GS Paper 3
Syllabus: EIA
Source: TH
Context: This article discusses the importance of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) with respect to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem
What is EIA and its evolution?
Need for EIA in the Himalayn Region:
| Challenges | Reasons |
| Recurring Disasters | Recent events like the Teesta dam breach (Sept 2023) in Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh floods and landslides underscore the environmental toll of our development model, particularly in mountainous regions. |
| “One size fits all” approach | The Himalayan region’s unique ecological importance, serving as a water tower and provider of ecosystem services, is not adequately considered in the existing EIA system. |
| Unsuitability of a graded approach | The differentiated risk management approach used in the regulatory system doesn’t account for the special ecological features of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). |
| Unplanned Urbanization | Unplanned construction has disrupted natural water flow, leading to frequent landslides and instability in the Himalayan slopes. |
| Construction of Dams | The construction of dams without proper environmental impact assessment could submerge arable lands, and biodiversity hotspots, and displace villagers, affecting fisheries and fish ecology. |
| Ecology under stress | Population growth, industrial and commercial activities, deforestation, soil erosion, and land pressure are stressing the fragile Himalayan ecology. |
| Vulnerability to extreme conditions | The Himalayas are inherently vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, and seismic activity, and are further impacted by climate change. |
Suggestions:
- Address the needs of mountainous regions like the Himalayas in all four stages of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Screening, scoping, public consultation, and appraisal.
- Modify the criteria for projects requiring Environmental Clearance to align with the ecological needs of mountainous regions.
- Include clauses in the general conditions for all projects regarding the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) or mountainous areas with specific characteristics to hold project proponents accountable.
- Utilize the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) diligently as a powerful regulatory tool to promote sustainable development in the IHR and the entire country.
For recent changes in EIA notifications: Click Here
Conclusion:
A differentiated risk management approach for the IHR in the EIA process and the introduction of a national-level regulator are suggested as potential solutions to address these challenges effectively.
About Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006
The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, is the governing legal instrument to grant green clearance for the establishment or expansion of an industry on the basis of the expected environmental impact of the project.
Features of EIA Notification, 2006:
- The EIA Notification 2006 essentially attempted to decentralise power to the State Government.
- For this purpose, the rules categorize the projects into two categories – A and B, on the basis of the magnitude of their scale and impact on the natural and artificial resources.
- Under this Notification, the environmental clearance process undergoes four stages, namely, screening, scoping, public consultation and appraisal stages.
- With further amendments, including in 2020, the EIA Notification underwent several changes with some features meeting the objectives and some diluting the purpose.
Insta Links:
Mains Link:
- Environmental Impact Assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before a project is cleared by the Government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at coal pitheads. ( UPSC 2014)
