Global Warming, one of the biggest challenges the world is facing today. Everybody is doing their part in overcoming the situation. But what is the impact of that in India? Let us discuss.
In the year 1984, one incident happened which adversely affected the environment and directly or indirectly the public life is also affected. Yes, I am talking about the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. After the incident, Government of India created an act called Environment Protection Act. And in that act, a process called Environment Impact Assessment was introduced. The act says that environment clearance must be given as per the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA). Any project must pass through the following steps mentioned:
Site Selection -> Conduct EIA -> NOC Application -> Public Hearing. After the entire process as defined, the report then should be given to Expert Appraisal Committee. This committee is a group of environment experts and scientists who have better understanding of impact on environment and lives in that area. Either they will pass the project, give alternatives if any, or can cancel the project. It is up to them. This year in 2020, Government of India planned to bring some changes to the EIA which is a set of 80 pages draft. Supreme Court has directed the government to take public opinion on the same. Suggestions to be sent to eia2020-moefcc@gov.in
Some of the changes that I came across and I feel should be changed are as follows: -
1 – Post Facto Clearance – Any projects if started without environmental clearance should continue as it is. Any project already running without environmental clearance could keep running. Environmental Clearance could be acquired on later stage. I feel that before the start of any project, environmental clearance should be taken and not after the start of the project.
2 – Public Hearing reduced to 20 days from 30 days - The details could be found on page 47. I feel even 30 days is very less time for the public to conclude. Reducing that to 20 days is not acceptable. The public must have equal participation in setting up any projects.
3 – Exemptions from Public Participation – The details could be found on page 29, point no 22. Public cannot question any company’s decision in setting up any projects in their area. The company reserves the right to construct any project within the clearance of their internal committee approval.
4 – Strategic Exemptions – The details could be found on page 9, point 7. All projects concerning national defense and security or involving other strategic considerations as determined by the central government. This directly hints at strategic stamping on any projects by the government and the public is no where to question the government. I understand that national security and defense is a serious matter to be considered but this point gives free hands to government for any projects to be passed. Its within the government what is strategic and what is not. I feel this point should be edited.
5 – Additional Exemptions from Public – The details are in page 19, point 2. Public consultation is exempted from many points, but one main point which I feel is important is all linear projects in border areas. To understand border areas, let us dive into page 3, point 6. It says Border areas are area falling under 100 kms from the lac with bordering countries of India. For example, if we look out at the north eastern part of India, there are many forests and this particular point could clean up all the forests in future.
My View – I have listed all the points I feel should be edited. And I had sent my concern to the email address - eia2020-moefcc@gov.in. Last date of submission is 11th August 2020 as directed by Supreme Court. You could also check the points here - https://wetransfer.com/downloads/d4f82f4d3578204360927734d4faadc420200713090738/71d39. I urge all citizens whoever is reading this post to please raise their voice and protect the environment. Save the Environment, Save the Country!
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