What’s the news?

• In light of the recent Teesta dam breach in Sikkim and floods in Himachal Pradesh, the potential negative impact of developmental activities on our ecology, especially in the mountains, is evident.

Central idea

• The recent Teesta dam breach in Sikkim and devastating floods and landslides in Himachal Pradesh have underscored the destructive consequences of our current development model. It is crucial to evaluate the environmental repercussions of significant human endeavors in order to strike a balance between development and ecological preservation.

What is EIA?

• Definition: EIA, or Environment Impact Assessment, is a process defined by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to gauge the environmental, social, and economic impacts of a project before implementation.
• Functions: It contrasts various project alternatives, predicts environmental consequences, and suggests appropriate mitigation strategies.

EIA’s Historical Development in India

• 1976–77: A precursor to EIA began with an evaluation of river valley projects.
• 1994: The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change introduced the first EIA notification.
• 2006: The 2006 notification decentralized the process, allowing states to issue EC (Environmental Clearance) in specific cases. This policy was later amended for refinement.
• The 2020 draft EIA was criticized as favoring industries while neglecting ecological concerns.

EIA 2006 Notification’s Scope and Limitations

• It establishes the procedure for giving EC.
• Only specific projects listed in the attached schedule require an EC.
• It categorizes projects (e.g., mining, power generation). However, the threshold limits for requiring an EIA remain consistent nationwide.

The Potential of EIA for Sustainable Development

• Informed Decision-Making: EIA provides data for informed choices that balance development with environmental concerns.
• Early Risk Identification: EIA identifies and mitigates potential environmental harm, promoting sustainable project designs.
• Public Participation: EIA’s public consultations enhance transparency and inclusive decision-making.
• Legal Framework: EIA is part of the legal framework for environmental protection, ensuring adherence to standards.
• Long-Term Focus: EIA emphasizes long-term sustainability by assessing projects’ lasting impacts.

Ignoring the Himalayan region

• Inconsistency: Despite understanding the unique needs of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), its vulnerabilities aren’t addressed separately in the EIA.
• Issue: Both the old and 2020 draft notifications don’t differentiate the IHR from the rest of India in terms of development needs.
• Impact: This oversight results in the Himalayan States facing yearly devastation from extreme weather conditions.

Flaws in the Graded Approach

• The current approach differentiates risk based on location (e.g., reserved forest, national park). But the IHR, despite its ecological significance, is treated the same as other regions.

Proposed Solutions

• Differentiate environmental standards for projects in the IHR.
• Address IHR-specific concerns at all EIA stages.
• Include provisions about the IHR in general conditions for all projects.

Existing Issues with the EIA

• Lack of Oversight: There is no national regulator for transparent project appraisal and monitoring.
• Reactive Nature: EIA currently reacts to proposals rather than preempting them.
• Biased Assessments: Often, EIAs are in favor of projects because they’re funded by the project proponent.
• Limited Scope: The current process doesn’t adequately consider the cumulative impacts of multiple projects in a region.

Conclusion

• The EIA process, especially concerning the IHR, requires a comprehensive review. Exploring tools like strategic environmental assessment can be more effective in addressing the cumulative impact of development in regions like the IHR. Policymakers should prioritize the environment and ecology in their developmental plans.

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