Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an important management tool for ensuring optimal use of natural resources for sustainable development. A beginning in this direction was made in our country with the impact assessment of river valley projects in 1978-79 and the scope has subsequently been enhanced to cover other developmental sectors such as industries, thermal power projects, mining schemes etc. To facilitate collection of environmental data and preparation of management plans, guidelines have been evolved and circulated to the concerned Central and State Government Departments. EIA has now been made mandatory under the Environmental (Protection Act, 1986 for 29 categories of developmental activities involving investments of Rs. 50 crores and above.

Environmental Appraisal Committees

With a view to ensure multi-disciplinary input required for environmental appraisal of development projects, Expert Committees have been constituted for the following sectors:

NABET SECTOR DESCRIPTION

1. Mining of minerals including opencast only

2. Mineral beneficiation

3. Cement plants

4. Distilleries

5. Sugar Industry

6. Building and construction projects

7. Townships and Area development projects

Steps For EIA Approval

• Environmental screening. Screening is the first stage in an EIA
• Scoping. This second stage allows you to prioritize critical issues to keep in mind during an EIA while eliminating others
• Impact assessment and mitigation
• Impact management
• EIA report
• Review and licensing
• Monitoring