Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOTIFICATION 2020: A CRITICAL STUDY

V.S. Yadav

Abstract

The process of Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) is a scientific methodical approach to recognize, forecast, and assess the potential environmental consequences of proposed developmental activity and projects. Pre project EIA enables the stakeholders to assess and mitigate the adverse environmental impact likely to result from a project or developmental initiative. The implementation of the Draft EIA Notification 2020 by India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has sparked numerous discussions due to its contentious implications. This paper is an attempt to critically evaluate the latest EIA notification and propose suggestions for the possible gaps in the notification. Some of the prominent recommendations includes extended period for public consultation in tribal and forest area, abolition of ex post facto clearance, uniformity in EIA norms and practices etc.