Q8. What role do environmental NGOs and activists play in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India? Cite four examples with all important details.(10)
Kartavya Desk Staff
Introduction
Environmental NGOs and activists play a vital role in shaping Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) in India by advocating for sustainable practices and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Role of environmental NGOs and activists in influencing EIA outcomes
• Public Consultation and Advocacy: NGOs facilitate public involvement in the EIA process, ensuring community concerns are heard.
E.g.: In 2020, Kalpavriksh raised issues about deforestation in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project.
• Providing Scientific Data: NGOs supplement EIAs with independent research, highlighting overlooked risks.
E.g.: Greenpeace presented studies on air and water quality impacts from a coal plant in Tamil Nadu.
• Litigation and Legal Challenges: Activists file public interest litigations (PILs) against flawed EIAs.
E.g.: Goa Foundation filed a PIL against the Mormugao Port expansion, prompting a review of its EIA.
• Monitoring Compliance: NGOs track adherence to EIA recommendations post-approval.
E.g.: Save Mon Region Federation monitors the Nyamjang Chu Hydel Project in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Lobbying for Policy Changes: Activists advocate for stricter EIA guidelines to prevent degradation.
E.g.: Protests against the EIA Notification 2020 aimed at safeguarding environmental standards.
Examples of NGO and activist influence on EIA outcomes
• Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA): NBA’s activism led to fresh EIAs for the Sardar Sarovar Dam, focusing on displacement issues.
E.g.: NBA highlighted flaws in resettlement plans.
• Save Western Ghats Movement: NGOs influenced the Kasturirangan Report, restricting industrial projects in eco-sensitive zones.
E.g.: Kerala Shastra Sahitya Parishad opposed deforestation in the Western Ghats.
• Vedanta Niyamgiri Mining Project: NGOs helped indigenous communities oppose mining in Odisha, leading to favorable Supreme Court rulings.
E.g.: The court favored the Dongria Kondh tribe after exposing EIA gaps.
• Posco Steel Plant Project: Activists challenged the EIA for the Odisha plant, resulting in a fresh assessment by the National Green Tribunal.
E.g.: NGOs revealed the EIA downplayed local environmental impacts.
Solutions to enhance EIA effectiveness
• Strengthening Public Participation: Ensure more inclusive public consultations in the EIA process.
• Capacity Building: Equip local authorities with tools for effective EIA oversight.
• Improving Access to Information: Make EIA reports accessible online and in local languages.
• Reinforcing Penalties: Implement stricter penalties for non-compliance with EIA norms.
• Independent EIA Audits: Introduce third-party audits to ensure assessment credibility.
Conclusion
Environmental NGOs and activists are crucial in ensuring thorough and fair EIAs, promoting sustainable development. Strengthening civil society’s role in monitoring and advocacy will enhance accountable governance and protect India’s environmental heritage.