MEV 016: Unit 05 - Legislative Framework of EIA

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 UNIT 5: LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)

5.0 Introduction

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a statutory tool used globally to assess the environmental consequences of development activities before they are allowed to proceed. In India, the legal framework for EIA has evolved significantly since the early 1990s. The Environment Protection Act, 1986, and subsequent EIA Notifications (notably 1994 and 2006) form the cornerstone of India’s EIA legislation.

The legislative framework ensures that environmental considerations are integrated into developmental planning and decisions, and that projects with potentially adverse environmental impacts undergo rigorous review.

5.1 Objectives

This unit aims to:

  • Explain the legislative and procedural framework of EIA in India.
  • Introduce key environmental acts, rules, and notifications relevant to EIA.
  • Understand the process of environmental clearance.
  • Outline the evolution of EIA policy in India and the roles of various authorities.

5.2 Government of India (GOI) – EIA System

The Indian government adopted the EIA mechanism formally in 1994. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the nodal agency responsible for implementing and monitoring EIA procedures.

5.2.1 EIA Process and Procedures

The EIA process includes several stages:

  1. Screening: Determining if a project requires an EIA based on predefined thresholds.
  2. Scoping: Identifying key issues and impacts to focus the EIA study.
  3. Baseline Data Collection: Assessing the environmental status of the project site.
  4. Impact Assessment: Predicting and evaluating potential environmental impacts.
  5. Mitigation Measures: Proposing steps to reduce negative impacts.
  6. Public Consultation: Involving local communities and stakeholders.
  7. Environmental Management Plan (EMP): Detailing monitoring and mitigation strategies.
  8. Appraisal: Expert review by regulatory bodies before clearance is granted or denied.

5.3 EIA Policy & Legislation: Environmental Protection (EP) Acts and Rules

India’s EIA framework is rooted in the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and has been expanded through various notifications, rules, and policy frameworks.

5.3.2 Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

  • Enacted in response to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984).
  • Serves as the umbrella legislation for environmental protection in India.
  • Empowers the Central Government to take all necessary measures to protect and improve the environment.
  • Authorizes the formulation of rules for EIA, environmental standards, pollution control, and penalties.

5.3.3 EIA Policy Framework

  • The policy framework aligns with national environmental goals and global commitments (e.g., Rio Declaration).
  • Emphasizes sustainable development, precautionary principle, inter-generational equity, and public participation.
  • Ensures that projects are assessed not only for economic feasibility but also for ecological impact.

5.3.4 EIA Notification 1994

  • First formal notification under the Environment (Protection) Act.
  • Made EIA mandatory for 29 specified development activities (e.g., mining, thermal power plants, highways, etc.).
  • Introduced the concept of project categorization based on pollution potential.
  • Required developers to submit EIA Reports and Environmental Management Plans (EMP) for clearance.

5.3.5 EIA Notification 2006

  • Replaced the 1994 notification with a more comprehensive and decentralized approach.
  • Divided projects into Category A (appraised by MoEFCC) and Category B (appraised by State Environment Impact Assessment Authorities or SEIAAs).
  • Mandated public hearings, Terms of Reference (ToR), and Expert Appraisal Committees (EACs).
  • Introduced screening and scoping at early stages.
  • Enabled state-level authorities to handle certain projects, improving speed and localization of decision-making.

5.3.6 Other Provisions

Other relevant legislative tools include:

  • Forest Conservation Act, 1980 – Ensures forest land is not diverted for non-forest purposes without approval.
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Restricts development in protected areas.
  • Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Air Act, 1981 – Mandate pollution control during construction and operation.
  • Biological Diversity Act, 2002 – Prevents exploitation of biodiversity and promotes conservation.
  • Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification – Controls development in ecologically sensitive coastal areas.

5.4 EIA Clearance Procedures in India

EIA clearance is a multi-step process, and different provisions apply under the 1994 and 2006 notifications.

5.4.1 Clearance Provisions and EIA Notifications 1994 and 2006

Feature

1994 Notification

2006 Notification

Project Coverage

29 types

More comprehensive, over 40 sectors

Categorization

Not specified

Category A & B (A – MoEFCC; B – SEIAAs)

Public Hearing

Optional

Mandatory for most projects

Scoping

Not required

Mandatory for A and B1

Validity

Limited clarity

Clear timelines for clearances

Decentralization

Limited

High (SEIAAs established)

Key stages of clearance under 2006 Notification:

  1. Submission of Application through the PARIVESH portal.
  2. Terms of Reference (ToR) finalization for EIA study.
  3. Preparation and submission of Draft EIA Report.
  4. Public Hearing for stakeholder engagement.
  5. Final EIA Report submission incorporating public comments.
  6. Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) review and recommendation.
  7. Grant or Rejection of Environmental Clearance by MoEFCC or SEIAA.

5.5 Summary

The legislative framework for EIA in India has evolved from an ad hoc process in the 1980s to a systematic, rule-based approach governed by the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the EIA Notifications of 1994 and 2006. These frameworks have introduced mandatory impact assessments, public consultations, and expert appraisal procedures, ensuring that environmental concerns are integrated into development planning.

India’s EIA system is now more institutionalized and participatory, but challenges remain in terms of implementation, monitoring, transparency, and post-clearance compliance.

 

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