EIA OF ROAD AND HIGHWAY PROJECTS

CSE’s short-term training programme

India has about 3.3 million kilometers of road network, which is the second largest in the world. Apart from the development and growth that these projects bring, they also have adverse environmental and social impacts. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an important tool to inform decision-makers, regulators and stakeholders, about the possible environmental, social and economic costs of such projects.

There is a genuine need to develop the capacity of the state-level regulators and state level expert appraisal Committee (SEAC) to screen and scope the EIA process, to conduct transparent public consultations and to evaluate the EIA reports. At the same time, there is a need among road and highway authorities, consultants, CBO, NGOs, academicians, and environmental managers to learn best practices, prepare comprehensive EIA reports; review and interpret EIA reports.

Centre for Science and Environment recognises this need and has developed a hands-on five-day training programme aimed at giving practical exposure to participants on EIA with specific reference to road and highway projects. After the programme, the participants shall have 1. Exposure to all aspects of EIA in context with road and highway projects,

from its theory to the practical – such as better understanding regarding: • What data is required, how this data should be collected and interpreted,

and significance of the data • Effectiveness of the assessment methods • What issues should be addressed in the Terms of Reference (TOR) • Tools and thumb rules available to evaluate the environmental impacts of

road and highway projects 2. Better understanding of the EIA process – from screening, scoping, data

collection to impact assessment as well as the role of public consultation 3. Better understanding of the environmental and social impacts of the road

and highway projects 4. Better ability to review EIA reports and identify its strengths and

weaknesses 5. Increased ability to play active role in post-EIA monitoring.