Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)
The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) is a statutory process under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, that ensures environmental considerations are integrated into development decisions.
- The government periodically updates the EIA rules to improve efficiency and align with emerging challenges. The 2006 EIA Notification was a landmark reform that decentralized clearances, and the 2020 Draft Notification proposed further changes.
Urbanization in the Himalayas – Is It Sustainable?
- Urbanization in the IHR warrants urgent attention—without holistic planning and sustainable practices, the fragile mountain environment is at severe risk. The dual pressures of tourism and urban growth demand robust waste management and infrastructure systems tailored to hillside topography. According to ICIMOD and World Bank studies, poor solid waste infrastructure leads to open dumping and burning—releasing black carbon that darkens glaciers and accelerates melt. Moreover, impermeable construction disrupts natural water retention, triggering water shortages and flood risks downstream, especially during heavy rainfall events.