EIA was introduced in early 1960s with the aim to analyze a proposed developmental project for its negative impacts on environment and identify suitable mitigation measures. Initially EIA was limited to developed countries. In 1970s the impact analysis concept was transferred to developed countries. Initially it was practiced in an informal manner. But later on it became a mandatory activities accross the globe through proper legislation. Initially national environmental quality standards were introduced. In this way all methods developed for impact evaluation were kept aside and NEQS were used for comparison.
In the second step Initial environmental impact analysis was introduced for small scale projects and screening exercise was removed. In the 3rd step some treatments were made mandatory for some projects and monitoring and evaluation was removed. In this manner EIA was started as one formal step at the start of a project. Now EIA is not a continues activity. It is used to get No Objection Certificate (NOC) from environmental protection department.
Dear Prof Nafees, There is wide doubt about strong environment laws, holding them responsible for economic loss. I agree with you in this regard!, In fact this question comes to our mind: Will environment regulation be weakened?
You are right in most developing countries EIA is used by proponents to get NOC. EIAs have a non-existent or weak follow-up process, lacking surveillance and enforcement of terms and conditions, effects monitoring, etc. Most EIAs do not consider cumulative effects or social, health, and risk factors. Stakeholder management plans are not followed and are perfunctory. Results in EA reports are voluminous, poorly organized, descriptive, and overly technical. EIAs provide information that is unhelpful or irrelevant to decision-making. Lastly, but not least EIAs are inefficient, time-consuming, and costly in relation to the benefits delivered.
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