For an infrastructure project in India, Environmental Clearance (EC) is mandatory under the EIA Notification. The scoping stage in the EC process involves
- AIdentifying the potential environmental impacts.Correct
- BMonitoring the project after it has become operational.
- CHanding over the land to the local community.
- DCalculating the final tender price.
Solution
Concept
Environmental Impact Assessment - Scoping Stage
Formula
N/A
Step-by-step solution
1. Review the Environmental Clearance (EC) process stages under EIA. 2. Recall that the scoping stage focuses on defining terms of reference and identifying key potential environmental impacts. 3. Compare with the given options and select Option (a) as the correct choice.
Explanation
The scoping stage determines the specific boundaries and key issues of the EIA study by identifying which potential environmental impacts need to be thoroughly investigated and addressed.
Shortcut
To remember the Scoping stage in EIA, use the phrase "Scope = See & Select": - See the Impacts: Identify all potential environmental impacts and key issues early on. - Select the TOR: Determine the specific Terms of Reference and boundaries for the detailed study.
Common mistake
A common mistake is selecting Option B by confusing the scoping stage with post-construction monitoring. Scoping occurs early in the EIA process to define the terms of reference and identify potential environmental impacts to be studied, whereas monitoring takes place after the project is operational. Another mistake is confusing EIA regulatory stages with commercial or financial project stages, such as tender pricing.
Correct answer: A) Identifying the potential environmental impacts.