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In the absence of sustainable planning, projects
tend to have negative fallouts, such as
deterioration of water, air and soil
environment. The run-down of forests, the
destruction of unique habitats of flora and
fauna, and the disappearance of cultural
landmarks are the other degradation that one has
witnessed in recent years. |
The main task is to anticipate these effects and
then to minimize them. Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) is an important management tool
for ensuring optimal use of natural resources
for sustainable development. A beginning in this
direction was made in India with the impact
assessment of river valley projects in 1978-79
and the scope has subsequently been enhanced to
cover other developmental sectors such as
industries, thermal power projects, mining
schemes etc. |
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To
facilitate collection of environmental data and
preparation of management plans, guidelines have
been evolved and circulated to the concerned
Central and State Government Departments. EIA
has now been made mandatory under the
Environmental (Protection Act, 1986 for 29
categories of developmental activities involving
investments of Rs. 50 crores and above.
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The concerns of ASK have been to address these
issues. This assessment involves integration of
many scientific disciplines and ASK is well
equipped in all the disciplines. Our endeavors
have been to indicate appropriate areas for
industrial and urban development, for tourism
and leisure activities, and for agricultural
expansion. They may include studies of
alternative site locations according to
geo-hydrological and microclimatic conditions
for restoration of lakes, air pollution and
noise abatement.
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