What is EIA all about?
Environmental Impact Assessment ( EIA ) is a process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural and human-health impacts, both beneficial and adverse. Creation of this system is vital to conform socio-economic development projects to environmental safety and thereby ensure sustainable economic development. ... It also enables us in carrying out environmental cost-benefit analysis of projects at an initial stage. The draft seems to favour the industries and seems to be largely neglecting the balance between sustainable development and environment protection. The Union government, on the contrary, argues that the new draft will reinforce transparency and expedite the process. EIA covers projects such as mining of coal or other minerals, infrastructure development, thermal, nuclear and hydropower projects, real estate and other industrial projects. The projects are assessed based on their...