DRAFT ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) 2020: A CRITICAL STUDY IN SOCIAL PERSPECTIVE

Natural Environment nourishes material needs of humankind. Since the beginning of human history, the relationship between human and natural environment was friendly till increased demand for material needs due to modernization projects of development had adverse impact on environment. Consequently environment crisis has become a challenge to humanity, for the latter is exposed to ill effects take pollution, climate change and other natural hazards. Humanity passes through a critical situation. One the one hand it requires development and on the other it needs to conserve environment which is the basis of development. Thus, there is a positive relationship between the level of development and level of environmental degradation. Environmental crisis is a global phenomenon. To arrest this cries, that is to strike a balance between development and environment, the first step is this regard was taken by US in its National Environmental Policy Act, 1970. Since then several nations including India have incorporated Environment Impact Assessment into their development projects. But, the policies on EIA keep on changing with shifting development perspectives. The development model adopted by India is however criticized due to its capitalist nature and market orientation favoring big industrialist. Correspondingly EIA policy is not free for criticism. In this paper, a critical analysis of Draft EIA 2020 of India is attempt to study its social implication is the process of implementation