Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a comprehensive approach employed to scrutinize and assess the probable consequences, both favourable and detrimental, that a proposed project or development may exert on the environment, economy, and society.

Need for Environmental Impact Assessment in India

• Rapid industrialization and development: EIA is essential to address the potential environmental impacts of India's rapid industrial growth and infrastructure development.
• Protection of natural resources: EIA helps assess and protect India's rich biodiversity, water resources, forests, and ecosystems.
• Public participation and transparency: EIA ensures public involvement and transparency in project decision-making processes.
• Compliance with environmental regulations: EIA is a legal requirement in India, ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

Evolution of Environmental Impact Assessment in India

Key Provisions of Environmental Impact Assessment 2020

• Categorization: Projects classified as Category A and Category B based on scale and impact.
• Post-Facto Clearance: Provision for retrospective approval of projects already under construction.
• Expanded Project Scope: Inclusion of additional projects requiring environmental clearance.
• Online Submission and Processing: Emphasis on using online platforms for project applications, consultations, and compliance monitoring.
• Reduction in time for Public Consultation: from 30 days to 20 days.
• Post-Clearance Monitoring: Focus on monitoring compliance and reporting after clearance.
• Expert Committees: Establishment of expert committees at central and state levels for project assessment.
• Violations and Penalties: Penalties and legal action for non-compliance and false information.

Benefits of Environmental Impact Assessment in India

• Environmental protection and conservation: EIA identifies and mitigates potential environmental impacts, safeguarding air, water, soil, and ecosystems.
• Sustainable development: EIA integrates environmental considerations, promoting sustainable use of resources.
• Social benefits: EIA assesses social impacts, benefiting local communities, livelihoods, health, and cultural heritage.
• Decision-making support: EIA provides comprehensive information for informed project decision-making.
• Legal and regulatory compliance: EIA ensures adherence to national and international environmental standards.

Shortcomings of Environmental Impact Assessment in India

• Easy clearance for ‘Strategic’ projects: because new EIA rules empower the government to declare any project as a ‘Strategic’ project without explaining why.
• Opening the routes for violations: Provision of post-facto clearance will encourage the industries to go with the project without getting worried about the environmental clearance. 
• Inadequate assessment quality: Some EIA reports lack thorough assessments and scientific rigor.
• Limited public participation: EIA 2020 has reduced the time for public participation from 30 days to 20 days. It means reduced awareness and limited public participation.
• Weak enforcement and monitoring: Inconsistent enforcement and monitoring of EIA conditions undermine its effectiveness. 
• Influence of vested interests: Sometimes, EIA processes is influenced by biased assessments and approvals due to vested interests.
• Non-compliance with the International frameworks and conventions: EIA, 2020 is not in compliance with various International pledges such as Paris Climate Agreement. It will weaken India’s stance as a global leader in environmental governance and climate politics. 

Way forward

• Online Platforms: Implement online platforms for project submissions, public comments, and information dissemination, improving accessibility and efficiency of the EIA process.
• Technology Integration: Utilize remote sensing, satellite imagery, and data analytics to enhance accuracy and objectivity in environmental impact assessments.
• Independent Expert Panels: Establish independent expert panels to review and validate EIA reports, ensuring impartiality and expertise.
• Capacity Building: Enhance the knowledge and skills of regulatory authorities and experts involved in the EIA process through training programs and workshops.
• Cumulative Impact Assessment: Include provisions for assessing the cumulative environmental impacts of multiple projects in a region.
• Timely and Comprehensive Reviews, Strengthening Monitoring Mechanisms, Public Awareness and Education, International Best Practices

Recent Updates: 

Key Differences Between EIA Rules, 2020 and EIA Notification, 2006:

Conclusion

EIA has potential for sustainable development and environmental protection by incorporating robust measures, promoting public participation, and integrating scientific advancements to safeguard the environment and foster a balance between development and conservation.