Topic– Part of static series under the heading – “Environmental impact assessment”
4) EIA process if followed diligently can lead to mitigation of several environmental concerns. Examine. (250 words)
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to explain the process of EIA and highlight how it can help in mitigating Environmental concerns. Thereafter, we need to explain the issues inherent in the eia process and how can we ensure that the process is followed diligently.
Directive word
Examine – When you are asked to examine, you have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any .
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain about the EIA process. It is a study to evaluate and identify the predictable environmental consequences and the best combination of economic and environmental costs and benefits of the proposed project.
Body
- Discuss the process followed in EIA and describe how they are meant to mitigate environmental degradation. Highlight that eia consists of identification of the consequences of the proposal, Prediction of the extent of consequences, evaluation of the predicted consequences. (Significant or not), mitigation of the adverse consequences, Documentation to inform decision makers what needs to be done. These steps if followed diligently would ensure that damages caused due to projects can be mitigated.
- Highlight issues with EIA due to which the process has become less effective – screening and scoping not done well, misleading reports prepared, poor quality of EIA professionals etc, public hearing not conducted in several cases etc
- Discuss the steps that need to be taken to bolster the eia process.
Conclusion – Emphasize on the importance of eia and the need for reforming the process to make it more effective.