Q1. What is the primary objective of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?
- To speed up project approvals
- To foresee potential environmental problems and include mitigation measures in project planning and design
- To maximize profits for developers
- To avoid all environmental regulations
Correct Option: 2. To foresee potential environmental problems and include mitigation measures in project planning and design
Explanation: The main goal of EIA is to predict what environmental problems may arise because of a proposed development project well in advance, usually during the feasibility or planning stage. This allows project planners and government authorities to include design changes, mitigation strategies, or alternative options so that environmental harm is reduced or prevented. It is not about bypassing regulations — rather, EIA ensures compliance and more sustainable development.
Q2. Which Indian Act made EIA statutory (i.e., legally mandatory)?
- Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
- The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Correct Option: 3. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Explanation:Before 1986, EIA in India was more of an administrative decision and not legally enforceable. With the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986, the government gained legal authority to issue environmental protection rules. Under this Act, notifications were issued to make EIA a statutory requirement for certain categories of projects. This means projects had to obtain environmental clearance, following an EIA, for them to proceed.
Q3. Which of the following is not a phase in the EIA process in India (as per your text)?
- Screening
- Scoping
- Procurement
- Public hearing
Correct Option: 3. Procurement
Explanation: “Procurement” is not a recognized phase in the standard EIA cycle. The key phases are: screening (deciding whether EIA is required), scoping (identifying what specific issues and impacts must be studied), baseline data collection, impact prediction, assessment of alternatives and mitigation measures, preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement / Environmental Management Plan (EMP), public hearing, decision making, and monitoring compliance. Procurement relates more to project implementation, not the assessment or decision process itself.
Q4. What is “screening” in the EIA process?
- A detailed study of all environmental parameters
- Determining whether a proposed project requires an EIA as per the relevant notification
- Organizing public hearings
- Predicting impacts on flora and fauna
Correct Option: 2. Determining whether a proposed project requires an EIA as per the relevant notification
Explanation: Screening is the step where the proposed project is first examined using criteria such as scale of investment, type of development, and location. Through this, authorities decide whether the project needs a full EIA, a rapid EIA, or is exempt. In India, after the EIA Notification, many projects must undergo this screening to check whether they fall under the specified lists and require environmental clearance.
Q5. What is meant by “scoping” in the context of EIA?
- Defining the terms of reference of the EIA, including what impacts must be studied, what alternatives considered, etc.
- Monitoring the project’s compliance with EIA conditions
- Reviewing the financial cost of environmental protections
- Measuring noise and air quality levels after the project has begun
Correct Option: 1. Defining the terms of reference of the EIA, including what impacts must be studied, what alternatives considered, etc.
Explanation: Scoping determines how broad or narrow the EIA study should be. It involves identifying which environmental aspects (air, water, soil, noise, biological, socio-economic etc.) are likely to be significantly impacted, selecting the methods, models, and measurement parameters, considering alternatives (including “no-project” option), and setting Terms of Reference (ToR) that guide the EIA study. Proper scoping ensures the EIA focuses on the most relevant issues and is efficient.