The Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) is a structured method used to analyze and understand the potential environmental effects that could occur from upcoming projects or activities. It helps in evaluating and predicting how these projects might impact the natural surroundings before they are put into action.
The importance of EIA has been recognized globally, leading to the development of international conventions and agreements that promote its implementation. The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm in 1972 was a significant milestone, emphasizing the need for environmental assessment in decision-making. Accordingly, the Environment Protection Act, of 1986 was enacted in India which forms the basis of the EIA.
The following steps need to be followed to ensure a comprehensive assessment of potential environmental impacts: –
1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: –
This stage entails the purpose of the project, the goals and objectives of the proposed project and the overall suitability of the site and the proposed activity in light of the existing environmental acts and serious deviations, if any.
It should comprise of the following: –
Description of Project: – Toposheets, Remote Sensing Satellite Imagery, Contour Maps & Digital Elevation Models
- Site Selection
- Manpower Requirement
- Project Implementation Schedules
2. ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION: –
Environmental facets to be considered in relation to building construction are:
- land
- air
- noise
- water
- biological
- socio-economic and
- solid waste management.
Hence it is necessary to ascertain the baseline data of these environmental facets.
3. IMPACT ANALYSIS AND MITIGATION MEASURES: –
Impacts can be classified as: –
- Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Impact
- Positive and Negative impacts
- Random and Predictable impacts
- Local and Widespread impacts
- Temporary and Permanent impacts
- Long term and Short-term impacts.
The potential primary and secondary impacts on the environment, their prediction, significance, and mitigation are to be discussed. Also, environmental attributes are to be studied during these phases for their overall impact on the surrounding environment.
4. ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Normally conventional materials used for construction are non-renewable sources. The use of alternatives for building materials will help reduce the use of non-renewable resources and in turn, will lessen the impact on natural resources.
5. ENVIRONMENT MONITORING PROGRAM
The environmental monitoring includes: –
- Monitoring of Air pollution
- Noise level monitoring
- Water quality monitoring and groundwater level monitoring
- Maintenance of rainwater harvesting pits and other water conservation methods used are to be done regularly.
6. The ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN
Environmental Management Plan deals with the evaluation of the significance of unavoidable or residual impacts following mitigation and the proposed monitoring. The Environmental Management Plan is needed to ensure that the mitigation measures specified in the EIA will actually be complied with when the project is approved for implementation. The administration of EMP may require the establishment of an Environmental management.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Recently, amendments to the EIA Notification in India have been proposed, which have sparked debates and discussions. Such as the proposed Draft EIA 2020 (which has expired now) which aimed at replacing the existing EIA Notification, 2006. The draft mainly focused on reducing time for public hearings, exemption of certain projects from public scrutiny, annual submission of compliance reports etc.
While challenges and criticisms are associated with the EIA process, efforts are being made to improve its effectiveness through legal reforms, capacity-building, and the adoption of international best practices.
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