Q. Evaluate the significance of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in shaping developmental policies in Odisha. How does the integration of scientific research and local community perspectives enhance environmental governance? Critically assess the effectiveness and limitations of the current EIA framework in the State.
Ans: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) plays a pivotal role in balancing economic growth with ecological sustainability, especially in a resource-rich yet vulnerable region like Odisha. With expansive mineral reserves, coastal ecosystems, and tribal habitats, Odisha’s development trajectory hinges on sound environmental planning.
Significance of EIA in Odisha’s Developmental Policies
EIA functions as a preventive tool in Odisha’s policy-making by:
- Regulating industrial expansion in ecologically sensitive zones like Similipal Biosphere Reserve and coastal wetlands.
- Facilitating transparent decision-making in mining, infrastructure, and irrigation projects.
- Influencing land acquisition policies, especially in tribal districts, by assessing social-environmental trade-offs.
It ensures that developmental interventions align with sustainable practices, protecting Odisha’s fragile landscapes from unregulated degradation.
Integration of Scientific Research and Local Perspectives
Incorporating scientific analysis and community knowledge significantly improves environmental governance:
- Scientific data supports accurate baseline studies, pollution modeling, and biodiversity mapping.
- Indigenous communities contribute place-based ecological wisdom, especially on forest regeneration and water conservation.
- Participatory processes foster stakeholder ownership, reducing opposition and improving long-term compliance.
This integration bridges the gap between policy technocracy and grassroots realities.
Critical Assessment of Odisha’s EIA Framework
Effectiveness:
- Improved project scrutiny and regulatory awareness post-EIA amendments.
- Establishment of State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) for decentralised evaluation.
Limitations:
- Delays in appraisal and approval due to bureaucratic hurdles.
- Limited public consultation, especially in rural and tribal areas.
- Inadequate post-clearance monitoring, leading to compliance gaps.
In conclusion, while Odisha’s EIA framework is evolving, greater accountability, scientific rigor, and community involvement are essential for truly sustainable development.