA consultants.
Centralized Baseline Data Bank
• Helps reduce manipulation and ensures consistency.
Precautionary Principle
• If an action poses serious threat, lack of scientific certainty must not delay preventive measures.
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
• Evaluates policies/plans before projects.
• Encourages alternatives and long-term environmental planning.
Robust Public Hearing
• Proper representation of Panchayats and ULBs.
• Inclusion of tribal/forest communities.
• Recognizing traditional ecological knowledge.
Transparency
• All EIA documents should be available online in regional languages.
Capacity Building
• Training NGOs, civil society, and communities to participate effectively.
PARIVESH Portal
• Single-window online system for environmental, forest, wildlife, and CRZ clearances.
Key Features
• Online submission, tracking, and monitoring.
• Single sign-in for all clearances.
• Unique project ID for integrated management.
• Managed by MoEFCC with NIC support.
• Supports clearances at central, state, and district levels.
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Subject: Environment
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