Adhoc method: Advantages and Disadvantages

Adhoc Method:

Adhoc methods indicate broad areas of possible impacts by listing composite environmental
parameters (e.g.: flora and fauna) likely to be affected by the proposed activity or any
development. Adhoc method involves assembling a team of specialists who identify impacts
in their area of expertise. Here, each parameter is considered separately and the nature of
impacts (long term or short term, reversible or irreversible) is considered.
Adhoc method gives a rough assessment of total impact while giving the broad areas and the
general nature of possible impacts. In this method, the assessor relies on an intuitive approach
and makes a broad-based qualitative assessment. This method serves as a preliminary
assessment and helps in identification of important areas like Wildlife, Endangered species,
Natural vegetation, Exotic vegetation, Grazing, Social characteristics, Natural drainage,
Groundwater, Noise, Air quality, Open space, Recreation, Health and safety, Economic values
and Public facilities.

This method is very simple and can be performed without any training and can be used when
time period is limited. It does not involve any relative weighting or any cause-effect
relationship. This method is not recommended, when more scientific methods are available.

Advantage:
 Adhoc method is very simple and can be easily understandable.
 It can be performed without any training.
 This method is helpful in enlisting various environmental components.

Disadvantage:

 Adhoc method may not encompass all the relevant impacts.

 The identification and prediction of short & long term impacts are poor because it
examined on guess basis.
 It provides minimal guidance for impact analysis, while suggesting broad areas of
possible impacts.
 This method is not good for organizing, reviewing and interpreting data.
 The criteria used to evaluate impacts are not comparable.
 It is inherently inefficient as it require a considerable effort to identify and assemble an
appropriate panel for each assessment.

Because of the above disadvantages or drawbacks, it is not recommended as a method

for impact analysis. It has utility only when other methods cannot be used.