Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Define EIA: Briefly explain the purpose of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in protecting the environment. Introduce the Star Rating System: Explain the recent introduction of the star rating system for SEIAAs to enhance efficiency in environmental clearances. 1. ...
Model Answer Environmental Effects of Agricultural Subsidies in India Agricultural subsidies in India, including input subsidies and Minimum Support Prices (MSPs), have significantly impacted the environment. Key negative effects include: Soil Degradation: Subsidies encourage intensive farming practRead more
Model Answer
Environmental Effects of Agricultural Subsidies in India
Agricultural subsidies in India, including input subsidies and Minimum Support Prices (MSPs), have significantly impacted the environment. Key negative effects include:
- Soil Degradation: Subsidies encourage intensive farming practices, leading to monocropping and excessive use of chemical fertilizers, which degrade soil health and reduce productivity.
- Air Pollution: The fertilizer industry is a major polluter, releasing harmful substances like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter. Agriculture contributes approximately 10-12% of India’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with low nitrogen use efficiency resulting in nitrous oxide emissions.
- Water Pollution: Fertilizer production and usage contaminate groundwater and surface water. Discharges from urea plants contain nitrogen and cyanides, while excess fertilizers runoff into water bodies, causing harmful algal blooms.
- Overexploitation of Groundwater: Power subsidies for irrigation have led to significant groundwater depletion, with regions like Punjab experiencing 79% over-exploitation of groundwater reservoirs.
Strategies to Mitigate Environmental Impact
To address these environmental challenges, several strategies can be implemented:
- Efficient Fertilizer Use: Promote balanced fertilization practices and support the use of Neem-coated urea to reduce chemical inputs.
- Drip Irrigation: Encourage the adoption of drip irrigation systems to minimize water wastage and improve water efficiency.
- Conditional Funding: Implement funding mechanisms that reward farmers for adopting environmentally friendly practices, such as reduced deforestation.
- Organic Farming: Promote organic farming methods that reduce reliance on chemical inputs and enhance soil health.
- Precision Agriculture: Utilize technologies like GPS and remote sensing to optimize resource use and minimize environmental impacts.
- Integrated Projects: Support collaborative projects that involve farmers and scientists to innovate sustainable agricultural practices.
The Indian government has initiated programs like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture to promote sustainable practices. However, further innovation and modern techniques are essential for long-term sustainability in agriculture.
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Model Answer Concerns Regarding the Star Rating System in Environmental Impact Assessment The introduction of the star rating system for State Environment Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAAs) is aimed at enhancing efficiency and accountability in granting environmental clearances. However, severalRead more
Model Answer
Concerns Regarding the Star Rating System in Environmental Impact Assessment
The introduction of the star rating system for State Environment Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAAs) is aimed at enhancing efficiency and accountability in granting environmental clearances. However, several concerns arise from this approach, which could undermine the core objectives of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
1. Improper Scrutiny
The EIA Notification of 2006 mandates a thorough review of applications for environmental clearances. The pressure to expedite the clearance process, driven by the star rating system, risks leading to hasty decisions. This may result in inadequate scrutiny of projects, potentially overlooking significant environmental impacts (Source: EIA Notification, 2006).
2. Lack of Informed Decision-Making
For effective decision-making, SEIAAs require comprehensive data. The star rating system penalizes states that request additional information from project proponents, which could compromise the quality of assessments. This lack of thorough data gathering may hinder the ability of authorities to make well-informed decisions (Source: EIA guidelines).
3. Unhealthy Competition
The competitive nature fostered by the star rating system may prioritize speed over environmental protection. State authorities could feel pressured to clear projects quickly to improve their rankings, which could lead to a neglect of environmental safeguards. This competition undermines the primary goal of the EIA, which is to protect ecological integrity (Source: Environmental Governance Reports).
4. Insufficient Expertise
Many state committees currently face a shortage of trained environmental experts. Decision-making often falls to bureaucrats who may prioritize economic benefits over ecological concerns. This lack of expertise can severely impact the quality of environmental assessments and lead to decisions that favor short-term economic gains rather than long-term sustainability (Source: Expert Environmental Reviews).
5. Erosion of Environmental Governance
The focus on speed and efficiency may skew environmental governance in favor of business interests. Experts warn that viewing environmental safeguards as obstacles to business can lead to a significant erosion of protective measures, further jeopardizing environmental integrity (Source: Environmental Policy Analysis).
In conclusion, while the star rating system aims to enhance efficiency in environmental clearances, it poses significant risks that could undermine the fundamental purpose of the EIA. It is crucial to ensure that the assessment process remains robust and that environmental governance is not compromised in pursuit of expediency.
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