DAYANANDA SAGAR ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY

& MANAGEMENT
(Affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi & Approved by AICTE,New Delhi)

Udayapura, Kanakapura Main Road, Opp. Art of Living, Bangalore-82

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Accredited by NBA, New Delhi

SUBJECT : ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

SUBJECT CODE : 21CIV57
Report on
“ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT ”
of
5th Semester, Bachelor of Engineering
in
Information Science and Engineering

Submitted By

DHEERAJ M N 1DT21IS051

Submitted to
Dr. M K Harikeerthan
Associate. Professor
Dept. of Civil Engineering
DSATM, Bangalore.
 DAYANANDA SAGAR ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY &
MANAGEMENT
Opp. Art of Living, Udayapura, Kanakapura Road, Bangalore- 560082
Affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi and Approved by AICTE, New Delhi
CSE,ISE,ECE,EEE,ME,CE Branches Accredited by NBA, New Delhi

NAAC Accredited with A+ Grade

This is to certify that the activity entitled “ ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT”

is carried out by DHEERAJ M N (1DT21IS051), in fulfilment of the syllabus Creative
Assessment for the subject Environmental Studies-21CV57 in Information Science and
Engineering of the Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi during the year
2023- 2024. It is certified that all the corrections/ suggestions indicated for the given
internal assessment have been incorporated in the report. This report has been approved as
it satisfies the requirements with respect to the pedagogy Mini-Project work.

Signature of the Guide Signature of the HOD

Dr. M K Harikeerthan Dr. Nandini Prasad K S
Associate Professor Dean Foreign Affairs &
Department of Civil Engineering HOD, Dept. of ISE
DSATM, Bangalore. DSATM, Bangalore.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sl. No. Topic Page No.

1 Introduction 01

2 History 02

3 Current situation in India 03

4 Stages of Environment Impact 04

Assessment
5 Cost to Environment Impact 05
Assessment
5 Conclusion 06
ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT

1. Introduction

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) stands as a cornerstone process in modern development

initiatives, aiming to evaluate and address potential environmental consequences systematically.
Through rigorous analysis, EIA assesses how proposed projects may impact various facets of the
environment, including air and water quality, biodiversity, land use, and socio-economic factors.
By scrutinizing these elements, EIA aims to identify both direct and indirect effects, providing
decision-makers with a comprehensive understanding of the project's potential environmental
implications. This proactive approach enables stakeholders to anticipate and mitigate adverse
effects before they occur, fostering sustainable development practices that prioritize
environmental conservation alongside economic progress.

Central to the EIA process is the goal of informed decision-making, where stakeholders weigh the
anticipated environmental risks against the project's potential benefits. By integrating
environmental considerations into decision-making processes, EIA ensures that projects align
with broader sustainability objectives. Moreover, EIA serves as a platform for stakeholder
engagement, encouraging participation from local communities, environmental organizations,
and regulatory bodies. This inclusive approach fosters transparency, accountability, and public
trust, as diverse perspectives are considered and integrated into project planning and
implementation.

Furthermore, Environmental Impact Assessment plays a crucial role in shaping project design and
management strategies to minimize environmental harm. Through early identification of potential
impacts, developers can modify project plans, incorporate mitigation measures, or explore
alternative approaches to mitigate environmental risks effectively. Additionally, EIA serves as a
regulatory requirement in many jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with environmental laws and
standards. By adhering to established guidelines, projects can proceed with confidence, reducing
the likelihood of legal challenges and enhancing their overall sustainability and resilience in the
face of environmental challenges.

Fig 1.1 Factors of Environmental impact assessment

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ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT

2. Brief History of Environment Impact Assessment

The history of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) can be traced back to the mid-20th
century when concerns about environmental degradation and the need for sustainable
development began to emerge globally. The roots of EIA can be found in various initiatives aimed
at protecting the environment and mitigating the adverse impacts of development activities.

One of the earliest instances of formalized environmental assessment can be seen in the United
States with the Enactment of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in 1969. NEPA
mandated the consideration of environmental impacts in federal government decision-making
processes, laying the groundwork for what would later evolve into the modern EIA process. NEPA
required federal agencies to prepare Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for major projects,
outlining the potential environmental effects and alternatives.

Following the introduction of NEPA, other countries began adopting similar approaches to
environmental assessment. Canada introduced its own Environmental Assessment Act in 1973,
while countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom implemented their own
frameworks for evaluating environmental impacts.
The concept of EIA continued to evolve throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with increased
recognition of its importance in sustainable development. International agreements such as the
United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm, 1972) and the World
Conservation Strategy (IUCN, 1980) further underscored the need for comprehensive
environmental assessment processes.

Since then, EIA has become a standard practice globally, integrated into decision-making
processes for a wide range of projects spanning infrastructure development, industrial activities,
land-use planning, and natural resource management. Over time, EIA has evolved to encompass
broader considerations, including social and economic impacts, cultural heritage preservation,
and climate change resilience.
Today, EIA remains a vital tool for promoting sustainable development by identifying and
mitigating potential environmental risks associated with development projects, ensuring that
progress is achieved in harmony with environmental conservation goals.

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ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT

3. Current Situation in India

Revisions to EIA Notification: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(MoEFCC) periodically revises the EIA Notification to update the framework for environmental
clearances. The most recent amendment to the EIA Notification was issued in 2020, which
attracted both support and criticism from different stakeholders.

Controversies and Debates: The EIA process in India has been marred by controversies and
debates surrounding specific projects and the adequacy of environmental assessments. Critics
have raised concerns about the perceived dilution of environmental regulations and the lack of
public participation in decision-making.

Legal Challenges: Several projects undergoing the EIA process have faced legal challenges from
environmental activists and civil society organizations. These challenges often focus on issues
such as procedural lapses, inadequate assessment of environmental impacts, and violations of
environmental laws.

Stakeholder Engagement: There has been an increasing emphasis on enhancing stakeholder

engagement in the EIA process, including public consultations and participation of local
communities in decision-making. However, there are ongoing discussions about the effectiveness
and inclusivity of these mechanisms.

Technology and Data Integration: Efforts have been made to leverage technology and integrate
data-driven approaches into the EIA process. This includes the use of geographic information
systems (GIS), remote sensing, and environmental modeling to improve the accuracy of impact
assessments.

Capacity Building: There is a recognized need for capacity building among regulatory
authorities, project proponents, and other stakeholders involved in the EIA process. Training
programs and workshops are conducted to enhance understanding and implementation of
environmental regulations.

Monitoring and Compliance: Ensuring effective monitoring and compliance with environmental
conditions and mitigation measures remains a challenge. There have been instances where
projects have faced scrutiny for non-compliance with clearance conditions, highlighting the
importance of robust monitoring mechanisms.

Overall, the situation of EIA in India is dynamic and subject to ongoing developments, debates,
and reforms aimed at balancing environmental protection with the country's development
aspirations. For the most current information on the situation of EIA in India, it is advisable to
refer to recent government notifications, environmental assessments, and news updates.

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ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT

4. Stages of Environment Impact Assessment

Screening: This initial stage involves determining whether a proposed project requires a full EIA.
Projects are screened based on their size, location, and potential environmental impact. If the
project is determined to require an EIA, it proceeds to the next stage.

Scoping: In this stage, the scope and extent of the assessment are defined. This involves
identifying the environmental factors and potential impacts that need to be studied in detail during
the assessment process. Stakeholder consultation often occurs during this stage to gather input on
the scope of the assessment.

Assessment: This stage involves collecting baseline data on the existing environmental conditions
in the project area and predicting the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project.
Baseline data collection and impact prediction are key components of this stage.

Reporting: Once the assessment is completed, the findings are compiled into an Impact
Assessment Report (IAR). This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the project's potential
environmental impacts, baseline data, impact predictions, and proposed mitigation measures.

Review: The Impact Assessment Report (IAR) is subjected to review by regulatory authorities,
expert committees, and other stakeholders. This stage involves evaluating the completeness and
accuracy of the assessment and considering any feedback or concerns raised during the review
process.

Decision Making: Based on the findings of the assessment and the outcome of the review process,
a decision is made regarding whether to grant environmental clearance for the project, and if so,
under what conditions. This stage may also involve public consultation and feedback before a
final decision is made.

Monitoring: After the project is approved and implemented, ongoing monitoring is conducted to
ensure that the project complies with environmental regulations and that any mitigation measures
are effectively implemented. Monitoring helps to track environmental impacts over time and
ensures that corrective actions can be taken if necessary.

Fig 3.1 7 Stages of Environmental impact assessment

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ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT

5. Cost to Environment Impact Assessment

The cost of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) can vary widely depending on various
factors such as the scope of the project, the complexity of the assessment required, the location,
and the regulations of the country or region where the assessment is being conducted.

Environmental Impact Assessments are comprehensive studies that evaluate the potential
environmental consequences of a proposed project or development. They often involve collecting
data on the existing environmental conditions, analysing potential impacts, and proposing
measures to mitigate any adverse effects.

The cost of an EIA typically includes expenses related to:

Data Collection: This involves gathering information on the project site, existing environmental
conditions, and potential impacts.

Expert Consultation: Hiring environmental experts, scientists, engineers, and other

professionals who are knowledgeable in various aspects of environmental assessment and
mitigation.

Analysis and Reporting: Conducting analyses to assess potential impacts, preparing the EIA
report, and presenting findings to relevant stakeholders.

Public Consultation: Engaging with the public and stakeholders to gather input, address
concerns, and incorporate feedback into the assessment process.

Regulatory Compliance: Meeting legal and regulatory requirements for conducting the EIA,
including obtaining permits and approvals.

Monitoring and Follow-Up: Implementing monitoring programs to assess the effectiveness of

mitigation measures and conducting follow-up assessments as needed.
The cost can range from a few thousand dollars for small-scale projects to millions of dollars for
large-scale developments with significant environmental implications. It's important for project
proponents to budget for the cost of an EIA as part of their overall project planning process.

Additionally, it's recommended to consult with environmental consulting firms or regulatory

agencies in the relevant jurisdiction to get a more accurate estimate of the cost based on the
specific project requirements and circumstances.

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ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT

6. Conclusion
In conclusion, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has provided a comprehensive
analysis of the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed project. Through
rigorous assessment, baseline data collection, impact prediction, and stakeholder consultation, the
EIA process has identified key environmental concerns and proposed mitigation measures to
address them.

The Impact Assessment Report (IAR) presents a thorough overview of the project's potential
impacts on air quality, water resources, biodiversity, socio-economic factors, and other
environmental parameters. It also outlines the proposed mitigation measures aimed at minimizing
or avoiding adverse impacts and enhancing the project's environmental performance.

The review process has provided valuable feedback from regulatory authorities, expert
committees, and stakeholders, ensuring that the assessment is thorough and robust. Based on the
findings of the assessment and the outcomes of the review, decision-makers are equipped with the
necessary information to make informed decisions regarding the project's environmental
clearance.

Moving forward, it is essential to prioritize effective monitoring and compliance mechanisms to

ensure that the project is implemented in accordance with environmental regulations and that
mitigation measures are successfully implemented. Continuous monitoring will help track
environmental performance over time and enable adaptive management strategies to address any
unforeseen impacts.

Overall, the EIA process serves as a crucial tool for sustainable development, balancing the need
for economic growth with environmental protection. By integrating environmental considerations
into decision-making processes, we can mitigate potential risks, safeguard ecosystems, and
promote a more sustainable future for all stakeholders involved.

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