UNIT – IV

Socio Economic Assessment

Baseline monitoring of Socio economic environment – Identification of Project Affected
Personal – Rehabilitation and Resettlement Plan- Economic valuation of Environmental
impacts Cost benefit Analysis- Public Consultation

Baseline Monitoring data generation

The term baseline refers to conditions existing before the development against which
subsequent changes can be referenced. Acquisition of baseline data is mainly
(a) To assess the present status of air, noise, water, land, ecology, and socioeconomic
components of the environment in an area of 10 km radius around the proposed site, which is
mandatory
(b) To identify and quantify significant impacts of processing operations on environmental
components;
(c) To prepare EMP with pollution control technologies to be adopted for mitigation of
adverse impacts and site-specific remedial measures
(d) To delineate future environmental quality monitoring programs to be pursued by the
proponents after commissioning the proposed project. Baseline data can be generated by
making a mandatory buffer of 10 km radius to study, evaluate, and assess the area of
influence of impacts due to the proposed project, activity, or any legislative actions. An area
of 10 km radial buffer zone around the proposed project has to be studied for characterization
of various environmental components derived through environmental inventory. Prominent
features from the boundary of the proposed project to be examined. Review of existing
environmental status consisted of data collection on various environmental components such
as air, water, land use, ecology, and socioeconomics. The data can be collected from both
primary and secondary sources. Primary data can be collected through an environmental
survey of the study area appropriately based on the seasons. Data on ambient air quality,
water quality, noise levels, soil quality, and flora-fauna will be collected from representative
locations in the subject area of 10 km radius.

For conducting EIA study for obtaining environmental clearance of any development project,
a number of data products are necessary and needed to acquire from various sources, by
applying various techniques to derive the secondary data products, through number of field
surveys for primary data products. However, baseline data products required for EIA study.
The readers can understand these tables easily as they are self-explanatory. The list of
VECs(Valued Environmental Components ), which are created as a baseline database, which
in turn presents the baseline environmental status of proposed project area within 10 km
radius of the project site. The extraction of the environmental attributes and the process of
formulating the baseline data for any given project are explained with the help of an example.
Project-specific concerned parameters need to be identified by the project proponent and shall
be incorporated in the draft TOR (Terms of Reference), to be submitted to the authority for
the consideration and approval by the EAC (Economic Advisory Council )/SEAC. The
proposed 480 MW gas-based combined-cycle power plant (CCPP) shall be designed for base
load operation and capable of full range of operating conditions with a high availability and
high overall thermal efficiency in a cost-effective manner.
Socio-economicsAspects
The growth of industrial sectors and infrastructure developments in and around the
agriculture-dominant areas, villages, and towns are bound to create its impact on the
socioeconomic aspects of the local population. The impacts may be positive or negative
depending upon the developmental activity. To assess the impacts on the socioeconomics of
the local people, it is necessary to study the existing socioeconomic status of the local
population, which will be helpful for making efforts to further improve the quality of life in
the area of study. To study the socioeconomic aspects of people in the study area around the
proposed project site, the required data have been collected from various secondary sources
and supplemented by the primary data generated through the process of a limited door-to-
door socioeconomic survey. The sociological aspects of this study include human
settlements, demography, social such as scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, and literacy
levels besides infrastructure facilities available in the study area. The economic aspects
include occupational structure of workers. The village-wise demographic data per census can
also presented for subsequent analysis.

The occupational structure of residents in the study area is studied with reference to
main workers, marginal workers, and nonworkers. The main workers include four
categories of workers defined by the census department consisting of cultivators; agricultural
laborers; those engaged in manufacturing, processing, and repairs in household industry; and
others including those engaged in household industry, construction,
trade and commerce, transport and communication, and all other services.
The marginal workers are those workers engaged in some work for a period of less
than six months during the reference year prior to the census survey. The nonworkers
include those engaged in unpaid household duties, students, retired persons, dependents,
beggars, vagrants, institutional inmates, and all other nonworkers who do
not fall under the above categories.

PROJECT AFFECTED PERSONS (PAPs)

Who is a Project Affected Person (PAP)?

Development projects such as dams, mines, industries, roads, power plants and others
need vast tracts of land for setting up and expansion of existing infrastructure. A
typical thermal power plant of 1000 megawatts would need about 800 hectares of land.
Normally the lands to be acquired for such projects are already used for different
purposes like residential, agricultural, business, public utility and others. The persons
utilising these lands for living, cultivating and practising any other activity, with or
without legal ownership may need to give up the activity and/ or lose the land and
structures thereon, fully or partially for the project. These persons are therefore
affected adversely or negatively and are called Project
Affected Persons (PAPs). In other words, a project affected persons is anyone affected
by land acquisition, relocation, or loss of incomes associated with project-changes in
use of land, water and other natural resources.
Although projects often have many adverse impacts by way of displacing or affecting
shelter, business or any other activity, they also have positive impacts on certain
populations who can be called ‘beneficiaries’ of the project. Our concern here is for
 those affected adversely or negatively by the project since they require resettlement
and rehabilitation in restoring or improving their previous living standards.
Definition of PAP in Various Acts and Policies
In this section, we shall look at the manner in which the PAPs have been defined under
the various international as well as national policies and Acts.
1) Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Involuntary Resettlement Policy, 1995
As per the ADB policy, the term affected person includes any people, households,
firms or private institutions who, on account of changes that result from the project
will have their (i) standard of living adversely affected; (ii) right, title, or other
interest in any house, land (including residential, commercial, agricultural, forest,
and/or grazing land), water resources, or any other moveable or fixed assets
acquired, possessed, restricted, or otherwise adversely affected, in full or part,
permanently or temporarily; and/or (iii) business, occupation, place of work or
residence, or habitat adversely affected, with or without displacement (ADB
Operations Manual F2/BP Footnote 3). For details see also Unit 69, MRR-005.
2) World Bank’s Operational Policy on Involuntary Resettlement OP 4.12,
December 2001 (Revised April 2004)
The World Bank was one of the first international institution to come up with a
comprehensive policy on involuntary resettlement. The Bank broadly defines the
“Project affected persons” as persons affected by land acquisition, relocation, or
loss of incomes associated with change in land use due to the project.
The World Bank Operational Policy on Involuntary resettlement OP 4.12,
December 2001 defines the term “displaced persons” as persons who are affected
by the involuntary taking of land resulting in (i) relocation or loss of shelter; (ii)
lost of assets or access to assets; or (iii) loss of income sources or means of
livelihood, whether or not the affected persons must move to another location; or
(iv) the involuntary restriction of access to legally designated parks and protected
areas resulting in adverse impacts on the livelihoods of the displaced persons. For
details see also Unit 69, MRR-005.
3) The Land Acquisition (LA) Act, 1894
In India, compensation for land acquisition (LA) and resettlement assistance for
project-affected people, until very recently, was governed by the Land Acquisition
(LA) Act of 1894 which has categories of ‘person interested’ and ‘displaced
person’. In section 3 (b) of the LA Act 1894, a ‘person interested’ includes all
persons claiming an interest in compensation to be made on account of the
acquisition of land under this Act; and a person shall be deemed to be interested in
land if he is interested in an easement affecting the land (also see Unit 6 in MRR-
101). The term includes all persons who suffer or are likely to suffer displacement
on account of intended acquisitions of land or agricultural labourers and all other
labourers and all persons who depend on land intended to be acquired for their
right to livelihood, customary or otherwise (Fernandes and Paranjype 1997: 251).
In other words, an individual should have an interest in the land, which is being
acquired. Such an interest may be an absolute one such as that of an owner or a
partial one such as that of a tenant or a licensee.
In section 3(h) of the L.A. Act 1894, a ‘displaced person’ means any person who is
in occupation of revenue land, with or without a patta, forest land or one who is
 enjoying the usufructs of the forest land and other common property resources, the
fisherfolk, grazers, the agricultural labourers, semi- nomads who occupy that area
periodically, small traders, village artisans who reside in the affected zone and for
the purpose of the project have been displaced from such land or other property
(Fernandes and Paranjype 1997: 256). For details on LAA see also MRR-101,
Units 07, 08 and 09.
4) National Policy on Resettlement & Rehabilitation (NPRR), 2004
Since the LA Act only provides for cash compensation for the land acquired
(private property) and does not require the Government to ensure the resettlement
and rehabilitation or livelihood restoration of those families who are uprooted as a
consequence of acquisition of their land, it was felt necessary to have a specific
policy that can address the impacts of development-induced displacement in a

comprehensive manner. As a result, a National Policy on Resettlement &

Rehabilitation has been adopted by the Government of India (GOI). This policy is
applicable to all developmental projects where 500 or more families’ en masse in
plain areas or 250 or more families’ en masse in hilly areas are displaced due to
project activity. It essentially addresses the need to provide succor to the assetless
rural poor, supports the rehabilitation efforts of the resources and provides a broad
canvas for an effective consultation between PAFs and authorities responsible for
their R&R. The policy also recognises the special needs of the vulnerable groups
such as indigenous people & BPL families (Chapter 1 of NPRR).
The NPRR defines both displaced persons/family” and “project affected
persons/family”.
of the policy defines a “project affected family” as a family/person whose place of
residence or other properties or source of livelihood are substantially affected by
the process of acquisition of land for the project and who has been residing
continuously for a period of not less than three years preceding the date of
declaration of the affected zone or practicing any trade, occupation or vocation
continuously for a period of not less than three years in the affected zone,
preceding the date of declaration of the affected zone.
Whereas a “displaced family” refers to any tenure holder, tenant, government
lessee or owner of the other property, who on account of acquisition of his land
including plot in the abadi or other property in the affected zone for the purpose of
the Project, has been displaced from such land or other property

CATEGORIES OF DEVELOPMENT INDUCED PAPs

Persons affected by development projects can be broadly categorised into people who are
namely,
i) directly affected by the project
ii) indirectly affected by the project.
Directly affected PAPs include those whose lands and/ or structures are fully or
partially acquired for the project namely:
i) Owners of houses, businesses, agricultural land and other structures
ii) Those using the land and/ or structures of others with no ownership but are
dependent on the lands and/ or structures for their dwelling or livelihood purposes
 like agriculture, residential tenants, labour working on the lands and commercial
establishments.
The directly affected PAPs can be further classified into three main categories (a)
titleholders and (b) non- titleholders and (c)those with customary users rights.
25.1.1 Directly Affected PAPs: Titleholders, Non-titleholders and Users
Rights
The difference between these three categories of directly affected PAPs is dependent
upon the asset ownership status. The persons who own a movable or fixed asset with a
valid legal title are called titleholders whereas those without any legal ownership
comprise of non-titleholders. The non-titleholders mainly comprise of tenants,
sharecroppers, landless/wage labourers, squatters and vendors (on public land) without
land titles or ownership rights on the affected land.
The third category of affected PAPs constitutes of customary users’ groups with
customary/traditional rights to the land and other resources affected by the Project.
This group mainly comprises of indigenous or tribal groups without any formal land
titles.

Table 25.1 Possible categories of APs without Land titles or Ownership Rights
i) Tenants/Sharecroppers
ii) Landless/wage laborers
iii) Squatters and vendors:
vi) Indigenous or Tribal people
v) Women and especially female heads of households

Indirectly Affected PAPs

The indirect affects of displacement are generally in the form of deprivation of
access to common property resources (CPRs) and public utilities and new
pressures exerted on the socio-economic infrastructure of the host population.
i ) Loss of Access to CPR and Public Utilities: The setting up or expansion of a
project may not only affect people directly, but may also deprive some from
accessing community resources and public utilities such as grazing pastures,
community well, public offices, electricity etc. In rural India, the poor derive some
income support from a wide range of community resources, in addition to those
owned by them. For example, acquisition of grazing pastures for Ramagundam
National Thermal Power Corporation has caused reduction in cattle population and
consequent fall in the income levels of those dependent on milk business
(Parasuraman, Singh and Prasad 1995). Loss of access to community water tanks
for a project means loss of a permanent water source as well as potential impact on
ground water table. This would affect the people by way of losing water for
domestic purpose and affecting irrigation potential of the region, although they do
not lose anything directly to the project.
ii) Host Area Population: The receiving population wherein the displaced are resettled
constitutes the host population. The host population, in general, would be affected
because the larger population after relocation competes for public utilities, natural
resources and local employment. Conflicts may also arise because of extension of
assistance to the DPs and PAPs discriminating against the host population.
Check Your Progress 1
i) What do you understand by the term ‘Project Affected Persons’ (PAPs)?
ii) Name the main categories of development induced PAPs.
iii) List down the three main types of directly affected PAPs.
iv) List the adverse affects of displacement faced by the indirectly affected PAPs.

APPROACHES AND TECHNIQUES FOR

IDENTIFICATION OF PAPs

PAPs Identification: Temporal Context

The time context in identification of PAPs has become important in view of large-
scale displacement of PAPs in the old development projects. They were implemented
inadequate or there were no R&R measures. This leads to the emerging awareness
among stakeholders and researchers to address these old PAPs in the changing social
setting.
i) Current and Future Projects
The current and future projects are the ones, which are yet to be implemented and
are at the conceptual stage. These projects have sufficient time to inform the project
communities on the scope of the project and its impact; consult community on their
perceptions on the project and its impact as well as the mitigation R&R measures
and based on this plan the entire process of R&R right from the pre-project stage.
ii) Old and Executed Projects
There are many projects, which were implemented with no provisions for the
resettlement and rehabilitation of the project-affected communities. An estimated 21.3
million people have been displaced for various projects during 1950-1990 and of this
75 per cent are yet to be resettled (Fernandes and Paranjpye, 1997). With changing
social awareness, particularly on the rights of the PAPs, the implementing agencies
are attempting to address the needs of such displaced PAPs while expanding or
completing the old projects.
Approaches and Techniques for Identification of Directly Affected PAPs:
Titleholder, Non-titleholders and Customary Users
Identification of the PAPs and accurate data reflecting the precise impacts on
them is essential for effective resettlement planning. There are several
techniques and approaches that are adopted for identification of directly
affected persons in a project which are enumerated below:
i) Census Based Survey
Census survey is the complete enumeration of all affected households and their assets
through household questionnaire. It is the most exhaustive method as it covers all the
affected persons in the project area and serves three key objectives namely – a) to
prepare a complete inventory of PAPs and their assets as a basis for compensation, b)
to identify non-titled persons and c) to minimise impact of later influx of outsiders to
the project area (ADB Handbook on Resettlement – A Guide to Good practice, 1998).
The key information collected by means of the census survey comprises of: one, the
extent and type of physical and financial loss as a result of the project in terms of
 the loss of structure, land, source of livelihood, shelter etc. and two, the socio-
economic profile of the families and /or individuals who are likely to be the
sufferers. For further details on census survey see Unit 26.
ii) Verification of Project Records
Prior to conducting a detailed census survey, available project records need to be
reviewed to understand project boundaries and any other information available in
project records on PAPs, which are useful in carrying out the census survey.
iii) Verification of Records of Rights/ Land Records
Records of Rights maintained by Revenue Department are the primary land records,
which need to be consulted to determine the ownership, size of land, type of soil and
utilisation pattern of the land getting affected under the Project. Though census survey
gives some of this information, the information from the revenue records is important
to validate the ownership title of a titleholder. However, the land information systems
in India have several deficiencies because of stamp paper agreements. The lands sold
on stamp paper agreement without registering the sale deeds cannot get into land
records. Many a times in most cases, land records are not updated and therefore cannot
give instant information on land ownership without passing through a detailed
procedure.
In order to procure rapid information for estimation purposes without waiting for the
completion of land acquisition process, the following can be attempted:
i) superimposing the project design on the cadastral map to delineate the project
boundaries and to identify the owner by verifying the records
ii) verification of the land records at the field level through contacting the actual
owners if available or knowledgeable persons and neighbours in case actual
owners are not available
iii) contacting the Village Administrative Officer / Village head/Sarpanch/ Pradhan.
vi) Verification of Electoral and Public Utility Records
The identification of non-titleholders though done through census survey, their
tenure of stay and ownership of the structure in a specified locality can be
assessed by verifying public records such as electoral records, ration cards,
electricity bills etc.

Identification of PAPs of Old/ Implemented Projects

The identification of old executed project PAPs requires different techniques as
they are displaced and resettled elsewhere.
i) Verification of Project Records and Contacting Project Personnel
The starting point for identification of these types of PAPs is to verify the
records to find out the information useful in locating them.
ii) Tracing Techniques
To locate the whereabouts of the displaced PAPs, the following means can be employed:
i) press release
ii) pamphlets/ brochure distribution
iii) public displays
 iv) contacting neighbours and knowledgeable persons.

Rehabilitation and Resettlement Plan

Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) Plan forms a part of the Environmental Impact
Assessment and Management Plan Reports (EIA and EMP) and is assessed and approved by
the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change (MoEF&CC) for according Environmental Clearance to the project. The R&R Plan
for project affected families for ongoing projects has been prepared based on National Policy
for Rehabilitation and Resettlement, 2003 and as per National Rehabilitation and
Resettlement Policy, 2007 (NRRP-2007). For new and upcoming projects the provisions of
the R&R Plan would be according to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in
Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 and its amendments which
come from time to time. The R&R Plan is implemented in association with the concerned
State Government, representatives from project affected families and other stakeholders in
the area. Considering the plight of those who have sacrificed their resources for the larger
benefit of the society, ways and means has to be explored and implemented to protect their
rights in general and the rights of vulnerable sections in particular, as an attempt towards
sustainable developments. In the process, NEEPCO explores various viable alternatives and
select the one causing least displacement or adverse impacts. Therefore, a detailed socio-
economic survey is conducted before formulation of R&R Plan for the project affected
families (PAFs) so as to assess the socio-economic and socio-cultural set-up of the affected
families and local people. In future, in addition to Socio-economic aspects, a separate chapter
on socio-cultural aspects based on study on Ethnography of the area will be included. For
effective implementation & monitoring of R&R Plan of a project, NEEPCO in consultation
with the concerned State Government forms a Project R&R Committee headed by
Administrator for R&R (rank of District Collector of the concerned State Government) and
Head of the Project being the Member Secretary of the committee.

A broad R&R package being implemented by NEEPCO at its various projects

comprises the following:-
Compensation :

 Compensation cost for land.

Physical Rehabilitation:

For project affected persons:

 Construction of residential houses.

 Construction of sanitary latrine.
 Construction of granary.
 Construction/grant of/for cattle /poultry sheds.
 Agricultural /horticultural land.
 Land development and protection measures against sediment flow.
 Transportation / displacement grant.
For village infrastructure:

 Development of grazing land.

 Site development for village land.
 Development of road.
 Providing power supply.
 Providing water supply.
 Construction of sanitation and sewerage facilities.
 Construction of school building.
 Construction of religious worship place.
 Construction of Community Hall.
 Construction of Panchayat Ghar.
 Construction of post office building.
 Grant for opening fair price shop.
 Construction of market.
 Construction of park and playground.
 Medical facilities- primary health centre.
 Veterinary services.
 Preservation of historical monuments.
 Cremation ground / grave yards.
 Preservation of biodiversity sites.
Economic rehabilitation:

Grant for:

 Agricultural activities.
 Horticultural activities.
 Dairying.
 Poultry rearing.
 Piggery.
 Goatery.
 Non-farm economic activities.
Training on:

 Cultivation and management of soil and water conservation in hills and hill slopes, in
terraced lands, selection of crops and varieties as well as other cultural practices for better
production.
 Management and upkeep of cross-bred cows.
 Management and upkeep of improved pigs.
 Management and upkeep of ducks.
 Management and upkeep of goatery.
 Weaving and designing.
 Handicrafts.
 Mushroom cultivation.

Economic valuation of Environmental impacts Cost benefit Analysis

Cost benefit Analysis (CBA) is a tool used either to rank projects or to choose the most
appropriate option. The ranking or decision is based on expected
economic costs and benefits. The rule is that a project should be undertaken if lifetime
expected benefits exceeds all expected costs.

Environmental cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is the application of CBA to projects or

policies that have the deliberate aim of environmental improvement or actions that somehow
affect the natural environment as an indirect consequence.

Performing cost benefit analysis allows companies to measure the benefits of a decision

(benefits of taking action minus the costs associated with taking that action). It involves
measurable financial metrics such as revenue earned, and costs saved as a result of the
decision to pursue a project.

The primary reason for conducting cost analysis is generally to determine the true
(full) costs of each of the programs under analysis (services and/or products). You can then
utilize this knowledge to: Identify and prioritize cost-saving opportunities

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

 Public involvement is a fundamental principle of the EIA process.

  Timely, well planned and appropriately implemented public involvement programs
will contribute to EIA studies and to the successful design, implementation, operation
and management of proposals.

 Specifically public involvement is a valuable source of information on key impacts,

potential mitigation measures and the identification and selection of alternatives.

 Nearly all EIA systems make provision for some type of public involvement.

 At a minimum, public involvement must provide an opportunity for those directly

affected by a proposal to express their views regarding the proposal and its
environmental and social impacts.

The purpose of public involvement is to:

 inform the stakeholders about the proposal and its likely effects;

 canvass their inputs, views and concerns; and take account of the information and
views of the public in the EIA and decision making.

The key objectives of public involvement are to:

 obtain local and traditional knowledge that may be useful for decision-making;

 facilitate consideration of alternatives, mitigation measures and tradeoffs;

 ensure that important impacts are not overlooked and benefits are maximized;

 reduce conflict through the early identification of contentious issues;

 provide an opportunity for the public to influence project design in a positive manner
(thereby creating a sense of ownership of the proposal);

 improve transparency and accountability of decision-making; and increase public

confidence in the EIA process.

Level Form of involvement

Informing One way flow of information from the proponent to the public

Consulting Two way flow of information between the proponent and the public with
opportunities for the public to express views on the proposal

Participating Interactive exchange between the proponent and the public encompassing
shared analysis and agenda setting and the development of understood and
agreed positions on the proposal and its impacts

Negotiating Face to face discussion between the proponent and key stakeholders to
build consensus and reach a mutually acceptable resolution of issues, for
example on a package of impact mitigation and compensation measures
  In practice, public involvement in EIA largely corresponds to consultation.

 However, participation will be appropriate in many circumstances, for example,

where a local population is displaced or relocated as a result of a project.

 A few countries also make provision for mediation or negotiation facilitated by a

neutral third party.

 In principle, these approaches to public involvement in EIA are distinctive and

relatively separate. However, they may be used in combination; for example,
consultation and participation can be appropriate at different stages of the same EIA
process.

STAKE HOLDERS INVOLVED:

The range of stakeholders involved in an EIA typically includes:

 the people “ individuals, groups and communities “ who are affected by the proposal;

 the proponent and other project beneficiaries;

 government agencies;

 NGOs and interest groups; andothers, such as donors, the private sector, academics
etc

LOCAL PEOPLE:

 Individuals or groups in the affected community will want to know what is proposed;
what the likely impacts are; and how their concerns will be understood and taken into
account.

 They will want assurances that their views will be carefully listened to and considered
on their merits.

 They will want proponents to address their concerns

They will also have knowledge of the local environment and community that can be tapped
and incorporated into the baseline data

PROPONENTS:

 Understandably, proponents will wish to shape the proposal to give it the best chance
of success.

 Often, this involves trying to create public understanding and acceptance of the
proposal through the provision of basic information.
  More creatively, project design can be improved through using public inputs on
alternatives and mitigation and understanding local knowledge and values.

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES:

 The government agencies involved in the EIA process will want to have their policy
and regulatory responsibilities addressed in impact analysis and mitigation
considered.

 For the competent authority, an effective public involvement program can mean the
proposal may be less likely to become controversial in the later stages of the process.

For the responsible EIA agency, the concern will be whether or not the public involvement
process conforms to requirements and procedures.

NGO’S & INTEREST GROUPS:

 Comments from NGOs can provide a useful policy perspective on a proposal; for
example; the relationship of the proposal to sustainability objectives and strategy.

 Their views may also be helpful when there are difficulties with involving local
people.

 However, this surrogate approach should be considered as exceptional; it cannot

substitute for or replace views which should be solicited directly.

OTHER INTERESTED GROUPS:

 Other interested groups include those who are experts in particular fields and can
make a significant contribution to the EIA study.

 The advice and knowledge of government agencies and the industry sector most
directly concerned with the proposal should always be sought.

However, in many cases, substantive information about the environmental setting and effects
will come from outside resources.

The benefits of public participation for different groups:

 The different benefits provided for key groups by effective public participation are
described in the following table

 However, these benefits may not be always realized or acknowledged by participants

Each of the above groups may perceive the benefits gained from public involvement in the
EIA process through the lens of their own experience and interests

 Most EIA systems make some type of provision for public involvement.
  The legal and procedural requirements for this purpose vary.

 In developing countries, the EIA procedure established by the development banks will
take precedence for projects carried out with their assistance.

 All of the major development banks consult the public during the EIA process carried
out on their operations.

 Their specific requirements differ regarding timing and scope of consultation and type
and amount of information disclosed.

Example:

 World bank operational policy (4.01) specifies that consultation with affected
communities is the key to the identification of impacts and the design of the
mitigation measures.

 It strongly recommends consultation with affected groups and NGOs during at least
the scoping and EIA review stage.

 In projects with major social components, such as those requiring voluntary

resettlement or affecting indigenous peoples, the process should involve active public
participation in the EIA and project development process.

 The provision made for public involvement should be consistent with principles
established by International Law and Policy

 The most comprehensive treaty in this regard is the Aarhus Convention, although this
applies only to UNECE countries and only entered into force in 2001 (by ratification
by a sufficient number of signatory countries)

However, it is likely to set important new precedents for standards of public involvement.

Principles of Public Involvement:

The process should be:

 Inclusive: cover all stakeholders

 Open and transparent: steps and activities are understood

 Relevant: focused on the issues that matters

 Fair: conducted impartially and without bias toward any stakeholder

 Responsive: to stakeholder requirements and inputs

Credible: builds confidence and trust

Public Involvement in Key Stages of EIA:

  Screening: determining the need for, and level, of the EIA process

 Scoping: identifying the key issues and alternatives to be considered

 Impact analysis: identifying the significant impacts and mitigation measures

 Review: commenting on/responding to the EIA report

Implementation and reporting: checking EIA follow up

Public involvement program:

Developing a public involvement program typically involves:

 Determining its scope

 Identifying interested and affected public

 Selecting appropriate techniques

 Considering the relationship to decision making

 Providing feedback to stakeholders

 Undertaking the analysis of stakeholder inputs

 Keeping to budget and timelines

 Confidentiality

Factors Affecting the Effectiveness of Public Involvement:

 Poverty

 Remote and rural settings

 Illiteracy

 Cultural/local values

 Language

 Legal systems override traditional ones

 Dominance of interest groups

 Proponent confidentiality

Principles for Successful Application of Public Involvement Techniques:

 Provide the right information

 Allow sufficient time to review and respond

  Provide appropriate opportunities/ means for stakeholder involvement

 Respond to issues and concerns raised

 Feedback the results of public input

 Chose venues and time of events to suit stakeholders

Principles for minimizing conflict:

 Involve all stakeholders

 Establish communication channels

 Describe the proposal and its objectives

 Listen to the concerns and interests of affected people

 Treat people fairly and impartially

 Be empathetic and flexible

 Mitigate impacts and compensate for loss and damage

Acknowledge concerns and provide feed back

Common reasons given for avoiding public involvement:

 It’s too early

 It will take too long and will cost too much

 It will stir up opposition

 We will only hear from articulates

 We’ll raise expectations

 People won’t understand

Conclusion:

Public involvement can be a time-consuming and costly exercise however if properly

planned and implemented can benefit and speed up the process. This issue can be best
addressed by sound planning. A proposal may be subject to delay and added expense if
public consultation is non-existent or inadequate.