EIA_Questions_and_Answers Environment impact
- 1. 1. Explain the evolution of EIA in India. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in India has evolved significantly since its inception. It began in 1978 as an administrative tool for assessing the impact of river valley projects. Over time, its scope expanded to include a wide range of sectors such as infrastructure, thermal power, mining, and industrial projects. The formalization of EIA came with the EIA Notification of 1994, issued under the Environmental Protection Act, 1986. This notification made EIA mandatory for a number of projects and introduced the concept of public hearings as part of the assessment process. Subsequent amendments in 2006 further refined the process, making it more transparent and participatory, with clearer timelines and a tiered screening mechanism. The latest draft of the EIA notification in 2020 has sparked debates over its implications, showcasing the ongoing evolution of this critical environmental governance tool. 2. Explain Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 was one of the first significant environmental laws in India. It was enacted to prevent and control water pollution by regulating the discharge of pollutants into water bodies. The Act also led to the establishment of the Central and State Pollution Control Boards (CPCB and SPCBs), which are responsible for monitoring water quality and ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Act. The boards are empowered to set effluent standards, inspect industries, and take action against defaulters. The Act provides for penalties and imprisonment for those found guilty of polluting water bodies. It also empowers the government to close or prohibit any industry from operating if it is found to be polluting a water source. 3. Explain Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 was enacted with the objective of
- 2. preventing, controlling, and reducing air pollution in India. The Act empowers the Central and State Pollution Control Boards to set air quality standards and to regulate emissions from industries and vehicles. Industries are required to obtain consent from the SPCBs before commencing operations. The Act also authorizes the boards to inspect industries, collect samples, and take action against those who violate emission norms. Penalties under the Act include fines and imprisonment. The Act has been instrumental in bringing down air pollution levels in industrial and urban areas, although challenges remain due to rapid urbanization and increasing vehicular emissions. 4. Explain Environmental Protection Act, 1986. The Environmental Protection Act, 1986 was enacted in the aftermath of the Bhopal gas tragedy to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the protection and improvement of the environment. This Act is an umbrella legislation that provides the central government with the authority to regulate all forms of environmental pollution (air, water, and soil). It empowers the government to set environmental quality standards, regulate the handling of hazardous substances, and oversee the disposal of waste. The Act also provides for the establishment of authorities to monitor environmental performance and to take preventive measures in the event of an environmental emergency. Non-compliance with the Act can lead to stringent penalties, including imprisonment. The Act has played a crucial role in ensuring environmental accountability in India. 5. Differentiate between Rapid EIA and Comprehensive EIA. - Rapid EIA: Rapid EIA is a shorter version of the EIA process that focuses on the most significant environmental issues associated with a project. It is typically used when time constraints make it impossible to conduct a full-scale EIA. The assessment period is reduced, and only the most critical environmental components are studied in detail. Rapid EIA is often employed for smaller projects or when the environmental impact is expected to be minimal. - Comprehensive EIA: Comprehensive EIA, on the other hand, is a detailed and exhaustive
- 3. assessment of all potential environmental impacts of a project. It includes extensive data collection, in-depth analysis, and consideration of various factors like ecological, social, and economic impacts. Comprehensive EIA usually involves public consultations and takes more time to complete. It is mandatory for large-scale projects with significant potential environmental impacts, and it provides a more holistic understanding of the project's implications. 6. Write short notes on Initial Environmental Examination (IEE). Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is a preliminary assessment conducted to determine whether a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is necessary for a proposed project. The IEE is a screening tool that helps identify potential environmental impacts at an early stage. It assesses the significance of these impacts and evaluates whether they can be mitigated with simple measures. If the IEE indicates that the impacts are likely to be significant, a full-scale EIA is required. If the impacts are minimal, the project may proceed with basic mitigation strategies. The IEE helps streamline the environmental assessment process and ensures that resources are focused on projects with the most significant potential impacts.