Indian Economy, TLP-UPSC Mains Answer Writing
Q. 5. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process in India is often seen as weak and ineffective. In the context of recent clearances for large projects, examine the key problems in the EIA system. What reforms are needed to make it more transparent, participatory, and environmentally sound? (250 words, 10 marks)
Introduction
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, is a crucial tool to evaluate environmental consequences of development projects. Yet, implementation challenges have made it ineffective in safeguarding ecological interests.
Body
EIA Process in India
- Screening: Determines if a project requires EIA based on type, scale, and location. 2. Scoping: Sets Terms of Reference for the EIA report.
- Impact Assessment & Mitigation: Identifies likely impacts and mitigation measures. 4. Public Consultation: Involves local stakeholders through hearings and written responses. 5. Appraisal & Decision-making: Expert Appraisal Committees review the report and recommend clearance or rejection.
- Monitoring: Project implementation is monitored for compliance with environmental conditions.
Recent Concerns
- Dilutions and Clearances: Draft EIA 2020 included post-facto approvals and reduced hearing windows; projects like Dibang Dam and Great Nicobar were cleared despite environmental risks.
Key Problems in the EIA System
- Conflict of Interest: Project proponents select consultants, reducing objectivity; CAG highlighted this in 2016.
- Token Public Hearings: Poorly advertised and inaccessible; the 2014 Subramanian Committee noted this procedural weakness.
- Poor Quality Reports: Reports like Vedanta’s Niyamgiri case have contained falsified or outdated data.
- Weak Monitoring & Compliance: CAG found only 6% of cleared projects had compliance checks.
- Routine Exemptions: Draft EIA 2020 institutionalised exemptions for linear and strategic projects, weakening environmental oversight.
Reforms Needed
- Independent Accreditation: Set up an autonomous body to accredit and audit EIA consultants.
- Digitised Transparency: Use PARIVESH portal to publish all EIA documents in regional languages.
- Strengthen Public Consultation: Expand outreach, extend consultation windows, and improve access.
- Post-clearance Accountability: Implement mandatory compliance audits and enforce penalties.
- Judicial Reinforcement of Safeguards: In Noble M. Paikada v. Union of India (2024), the Supreme Court upheld the need for rigorous environmental review by striking down blanket exemptions for linear projects.
Conclusion
Reforming the EIA process is crucial to align development with environmental sustainability. A robust EIA system contributes directly to achieving SDG Goals 13 (Climate Action), 15 (Life on Land), and 16 (Institutional Justice).
