Shankar IAS Test: Environmental Impact Assessment- 2 - UPSC MCQ

Both statements correctly describe aspects of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification 2020. It was introduced under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and one of its key provisions is indeed the reduction of the public hearing period from 30 to 20 days.

The statement is true. The components of EIA do include assessments of damage to terrestrial flora and fauna, land environment, and socio-economic and health impacts.

Both statements are accurate. The EIA process includes the stages of screening, scoping, public hearing, and appraisal, and Category A projects are indeed appraised at the national level and do not undergo the screening process.

Statement 1 is true as the public hearing is a mandatory stage in the EIA process. Statement 2 is false; not only local residents but also local associations, environmental groups, and others affected by the project can participate in the public hearing.

The statement is true. Risk assessment in EIA encompasses identifying hazards, conducting MCA analysis, and developing comprehensive disaster management plans.

The statement is true. PARIVESH is indeed a unified environmental management system offering a single-window interface for multiple environmental clearances.

The statement is true. Among the recommendations for enhancing the EIA process in India is the proposal to establish an autonomous EIA Authority.

Both statements accurately describe aspects of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP). It is essential for monitoring clearance conditions and does include the delineation of mitigation and compensation measures.

Both statements are correct. The ESP allows violator companies to continue their activities by paying a penalty and has been criticized for potentially enabling violators to bypass the EIA process.

The statement is true. One of the recommendations is to change the composition of the NGT to include more judicial experts specialized in environmental issues.

The statement is true. The Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 was indeed enacted by the Government of India to address environmental concerns in a comprehensive manner.

The statement is true. The EIA Notification for developmental projects was introduced in 1994 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

The statement is true. Baseline data is essential in the EIA process as it characterizes the existing environmental status of the study area.

The statement is true. The impact on breeding and nesting grounds is indeed a crucial factor assessed during the EIA process.

The statement is true. The screening process in the EIA cycle involves determining the need for environmental clearance based on factors such as the scale of investment, type, and location of the development.

The statement is true. The 2006 Amendment to the EIA process introduced the decentralization of environmental clearances into Category A and Category B projects.

The statement is true. The decision-making process in EIA involves a collaborative consultation between the project proponent and the impact assessment authority.

The statement is true. A recognized drawback of the Indian EIA system is the lack of exhaustive ecological and socio-economic indicators for a comprehensive impact assessment.

The statement is true. There has been criticism that many EIA reports are based on single-season data, which may not be adequate for a thorough environmental impact analysis.

The statement is true. Tiger reserves, elephant reserves, and turtle nesting grounds are indeed listed among environmentally sensitive places.