CIA 2 ASSESSMENT

EIA IN KARNATAKA

INTRODUCTION:
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a crucial process used to
evaluate the potential environmental effects of proposed projects,
plans, or policies before they are implemented. It serves as a
proactive measure to identify and assess the possible impacts on the
environment, society, and economy. In Karnataka, the EIA process
follows a similar framework. The Karnataka State Pollution Control
Board (KSPCB) is the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing
the EIA process and ensuring compliance with environmental
regulations.

The EIA process in Karnataka involves several stages. It begins with

the project proponent submitting a detailed project report to the
KSPCB, outlining the project's scope, objectives, and potential
environmental impacts. The KSPCB then reviews the report and
determines whether an EIA is required based on the project's size,
location, and potential impacts.

If an EIA is deemed necessary, the project proponent is required to

prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment report. This report
includes a comprehensive assessment of the project's potential
impacts on various environmental factors, such as air and water
quality, biodiversity, land use, and socio-economic aspects. The
report also proposes measures to mitigate or minimize any adverse
effects.
Once the EIA report is prepared, it undergoes a public consultation
process, allowing stakeholders and the public to provide feedback
and raise concerns. The KSPCB considers these inputs while
evaluating the project's environmental feasibility.

Based on the findings of the EIA report and public consultation, the
KSPCB plans regarding the project's environmental clearance. If
approved, the project proponent must adhere to the recommended
mitigation measures and comply with environmental regulations
throughout the project's lifecycle.

Overall, the EIA process in Karnataka aims to ensure that

development projects are carried out in an environmentally
sustainable manner, considering the state's unique ecological and
socio-economic context. The process plays a vital role in identifying
and addressing potential environmental impacts, promoting
responsible development, and safeguarding the well-being of both
the environment and the communities in Karnataka.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the United States was the
birthplace of the idea of an environmental impact assessment (EIA).
According to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, it
initially became a requirement. The evaluation of potential
environmental implications for government projects in the US was
mandated by NEPA.

The Environmental Impact Assessment Notification published by the

Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) in 1994 marked the
beginning of the EIA process in India. This notification now required
certain project types to do an EIA prior to gaining environmental
clearance. India's EIA procedure has developed over time, and
periodic updates to the laws have strengthened ecological
protection.

The EIA procedure in Karnataka complies with the MoEF-established

national framework. Implementing and regulating the EIA procedure
in the state is the responsibility of the Karnataka State Pollution
Control Board (KSPCB). The exact schedule for the implementation of
the EIA process in Karnataka follows the national timeline, beginning
in 1994 with the issuance of the national EIA notification.