Q1. What does baseline data in an EIA refer to?
- Predictions of future environmental impacts
- The status of environment (air, water, soil, biodiversity, etc.) before project begins
- Public opinions for and against the project
- The final decision on whether to allow the project
Correct Option: 2. The status of environment (air, water, soil, biodiversity, etc.) before project begins
Explanation: Baseline data is the snapshot of the existing environmental and socio-economic conditions in the area where the project is proposed. It includes measurements of air quality, water quality, flora and fauna, soil state, noise levels, local community health, etc. This establishes a point of comparison so that after project implementation, the actual impact (both expected and unexpected) can be assessed against how things were before. Without reliable baseline data, impact predictions are less accurate.
Q2. Why is “public hearing” an essential part of the EIA process?
- Because it reduces the cost of conducting studies
- To satisfy legal formalities without any substantial changes
- To allow affected communities and stakeholders to express concerns, offer suggestions, and influence project design or mitigation measures
- To expedite decision-making
Correct Option: 3. To allow affected communities and stakeholders to express concerns, offer suggestions, and influence project design or mitigation measures
Explanation: Public hearings ensure transparency and inclusion. They give people who are likely to be affected by the project – local residents, NGOs, local associations – a chance to understand what is proposed, ask questions, and provide feedback. Sometimes, issues that technical studies miss (like cultural impacts, traditional uses of land, local biodiversity, etc.) are highlighted by affected people. Authorities are required to consider these inputs in their final decisions or in modifying plans and mitigation strategies.
Q3. What is the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) in EIA?
- A document that describes the expectation of profit from a project
- A set of mitigation, monitoring, and compensation measures designed to manage identified impacts throughout the project’s life cycle
- A report on public hearing outcomes only
- A list of alternative projects that could replace the proposed one
Correct Option: 2. A set of mitigation, monitoring, and compensation measures designed to manage identified impacts throughout the project’s life cycle
Explanation: EMP is a crucial part of the EIA report. Once impacts are predicted and alternatives evaluated, the EMP lays out how the adverse effects will be avoided, minimized, or mitigated; who is responsible; when actions will be taken; how much budget is allocated; how monitoring will be done; and what contingency plans exist in case predicted impacts are worse than expected. The EMP ensures that mitigation is not just theoretical but actionable and enforceable during construction and operation.
Q4. After the 2006 amendment in the Indian EIA system, how are projects categorized?
- Category X, Y, Z
- Categories A, B1 and B2
- Only one category for all projects
- Categories 1, 2, 3
Correct Option: 2. Categories A, B1 and B2
Explanation: Post-2006, projects are broadly divided into Category A and Category B. Category B is further split into B1 and B2. Category A includes large projects with potentially high environmental risks and are appraised at the national level. Category B projects are appraised at state level; B1 projects require full EIA while B2 are smaller or less risky and may be exempt or require very minimal assessment. The categorization determines how much scrutiny, assessment, and regulatory oversight a project needs.
Q5. What is the purpose of “monitoring the clearance conditions” in EIA?
- To check whether the predicted impacts and mitigation measures are indeed being implemented and whether actual impacts align with those predicted
- To only ensure paperwork is submitted on time
- To allow projects to begin even if they haven’t met all EIA requirements
- To avoid public involvement once the project starts
Correct Option: 1. To check whether the predicted impacts and mitigation measures are indeed being implemented and whether actual impacts align with those predicted
Explanation: Monitoring clearance conditions is about follow-up after clearance is granted. It ensures that the commitments made in the EIA report and EMP are actually carried out during construction and operation. Also, it allows authorities to check whether impacts are worse than predicted, so corrective actions can be taken. Without monitoring, EIA risks becoming just a ritual without real enforcement. Effective monitoring helps in environmental protection, compliance, and accountability.