In our ever-evolving world, the delicate balance between human progress and environmental preservation has become a focal point of concern. With the rapid pace of development across various sectors, it’s crucial to assess the potential impact of human activities on the environment. One of the key tools in this endeavor is the Environment Impact Assessment Report.
What is the Environment Impact Assessment Report?
Environmental Impact Assessment report evaluates the probable environmental impacts of a project or development, considering the social, economic, cultural, and human health impacts, both positive and negative.
It is a comprehensive document that evaluates the potential environmental consequences of a proposed project, policy, or development initiative. Its primary aim is to identify, predict, and assess the potential environmental impacts, both positive and negative, of a proposed activity before it is undertaken.
UNEP defines Environment Impact Assessment Report as “a process that evaluates the environmental, social, and economic impact of a project before a decision is made.” The purpose of EIA is to predict environmental impacts early in the project planning and design process, identify ways and means to mitigate adverse impacts, adapt projects to the local environment, and provide predictions and options for decision-makers. EIA can provide both environmental benefits and economic benefits, including Reduced costs and time associated with project implementation and design Avoidance of treatment/clean-up costs Impact of laws and regulations
History of Environment Impact Assessment Report in India
The history of Environment Impact Assessment Report in India goes back more than two decades. In 1976-77, the Planning Commission requested the department of science and technology to evaluate the river valley projects from an environmental point of view. Until 1994, environmental clearance by the central government was an administrative decision with no legislative backing. On January 27, 1994, under the environmental (Protection) law 1986, the Union Ministry of environment and forests issued an EIA notification. The notification made EC mandatory for the expansion or modernization of any activity or the setting up of new projects listed under Schedule 1.
In September 2006, the MoEFCC announced new Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations.
- The notification requirement applies to a wide range of projects, including but not limited to, mining, thermal power plant, river valley, road, highway, port, port facilities and airports, as well as to industries such as extremely small electroplating units or foundry units, in order to obtain environmental clearance.
- Unlike the 1994 EIA Notification, however, the new legislation shifts the burden of clearing projects to the state government based on project size/capacity.
Stages of EIA Process
There are five main phases of an EIA. If an application for a development consent requires an EIA, an EIA report will be prepared and submitted along with the application. The public has the opportunity to comment on the EIA report. This ensures that the public has a voice in the decision-making process.
1. Screening:
This includes assessing the scope of investment, the site and type of development, and whether or not the project needs to be subject to statutory approval.
2. Scoping:
Project impact, impact zone, mitigation options, and monitoring needs.
3. Collection of baseline data
This process collects all the data like Air, water, soil, and noise from the project site.
4. Impact prediction:
It is necessary to anticipate the positive and negative impacts, the reversible and irrevocable impacts, and the temporary and permanent impacts, which requires an in-depth knowledge of the project from the assessment agency.
5. Mitigation measures and EIA report:
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report should include the steps and measures taken to prevent, reduce or mitigate the impacts, or else the amount of compensation for likely environmental damage or losses.
6. Public hearing:
Once the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is complete, the public and environmental stakeholders in the vicinity of the project site can be contacted and consulted.
7. Decision making:
The Impact Assessment Authority (IAA) and the experts, in consultation with the Project-in-Charge (PI) and the consultant, take the final decisions, taking into account the EIA and the Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
8. Monitoring and implementation of environmental management plan:
The different stages of the project execution are tracked.
9. Risk assessment:
EIA procedures also include inventory analysis, hazard probability, and index.
Features of 2006 Amendments to EIA Notification
The 2006 Environmental Impact Assessment Notification (EIA) decoupled the environmental clearance from the developmental projects by dividing them into two categories: Category A (a national level assessment) and category B (a state level assessment).
- Category A projects are evaluated nationally by the IAA and the EAC, while Category B projects are evaluated at the state level.
- The State Level EPA Authority and State Level SEAC are responsible for granting approval for the category B process.
Since the 2006 Amendment, the EIA process has been divided into four phases:
- Screening
- Scoping
- Public hearing
- Appraisal
Category A projects do not go through the screening process as they are subject to mandatory environmental clearance.
Category B projects go through a screening process and are divided into two categories:
- Category B1 projects (Mandatorily requires EIA).
- Category B2 projects (Do not require EIA).
As a result, Category A and Category B projects go through the full EIA process, while Category B2 projects do not.
Importance of Environment Impact Assessment Report for Environment
1. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) Report connects the environment to development to create an environment that is safe and sustainable.
2. The EIA report is a cost-effective way to reduce or eliminate the negative effects of development projects.
3. This report allows the decision-makers to assess the environmental impact of development projects well in advance of their implementation.
4. Environmental Impact Assessments report recommends that mitigation plans be incorporated into the development plan.
5. EIA makes sure that the developmental plan is environmentally sound and within the limits of the capacity of assimilation and regeneration of the ecosystem.
