Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Critical environmental and social issues Key weaknesses and public concerns
Underlying Principles
EIA process should be considered a part of the decision making process and not one box to be ticked, as is the case currently Currently, the public hearing process provides the only opportunity for the local community and others to have some role in the whole project cycle. This is not a desirable situation. The only document the enables informed participation by the local community and the others is EIA-EMP, but that is not available in the language they can understand.
Dishonest EIA-EMP-1
Most EIAs fall in this category, unfortunately. Some of the EIA agencies involved in such EIAs include: NEERI, ERM, E&Y, TERI, WAPCOS, North Bengal University, TBGRI, NCAER, ADB. There is no process of punishing an agency for doing a dishonest EIA-EMP. o Bias for the project/ project developers o Wrong claims (KWP to operate as peaking station) o Development = Dams (e.g. NEERI for KWP) o Exaggerate the Power Demand and certify that the project if green, clean, renewable, etc.
Dishonest EIA-EMP-2
o Lift paragraphs and sentences from other documents without citing sources. [in some cases whole EIAs are plagiarised.] o Contradictory information o Inconsistent information and analysis o Poor knowledge of the project area: (ADP EIA says Kol dam is in Beas basin) o Use outdated figures when latest figures are available. o References for facts and figures in the EIA not given, so you cannot cross check them.
Incomplete EIA-EMP
o Impact study across the year not done. o Incomplete surveys: Non assessment of impacts due to a number of project components like roads, colonies, transmission lines, etc. o Unsubstantiated statements like: no endangered or rare species, no common property resources affected o Impact with respect to land slides, flash floods, peak precipitation, not assessed. o Arbitrary demarcation of EIA study area (e.g. KWP EIA says 5 km on both sides of the river)
EIA-EMP be made available in local language, a copy to each of the gram panchayat, to be made available in the panchayat office for public consultation A process of explaining the contents of the EIA-EMP and the Public hearing and clearance process & the role of various stakeholders there in should be taken up before the public hearing. The public hearing should be conducted by an independent panel that would have the confidence of all concerned. No govt high officials or political heavy weights should be present at the public hearing. The PH panel should give a report (which should be immediately be in public domain) giving their view about the issues raised at the PH and how far the response from the project authorities addressed the issues raised and what needs to be done to address unaddressed issues. The panel report should be binding for all.
Is that Feasible?
YES Some elements of these have been implemented in Allain Duhangan HEP in HP Fewer in case of Karcham Wagtoo HEP in HP. DID IT HELP? It did help to some extent. It would have helped much more if all the elements were implemented honestly. HOW WAS IT POSSIBLE? The usual way..
Demonstrable Public acceptable of key decisions is essential for equitable and sustainable development. Acceptance emerges from recognising rights, addressing risks and safeguarding entitlements of all groups of affected people, particularly the vulnerable groups: Adivasis, Women, dalits. Informed Participation Free, Prior, Informed consent of tribals where they are affected. Comprehensive Options Assessment, Addressing outstanding issues, Ensuring Complaince
WCD Recommendations
The Ministry is changing EIA notification The DM now may decide if appropriate situation does not prevail for public hearing NGOs, others not belonging to local area may not be allowed to participate in the PH There are other retrograde elements in the new notification The business and the World Bank are surely driving this process So much for the democracy.
Local people know the EIA and PH process and their role therein, well in advance of the PH The EIA-EMP and project summary are available as required under the law When not available, people write to the authorities, demanding rescheduling of the PH People get to understand the contents of the EIA-EMP and their inadequacies People participate in the PH in large number to raise necessary issues Invite credible media persons at the PH Video record the PH and write to the concerned about the violations therein Challenge the clearance in the NEAA and courts when it is given in spite of violations People should continue to monitor the project
Thank you
South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers & People cwaterp@vsnl.com www.sandrp.in September 2006