ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES(ES)

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Lesson 29: Environmental protection acts

Environment impact assessment

For all the development projects, whether Government or Private, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) requires an impact assessment done by a competent organization.

1. The EIA must look into physical, biological and social parameters.
   
2. The EIA must define what impact it would have on water, soil and air, it also requires that a list of flora and fauna identified in the region is documented and to specify if there are any endangered species whose habitats or life could be adversely affected.
   
3. EIA must address the development projects such a industries, roads, railways and dams which affect the lives of local people.
   
4. 30 different industries listed by MoEF that require a clearance before they are set up.
   
5. After the environmental protection act of 1986 was passed, an EIA to get an environmental clearance for a project become mandatory.
   
6. An EIA is not intended to stop all types of development. The sitting of an industry can be selected carefully and if it is likely to damage a fragile area an alternate less sensitive area must be selected.
   
7. In some cases it is essential to drop projects altogether if the anticipated impacts are likely to be very severe.
   
8. If an area’s vegetation is being affected the project costs must include the cost of compensatory afforestation and other protective measures.