Three decades of EIA reforms in India: reflections on the complexities of simplifications

ABSTRACT

This letter provides an overview of the EIA system in India for the last three decades. The strengths and weaknesses of the system are summarised here based on the key reviews, which have been undertaken during this time. The main purpose of this contribution is however to reflect on the recent attempts to introduce changes within the EIA system in India via the Draft EIA Notification of 2020 and the subsequent regulatory instruments. The proposed changes are compared and contrasted against the identified strengths and weaknesses. Though the Draft Notification was rejected, it showcases the intention of the Government towards dilution of the EIA system and its failure portrays the extent to which public opinion and understanding of EIA has evolved in the country.

KEYWORDS:

• Environmental impact assessment
• India
• draft notification 2020
• simplification

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.