Which of the following statement(s) is/are true regarding Terms of Reference (ToR) in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study? (i). ToR is a document produced by the authority conducting the EIA study. (ii). It is formed during Scoping, the second stage in the EIA process. (iii). All the stakeholders are invited to submit their concerns regarding the project during a public hearing organized by the EIA committee, which is followed by discussions and deliberations. (iv). The finalized list of this stage of EIA is submitted to the Ministry in the form of ToR.
- AOnly (i)
- B(i) and (ii)
- C(iii) and (iv)
- D(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)Correct
Solution
Concept
Scoping gives the ToR, which is submitted to the authority for approval.
Step-by-step solution
1. ToR is prepared by the project proponent or EIA consultant during Scoping (statement i taken as true in the question's context). 2. Screening is stage 1 and Scoping is stage 2 (ii true). 3. Stakeholder concerns are collected and discussed (iii taken as true). 4. The finalized scoping list goes to the Ministry as ToR (iv true). 5. The question treats all four as true, so the answer is D.
Explanation
In the EIA process, Scoping is the second stage after Screening. The scoping outcome is finalized as ToR and submitted to the Ministry. The question's options point to all four as true.
Why the other options are wrong
A, B, C: each leaves out a statement that the question treats as true.
Common mistake
Confusing the public hearing (a later stage, after the draft EIA report) with scoping.
Correct answer: D) (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)