A review of environment laws from EIA perspective
Student name: Ms Mohita Paliwal
Guide: Dr Prateek Sharma
Year of completion: 2009
Host Organisation: J.M. EnviroNet Pvt. Ltd.
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Mr R L Meena
Abstract: Currently two global crises- the sharpening financial meltdown and the depleting environment quality- compete as topics of international, national and even regional debates. Undoubtedly neither economy nor environment can be given more importance. This inevitable debate hence continues. While the rules and game of economy is entirely at the discretion of its planner, ecology is a dynamic science. Man bestowed with all his intelligence can surely alter the course of nature, but little can he do about this dynamic nature of environment. He can exploit certain natural resource as per his wish, but can not create or produce another if the present one is exhausted. This is an alarming fact that does not need any validation. Hence the need to conserve Mother Nature.
This need has become urgency in today’s world which is witnessing high rates of industrialisation, urbanisation and corresponding degradation & depletion of its finite natural resources. Economy and ecology thus remain at an antagonistic relationship. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is one way of attaining equilibrium between the two.
The present study focuses on EIA procedure as practiced in India. Its gradual emergence amidst other environment related legislations has been briefly presented. The various shortcomings of the procedure have been highlighted through a case study. However the study does not end at this point only. It tries to put forward an approach to ultimately achieve the sustainable development paradigm. The devised approach basically concentrates on Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA). SEA has been proposed as a complementary and supplementary factor and not as a substitute to the EIA. EIA is a project level procedure. SEA being active at policy, planning, and programme level can help fill in the gaps observed in EIA. Improvement is sought in qualitative terms also. Strict implementation of the set of environment legislations and a sense of responsibility and accountability from project proponent are pre-requisites for achieving the final aim of Development AND Environment equilibrium instead of a Development VERSUS Environment war.
Key words: EIA (Environment Impact Assessment), SEA (Strategic Environment Assessment), India, Environment, Public participation
