Environmental Impact Assessment Draft Notification 2020, India: A Critique

Abstract

Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic process to identify, predict, and evaluate the environmental effects of proposed actions and projects. Generally, an EIA is conducted before deciding to proceed with a specific project or activity. In India, the adoption of the Draft EIA Notification 2020 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has triggered several debates over its problematic implications. The Draft EIA Notification normalizes ex post facto clearance, which allows construction or operation of the project without a prior environmental clearance. It has significantly curtailed the scope of public consultation and participation by the introduction of a large number of exemptions for projects. Further, it is silent over the project’s transboundary impacts and exempts projects within 100 km of the border areas from public consultation. Thus, the Draft EIA Notification violates the environmental law principles provided under domestic and international laws by restricting adequate scrutiny of projects. The article critically evaluates the three significant dilutions that have threatened the effectiveness of the Draft EIA Notification including ex post facto clearance, public consultation, and the exemption granted to transboundary projects, and emphasizes its need for reconsideration before the publication of the final Notification.