Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Environmental Pollution and Degradation, EIA)

Subject: GS 3

Syllabus: Environmental pollution and degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

Questions

1. What is Environmental Impact Assessment and enumerate its significance? Also discuss what are the challenges involved which have made it ineffective. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
2. Analyze the reasons for high pollution in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). Also, examine the steps taken by the Government and constraints leading to pollution not decreasing. (150 Words, 10 Marks)

Model Structure

1. What is Environmental Impact Assessment and enumerate its significance? Also discuss what are the challenges involved which have made it ineffective. (150 Words, 10 Marks)

Model Structure

Introduction

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an exercise which helps in decision-making by identifying all the impacts of a project, whether environmental, social or economic.

Main Body

• EIA in India is backed legally by a statute. The impacts are recognized at the project planning and design stage and strategy is made to reduce these impacts. In this context, significance of EIA includes-
  • EIA is a participatory approach to minimize adverse impacts of developmental projects.
  • EIA is in line with sustainable development goals as it links environment protection with development for sustainable development.
  • It takes into account all stakeholders, including environment and other intangible assets, so that the development aspects of all of them are taken care of.
  • EIA helps promote mitigation and adaptation strategies which are good in the long run.
• But there are some issues which have made EIA ineffective. Some of them are-
  • Lack of domain experts and surplus generalists result in a lot of actions done without careful study and analysis.
  • Public hearing is an important part of EIA but many times, public feedback is considered at a later stage thus resulting in conflicts and delays.
  • Predetermined criteria like listing in Schedule I and a particular threshold of investment makes some projects with huge environmental impacts inapplicable when it comes to EIA.
  • There are some exceptions, like linear projects, which have huge environmental and social ramifications but they are excluded from public hearing.
  • Quality of EIA reports is another issue as lack of data analysis and compilation affects decision making.
  • There are strategic industries like defense projects and nuclear energy for which the EIA reports and environment management projects are kept confidential.

Conclusion

• Environmental Impact Assessment is an important tool for socio economic development and needs to be strengthened further to ensure it is followed in letter and spirit.

2. Analyze the reasons for high pollution in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). Also, examine the steps taken by the Government and constraints leading to pollution not decreasing. (150 Words, 10 Marks)

Introduction 

• Delhi ranked fourth on a list of 50 of the world’s most polluted cities in terms of PM2.5 levels in 2022, according to the World Air Quality Report. (Statistic-based)

Main Body

Reasons for high pollution in Delhi-NCRNatural Reasons:

• Delhi is landlocked when compared to Mumbai and Kolkata, so the level of pollution is more as the level of particulate matter and pollutants is not able to get discharged into the surrounding areas.
• Change in Wind Direction: October usually marks the withdrawal of monsoons in Northwest India, and during this time, the predominant direction of winds is northwesterly. The direction of the wind is northwesterly in summer as well, which brings dust from northern Pakistan and Afghanistan.
• Dust Storms: Dust storms from Gulf countries enhance the already worse condition.
• Temperature Inversion: As temperature dips, the inversion height is lowered and the concentration of pollutants in the air increases when this happens.

Man-made reasons

• The burning of paddy crops and other crops in Punjab and Haryana during winter months also is responsible for pollution
• Vehicular and industrial emissions that get trapped in the winter fog.
• Fireworks in the run-up to Diwali: It may not be the top reason for air pollution, but it definitely contributed to its build-up.
• Construction Activities: Due to the rising population leading to the increased spread of Urbanisation, large-scale construction in Delhi-NCR is taking place.
• Open Waste Burning: Delhi also has landfill sites for the dumping of waste, and the burning of waste in these sites also contributes to air pollution.
• High Population: Over-population adds up to the various types of pollution e.g. huge solid waste, water waste, construction activities emitting particulate pollution etc.

Steps taken by the Government

1. Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): For better coordination, research, identification, and resolution of problems related to air quality in the Delhi NCR and adjoining areas.
2. Implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): The government has introduced the GRAP, which outlines specific measures to be taken based on pollution severity levels. 
3. Introduction of cleaner fuel standards: The transition from BS-IV to BS-VI fuels has led to a reduction in sulfur content and emissions from vehicles.
4. Expansion of public transportation: The government has invested in improving public transportation infrastructure, including the expansion of the Delhi Metro network and the introduction of electric buses. 

Constraints leading to pollution not decreasing

1. Regional coordination: The lack of effective coordination among neighbouring states to address issues such as crop burning and industrial pollution hampers efforts to tackle the problem comprehensively.
2. Enforcement challenges: Limited resources and inadequate monitoring mechanisms hinder the effective implementation and enforcement of pollution control measures.
3. Public awareness and participation: Encouraging public participation and ensuring compliance with pollution control measures remain ongoing challenges.
4. Economic considerations: Balancing environmental concerns with economic growth is a significant challenge.

Conclusion

• Delhi's pollution problem demands a long-term vision, collective action, and sustained commitment.

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