Q. How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment [EIA] Notification,2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? [150 Word, 10 Marks]
Why the Question?
UPSC PYQ – CSE Mains – 2020
Keywords of the Question
- Draft Environment Impact Assessment [EIA] Notification, 2020
- Existing EIA Notification, 2006
Directive Word
How it differs – Asks you to distinguish between two or more items and highlight their differences. This means you need to clearly identify and explain the distinct characteristics, features, or aspects that set the items apart from each other.
How to approach this Question?
Introduction
- Briefly introduce the concept of Environment Impact Assessment (EIA).
- Mention the significance of EIA in environmental governance.
- State the purpose of comparing the 2020 draft with the 2006 notification.
Body
- Key Changes in Draft EIA 2020:
- Public consultation process.
- Post-facto clearance.
- Validity of environmental clearances.
- Compliance and monitoring mechanisms.
- Impact on Stakeholders:
- Industries and project developers.
- Local communities and environmental activists.
- Criticisms and Support:
- Arguments for and against the draft notification.
- Perspectives from various stakeholders.
Conclusion
- Summarize the main differences and their potential implications.
- Reflect on the balance between development and environmental protection.
- Suggest the way forward for effective EIA implementation.
Note: Please note that the following ‘answers’ are not ‘model answers’ nor are they synopses in the strictest sense. Instead, they are content designed to meet the demands of the question while providing comprehensive coverage of the topic.
Answer Key
Introduction
The draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020, proposed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), introduces significant changes to the existing EIA Notification, 2006. These changes aim to streamline the environmental clearance process but have sparked considerable debate.
Body
Key Changes:
- Public Consultation Period: The draft reduces the notice period for public hearings from 30 days to 20 days.
- Exemptions: Certain projects, such as offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration, hydroelectric projects up to 25 MW, and small cement plants, are exempt from public scrutiny.
- Post-Facto Approval: The draft allows for post-facto environmental clearance, meaning projects can seek approval after they have commenced.
- Validity Period: The validity of environmental clearances is extended from 5 to 7 years for non-forest areas and from 5 to 10 years for forest areas.
Impacts on Stakeholders:
- Developers: Benefit from reduced procedural delays and extended validity periods.
- Local Communities: Face reduced opportunities for participation in the decision-making process due to shorter public consultation periods and exemptions for certain projects.
- Environmentalists: Concerned about the potential for increased environmental degradation due to post-facto approvals and reduced public oversight.
Criticism and Support:
- Criticism: Environmental groups argue that the draft undermines environmental protections and public participation, potentially leading to unchecked environmental damage.
- Support: Proponents claim it will expedite development projects and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, fostering economic growth.
Conclusion
The draft EIA Notification, 2020, represents a shift towards facilitating faster project approvals at the potential cost of reduced environmental safeguards and public involvement. Balancing development needs with environmental protection remains a critical challenge.
Mind Map
