UPSC Mains 2024 · GS III · Q8 · 10 marks · 150 words

What role do environmental NGOs and activists play in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India? Cite four examples with all important details.

हिन्दी में

भारत में प्रमुख परियोजनाओं के लिए पर्यावरणीय प्रभाव आकलन (ई० आइ० ए०) परिणामों को प्रभावित करने में पर्यावरणीय गैर-सरकारी संगठन और कार्यकर्ता क्या भूमिका निभाते हैं? सभी महत्त्वपूर्ण विवरणों सहित चार उदाहरण दीजिए।

Environmental Governance

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “'The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regime in India remains weak and is often reduced to a procedural formality.' In light of this statement, examine the key challenges in EIA implementation and suggest reforms.”

Dishant A NisarAIR 19 · CSE 2025 · 128 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a constitutional or legal provision

EIA mandated under the 'Environment Protection Act 1986' ensures that development is balanced with sustainability.

Body · points

Diagram
EIA |-- Screening |-- Scoping |-- Public Hearing |-- Reporting

Key challenges →

  1. Rules not followed → Public hearing not done in 80% cases.

  2. Private sector Consultancy involved in EIA reports → Corruption and biased results.

  3. Lack of inter-agency unification and auditing of reports.

  4. Poor State level EIA for state industries. (No capacity, resources).

  5. Exemptions leading to misuse of rules and misappropriation.

Reforms Needed

  1. Digitize EIA process → with only certification after due process followed.
  2. Compulsory public hearing on EIA.
  3. Government empanelled firms, NGO's for EIA process and mandatory audits.
  4. Review legislative framework → reduce gaps.
  5. National Green Tribunal → more resources needed.

Close · a summary

EIA is necessary for Sustainable development and ensuring inclusive development.

2 more toppers’ answers to this question, part by part, and how they all approached it: open the question.

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2024, General Studies Paper III, Q8. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.