Need for participatory and sustainable principles in India's EIA system: lessons from the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project

Abstract

This paper analyses the roles of various actors in the environmental clearance procedure in India and suggests improvements to promote more congenial interaction, minimise conflicts and achieve the stated objectives of environmental impact assessment (EIA). Then the EIA system is explored for its institutional and procedural provisions, where major weaknesses have been identified. The environmental clearance process of the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project is investigated: this project was promoted by the Government and was given environmental clearance recently, amidst widespread protest by the public. A modified clearance procedure with a key role for local communities is suggested that brings it in line with the goals of participatory decision-making to achieve sustainable development.

Keywords:

• environmental impact assessment
• Sethusamudram
• Panchayat
• participatory decision-making
• India