Context: The details of the recently released draft environment impact assessment (EIA) report for the mega development project in the Great Nicobar Island have raised serious questions.
The questions are related to submission of incorrect or incomplete information, scientific inaccuracy and failure to follow appropriate procedure.
A public hearing to discuss the report has been scheduled.
What is the matter related to?
The matter is related to the NITI Aayog-piloted Rs. 72,000-crore integrated project in Great Nicobar that includes construction of a mega port, an airport complex, a township spread over 130 sq. km of pristine forest and a solar and gas-based power plant.
Ecologists and researchers have been raising concerns about this project for over a year.
Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)
It is a process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project
It is statutorily backed by the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Environment Impact Assessment Notification of 2006 has decentralized the environmental clearance projects by categorizing the developmental projects in two categories – Category A (national level appraisal) and Category B (state level appraisal).
Category A projects – They require mandatory environmental clearance and thus they do not undergo the screening process.
Category B Projects– They undergo screening process and they are classified into two types:
