ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
(EIA)
INTRODUCTION
➢ Environment is a dynamic entity having a set of complex interactions.
➢ Interactions between atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and the biosphere.
➢ It is always in a state of perpetual change.{perpetual= constant, permanent}
➢ In early 1960s, it was realized that rapid development, spread of agriculture,
industrialization, urbanization and exploitation of resources can result into
serious adverse impact on the environment.
➢ Economic growth and development improve the quality of life but have
negative effects on the quality of environment.
➢ Its continuous affect adversely the quality of life and basic purpose of all
developmental activities.
➢ So, the planning of development must include environmental concerns.
➢ Balance has to be in between environmental protection and the
developmental activities.
HISTORY
➢ The idea of assessment of possible impact on the environment before starting
a development project such as:
1. Construction of dams
2. Establishment of industries
3. Land clearance for agriculture
➢ It is an old one U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had developed techniques and
methodology for impact assessment as early as 1870.
➢ But, EIA in its present form was introduced with the ‘action forcing
provisions’ of U.S. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
➢ Since 1970, Environmental Assessment Systems have been adopted
independently by both industrialised as well as underdeveloped countries.
➢ EIA has now been incorporated in international treaties and conventions such
as:
1. Convention on the Environmental Impact Assessment in Trans-
boundary Context
2. Annex of the Antartica Protocol
DEFINITION
➢ Study of impact on environment of proposed action like policy, plan or
project.
➢ Process of anticipating or establishing the changes in physical, ecological
and socio-economic components of the environment before, during and
after an impending developmental project.
(EIA)
INTRODUCTION
➢ Environment is a dynamic entity having a set of complex interactions.
➢ Interactions between atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and the biosphere.
➢ It is always in a state of perpetual change.{perpetual= constant, permanent}
➢ In early 1960s, it was realized that rapid development, spread of agriculture,
industrialization, urbanization and exploitation of resources can result into
serious adverse impact on the environment.
➢ Economic growth and development improve the quality of life but have
negative effects on the quality of environment.
➢ Its continuous affect adversely the quality of life and basic purpose of all
developmental activities.
➢ So, the planning of development must include environmental concerns.
➢ Balance has to be in between environmental protection and the
developmental activities.
HISTORY
➢ The idea of assessment of possible impact on the environment before starting
a development project such as:
1. Construction of dams
2. Establishment of industries
3. Land clearance for agriculture
➢ It is an old one U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had developed techniques and
methodology for impact assessment as early as 1870.
➢ But, EIA in its present form was introduced with the ‘action forcing
provisions’ of U.S. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
➢ Since 1970, Environmental Assessment Systems have been adopted
independently by both industrialised as well as underdeveloped countries.
➢ EIA has now been incorporated in international treaties and conventions such
as:
1. Convention on the Environmental Impact Assessment in Trans-
boundary Context
2. Annex of the Antartica Protocol
DEFINITION
➢ Study of impact on environment of proposed action like policy, plan or
project.
➢ Process of anticipating or establishing the changes in physical, ecological
and socio-economic components of the environment before, during and
after an impending developmental project.
