MODULE-5

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ASSESSMENT
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 Syllabus
Introduction to environmental impact assessment. EIA guidelines. Impact
assessment methodologies.

Notification of Government of India - Environmental Protection Act-

Air
Water
Forest
Wild life

Public awareness

Environmental priorities in India and sustainable development. 2

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 Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
New project or development planned may affect environment quality –
EIA must be carried out - harmonise developmental activities with
environmental concerns - sustainable development. EIA done early in
project cycle & accounted for in project design.

EIA – a study to predict the effect of proposed activity/project on

environment and human health. Compares various alternatives for project
& identify the one which is economical and environmentally beneficial.
EIA systematically examines both beneficial & adverse effect of proposed
project & ensures these effects taken into account during project design.
EIA mandatory with projects such as, nuclear, thermal & hydropower
power stations, flood control system, mining, river valley, infrastructure
(road, highway, ports, harbors and airports), industries etc.
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 Objective - Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Ensure protection of environment, public safety and health.
Foresee potential environmental problems with proposed project -
address it in project's planning & design stage & communicate to:
Project proponent
Regulatory agencies
All stakeholders and interest groups

EIA - integrates environmental concerns in developmental activities while

preparing feasibility report.

EIA benefits - protection to environment, optimum utilization of resources

& saving of time and cost of project, lessens conflicts by promoting
community participation, prevent future liabilities or expensive alterations
in project design and helping for environmentally sound projects.
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 EIA process

EIA become mandatory for expansion or modernization of any activity or

for setting up new projects in India from 27 January 1994 by the Union
Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), under the Environmental
(Protection) Act 1986.

The stages of an EIA process will depend upon the requirements of the
country. Most EIA processes have a common structure

The environment impact assessment consists of nine steps with each

step equally important in determining the overall performance of the
project.
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 Impact Assessment Methodology
Project proposal
Screening
Scoping
Base line data collection
Impact prediction & Assessment of
alternatives & mitigation measures
EIA report
Public hearing
Decision-making
Monitoring the clearing condition

Ref: http://coe.mse.ac.in/EIAprocedure.asp
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 Impact Assessment Methodology

Project proposal - submission of project proposal including land-use map

- signifies commencement of EIA process.

Screening - done to see whether a project requires environmental

clearance as per statutory notifications

Scoping – identifying the issues associated with proposed project, brings

into consideration alternative means of carrying out the project. Specify
key environmental criteria to be addressed & methods to be used in
assessment. This stage also defines the boundary & time limit of study.

Base line data collection - describes existing environmental status of the

study area. 9
 Impact Assessment Methodology
Impact prediction and assessment of alternatives - issues identified through
scoping are analyzed & expected impacts are defined. Analysis should: a)
identify the types of impact b) predict the magnitude, the probability of
occurrence & extent of impact & c) determine the significance of impact.
Accumulated knowledge and the findings of the environmental investigations
form the basis for prediction of impacts.

For every project, possible alternatives should be identified, environmental

impacts of project and its alternatives should be mapped, environmental
attributes compared & ranked for selection of optimum economic benefits to
community at large.

Mitigation measures - mitigation (action taken to avoid or lessen adverse

effects of an activity) plan drawn for selected option and is supplemented with
an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to guide the proponent towards
environmental improvements.
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 Impact Assessment Methodology
EIA report - provide clear information to decision-maker on different
environmental scenarios without project, with project & with project
alternatives. And also the uncertainties with project.
A detail separate report have to be submitted to each of regulatory agencies
involved ex. water authority, air pollution control branch, etc.

Public hearing - public must be informed and consulted on a proposed

development after completion of EIA report.

Any one likely to be affected can have summary of EIA report. Affected
persons include: a) local residents, b) local associations, c) environmental
groups, d) any person located at the project site. They are to be given an
opportunity to make oral/written suggestions to SPCB.

Decision making - Environmental Clearance arrived through number steps

including evaluation of EIA & EMP. It involve consultation of project proponent
& impact assessment authority (assisted by expert groups if necessary). 11
 PROJECT PROPOSAL
SUBMISSION Impact Assessment Methodology
Decide - EIA necessary
or not
SCREENING Monitoring the clearing condition - done during
construction and operation phase of project,
Detailing terms of reference of EIA
SCOPING
ensures commitments made are complied &
Collect information on existing environment
predictions made by EIA reports are correct. When
BASELINE DATA COLLECTION
impacts exceed predicted levels, corrective action
Assess impacts on environment
and propose measure to deal it
should be taken. Proponent is required to file once
IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION
in six months a report demonstrating the
Submit
EIA report
compliance to Impact Assessment Authority (IAA).
Public participation
PUBLIC HEARING
Monitoring - systematic observation of an activity
Decision on the project -
based on EIA
to determine whether it is proceeding or
DECISION-MAKING
functioning as expected. Monitoring predicts the
Monitoring if permission granted
MONITORING
accuracy of EIA.
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Environmental damage: How one Tamil Nadu protest against oil and gas extraction
After ONGC started extracting natural gas from a site in the
Periyakoilkuppam village, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu in 2013, agriculture
has taken a hit.
The water was bright yellow, with an oily sheen to it. Now, the
borewells in the fields around the extraction unit are either pumping
out contaminated water, or have started pumping out sand, rendering
them ineffective. “So a large chunk of the village population has been
forced to move out of the village

When we asked the tehsildar and other authorities what problems we would face,
they all assured us that there would be no problems. They were promised better
road access and frequent medical camps before the project was set up.

Officials at ONGC said that company had set up the plant to comply with the
guidelines of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB). In response to a
query on the condition of the ground water in the area, “The plant is being
operated after taking consent from TNPCB Air and water parameters are well
below the limits prescribed by the Pollution Control Board (PCB). Periodical air
quality monitoring is being done by PCB. Monday, April 10th 2017
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 Theni neutrino project clearance shot down
Updated: March 21, 2017, 11:43 pm IST

The National Green Tribunal scrapped the Environmental Clearance (EC) for the
India- based Neutrino Observatory (INO) Project in Theni district, thwarting the
efforts of scientific community to set up the high end tunnel laboratory.
INO project team failed to conduct a public hearing and a proper study from an
accredited agency. The Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History
conducted an ecological impact study, which the tribunal declared as
'unaccredited agency'

The court had taken into consideration two major loopholes in the Environmental Clearance.
The INO project team termed the project as category B of EIA Notification 2006, but followed the procedures of
Category A for the clearance.
The second setback absence of clearance from National Board of Wild Life, as the project is proposed just 4.5 kms
from Madikettan Shola National Park.

Under the EIA Notification 2006, projects related to mining, inter-state activities and hydro tunnel formations are
included under category A, mandating a clearance from the MoEFCC, only after conducting a public hearing and
conducting an assessment with a credited agency.
Projects under category B, which are construction-based activities require a grant from the State Level Environment
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Impact Assessment Authority.
 Constitutional Provisions
India is the first country in the world to have protection and conservation of
environment in its Constitution.

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.

Article 51A: It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and
improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers & wildlife
and to have compassion for living creatures.
Our constitution includes environmental protection & conservation as one
of our fundamental duties 15
 Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
This Act, a landmark in the history of wildlife legislation in our country. In
1976 powers of state has been transferred to Central govt.

Indian Board of Wildlife (IBWL)-after enactment of this Act, took up the

task of setting up National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Defines wildlife related terminology & appoints Wildlife Advisory Boards,

wildlife warden, their powers, duties etc.

Lists endangered species and prohibits hunting of endangered species.

Protection to some endangered plants, pitcher plant, Blue vanda, etc.16

 Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

The Act provides for constitution of Central Zoo Authority.

The Act impose ban on the trade or commerce on some scheduled

animals.

Provides legal power to officers & punish offenders & captive breeding
program for endangered species.

Conservation projects for endangered species under the Act – Lion

(1972), Tiger (1973), Crocodile (1974) brown antlered deer (1981).

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 Drawbacks of the Wildlife(Protection) Act, 1972

The Act is adopted by all states in India except J&K , it has its own Act.
Illegal wildlife trade in J&K.
Wildlife traders in J&K get illegal furs & skins from other states & sold.
Hunting and trading of endangered species is allowed in J&K!
Doesn’t included any local conservation measures.
Ownership certificates for animal articles like tiger and leopard skins are
permissible – illegal trading.
Mild penalty - 3 years imprisonment or fine of Rs. 25000 or both.
No coverage for foreign endangered wildlife
Pitiable condition of wildlife in mobile zoos
Little emphasis on protection of plant genetic resources.
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 Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
This Act deals with conservation of all types forests irrespective of
ownership in all over India except J&K.
Salient features of the Act:
State government-have to seek Central government permission for non-forestry
activity (mining & replacing trees with economically important trees).
Any illegal non-forest activity within a forest area can be stopped by this Act.
Make provision for funding to conserve all types of forest.

Amendment of Forest Act, 1992

With prior permission from Central govt., some non-forest activities(transmission
lines, seismic survey, exploration, drilling and hydroelectric projects) in forests
without cutting or limited cutting of trees is allowed.
Wildlife sanctuaries and National parks are totally prohibited for any exploration or
survey under this Act.
Cultivation of tea, coffee, spices, rubber, cash crops are not allowed in reserve
forest.
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 Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980

Even cultivation of fruit-bearing trees, oil-yielding plants, medicinal plants

needed approval from Central govt. Because, it may cause ecological
imbalance.
Tusser cultivation (silk yielding insect) is allowed as long as it doesn’t
involves monoculturing (Asan or Arjun trees). Plantation of mulberry for
rearing silkworm is prohibited.
Removal of stones, bajri(a kind of millet), boulder(rock segment size
>25.6 cm) etc from river-beds located within forest area are prohibited.
Any proposal on non-forestery activity must have a cost-benefit analysis
and EIA with reference to its ecological and socio-economic impacts.

Forest Act brings in – conservation and protection of forest and prevent

deforestation. 20
 Drawbacks of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
This Act is inherited exploitative and consumerist elements from forest
laws of British period. It just transfer the power from States to Center govt.

Local community omitted from decision making process regarding the

nature of use of forest area. Restriction of native tribal from accessing the
forest making them to involve in smuggling, killing, poaching etc.

Very poor community participation in the Act remains one of the major
drawbacks which affects proper execution of the Act.

Omission & failing to acknowledge & honor native tribal who have rich
knowledge about forest resources, their importance & conservation is one
of the major drawbacks of the Act. 21
 Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

Definition of Water Pollution:

Contamination of water, or such alteration of the
physical, chemical or biological properties of water or such discharge as
is likely to cause a nuisance or render the water harmful or injurious to
public health and safety or harmful for any other use or to aquatic plants
& other organisms or animal life.

Definition of water pollution encompass the entire probable agent in

water that may cause any harm or have potential to harm any kind of life
in any way.

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 Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
It provides maintenance and restoring of wholesomeness of water by
preventing and controlling pollution of ground and surface water.
Salient features of the Act:
Maintenance and restoration of quality of surface and ground water
Provides establishment of Central and State pollution Control Board.
Act has provision to funds, budgets, accounts and audit of the Central and State
pollution control board. It can also penalize defaulters.
Central and State PCB has comprehensive power to advice, coordinate and
provide technical assistance to prevention and control water pollution.
Central and State PCB are the main regulatory bodies
Duties of CPCB:
Advices Central govt., in matters to prevention & control of water pollution
Coordinates the activities of SPCB & provides technical assistance and guidance
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 Duties of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
Organize training programs & programs for pollution related issues through
mass media & nation-wide program for prevention & control of pollution.
Collects, compiles & publishes technical & statistical data related to pollution.
Prepares manual for treatment and disposal of sewage and trade effluents.
Lays down standards for water quality parameters.
Establish or recognizes laboratories for analysis of water, sewage or trade
effluent sample.
Plans nation-wide programs for prevention and control of pollution
Duties of SPCB:
Advices State govt. on location of industry that might pollute stream or well.
It is empowered to take samples from any stream, well or trade effluent or
sewage passing through an industry.
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 Duties of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
The water sample is taken in the presence of the occupier or his agent is dived
into two parts, sealed, signed by both and sent for analysis. If sample is not
compile to prescribed water quality then consent is refused to the unit.

The Board suggests efficient methods for utilization, treatment and disposal of
trade effluents.

The Act details the power of the Boards to obtain information, take trade
samples, restrict new outlets, expansion, enter and inspect the units and
sanction or refuse consent to the industry after effluent analysis.

Installation and proper functioning of effluent treatment plants in all

polluting industries is a must for checking pollution of water and land.
Development is necessary but not at the cost of pollution.
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 Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

Definition of Air pollution:

Presence of any solid, liquid or gaseous
substance (including noise) in the atmosphere in such concentration as
may be or tend to be harmful to human beings or any other living
creatures or plants or property or environment.

Noise pollution has been inserted as pollution in the Act in 1987.

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 Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

The Act provides for prevention, control and reduction of air pollution.
Pollution Control Boards at the Center and State have power to check
the emission standard or air pollutant and accordingly it can grant or
refuse to the industry.
Act has provision for defining the constitution, powers and function of
PCBs, fund and audit and It can also penalize defaulters.
The Act has provision for ensuring emission standards from
automobiles. Accordingly empowers RTO to comply such instruction.
State government can declare after consultation with SPCB an area
within the state as “air pollution control area”.
The Head of the State, The Governor can appoint Appellate Authority to
hear grievance of aggrieved party (industry) & SPCB & dispose off the
appeal as quickly as possible. 27
 Drawbacks of Pollution Acts
The power is centralized at central government – hinders efficient execution
of provision of Acts in states.
Mild penalties compare to damage/ pollution caused/treatment.
Not includes RTI for citizens – restricts involvement of general public
Petition cannot be filed directly in court on question of environment. 60 days
notice to be given to central government.
PIL particularly related to environment is very expensive, tedious & difficult,
involves expert testimony, technical knowledge of the issues.
SPCB often lack funds & expertise to pursue their objectives.
Settlement outside court hinder the implementation of legal measures.
Set up of ETP or air pollution control devices for small units is expensive
Pollution control laws are not supported by environmentally sound policy
Chairman of the boards are often political appointees
Involving public in decision making and public monitoring of environmental
issues has mostly remained in paper. 28
 Public Environmental Awareness

Public awareness about environment is at infancy stage.

Development created equivalent amount or more pollution.
Maintaining balance between needs and supply is very important.

Some main reasons for environmental ignorance

Early education doesn’t include environmental education in academic curricula.
Our planners, decision-makers, politicians and administrators not trained so as to
consider the environmental aspects with their plans.
During development project, information related to environmental aspect is hided.
Development projects and employment overshadows the environmental issues.

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 Methods to Propagate Environmental Awareness
‘Environment belongs to all’ and ‘every individual matters’ when it
comes to conservation and protection of environment.

Methods to create environmental awareness

Through formal and informal education
Through mass-media – articles, environmental rallies, plantation
campaigns, street plays, real eco-disaster stories, marathons etc.
Through workshops and training programs for planners, decision-
makers, politicians, administrators, leaders etc.
Through publication of environmental-related resources through
pamphlets or booklets etc.

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 Role of NGO’s in Environmental Awareness

NGO’s – bridge between government and people.

They can act as both ‘action group’ and ‘pressure group’
They can be very effective in organizing public movements for the
protection of environment through creation of awareness. Eg.
Chipko Movement for conservation of trees by Dasholi Gram Swarajya
Mandal.
Narmada Bachao Andolan – deforestation – Kalpavriksh.
Recent report by Center for Science and Environment (CSE) on more
than permissible limit of pesticides in the co-cola drink.

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 Environmental priorities in India

The priorities of government of India towards sustainable environment…..

Population stabilization
Environmental education
Protecting and managing the natural resource base of economic and
social development
Reduction of ecological footprints
Waste management
Environmental ethics
Pollution control & mitigation of global climate change
Environmental legislation
Conservation of natural resources & biodiversity
Poverty eradication & improving health sector
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