{"id":52557,"date":"2023-02-17T11:33:45","date_gmt":"2023-02-17T06:03:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/?p=52557"},"modified":"2023-02-17T11:33:46","modified_gmt":"2023-02-17T06:03:46","slug":"category-a-and-b-projects-in-eia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/category-a-and-b-projects-in-eia\/","title":{"rendered":"Overview of Category A and B Projects in EIA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a\nprocess that evaluates the possible environmental implications of a proposed\nproject or development, taking into consideration interconnected socioeconomic,\ncultural, and human-health aspects, both positive and negative. Environmental\nImpact Assessment (EIA) is a critical management tool for ensuring the most\nefficient use of natural resources for long-term development. The EIA Notification 2006 divides the\nprojects into Category A and B projects in EIA based on their size and impact\non natural and artificial resources. Category A projects require approval from\nthe MoEF (Ministry of Environment and Forests), based on the advice of an\nExpert Appraisal Committee (EAC); for example, building or expansion of ports,\nharbours, airports, nuclear power and related projects, primary metallurgical\nindustries (iron, steel, copper, and so on), individual projects mining\ninitiatives, and other areas of growth. The Environment Protection Act 1986,\nwhich contains numerous sections on EIA methodology and procedure, provides\nlegal support for environmental impact assessment in India. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Page Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/category-a-and-b-projects-in-eia\/#Aim_of_EIA\" >Aim\nof EIA<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/category-a-and-b-projects-in-eia\/#Applicability_of_EIA_in_India\" >Applicability\nof EIA in India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/category-a-and-b-projects-in-eia\/#Distribution_of_Category_A_and_B_projects_in_EIA_Projects\" >Distribution\nof Category A and B projects in EIA Projects<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/category-a-and-b-projects-in-eia\/#Notification_2006_For_Category_A_and_B_Projects_in_EIA\" >Notification,\n2006, For Category A and B Projects in EIA<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/category-a-and-b-projects-in-eia\/#Draft_EIA_Notification_2020\" >Draft\nEIA Notification 2020<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/category-a-and-b-projects-in-eia\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Aim_of_EIA\"><\/span>Aim\nof EIA<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The aim\nof differentiating Category A and B projects in EIA is to forecast\nenvironmental consequences early in project planning and design, to discover\nways and means to limit negative impacts, to adapt projects to fit the local\nenvironment, and to give predictions and choices to decision-makers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>EIA\ninvestigates both the positive and negative repercussions of the project and guarantees\nthat these effects are considered throughout project planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\nassists in identifying potential environmental consequences of the planned\nproject, provides mitigation strategies, and forecasts if substantial\nunfavourable environmental effects will occur even after mitigation measures\nare applied. Environmental assessment offers several benefits, such as\nenvironmental protection, optimum resource use, and project time and cost\nsavings, since it considers the environmental consequences of the project and\ntheir mitigation during the project planning cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An\nadequately conducted EIA also reduces disputes by encouraging community\nengagement, educating decision-makers, and laying the groundwork for\necologically sound initiatives. The advantages of Category A and B projects in\nEIA have been shown at all project stages, from exploration and planning to\nbuilding, operations, decommissioning, and beyond site closure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Applicability_of_EIA_in_India\"><\/span>Applicability\nof EIA in India<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>EIA was\ninitially established in 1978 for different river valley projects around the\ncountry and eventually broadened its scope to encompass numerous additional\ndevelopmental operations. Currently, EIA is needed for approximately 30\ndistinct types of projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nEnvironmental Protection Rules of 1986 permit the imposition of specific limits\non land development, growth, use and modernization of particular projects\nwithout the prior approval of the EIAA established under the Environment\nProtection Act, 1986 at the Central, State, or Union Territory level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Distribution_of_Category_A_and_B_projects_in_EIA_Projects\"><\/span>Distribution\nof Category A and B projects in EIA Projects<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The EIA\nRules divide the projects into two categories, A and B, based on their size and\nimpact on natural and artificial resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Category A projects require permission on behalf\nof the Central Government from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, based\non the opinion of an Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) created by the Central\nGovernment for this particular purpose. For example- harbours, airports,\nnuclear power and related projects, individual projects, construction or\nexpansion of ports, primary metallurgical industries (like steel, iron,\ncopper), etc.<\/li><li>Projects falling under Category B require the\napproval of a State EIA, based on the opinion of a State Expert Appraisal\nCommittee (SEAC) formed in the EIA Notification 2006.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Notification_2006_For_Category_A_and_B_Projects_in_EIA\"><\/span>Notification,\n2006, For Category A and B Projects in EIA<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Category\nB includes initiatives that are less in size or capability and have more minor\nconsequences than Category A. <strong><a class=\"text-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/environmental-clearance\">Environmental clearances<\/a><\/strong> are provided at the state\nlevel for Category B projects. As the law requires, each state has a designated\nagency or board that grants the Clearance<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The\nobjectives of the EIA Notification are as follows<\/strong>: &#8211;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>To build a transparent, decentralized, and\neffective regulatory structure to integrate environmental issues into the\ndevelopment process to promote long-term growth.<\/li><li>Ensuring the implementation of appropriate\nenvironmental protections at the planning stage of the project cycle to\nguarantee minimal effect on various environmental components.<\/li><li>To guarantee stakeholder participation in public\nconsultation through public hearings and to determine public opinion on the\nproposed project or activity.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The\nSalient Features Of EIA Notification Are<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>The EIA Notification, 2006 divided projects into Category\nA and B projects in EIA. <\/li><li>Category A projects require environmental approval\nand do not undergo the screening procedure.<\/li><li>Category B projects undergo a screening procedure\nand are divided into two groups.<ul><li>Category B1 projects\nrequire EIA (compulsory).<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Category B2 projects do\nnot require EIA.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>As a result, Category A and B projects in EIA go\nthrough the whole EIA procedure, whereas Category B2 projects are exempted.<\/li><li>The public consultation procedure has been\nimproved. It consists of two parts: written comments and a public hearing\non-site. A provision has also been created to videotape the public hearing\nproceedings.<\/li><li>NOCs (No-Objection Certificates) from other\nregulatory authorities, such as the SPCB, are not required before applying for\nenvironmental clearance.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Draft_EIA_Notification_2020\"><\/span>Draft\nEIA Notification 2020<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nMinistry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&amp;CC) has released\nthe draught Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification 2020, which would\nreplace the prior EIA Notification, 2006, under <strong>the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986<\/strong><sup><a class=\"text-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indiacode.nic.in\/bitstream\/123456789\/4316\/1\/ep_act_1986.pdf\"><strong>[1]<\/strong><\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nfollowing are the Key Proposals of the 2020 Draft:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Reduced Time for Public Hearings: Public\ninvolvement is essential in the EIA Mechanism. The proposal for 2020 suggests\nreducing the notice time for public hearings from 30 to 20 days.<\/li><li>However, the MoEFCC claims to be &#8220;up to\ndate&#8221; with the internet and mobile telephony expansion.<\/li><li>Project Exemption: Furthermore, by categorizing\nmany projects as A, B1, and B2, many projects are shielded from public\nscrutiny.<\/li><li>Unlike Category A and B1 projects in EIA, Category\nB2 projects do not require obligatory Environment Clearance (EC).<\/li><li>Exempted Projects: This category includes\noffshore\/onshore oil, gas, and shale exploration projects.<ul><li>Hydroelectric plants with a capacity of up to 25\nMW.<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Irrigation projects range from 2,000 to 10,000\nhectares in size.<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Small and medium-sized cement factories.<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Sulphuric acid, acids other than phosphoric or\nammonia.<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>MSMEs in dyes, dye intermediates, bulk\npharmaceuticals, synthetic rubbers, and medium-sized paint operations.<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>All inland waterway projects and roadway\ndevelopment or widening between 25 and 100 kilometres with prescribed\nrequirements.<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>These include highways that cut across woods and\nriver dredging.<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Aerial ropeways in environmentally sensitive\nplaces.<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Projects for specified building construction and\narea development; built-up area up to 1,50,000 sq. m.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Post-clearance compliance: Once the relevant\nauthorities have cleared a project, the proponent projects must follow specific\nguidelines outlined in the EIA report to guarantee that no more environmental\ndamage occurs.<\/li><li>Annual Report Submission: The current draught EIA\nrecommends annual compliance report submission, whereas the 2006 notice\nrequired compliance reports to be filed every six months.<\/li><li>Environmental experts believe that extending the\ndeadline for completing the compliance report will allow project proponents to\nconceal potentially severe repercussions.<\/li><li>Post-facto Clearance: A significant suggestion in\nthe draught 2020 is to provide &#8216;post-facto approval,&#8217; which allows projects\noperating without environmental clearance to be either regularised or permitted\nto seek clearance.<\/li><li>Penalty for Firms: Firms caught breaking the terms\nof their establishment will have to pay a fine if they need to get approval.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An EIA is developed to assess the environmental impact of a proposed development or construction project. Environmental Impact Assessments were first used in the 1960s to raise environmental awareness. EIA provides technical assessments designed to aid in more objective decision-making. In Category A and B projects in EIA, all physical infrastructure projects in category A exceed the specified minimum size and expense thresholds outlined in the Schedule. These projects&#8217; environmental clearances are issued at the central level. Ports, roads, water and sanitation, urban transportation, and solid waste management are all examples of physical infrastructure projects. EIAs are increasingly being utilized over the world. Every year, the number of environmental assessments filed &#8220;has greatly outnumbered the number of more rigorous Environmental Impact Statements&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-left\"><b>Read Our Article<\/b>: <mark style=\"background: #fffd03 !important;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/environmental-clearance-process-in-india\/\">Environmental Clearance Process In India: A Complete Outlook<\/a><\/mark><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process that evaluates the possible environmental implications of a proposed project or development, taking into consideration interconnected socioeconomic, cultural, and human-health aspects, both positive and negative. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a critical management tool for ensuring the most efficient use of natural resources for long-term development. The [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52,"featured_media":52558,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2093],"tags":[3104],"acf":{"service_id":"571"},"authorName":"Suchandra Mukherjee","authorImageUrl":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/MicrosoftTeams-image-52-1.jpg","authorDescription":"Suchandra is a 5th Year Law Student, pursuing Law from University of Mumbai. She has published 100+ Articles and Blogs on Legal Portals and International Multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journals. She is adept at legal research and can write fast SEO-friendly creative articles and blog posts on legal topics. She loves to paint and watch thriller movies in her free time.","postViews":43840,"readingTime":5,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52557"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/52"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52557"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52557\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":52560,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52557\/revisions\/52560"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52558"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52557"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=52557"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/corpbiz.io\/learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=52557"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}