ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)

Demand for minor minerals such as sand and gravel has crossed 60 million tons in India.

Process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural and human health impacts, both beneficial and adverse. It is a tool used to assess the positive and negative environmental, economic and social impacts of a project.

• The regulatory and administrative powers to frame rules, prescribe rates of royalty, mineral concessions, enforcement, etc are entrusted exclusively to state governments.
• The Environment Impact Assessment( EIA) notifications of 1994 and 2006 made environmental clearances compulsory for mining in areas more than or equal to five hectares. However Supreme Court of India after taking cognizance of a report by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change on Environmental aspects of Quarrying of Minor Minerals(2010) directed all state governments to make the requisite changes in the regulatory framework of minor minerals, requiring environmental clearances for mining in areas less than five hectares, as a result, EIA was amended made environmental clearance mandatory for mining in areas less than five hectares, including minor minerals.
• The amended also provided for the setting up of a District Environment Impact Assessment Authority (EIAA) and a District Expert Appraisal committee (EAC).
• However a state-wise review of EACs and EIAAs in key industrial states such as Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This shows that these authorities review over 50 project proposals in a day and the rejection rate at the state level has been a mere 1%.