Title: Review of the 2020 draft environment impact assessment notification governing public hearing process under environmental impact assessment in India

Authors: Deepti Khubalkar; Karun Sanjaya

Addresses: Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, India ' Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, India

Abstract: Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a critical component in receiving approval for the establishment of various developmental projects. The projects can range from the construction of dams to the establishment of a cement factory or even mining a particular place for the extraction of a wide variety of natural resources. The very exercise of carrying out public hearings is a hugely democratic process that involves inviting people from across the political spectrum and across socio-economic profiles to review and share their concerns about the project. Such participation gives an opportunity for the project planners and implementers to hear the concerns of people and respond in a proactive manner, thus lending democratic strength to the development initiative. This article aims to critically review the legal framework in India relating to public participation and hearing, especially in the context of social, economic, and environmental issues and recent modifications to the law in India.

Keywords: public participation; public hearing; environmental impact assessment; EIA; environmental justice; sustainable development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPP.2024.144087

International Journal of Public Policy, 2024 Vol.17 No.5/6, pp.337 - 349

Received: 09 Nov 2023
Accepted: 28 Feb 2024
Published online: 27 Jan 2025 *

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