DECEMBER 2024 GS3 DAW

Q15. What are the key components of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)? How can the
EIA process be utilized to tailor a project to the local environment and mitigate negative impacts?
Evaluate. (250 words, 15 marks)

Approach

Introduction: Write briefly about Environmental Impact Assessment

Body
● Write about key components of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
● Throw light on how the EIA process can be utilized to tailor a project to the local environment and
mitigate negative impacts.
● Write down the shortcoming of the EIA process.
Conclusion: Conclude accordingly with a balanced View.

Introduction:
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) defines Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a
tool used to identify the environmental, social and economic impacts of a project prior to decision-making.
Environment Impact Assessment in India is statutorily backed by the Environment Protection Act, 1986
which contains various provisions on EIA methodology and process.

Key components of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):

Air Environment: Identifying the impact zone (using a screening model) and establishing
a monitoring system.

Water Environment: Quantitative and qualitative assessment of current ground and

surface water resources within the proposed project's effect zone.

Noise Environment: Monitoring current noise levels in the impact zone, as well
as forecasting future noise levels as a result of the proposed project and related
activities, such as increased automobile traffic.

Socio-economic and Health Environment: Projection of expected changes in

socioeconomic and health outcomes as a result of the project and related
activities, such as traffic congestion, and identification of mitigation strategies.

Land Environment: Assessment of the project's impacts on land use, landscape,

topography, drainage, and hydrology.

Biological Environment: An assessment of the flora and fauna found within the project's
effect zone.
The EIA process can be utilized to tailor a project to the local environment:
• Understanding local needs: EIA studies assess the unique environmental and social features of the
area, and ensures that projects align with local requirements and minimize harm.
• Focus on biodiversity: The EIA process includes evaluating impacts on local plants, animals, and
traditional knowledge, protects biodiversity and livelihoods.
• Public involvement: Public hearings allow local communities to express concerns and help the to
adjust project plans to reduce environmental and social risks.
• Sustainable resource use: The EIA process identifies how a project might affect local resources like
water, forests, and land, and encourages better resource management.
• Indigenous knowledge integration: Local knowledge is used to design solutions that respect
traditions and ensures long-term environmental benefits.
• Mitigating adverse effects: EIA ensures proper measures are taken to reduce pollution,
displacement, and other negative impacts on local environments.
• Promoting local capacity: By involving local groups and NGOs, EIA helps communities understand
and influence decisions that affect their surroundings.

The EIA process can be utilized to mitigate negative impacts in the following ways:
● Scoping: Identifying the key issues and impacts that should be further investigated and also defines
the boundary and time limit of the study.
● Impact analysis: Identifying and predicting the likely environmental and social impact of the
proposed project and evaluates the significance.
• Example-Conducting a detailed study of the site and surrounding area to determine the potential
impacts on air, water, soil, wildlife, vegetation, and other aspects of the environment.
● Mitigation: This step in EIA recommends actions to reduce and avoid the potential adverse
environmental consequences of development activities.
• Example- Changes in the project design, relocation of certain elements of the project, or
implementation of specific management practices.
● Creation of an information desk: This desk should be mandated to respond within a maximum of
ten days by post/ courier and a maximum of two days by email, to the contact information that has
been furnished by the person seeking the information.
● Conduct options assessment: EIAs should follow only after an options assessment and the least cost
plan for a project is done by the state or central government.
● EIA risk assessment: Using hazard indices, inventory analysis, dam break probability, Natural Hazard
Probability, and an examination of the Maximum Credible Accident (MCA) to identify potentially
dangerous circumstances.
● Environment management plan: Identification of mitigating strategies, such as prevention and
control, for each environmental component, as well as a restoration and resettlement strategy.
● Modify the project if necessary: The project may need to be changed to include more effective
measures or to scale back if the monitoring shows that the mitigation measures are ineffective in
reducing the impacts.

Shortcomings of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Process

• Applicability: Numerous projects with negative effects on the environment are excluded. Example-
Low scale sand mining.
• Inadequate capacity of EIA approval authorities: Lack of technical and environmental experts,
anthropologists, and social scientists among the group's members, as well as crony capitalism and a
connection between corporate interests and political figures, result in poor decision-making, where
projects that seriously harm the environment may also be approved.
• Deficiencies in screening, scoping and impact analysis: Project evaluation does not use any
independent organizations or standardized formats.
• Poor quality EIA reports: EIA is currently used more as a tool for project justification than for project
planning, which hinders efforts to achieve sustainable development.
• Inadequate public participation: Public consultation is done after the preparation of the draft EIA
report and when it is ready for final submission to the expert committee.
• Weak monitoring: There is no independent organization overseeing the monitoring.
§ Example: Nuclear energy and other strategic industries do not release their environmental
management plans to the public.

Way forward:
• Expand project coverage: Include all projects with potential environmental impacts, like sand
mining and real estate, to ensure comprehensive evaluation.
• Strengthen approval committees: Appoint experts in environmental science, social studies, and
anthropology to make decisions more informed and unbiased.
• Standardize procedures: Develop clear, uniform guidelines for screening, scoping, and impact
analysis to improve the quality of evaluations.
• Enhance EIA report quality: Ensure reports are prepared by independent agencies and focus on
sustainable development, not just project approval.
• Encourage public participation: Conduct consultations early in the process to give communities a
genuine opportunity to share concerns and suggestions.
• Establish independent monitoring: Set up a dedicated monitoring authority to track project
compliance and penalize violations of environmental safeguards.

Conclusion:
Moreover, An EIA should not be used just as a means for obtaining an environmental clearance; rather,
project proponents should use it as a management tool to assess the soundness of a project plan. Therefore,
the focus of EIA needs to shift from the utilization and exploitation of natural resources to the conservation
of natural resources.