Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in India: Legal Framework, Challenges and Future Directions

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a key legal and policy instrument for integrating environmental considerations into developmental decision-making. In India, EIA functions as a preventive mechanism under the framework of sustainable development, aiming to balance economic growth with environmental protection. This paper presents a narrative review of the Environmental Impact Assessment regime in India, examining its conceptual foundations, legal framework, procedural structure, and implementation challenges. The study traces the evolution of EIA under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, with particular emphasis on the EIA Notification, 2006, and the role of judicial interpretation by the Supreme Court of India and the National Green Tribunal. The review identifies critical issues such as inadequate quality of EIA reports, limited public participation, regulatory dilution, and weak post-clearance monitoring. Recent policy debates and proposed reforms are also analyzed to assess their implications for environmental governance. The paper concludes that while India possesses a comprehensive EIA framework, its effectiveness depends on stronger institutional capacity, transparency, scientific rigor, and meaningful public engagement to ensure environmental justice and sustainable development.