1. Mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
In India, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a statutory requirement under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The EIA process evaluates the potential environmental effects of proposed projects before they commence. Projects are categorized based on their potential impact
- Category A: Projects with significant environmental impacts, such as large-scale industrial or infrastructure developments, require clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) at the central level.
- Category B: Projects with comparatively lesser impacts are assessed by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA). These projects undergo a screening process to determine if a full EIA is necessary.
2. EIA Process and Key Components
The EIA process involves several critical steps to ensure comprehensive environmental evaluation
- Screening: Determines whether a project requires a full EIA based on its type and scale.
- Scoping: Identifies the key environmental issues and impacts to be considered.
- Public Consultation: Engages local communities and stakeholders to gather input and address concerns.
- Environmental Appraisal: An Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) reviews the EIA report and public feedback to make recommendations.
- Decision Making: Based on the appraisal, the appropriate authority grants or denies environmental clearance.
3. Special Environmental Assessments
Certain projects may require additional assessments due to their location or nature
- Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Clearance: Projects near coastal areas must comply with CRZ norms to protect sensitive coastal ecosystems.
- Forest Clearance: If a project involves the diversion of forest land, approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, is necessary.
- Wildlife Clearance: Projects near protected areas or wildlife habitats require clearance under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
These specialized assessments ensure that projects do not adversely affect ecologically sensitive areas and comply with conservation laws.