Environmental awareness is increasing everyday. The two major criteria, i.e. (a) the project should maximize economic return, (b) should be technically feasible, are no longer considered adequate to decide the desirability or even the viability of the project.
In many cases it has been seen that undesirable consequences of the projects may nullify the socio-economic benefits for which the project was designed.
Environment Impact Assessment is one way by which the ecological effects of the projects are weighed. The objective of Environmental Impact Assessment is to achieve sustainable development with
- Minimal Environmental Degradation
- Prevention of long term environment adverse effects by incorporating suitable mitigating measures.
Environmental Impact Assessment process therefore, involves evaluation of Environmental implications and incorporation of necessary safeguards for those activities having a bearing on Environmental quality. Evaluation of the beneficial and adverse effects of development projects on the eco-system is attempted both
qualitatively as well as quantitatively.
The high speed of Industrial development and commercialization which has permitted material standards of living to reach high levels has also led to unforeseen effects on the very environmental assets that constitute the basis for sustained socio-economic development. It is becoming clear that air, water and soil must, of necessitate be treated as precious Aral resources requiring careful management. Simple cures for pollution problems are no longer sufficient. Comprehensive policies for preventive action to avert environmental damage before it occurs are becoming imperative. In this context the wide application of environment impact assessment has become a promising instrument to-prepare public decision making on Developmental action.
To be really meaningful, impact assessment was to be taken up at the project inception , stage itself, so that
- selection of site,
- choice of process technology,
- selection of appropriate layout, and
- building materials
can be done to ensure environmental compatibility.
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