Implementaion of EIA Organisation helping in controlling pollution
- 1. UNIT -5 Institutional Support: International Organisations for environment and wildlife; UN Initiatives on ecology and environment; national policy on ecology and environment; Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) – need for EIA; steps of EIA; method; usage of EIA. Environment and Tourism – prospects and challenges
- 2. Introduction • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural and human-health impacts, both beneficial and adverse. • UNEP defines Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a tool used to identify the environmental, social and economic impacts of a project prior to decision-making. • Environment Impact Assessment in India is statutorily backed by the Environment Protection Act, 1986 which contains various provisions on EIA methodology and process.
- 3. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): • Need for EIA: • Regulatory Compliance: Many countries require EIAs for proposed projects to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. • Predicting Environmental Consequences: EIAs help in assessing potential environmental impacts of a project before it's implemented. • Public Participation: EIAs often involve public consultation, ensuring that local communities have a say in projects that might affect them. • Risk Management: Identifying potential risks to the environment allows for mitigation measures to be incorporated into the project design.
- 4. Steps of EIA: • Screening: Determines if an EIA is required for the proposed project. • Scoping: Identifies key issues and impacts to be addressed in the assessment. • Baseline Data Collection: Gathers information on existing environmental conditions. • Impact Prediction: Evaluates potential environmental impacts of the proposed project. • Mitigation Measures: Recommends actions to minimize or offset adverse impacts. • EIA Report Preparation: Compiles findings and recommendations into a comprehensive report. • Review and Decision-making: Authorities review the EIA report before making a decision on project approval. • Post-Approval Monitoring: Ensures that mitigation measures are implemented and monitors environmental impacts during project implementation
- 5. The EIA Process • EIA involves the steps mentioned below. However, the EIA process is cyclical with interaction between the various steps. • Screening: The project plan is screened for scale of investment, location and type of development and if the project needs statutory clearance. • Scoping: The project’s potential impacts, zone of impacts, mitigation possibilities and need for monitoring. • Collection of baseline data: Baseline data is the environmental status of study area. • Impact prediction: Positive and negative, reversible and irreversible and temporary and permanent impacts need to be predicted which presupposes a good understanding of the project by the assessment agency. • Mitigation measures and EIA report: The EIA report should include the actions and steps for preventing, minimizing or by passing the impacts or else the level of compensation for probable environmental damage or loss. • Public hearing: On completion of the EIA report, public and environmental groups living close to project site may be informed and consulted. • Decision making: Impact Assessment Authority along with the experts consult the project-in-charge along with consultant to take the final decision, keeping in mind EIA and EMP (Environment Management Plan). • Monitoring and implementation of environmental management plan: The various phases of implementation of the project are monitored. • Assessment of Alternatives, Delineation of Mitigation Measures and Environmental Impact Assessment Report: For every project, possible alternatives should be identified, and environmental attributes compared. Alternatives should cover both project location and process technologies. – Once alternatives have been reviewed, a mitigation plan should be drawn up for the selected option and is supplemented with an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to guide the proponent towards environmental improvements. • Risk assessment: Inventory analysis and hazard probability and index also form part of EIA procedures.
- 7. Usage of EIA: • Infrastructure Development: EIA is commonly used for large-scale infrastructure projects such as highways, dams, and airports. • Industrial Projects: Industries like mining, manufacturing, and energy production often require EIAs. • Urban Planning: EIAs can inform decisions on urban development projects such as housing developments or commercial centers. • Policy Development: Governments use EIAs to inform policy decisions related to environmental protection and sustainable development. • Environment and Tourism: • Prospects: • Economic Benefits: Tourism can bring significant revenue to local economies through accommodation, dining, and entertainment. • Cultural Exchange: Tourism promotes cultural exchange between visitors and locals, fostering understanding and appreciation of different cultures. • Conservation Funding: Revenue generated from tourism can be used to fund conservation efforts, protecting natural and cultural heritage sites.
- 8. Stakeholders in the EIA Process • Those who propose the project • The environmental consultant who prepare EIA on behalf of project proponent • Pollution Control Board (State or National) • Public has the right to express their opinion • The Impact Assessment Agency • Regional centre of the MoEFCC
- 9. • Salient Features of 2006 Amendments to EIA Notification • Environment Impact Assessment Notification of 2006 has decentralized the environmental clearance projects by categorizing the developmental projects in two categories, i.e., Category A (national level appraisal) and Category B (state level appraisal). – Category A projects are appraised at national level by Impact Assessment Agency (IAA) and the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) and Category B projects are apprised at state level. – State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) are constituted to provide clearance to Category B process. •
- 10. After 2006 Amendment the EIA cycle comprises of four stages: – Screening – Scoping – Public hearing – Appraisal • Category A projects require mandatory environmental clearance and thus they do not undergo the screening process. • Category B projects undergoes screening process and they are classified into two types. – Category B1 projects (Mandatorily requires EIA). – Category B2 projects (Do not require EIA). • Thus, Category A projects and Category B, projects undergo the complete EIA process whereas Category B2 projects are excluded from complete EIA process.
- 11. Importance of EIA • EIA links environment with development for environmentally safe and sustainable development. • EIA provides a cost effective method to eliminate or minimize the adverse impact of developmental projects. • EIA enables the decision makers to analyse the effect of developmental activities on the environment well before the developmental project is implemented. • EIA encourages the adaptation of mitigation strategies in the developmental plan. • EIA makes sure that the developmental plan is environmentally sound and within the limits of the capacity of assimilation and regeneration of the ecosystem.
- 12. • Challenges: • Environmental Degradation: Over-tourism can lead to pollution, habitat destruction, and strain on local resources. • Cultural Disruption: High tourist numbers can disrupt local communities, traditions, and ways of life. • Infrastructure Strain: Tourism infrastructure such as hotels and roads can put pressure on local infrastructure and services. • Economic Vulnerability: Dependence on tourism can leave communities vulnerable to economic downturns or external shocks.
- 14. EIA Case studies –INDIA • Case Study 1: Konkan Railway Project • Background: The Konkan Railway is a railway line that runs along the Konkan coast of India, connecting Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka states. The project aimed to provide a faster and more reliable transportation route through a region characterized by challenging terrain and dense forests. • EIA Process: • The Konkan Railway project underwent a comprehensive EIA to assess its environmental impacts. • Baseline studies were conducted to evaluate the existing ecological conditions along the railway route, including flora, fauna, and hydrology. • Impact assessment studies predicted the potential effects of the railway construction on wildlife habitats, water bodies, and air quality. • Mitigation measures such as wildlife corridors, eco-friendly construction practices, and afforestation programs were implemented to minimize environmental impacts. • Challenges: • Habitat Fragmentation: The railway line traversed through ecologically sensitive areas, leading to habitat fragmentation and disruption of wildlife corridors. • Soil Erosion: Construction activities caused soil erosion and sedimentation in nearby water bodies, impacting aquatic ecosystems. • Noise and Air Pollution: The operation of trains resulted in noise pollution, affecting wildlife behavior, and air pollution from diesel locomotives. • Prospects: • Improved Connectivity: The Konkan Railway has improved connectivity and accessibility to the remote regions along the Konkan coast, promoting economic development and tourism. • Tourism Opportunities: The scenic beauty of the Konkan region attracts tourists to the area, boosting local economies and livelihoods. • Environmental Conservation: The railway authorities have implemented various conservation measures, including reforestation and wildlife protection initiatives, to mitigate the project's environmental impacts.
- 15. Case Study 2: Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve • Background: Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve is located in the state of Rajasthan and is one of India's premier tiger reserves. The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including the Bengal tiger, and attracts a large number of tourists every year. • Challenges: • Tourist Pressure: High tourist footfall in Ranthambore poses challenges such as habitat disturbance, wildlife stress, and vehicle congestion within the park. • Poaching and Illegal Activities: Despite conservation efforts, the park faces threats from poaching, encroachment, and illegal mining activities, fueled in part by tourism demands. • Infrastructure Development: The need for tourism infrastructure, such as hotels, roads, and visitor facilities, puts pressure on the park's natural resources and ecosystems. • Prospects: • Conservation Awareness: Tourism in Ranthambore has raised awareness about tiger conservation and the importance of preserving natural habitats. • Economic Benefits: Tourism generates revenue that supports conservation efforts, community development, and livelihoods of local residents. • Research and Monitoring: Tourism activities provide opportunities for research, monitoring, and education, contributing to the scientific understanding of wildlife ecology and behavior. • These case studies from India demonstrate the complexities of balancing infrastructure development, economic growth, and environmental conservation in the context of EIA and tourism.