Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Objective: Briefly introduce the purpose of the draft EIA Notification, 2020, and its aim to replace the existing EIA Notification, 2006.
- Importance: Highlight the significance of understanding the differences for environmental governance and public participation.
2. Key Differences
A. Post-Facto Approval
- Existing Notification (2006): Environmental clearances required before project commencement.
- Fact: Projects must secure clearances prior to starting construction (Source: MoEFCC).
- Draft Notification (2020): Allows post-facto approvals.
- Fact: Projects can be regularized after starting construction without prior clearance (Source: MoEFCC).
B. Public Consultation Process
- Existing Notification (2006): 30-day public consultation period.
- Fact: Stakeholders have 30 days to submit feedback during public hearings (Source: MoEFCC).
- Draft Notification (2020): Reduces the consultation period to 20 days.
- Fact: This may limit the time for meaningful participation (Source: MoEFCC).
C. Compliance Report Submission
- Existing Notification (2006): Compliance reports required biannually.
- Fact: Project proponents must submit reports every six months (Source: MoEFCC).
- Draft Notification (2020): Changes frequency to once a year.
- Fact: This could reduce monitoring and accountability (Source: MoEFCC).
D. Categorization and Transparency
- Existing Notification (2006): No categorization of projects as “strategic.”
- Fact: Public access to information is maintained (Source: MoEFCC).
- Draft Notification (2020): Allows for categorization as “strategic” with limited public access.
- Fact: Information on such projects will not be disclosed (Source: MoEFCC).
E. Exemptions and Scrutiny
- Existing Notification (2006): Detailed scrutiny required for projects over 20,000 square meters.
- Fact: These projects undergo extensive review (Source: MoEFCC).
- Draft Notification (2020): Increases threshold to 150,000 square meters.
- Fact: More projects are exempt from detailed scrutiny, limiting EIA studies (Source: MoEFCC).
3. Conclusion
- Summary: Recap the main differences and their potential implications on environmental safeguards and public engagement.
- Call to Action: Emphasize the need for transparency and sustainability in environmental decision-making.
Differences Between Draft EIA Notification 2020 and Existing EIA Notification 2006
These changes reflect a shift towards a more streamlined, but potentially less rigorous, environmental assessment process.
Model Answer
Introduction
The draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020, introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), proposes significant modifications to the existing EIA Notification of 2006. Understanding these differences is vital for assessing their implications on environmental governance and public engagement.
Key Differences
Post-Facto Approval
Public Consultation Process
Compliance Report Submission
Categorization and Transparency
Exemptions and Scrutiny
Conclusion
The draft EIA Notification, 2020, diverges from its predecessor by permitting post-facto approvals, shortening public consultation, altering compliance report frequency, and granting discretionary powers for project categorization. These changes pose risks to environmental safeguards and public engagement, highlighting the need for sustainable and transparent environmental governance.