Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
6. Differentiate the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 from the existing EIA Notification, 2006. Does it compromise the existing principles of environmental sustainability? Comment. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The question is premised on the theme of EIA.
Key Demand of the question:
Differentiate the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 from the existing EIA Notification, 2006. And discuss the shortcomings if any.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start your answer by mentioning the context of the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020.
Body:
Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has proposed a draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) notification 2020 that seeks to replace the current EIA notification which goes back to 2006.
Highlight major differences between the draft and current notification; Post-Facto Approval, Public Consultation Process, Compliance Report Issue, Diluting EIA Process etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude that the draft EIA rule 2020, envisages consolidating the existing EIA rules and has the potential of alleviating some ambiguity in the present law. However, it must not compromise the existing principles of environmental sustainability.
