Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

• IAS NEXT, Lucknow
• 27, Jan 2022

Reference News:-

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:
  • Category B1 projects (Mandatorily require EIA).
  • Category B2 projects (Do not require EIA).