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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ASSESSMENT MODULE 1
(Open Elective)
CET 415

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SYLLABUS Definition
• Definition, Need for EIA, Evolution of EIA: Global & Indian
scenario – ▪ Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a process of identifying,

• Environmental Legislations in India- The Water ( Prevention & predicting, evaluating and mitigating the biophysical, social, and

Control of Pollution) Act 1974, The Air ( Prevention & Control of other relevant effects of proposed projects and physical activities prior

Pollution) Act 1981, The Environmental ( Protection ) Act 1986 – to major decisions and commitments being made.

• Environmental standards for water, air and noise quality – EIA

Notification 2006

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Need of EIA
Salient features of EIA
▪ When a new project starts in an area, it will disturb the environmental
▪ It identifies the possible positive and negative impacts which may
equilibrium, so that EIA is necessary to know whether the project should be
be short term and long term.
started or not.
▪ It provides a plan which will reduce the negative impacts of a ▪ To maintain quality of environment it is essential to study impacts of project on
project. environment.
▪ This plan may be a project alternative or project modification or ▪ EIA also suggests remedial measures for the pollution caused by the project,
environmental protection measures which reduces negative thereby we can implement pollution control methods (eg. Treatment units)
impacts. along with the project.

▪ It measures the level of plan implementation and the degree of ▪ The opinion of public is considered for conducting EIA, so the decision taken
effectiveness of environmental protection measures. about the commencement of new project will be more environment friendly

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EVOLUTION OF EIA -Worldwide

▪ EIA is one of the successful policy innovations of the 20th Century for
Benefits of EIA
environmental conservation.
▪ Reduced cost and time of project implementation.
▪ Today, EIA is a formal process in many countries and is currently practiced in
▪ Cost-saving modifications in project design.
▪ Increased project acceptance. more than 100 countries.
▪ Avoided impacts and violations of laws and regulations
▪ EIA as a mandatory regulatory procedure originated in the early 1970s,
▪ Improved project performance
▪ Avoided treatment/clean up costs. with the implementation of the National Environment Policy Act (NEPA)

1969 in the US.

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Evolution of EIA in India

▪ A large part of the initial development took place in a few high-
▪ EIA in India was started in 1976-77, when the Planning Commission
income countries, like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (1973-74).
asked the Department of Science and Technology to examine the
▪ However, there were some developing countries as well, which river-valley projects from the
introduced EIA relatively early-Columbia (1974) Philippines (1978). environmental angle.

▪ The EIA process really took off after the mid-1980s. ▪ Till 1994, environmental clearance from the Central Government was
an administrative decision and lacked legislative support.
▪ In 1989, the World Bank adopted EIA for major development
▪ On 27 January 1994, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests,
projects, in which a borrower country had to undertake an EIA under
under the Environmental (Protection) Act 1986, issued an EIA
the Bank's supervision.
notification making Environmental Clearance (EC) mandatory for
expansion or modernization of any activity or for setting up new
projects listed in Schedule 1 of the notification.
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▪ The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change

(MoEFCC) notified revised EIA legislation in September 2006.

▪ The notification makes it mandatory for various projects such as

mining, thermal power plants, river valley, infrastructure (road,
highway, ports, harbours and airports) and industries including very
small electroplating or foundry units to get environment clearance.

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Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Process (contd)

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ENVIRONMENT LEGISLATIONS
Environmental legislation is a collection of laws and
regulations related to water quality, air quality, endangered
wildlife, and several other environmental factors.

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ENVIRONMENT LEGISLATIONS IN INDIA

Year Environmental Laws

Year Environmental Laws 1986 The Environment ( Protection ) Act

1974 The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) 1986 The Environment ( Protection ) Rules
Act
1975 The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) 1989 The Hazardous Wastes ( Management &
Rules Handling ) Rules as amended in 2000 & 2003
1977 The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution)
Cess Act 1989 Manufacture,Use,Import of Hazards Chemical
1978 The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Rules ( as amended in 2000 )
Cess Rules 1989 Manufacture,Use,Import, Export and Storage of
1981 The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act Hazardous Micro Organisms / Genetically
Engineered Micro Organisms or Cells Rules
1982 The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution)
Rules 17
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Year Environmental Laws

Year Environmental Laws
1991 The Public Liability Insurance Act
1998 The Bio Medical Waste (Management & Handling)
1991 The Public Liability Insurance Rules
1991 Notification declaring coastal stretches as Coastal 1999 Fly Ash Notification
Regulation Zone (CRZ)
1999 The Plastics Manufacture,Sale & Usage Rules as
1994 Notification on Environmental Impact amended in 2003
Assessment of Development projects
2000 Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and
1995 The National Environment Tribunal Act Handling) Rules
1996 The Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning,
2000 The Noise Pollution (Regulation & Control) Rules
Preparedness and Response) Rules
1997 The National Environment Appellate Authority Act 2000 Ozone Depleting Substances Rules

2001 The Batteries (Management & Handling) Rules

1997 The National Environment Appellate
Authority Rules
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THE WATER (PREVENTION & CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT , Definitions

1974 Section 2 of the act contain definitions
(8 chapter /64 sections)
OBJECTIVES 1. “ Board “ means either the central board or the state board.
1. To prevent and control water pollution 2. Section 2 (e) of the Act defines what is pollution, according to Section 2(e)
2. To restore and maintain the wholesomeness of water. Pollution means any contamination of water or alteration of the physical,
3. The Act also confers some powers to the established bodies such as the central chemical and biological properties of water or disposing of any sewage
board and the state board to control pollution of the water bodies. waste in water which is likely to cause nuisance or renders such water to be
harmful to public health or safety or to domestic, industrial or other
SALIENT FEATURES OR PROVISIONS legitimate use or harmful to the life and health of the animals and aquatic
plants.
• Define water pollution related terms ( pollution, pollutants , sewage etc). 3. Includes- watercourse (flowing or dry), inland water whether natural or
Maintenance & restoration of quality of all types of surface and underground artificial, subterranean water or sea or tidal waters as the state may prescribe
water from time to time.
• Establishments of boards-CPCB&SPCB
• Assigns powers and functions to boards. AGENCIES FOR CONTROLLING WATER POLLUTION
• Prohibits disposal of polluting matter to flow of water in a stream. 1.Central Board- Central Pollution Control Board
• Provides punishments for violation of act-fine& imprisonment(section- 2. State Board- State Pollution Control Board
43/45/45A)- 3 months to 7 years and fine)
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FUNCTIONS OF CENTRAL BOARD (SECTION 16) FUNCTIONS OF STATE BOARD (SECTION 17)
1.Advise the Central Government on any matter concerning the prevention 1.To plan a comprehensive program for preventing and controlling the pollution of the
and control of water pollution. wells and streams in the state and to secure its execution.
2.Coordinate the activities of the State Boards and resolve disputes among 2.To advise the State Government on matters relating to prevention and controlling
them. water pollution.

3.provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry out and 3.Collaborating with the central board to train persons employed or to be employed in

sponsor investigations and research relating to problems of water pollution preventing, controlling water pollution.
4.To lay down, modify the effluent standards of sewage and trade effluents and for the
and prevention, control or abatement of water pollution.
quality of receiving water resulting from the discharge of effluents and to classify
4.Plan and organize the training of persons engaged or to be engaged in for the
waters of the state.
prevention, control or abatement of water pollution on such terms and
5.To evolve methods of utilizing the sewage and suitable trade effluents in agriculture.
conditions as the Central Board may specify.
6.The state Board has the authority to set up laboratories to enable the board to perform
5.Organize through mass media a comprehensive program regarding the its function efficiently, including collecting samples of water from any stream or sewage
prevention and control of water pollution. 23 or trade effluents. 24

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Prevention and Control of Water Pollution • The state board also has the power to stop any person to enter into any
• According to Section 19 of the Act, the state board has the power to limit the poisonous, noxious or polluting matter determined in accordance with the
territorial jurisdiction of any order passed by it in matters relating to standards laid down in the Act.
prevention and controlling water pollution. • According to Section 25, no person is allowed to set up an industry or start a
• This means that the orders passed by the state board will only apply in the new operation or processor to any treatment of sewage without prior
areas that are affected by water pollution. approval of the state board, the state board may grant him a notice of
• it is up to the state board to determine which area is to be declared water approval and only after that he is entitled to continue or start a new business.
polluted and which is not, this can be done by making reference to a map or • If a person starts a new operation before prior approval of the board, the
making reference to a line of any watershed or the boundary of any district. board may impose any conditions as it may think fit for not obtaining notice
• According to Section 20 of the Act, the state board also has the power to of approval.
inspect any land, conduct surveys or gauge in an area if it thinks fit for • Section 27 of the Act gives power to the state board not to grant any notice
controlling or preventing water pollution. It can also ask any company, for setting up an industry or continuation of an existing operation.
industry to dispose of the information pertaining to the construction, • If the company has been granted permission with some conditions attached,
installation, and operation of its establishment. the state board has the power to review those conditions which it attached
• Section 21 of the Act empowers the state board or any employee on its before giving the notice of approval.
behalf to analyze any stream or well for the purpose of preventing and
controlling water purpose.
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FUNCTIONS Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981:

1. If any person fails to comply with the orders of the board under subsection 2 and
3 of Section 20 then in that case on conviction he is punishable for imprisonment This is the Act that provide for the prevention, control and abatement of air
for 3 months or fine or both. pollution, for the establishment, with a view to carrying out this purposes, of
2. If the person fails to comply with orders of the board under clause e of Boards, for conferring on and assigning to such Boards powers and functions
subsection 1 of Section 32 or with subsection 2 of Section 33 then, in that case, relating thereto and for matters connect therewith.
the person would be punishable with imprisonment for 6 months extending to 6
years or a fine or both. Objectives:
3. Apart from the above-mentioned penalties. Section 42 mentions penalties for • To provide for the prevention, control and abatement of air pollution.
different kinds of Acts namely: • To provide for the establishment of central and State Boards with a view to
4. If any person removes, destroys or pull down any notice put up by the board. implement the Act.
5. If someone obstructs the member of the board or any other person who is Acting • To confer on the Boards the powers to implement the provisions of the Act
under the board. and assign to the Boards functions relating to pollution.
6. If a person fails to produce any information as required by the member of the • The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 extends to the
board for the performance of his duties. Or if he gives any information to the whole of India.
members which he knows to be false. Then In all the above Acts if the person is
convicted he would be punishable by imprisonment for a maximum period of 3
months or fine that may extend up to 10,000 rupees or both
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SALIENT FEATURES
• The Air Act consists of 54 sections that aims to define the terms associated
with air pollution and related aspects. FUNCTIONS OF THE STATE BOARD
• Person Whoever contravenes any of the provision of the Act or any order or
direction issued is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend The function of any State Board may be specified that are as follows-
to three months or with a fine of Rs. 10,000 or with both, and in case of • To plan a comprehensive programme for the prevention, control or
continuing offence with an additional fine which may extend to Rs 5,000 for abatement of air pollution and to secure the execution thereof.
every day during which such contravention continues after conviction for the • To advise the State Government on any matter concerning the
first contravention. prevention, control or abatement of air pollution.
FUNCTIONS OF THE CENTRAL BOARD • To collect and disseminate information relating to air pollution.
The main functions of the Central Board shall be to improve the quality of air and • To collaborate with the Central Board in organizing the training of
to prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country. These are: persons engaged or to be engaged in programmes relating to prevention,
• To advise the Central Government on any matter concerning the improvement control or abatement of air pollution and to organize mass-education
of the quality of air and the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution. programme relating thereto.
• To plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide programme for the prevention, • To inspect air pollution control areas at such intervals as it may think
control or abatement of air pollution. necessary, assess the quality of air therein and take steps for the
• To co-ordinate the activities of the State and resolve disputes among them. prevention, control or abatement of air pollution in such areas.
• To provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry out and
sponsor investigations and research relating to problems of air pollution and
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prevention, control or abatement of air pollution.

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THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1986 Important Definitions

Introduction • “Environment" includes water, air and land and the inter- relationship which exists among and
• In India, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984 called for urgent legislation in the between water, air and land, and human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organism
and property. [S2(a)]
field of environment. In this background the Parliament passed the • "Environmental Pollutant" means any solid, liquid or gaseous substance present in such
Environment Protection Act, 1986 and the Environment Protection Rules, concentration as may be, or tend to be, injurious to environment [S-2(b)]
1986. • "Environmental Pollution" means the presence in the environment of any environmental
pollutant [S-2(c)]
Environment Protection Act, 1986
General Powers of the Central Government (S-3)
• The Act came into force on Nov. 19, 1986 and extends to the whole of India. • Take all necessary measures for environment protection.
• The Act was passed to provide for the protection and improvement of • Coordinate the actions of State Governments
environment and for matters connected there with. • Lay down standards of environment quality and pollutants.
• The Act gives certain powers to the Central Government to take measures • Execute nationwide programmes.
for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of the environment • Restriction of areas for industries, etc.
• Inspecting industrial premises,
and to prevent environmental pollution. • Preparation of manuals, codes or guides
• The Act is an “umbrella” legislation designed to provide a framework for • The Central Government may appoint officers and entrust them with such powers and
Central Government coordination of the activities of various central and state functions as it may deem fit. (S-4)
authorities established under previous laws, such as the Water Act and the • The Central Government is empowered to issue directions to any person, officer or any
Air Act. authority . (S-5)
• Closure direction (with power to disconnect electricity and water supply)
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Prevention, Control, And Abatement Of Environmental Pollution under EP Act, 1986

General Powers of the Central Government (S-3) • No person/industry is allowed to pollute the environment. (S-7)
• Procedures and processes are laid down to control pollution. (S-9)
The Central Government is empowered to make rules to regulate environmental • Monitoring authority can carry out inspections. (S-10)
pollution on the following matters: (S-6) • Power to take samples (As per prescribed procedure). (S-11)
• Samples are tested in environmental laboratories. (S-12)
• the standards of quality of air, water or soil
• the maximum allowable limits of pollutants Stringent Penalties and Punishments
• the procedures for the handling of hazardous substances • Whoever contravenes the provisions of the Act- maximum punishment up to 7 years and
• the prohibition and restriction on the location of industries - the procedures penalty up to Rs. 1 lakh or Rs. 5000 per day for continued offence. (S-15)
and safeguards for the prevention of accidents • For defaulter Companies or Body Corporates- Directors or partners are prosecuted. (S-16)
• This Act is also applicable to Government Departments and HOD is prosecuted. (S-17)

Umbrella Legislation
There are several Rules laid down under the EP Act. Few of the important Rules are as under-
• Environment Protection Rules, 1986
• Hazardous Waste Rules, 1989 (Now 2016)
• Bio Medical Waste Rules, 1998
• Municipal Solid Waste Rules, 2000
• Noise Pollution Rules, 2000
• Ozone Depleting Substances Rules, 2000
• Battery Waste Rules, 2001
• Plastic Waste Rules, 2011
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• Electronic waste Rules, 2011

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Salient Features of The Act

1. THE WATER (PREVENTION & CONTROL OF
• This Act deals with criminal jurisdiction. POLLUTION) ACT , 1974
• Central Government is most powerful.
• Environmental labs are established or authorised by Central Govt., State • Sec. 21 - Board has power to take samples of trade/
Govt., CPCB or State PCB.
• Standards are laid down by Central Govt., State Govt., CPCB or State sewage effluents.
PCB.
• Stringent penalties and punishments. • Sec. 25 - No person shall establish or operate any industry,
• Person having highest authority is prosecuted. operation or process without prior consent from the Pollution
• Hazardous wastes are defined and special procedure is laid down.
• Locus standi is relaxed. Any person can file a case. Control Board.
• This Act is also applicable to Government Department. • Sec. 33-A - Board has powers to issue directions for closure,
• This is an Umbrella Legislation
prohibition or regulation of any industry - stoppage or regulation of
supply electricity, water or any other services.

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▪ The act prohibits the discharge of pollutants in the water bodies.

THE AIR(PREVENTION & CONTROL OF
▪ Lays down penalties for non compliance. POLLUTION) ACT, 1981
▪ The act was amended in 1988 to confirm closely to the provisions of ▪ Sec. 21- No person operating any industrial plant in an air
pollution control area shall discharge or emit air pollutants
the EPA 1986 .
into the atmosphere without getting prior consent of the
▪ It set up the CPCB (central pollution control board) which lays down
Pollution Control Board.
standard for the prevention and control of water pollution
▪ Sec. 31A- Board has power to issue direction for
▪ At the state level the SPCB (State pollution control board) function
closure, prohibition or regulation of any industry operation
under the direction of the CPCB and state government. or process to stop the supply of electricity, water or any
other service to an industry.
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▪ The boards are also expected to test the air in air pollution control areas.
▪ The act provides means for the control and abatement of air pollution.
▪ To empower the central and state pollution boards, the Air Prevention and
▪ The act combats air pollution by prohibiting the use of polluting fuels
control of Pollution Amendment Act 1987 was enacted.
and substances and regulating appliances that give rise to air pollution.
▪ The boards were authorised to take immediate measures and recover the
▪ Establishing or operating any industry plant in the pollution control
expenses incurred by the offenders.
area requires consent from the State Board.
▪ The power to cancel consent for non-fulfilment of the conditions

prescribed has also been emphasised in the Air Act amendment.

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ENVIRONMENT (PROTECTION) ACT, 1986

▪ It is done by setting standards for emissions and discharges.

• The Water and Air Acts have no provisions to deal
▪ regulating the location of industries
with entire environmental problems and have only
▪ management of hazardous wastes.
limited provision

• To combat all these and to have a comprehensive ▪ protection of Public Health and welfare
Umbrella legislation which can cover the entire problem ▪ From time to time the central government issues notifications under
of environment, Parliament enacted the Environment
the EPA for the protection of a ecologically sensitive areas or issues
(Protection) Act, 1986
guidelines for the matters under the EPA
• 26 sections divided into four chapters
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THE ENVIRONMENT (PROTECTION) ACT, 1986

Citizen Suit Provisions
▪ Sec. 3- Central Government has powers to take all measures to

protect and improve the quality of the environment and prevent • Under section 19 of Environment Protection
control and abate environmental pollution Act,1986, a citizen may prosecute a polluter by
▪ Sec. 5- Central Government has powers to issue directions which filing complaint to a Judicial Magistrate Court
includes the closure prohibition or regulation of an industry; to stop

supply of electricity , water or any other essential services

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Environmental standards for

water, air and noise quality

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Indian Standard

DRINKING WATER — SPECIFICATION

(IS 10500 : 2012)

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THE NOISE POLLUTION (REGULATION AND THE NOISE POLLUTION (REGULATION AND
CONTROL) RULES, 2000 CONTROL) RULES, 2000

▪ Increasing ambient noise levels in public places from various sources,

The Principal Rules were published in the Gazette of India, vide S.O.
industrial activity, construction activity, firecrackers, sound producing
123(E), dated 14.2.2000 and subsequently amended vide S.O. 1046(E),
instruments, generator sets, loud speakers, public address systems, music
dated 22.11.2000, S.O. 1088(E), dated 11.10.2002, S.O. 1569 (E), dated
systems, vehicular horns and other mechanical devices have deleterious
19.09.2006 and S.O. 50 (E) dated 11.01.2010 under the Environment
effects on human health and the psychological well being of the people.
(Protection) Act, 1986.)

▪ It is considered necessary to regulate and control noise producing and

generating sources with the objective of maintaining the ambient air quality
standards in respect of noise;

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Ambient air quality standards in respect of noise for different areas/zones

(1) The ambient air quality standards in respect of noise for different areas / (4) All development authorities, local bodies and other concerned
zones shall be such as specified in the Schedule annexed to these rules. authorities while planning developmental activity or carrying out
functions relating to town and country planning shall take into
consideration all aspects of noise pollution as a parameter of quality
(2) The State Government shall categorize the areas into industrial,
of life to avoid noise menace and to achieve the objective of
commercial, residential or silence areas / zones for the purpose of maintaining the ambient air quality standards in respect of noise.
implementation of noise standards for different areas.
(5) An area comprising not less than 100 metres around hospitals,
educational institutions and courts may be declared as silence area /
3)The State Government shall take measures for abatement of noise including zone for the purpose of these rules.
noise emanating from vehicular movements, blowing of horns, bursting of
sound emitting firecrackers, use of loud speakers or public address system and
sound producing instruments and ensure that the existing noise levels do not
exceed the ambient air quality standards specified under these rules. 53 54

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Responsibility as to enforcement of noise pollution control Restrictions on the use of loud speakers / public address
measures.- system and sound producing instruments.-
(1) A loud speaker or a public address system shall not be used except after
 (1) The noise levels in any area / zone shall not exceed the ambient air quality obtaining written permission from the authority.
standards in respect of noise as specified in the Schedule. (2) A loud speaker or a public address system or any sound producing instrument

 (2) The authority shall be responsible for the enforcement of noise pollution or a musical instrument or a sound amplifier shall not be used at night time
control measures and the due compliance of the ambient air quality standards in except in closed premises for communication within, like auditoria, conference
respect of noise. rooms, community halls, banquet halls or during a public emergency.
(3)The noise level at the boundary of the public place, where loudspeaker or
 (3) The respective State Pollution Control Boards or Pollution Control
Committees in consultation with the Central Pollution Control Board shall public address system or any other noise source is being used shall not exceed
collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data relating to noise 10 dB (A) above the ambient noise standards for the area or 75 dB (A)
pollution and measures devised for its effective prevention, control and
whichever is lower
abatement.
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Restrictions on the use of horns, sound emitting construction

equipment's and bursting of fire crackers:-

(1) No horn shall be used in silence zones or during night time in residential
areas except during a public emergency.
(2) Sound emitting fire crackers shall not be burst in silence zone or during
night time.
(3) Sound emitting construction equipments shall not be used or operated
during night time in residential areas and silence zones.

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EIA Notification 2006.

Ministry of Environment and Forests(MoEF) uses Environmental Impact
Assessment Notification, 2006 (EIA 2006) as a major tool for minimizing the Key Elements in 2006 EIA
adverse impact of rapid industrialization on environment and for reversing those
trends which may lead to climate change in long run.
Categorization
It includes

 Schedule 1: List of projects requiring environmental clearance from central ▪ Projects & activities broadly categorized in to two categories
government. - Category A and Category B based on
 Schedule 2: (Application form) industry should submit application form for ▪ spatial extent of impacts
the environmental clearance to Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. ▪ impacts on natural and man-made resources
 Schedule 3: (composition of expert committee for giving environmental ▪ impacts on human health
clearance). Experts from various disciplines including air pollution, risk ▪ Class B projects are further subdivided into Category B1 and
analysis, social service, NGOs, economics, water pollution, etc. constitute
this committee.
Category B2

 Schedule 4: Procedure for public hearing.

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Environmental Clearance (EC) Key Elements in 2006 EIA

Requirements of prior Environmental Clearance(EC)
❑ Any expansion or modernization of any activity shall not be
undertaken in any part of India unless it has been accorded
EC by Centre as per the procedure specified in the
notification

❑ Which projects require EC? Category

Category EC from MoEF on EC from SEIAA (State
B
Projects listed in the schedule to notification A recommendation of Environmental Impact
❑
Expert Appraisal projects Assessment Authorities)
projects
Committee (EAC) based on recommendations
❑ All new projects or activities listed in this notification from SEAC (State Level Expert
Appraisal Committee)
❑ Expansion and modernization of existing projects which
In absence of Category B further divided as
cross threshold limit for concerned sector SEIAA or SEAC B1 and B2, however
category B shall be treated guidelines for distinction have
as Category A project not been worked out
❑ Any change in product-mix in existing manufacturing unit
included in Schedule beyond the specified range

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Stage 2: Scoping
Stage 1: Screening
Process by which

• Only for Category B projects and activities to determine if they need EIA. • Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) in the case of Category ‘A’ projects or
activities
• Category A projects compulsorily need EIA. • State level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) in the case of Category
‘B1’ projects
• Scrutiny of an application seeking EC by SEAC for determining whether or not Determine comprehensive Terms Of Reference (TOR) addressing all relevant
environmental concerns for preparation of an Environment Impact Assessment
the project or activity requires further environmental studies (EIA) report

Classify projects as B1 (require EIA) and B2 (don’t require EIA) Report based on
• on the basis of the information furnished by applicant in the prescribed
• For categorization of projects into B1 or B2, the MoEF shall issue appropriate application Form1/Form 1A including
• a site visit by a sub- group of EAC or SEAC only if considered necessary
guidelines from time to time.

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Component 1: Public hearing

Stage 3: Public Consultation
• Public hearing shall be conducted by the State Pollution Control Board
(SPCB)
• Forward proceedings to the regulatory authority concerned within 45 days
• If not appoint another independent organization to do the same within another
45 days
• If the public agency nominated reports that it is not possible to conduct the
public hearing in a manner which will enable the views of the concerned
local persons to be freely expressed It shall report the facts in detail to the
concerned regulatory authority
• After due consideration of the report ,the public consultation in the case need
not include the public hearing

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Component 2: Responses from other concerned persons

•Invite replies from such concerned persons by placing on their website the After public consultation…
Summary of EIA report • Applicant shall address all environmental concerns expressed
• Use other appropriate media for ensuring wide publicity about the project during this process
• Within seven days of the receipt of a written request for arranging the public • Make appropriate changes in the draft EIA
hearing
• Final EIA report shall be submitted by the applicant to the
•Confidential information including non-disclosable or legally privileged
information involving Intellectual Property Right shall not be placed on the concerned regulatory authority for appraisal.
website
•Make available on written request from any concerned person the Draft EIA
report for inspection at a notified place during normal office hours till the date of
the public hearing
• All the responses received as part of this public consultation process shall be
forwarded to the applicant through the quickest available means

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Grant or Rejection of EC
Stage 4: Appraisal • The regulatory authority shall consider the recommendations of the EAC or
Detailed scrutiny by the EAC or SEAC of SEAC concerned and convey its decision to the applicant
• documents like the Final EIA report • In cases where it disagrees with the recommendations of the Expert Committee
• outcome of the public consultations including public hearing proceedings (Central or State), the regulatory authority shall request reconsideration by the
• submitted by the applicant to the regulatory authority concerned for grant Central or State Expert Appraisal Committee After reconsideration, irrespective of
of environmental clearance views of Expert Committee, decision of the regulatory authority concerned shall be
• Appraisal of all projects or activities which are not required to undergo final
public consultation, or submit an Environment Impact Assessment report • If decision not granted within stipulated time, the applicant may proceed as if the
(Category B2) shall be carried out on the basis environment clearance sought for has been granted or denied by the regulatory
prescribed application Form 1 authority in terms of the final recommendations of the Expert Committee
Form 1A concerned
any other relevant information • Careful concealment and/or submission of false or misleading information or data
• EAC or SEAC shall recommend to the regulatory authority concerned which is material to screening or scoping or appraisal or decision on the
either for grant of prior environmental clearance on stipulated terms application shall make the application liable for rejection
and conditions • Rejection of an application or cancellation of a prior environmental clearance
or rejection of the application for prior environmental clearance, already granted shall be decided by the regulatory authority, after giving a personal
together with reasons for the same. hearing to the applicant, and following the principles of natural justice
• Prescribed procedure for appraisal is given in Appendix V
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Validity of Environmental Clearance

• Ten years in the case of River Valley projects

• Thirty years for mining projects

• Five years in the case of all other projects and activities

• Area Development projects and Townships, the validity period shall be limited

only to such activities as may be the responsibility of the applicant as a

developer

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Types of EIA
Environmental assessments could be classified into four types i.e.,

▪ Strategic environmental assessment

▪ Regional EIA,

▪ Sectoral EIA

▪ Project level EIA.

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Strategic Environmental Assessment Strategic Environmental Assessment (contdd)

▪ Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) refers to systematic analysis of
▪ The primary objective of SEA is to ensure that environmental
the environmental effects of development policies, plans, programmes and
considerations are integrated into the decision-making process alongside
other proposed strategic actions.
economic and social factors.
▪ Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a systematic and
comprehensive process used to evaluate the potential environmental ▪ SEA is typically applied to large-scale projects, policies, or programs that
impacts and consequences of a proposed policy, plan, or program before it could have significant and far-reaching effects on the environment.
is implemented. ▪ The SEA assesses the extent to which a given policy, plan or programme:
▪ SEA represents a proactive approach to integrating environmental provides an adequate response to environmental and climate change–related
considerations into the higher levels of decision-making – beyond the challenges
project level, when major alternatives are still open

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Regional EIA
▪ EIA in the context of regional planning integrates environmental concerns into Regional EIA (contd…)

development planning for a geographic region. ▪ It fulfils the need for macro-level environmental integration, which
▪ A Regional Environmental Impact Assessment (Regional EIA) is a the project-oriented EIA is unable to address effectively.
comprehensive study and evaluation of the potential environmental impacts ▪ Regional EIA addresses the environmental impacts of regional
and consequences of a proposed project or development in a specific
development plans and thus, the context for project-level EIA of the
geographical region.
subsequent projects, within the region.
▪ Such an approach is referred to as the economic-cum environmental (EcE)
development planning. ▪ In addition, if environmental effects are considered at regional level,
then the cumulative environmental effects of all the projects within
▪ This approach facilitates adequate integration of economic development with
management of renewable natural resources within the carrying capacity the region can be accounted
limitation to achieve sustainable development

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Project level EIA

Sectoral EIA
▪ Instead of project-level-EIA, an EIA should take place in the context of ▪ Project level EIA refers to the developmental activity in isolation and the

regional and sectoral level planning. impacts that it exerts on the receiving environment.

▪ Once sectoral level development plans have the integrated sectoral ▪ Thus, it may not effectively integrate the cumulative effects of the

environmental concerns addressed, the scope of project-level EIA will be development in a region

quite minimal. ▪ From the above discussion, it is clear that the EIA shall be integrated at all

▪ Sectoral EIA will helps in to addressing specific environmental problems levels i.e., strategic, regional, sectoral and project level.

that may be encountered in planning and implementing sectoral ▪ Whereas, the strategic EIA is a structural change in the way the things are
development projects evaluated for decision-making, the regional EIA refers to substantial
information processing and drawing complex inferences.

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Rapid EIA vs Comprehensive EIA

Project level EIA (contd..) Rapid EIA:
▪ Carried for projects that are likely to cause limited adverse effects
▪ The project-level EIA is relatively simple and reaches to meaningful ▪ Data supplied is of only one season(other than monsoon) to reduce the time
conclusions. Therefore in India, project-level EIA studies take place on required
▪ Rapid EIA is for speedier appraisal process.
an largescale and are being considered. ▪ Rapid EIA is speedier process to complete EIA within short period of time.
▪ However, in the re-engineered Notification, provisions are incorporated ▪ This helps to decide whether, comprehensive EIA is required or not.
Comprehensive EIA:
for giving a single clearance for the entire industrial estate for e.g., ▪ Carried for projects that are likely to cause major or series adverse effects
Leather parks, pharma cities, etc., which is a step towards the regional ▪ Comprehensive EIA is usually undertaken after the initial screening of rapid
EIA.
approach. ▪ More than two season data is required for analysis and preparation of
comprehensive EIA.
▪ The purpose of comprehensive EIA is to access some detrimental effects on
the Conservation of Environment and identifying potential impacts and
modeling exercise have been carried out to predict and evaluate impacts to
prepare management plan to make project.
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Terms of Reference TOR in EIA typically includes

▪ In Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), "TOR" stands for ▪ Project Description: The TOR document begins by providing a detailed
"Terms of Reference." description of the proposed project. It outlines the project's nature, size,
location, purpose, and any associated activities.
▪ Purpose of the EIA: The TOR defines the main purpose of conducting the
▪ Terms of Reference are a critical part of the EIA process, and they EIA. This could include assessing potential environmental impacts,
serve as a formal document that outlines the scope, objectives, and identifying mitigation measures, or ensuring compliance with
methodologies for conducting the environmental assessment for a environmental regulations.
specific project. ▪ Scope of the Study: The TOR specifies the boundaries of the
environmental assessment. It defines the geographical area to be studied,
the specific environmental components to be assessed (such as air quality,
▪ TOR-developed in consultation with relevant government water resources, biodiversity, social aspects, etc.), and the time frame for
agencies, environmental experts, and stakeholders. the assessment.
▪ Study Methodology: It outlines the methods and procedures that will be
used to collect data, analyze impacts, and assess potential risks associated
▪ TOR serve as a guide for conducting a thorough and systematic with the project. This section may also include details on how public
environmental assessment, ensuring that the EIA process is consultation and stakeholder engagement will be conducted.
comprehensive and in compliance with applicable regulations.

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TOR in EIA typically includes TOR in EIA typically includes

▪ Data Requirements: The TOR identifies the data and information that need ▪ Roles and Responsibilities: The TOR outlines the roles and
to be collected or generated during the EIA process. This could involve responsibilities of various stakeholders involved in the EIA process,
baseline data on environmental conditions, socio-economic data, and other including the project proponent, the EIA consultant (if applicable),
relevant information. government agencies, and other relevant parties.

▪ Regulatory Requirements: It specifies any legal or regulatory requirements

▪ Reporting Requirements: It specifies the format and content of the
final EIA report, including the structure and sections that should be
that the EIA must adhere to, including environmental standards, included.
guidelines, and applicable laws.

▪ Timelines: The TOR may include deadlines and milestones for

▪ Alternatives Analysis: The TOR may require an analysis of alternative different stages of the EIA process, from data collection to the
project designs, technologies, or locations and the assessment of their submission of the final report.
environmental and social implications.
▪ Review and Approval Process: It outlines the procedures for the
review and approval of the EIA report, including the relevant
▪ Public Participation: The document may include provisions for public authorities responsible for evaluating and granting environmental
participation and consultation, including how and when the public will be clearance.
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Structure of the EIA report

▪ Executive Summary Chapter
1. Introduction Chapter
2. Description of the Project Chapter
3. Description of the Environment Chapter
4. Anticipated Environmental Impacts, and Mitigation Measures
Chapter
5. Environmental Management Plan and Post-project Environmental
Monitoring Program Chapter
6. Emergency Response Plan (ERP)

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STEPS IN EIA PROCESS

Full Scale Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
EIA represents a systematic process that examines the environmental
consequences of the development actions, in advance. ▪ It is a multidisciplinary approach to impact assessment.
The Entire EIA procedure can be divided into 2 complementary tasks: The ▪ Potential impacts in all areas are considered.
1. The Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) ▪ Professional assessment of impacts on natural resources, air quality,
neighbourhood effects must be quantified.
2. Full Scale Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Impact Assessment methods are classified as:
The Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) 1. Scope identification method
▪ It is the process of reviewing the environmental integrity of projects to The dimension and different types of impacts, duration of impact and areas
determine whether EIA level studies should be conducted. which are affected by the impact are identified. Impacts are affected on natural
▪ This is used to determine which project require full scale EIA. environment (air, water, land, noise, flora, fauna etc.) and man-made
▪ This is done to minimize the effort, expense and delay in project planning. environment (socio-economic aspects, aesthetics, transportation etc.)
▪ In IEE, the environmental effects of proposed project are evaluated in 2. Prediction method
limited budget based on available recorded information and professional It will define the quantity on impact on a special environment. Forecasting of
judgement. impacts on environment over a time period.
▪ IEE is a means of providing the most efficient and feasible preparation of 3. Evaluation
adequate environment management plans with or without the requirement Critical assessment of impacts is done and evaluate the least environmentally
of a full scale EIA damaging alternatives
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Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Process (contd)

A project's environmental management plan (EMP) consists of the set of

mitigation, monitoring, and institutional measures to be taken during
implementation and operation to eliminate adverse environmental and social
impacts, offset them, or reduce them to acceptable levels.

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