Topic– Environmental Impact Assessment
5) There is a need to strengthen the EIA procedures and norms to make ourselves less vulnerable to the vagaries of nature. Analyze. (250 words)
Why this question
The frequency of natural disasters is on the rise not only in India but across the world. In India, however , as we have seen in the case of Kerala floods, our preparedness to deal with such natural disasters is limited because of the poor EIA norms. The article discusses the issues with EIA which is the first step in understanding how the process can be improved.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to discuss the issues with the current process of EIA, highlight the lacunae and discuss how strengthening EIA would help in making is better prepared for the disasters of the future.
Directive word
Analyze – When asked to analyze, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain what EIA is, the legal provisions related to EIA.
Body
- Highlight the importance of EIA in making us better prepared to deal with disasters.
- Discuss the issues with EIA process in India – Deliberate omission of vital information, False, unreliable and doubtful data, funded by agency whose primary business is to obtain clearance, no accreditation of EIA consultancy etc
- Discuss the instances where poor EIA has led to magnification of impact post disasters – you can quote the examples cited in the article and the court cases as well
- Thereafter, examine the linkage between strengthening EIA process and enhancing our disaster preparedness.
Conclusion – Emphasize on the importance of strengthening the EIA process and the way forward.
