The history

India notified its first Environment Impact Assessment norms in 1994, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, setting a legal framework for regulating activities that access, utilise, and affect (pollute) natural resources. The then government had enacted Environmental Protection Act in 1986 in the wake of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy in 1984.  

Since the enactment of the law, all development projects need to go through the EIA process for environmental clearance. The projects are assessed based on their potential environmental impact and based on these assessments, they are granted or denied clearance. 

The 1994 EIA was replaced by the 2006 modified draft. On 12 March this year, the MoEFCC further redrafted it in order to make the existing norms “more transparent and expedient”.

Issues with the new EIA draft, 2020

It allows approval of projects that have started construction or have been in running phase without securing environmental clearances.

The time period for public response on any project has been reduced from 30 days to 20 days. So less time for people to analyze and provide critical assessment for any project. Less transparency and credibility.

Govt can also keep certain projects away from public scrutiny by declaring the project as "strategic". A huge threat to our democracy.

The old EIA of 2006 required an assessment every 6 months to make sure that activities are being carried out on the terms on which permission was given. The new EIA has increased the time period to 1 year now.

Industries like soda-ash, acids, petroleum and petrochemical products, dyes, biomedical waste, treatment plants, synthetics, paints, chemical fertilizers, pesticides and construction industries – all of which use harmful chemicals and therefore pose threats to human health – will be exempted from the public clearance process.

How can we inform the government of our opposition?

Until August 11, we will be able to submit proposals in the proposed ElA Draft. You can send us an email and let us know your suggestions and objections.

Email addresses to send: eia2020-moefcc@gov.in

secy-moef@nic.in

Remember, the nature and environment we enjoy and experience is something we have borrowed from future generations. It is the responsibility of each and every one of us to protect it.