MEV 016: Unit 12 - Introduction to EIS

-

 UNIT 12: INTRODUCTION TO EIS

12.0 Introduction

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is the final product of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. It is a formal document that presents a comprehensive account of the potential environmental consequences of a proposed project or development. The EIS serves as a decision-support tool for environmental authorities, stakeholders, and the public.

The EIS ensures that decision-makers consider environmental consequences before project approval and helps integrate environmental safeguards into project design. It typically includes technical analysis, stakeholder input, and mitigation measures, along with visual tools like maps and diagrams.

12.1 Objectives

After studying this unit, you should be able to:

  • Understand the role and importance of EIS in environmental decision-making.
  • Describe the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification of 1994.
  • Explain the environmental clearance procedure and the public hearing process.
  • Identify the structure and content of an EIS.
  • Understand how to write and document an EIS effectively.

12.2 Environmental Impact Assessment Notification (1994)

The EIA Notification of 1994, issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, marked a significant regulatory milestone in India. It mandated prior environmental clearance (EC) for various categories of development projects before their commencement.

Key features of the 1994 Notification:

  • Introduced environmental clearance as a legal requirement.
  • Listed 29 types of projects requiring prior EC (e.g., mining, industries, thermal power plants, highways).
  • Established a screening and scoping mechanism to determine the level of environmental scrutiny.
  • Included the concept of public hearing to incorporate community concerns.
  • Laid the foundation for EIA documentation and EIS preparation.

This notification was later replaced by a more detailed framework in the EIA Notification of 2006, but the 1994 regulation set the baseline for institutionalizing EIA practices in India.

12.3 Environmental Clearance Procedure

Environmental clearance is a multi-stage process involving expert assessment, documentation, public consultation, and final approval. It ensures that the environmental implications of a project are reviewed before construction or operational phases begin.

12.3.1 Projects Requiring Environmental Clearance

Projects that typically require environmental clearance include:

  • Mining (coal, minerals, oil and gas extraction)
  • Industrial Projects (cement, steel, chemicals, thermal power plants)
  • Infrastructure Projects (roads, ports, airports, SEZs, industrial estates)
  • Hydroelectric Projects
  • Real estate and township developments

These are classified into Category A (central-level clearance) and Category B (state-level clearance), depending on their scale, capacity, and environmental sensitivity.

12.3.2 Public Hearing Committee

A Public Hearing Committee is constituted to oversee the consultation process and gather public opinion about the proposed project.

It generally includes representatives from:

  • State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)
  • District Administration
  • Village Panchayats or local governing bodies
  • Regional Officers of relevant ministries
  • NGOs and environmental experts

The committee is responsible for organizing, recording, and reporting the proceedings of public hearings.

12.3.3 Public Hearing Procedure

The procedure includes:

  1. Notice Issuance: A public notice is published in local and national newspapers at least 30 days prior to the hearing.
  2. Access to EIA Summary: The EIA summary report must be made available in local languages at accessible locations.
  3. Conducting the Hearing: Public meetings are held where stakeholders can express concerns and suggestions.
  4. Documentation: Minutes of the hearing and responses are compiled and submitted to the regulatory authorities.

Public involvement ensures transparency, local knowledge inclusion, and community ownership of the environmental decision-making process.

12.4 Content of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

The EIS is a structured document that provides all necessary environmental information required for decision-making. Its content must be tailored to the nature, location, and scale of the proposed project.

Typical EIS sections include:

12.4.1 Documentation of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

  • Executive Summary: A concise overview highlighting the key findings and proposed mitigation measures.
  • Project Description: Details such as site location, project type, size, layout, raw materials, and technologies used.
  • Environmental Baseline: Existing data on air, water, noise, land use, flora, fauna, socio-economics, and meteorology.
  • Impact Assessment: Identification, prediction, and evaluation of potential environmental impacts.
  • Mitigation Measures: Strategies to reduce or offset adverse impacts.
  • Environmental Management Plan (EMP): Details on monitoring, compliance, budget, and roles/responsibilities.
  • Public Consultation Summary: Stakeholder inputs and project responses.
  • Legal Compliance: Applicable national and state-level environmental regulations.
  • Annexures: Data tables, maps, modeling results, permits, and certificates.

12.4.2 General Recommendations for Writing EIS

  • Write in clear, non-technical language for public sections.
  • Use scientific rigor and transparency in methodologies.
  • Avoid promotional language; be neutral and factual.
  • Provide complete citations for all referenced studies.
  • Clearly state assumptions and limitations.
  • Include summaries, charts, and visuals to aid understanding.

A well-prepared EIS enhances the credibility of the proponent and facilitates faster clearance.

12.4.3 Visual Documentation Methods

Visuals are critical in communicating complex environmental data. Common methods include:

  • Maps (topographical, land use, ecological sensitivity)
  • Graphs and Charts (emissions trends, baseline comparisons)
  • Tables (impact matrices, species lists)
  • Flowcharts (project processes, monitoring plans)
  • Photographs (project site, public hearing meetings)
  • GIS overlays (for sensitive areas and cumulative impacts)

Visuals help authorities and stakeholders to quickly grasp key information and support the findings of the report.

12.5 Let Us Sum Up

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) plays a central role in the environmental clearance process by synthesizing all relevant data into an actionable document. This unit covered:

  • The origins of EIS under the 1994 EIA Notification.
  • The environmental clearance process, including public participation.
  • The structure, content, and documentation of an EIS.
  • Best practices for writing an EIS and the importance of visual communication.

An effective EIS not only complies with regulatory requirements but also strengthens sustainable development by ensuring that environmental considerations are meaningfully integrated into project planning.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

Jcert Class 8 Daffodil Chapter 1a: The Naive Friends Solutions

-
Chapter 1a : The Naive Friends Answer the following questions: 1. Which questions made Keshav and Shyama curious about the egg? Ans.         How did the chick come out? How big would the eggs? How many? What colours would they? What did they eat? Such types of questions made Keshav and Shyama curious about the egg. 2. What three things did the children do to protect the eggs? Ans.         The children done three things are: (i)          Adjustment of food. (ii)        Adjustment of water. (iii)      Adjustment of roof. 3. Why did Keshav think of making a cushion for the eggs? Ans.         When Keshav saw the egg on direct sun light, he thaught making a cushion for the eggs. 4. What excuse did Keshav give for not showing the eggs to Shyama? Ans.     ...
Read more

Jcert Class 8 भाषा मंजरी Chapter 3 मित्रता Solutions

-
अध्याय - 3 : मित्रता 1. आप किस प्रकार कह सकते हैं कि मित्रों के चुनाव की उपयुक्तता पर हमारे जीवन की सफलता निर्भर करती है? उ. मित्रों के चुनाव की उपयुक्तता पर हमारे जीवन की सफलता निर्भर करती है क्योंकि संगति का गुप्त प्रभाव हमारे आचरण पर पड़ता है और यदि हमें अच्छी संगति, अच्छे मित्र मिलते हैं तो वे हमें सफलता की ओर ले जाते हैं जबकि बुरी संगति हमारे जीवन को खाक में मिला देती है।  2. 'विश्वासपात्र मित्र जीवन की एक औषध है।' आशय स्पष्ट कीजिए। उ. 'विश्वासपात्र मित्र जीवन की एक औषध है'- ऐसा इसलिए कहा गया है कि यदि हमें विश्वासी मित्र मिल गया तो हम अपने जीवन में चाहे जैसा भी कदम उठाएँ, उस कदम की आलोचना करके वह हमें सही दिशा की ओर उन्मुख करेगा। हम अपनी गलती रूपी बीमारी को उसकी आलोचना रूपी औषधि से दूर कर सकेंगे।  3. मित्र का चुनाव करते समय हमें किन बातों का ध्यान रखना चाहिए? उ. मित्र का चुनाव करते समय हमें निम्नलिखित बातों का ध्यान रखना चाहिए हमारे अच्छे विचारों (संकल्पों) को दृढ़ करने वाला हो। हमें दोषों और त्रुटियों से बचाए। हमारे सत्य, पवित्रता ...
Read more

Jcert Class 8 भाषा मंजरी Chapter 8 अमरूद का पेड Solutions

-
अध्याय - 8 : अमरूद का पेड 1. लेखक को क्यों लगता है कि इन सब पिछड़े खयालातों का हमारे घर में गुजर नहीं हो सकेगा। उ. अमरूद के पेड़ को देखकर सबसे पहले बाबू कन्हैयालाल की बूढ़ी पत्नी ने एक दिन टोका कि पश्चिम की तरफ अगर मकान का मुखड़ा हो और सामने ही अमरूद का पेड़ तो 'राम-राम बड़ा अशुभ होता है और माँ के चेहरे पर थोड़ा-सा भय दिखा पर लेखक को विश्वास था कि इन सब पिछड़े खयालातों का हमारे घर में गुजर नहीं हो सकेगा क्योंकि उसके घर के लोग आधुनिक विचारधारा के थे उसकी माँ सत्याग्रह के दिनों में अजमेर में लम्बा जेल कर चुकी है। पिताजी खुद राजनैतिक सामाजिक उदारता वाले आदमी थे। बुआ ने विवाह नहीं किया था, पढ़ने-लिखने में ही अपनी सम्पूर्ण जिन्दगी लगा दी और समाज कोई चुनौती देने का साहस नहीं कर सका। साथ ही परिवार के सभी लोगों में पिछड़ेपन के प्रति भर्त्सना का भाव था। 2. अमरूद के पेड़ की छाया किस प्रकार लेखक को उनके भाई-बहनों के साथ जोड़ती है ? उ. अमरूद के पेड़ की छाया लेखक को उसके भाई-बहनों के साथ जोड़ती है। वे सभी अमरूद की छाया में बेंत की कुर्सियों पर बैठ चर्चाएँ करते थे जिससे उनके बीच...
Read more