Environmental impact assessment is an important management tool for ensuring optimal use of natural resources for sustainable development. The purpose of EIA is to identify potential environmental impacts from proposals, such as projects and programs, and to prepare means to avoid or reduce the significant impacts. EIA has been made mandatory under the Environmental Act, 1986 for 29 categories of developmental activities involving investments of Rs. 50 crores and above.
The Jaipur Development Authority for the first time is conducting such environmental tests on its projects. The city’s ongoing eight infrastructural projects will go through this environmental impact assessment. This environmental impact assessment will study the noise and sound pollution produced during the construction of these projects.
These 8 ongoing infrastructure projects include elevated roads proposed between LIC Bhawan and Sodala, Dravyawati River Project, Bassi and other railways over bridges and railway underpasses etc.
The JDA has taken Rs 1663 crore loan from National Capital Regional Planning Board and following the directions of NCRPB, the tests will be conducted. A device will be installed to detect the noise and sound pollution along with the GPS. GPS stands for global positioning system.
After the completion of the project, the experts will also study the socio economic impact of the process by conducting a survey. The survey data of the residents and the affected house owners will include details like their income, the impact of the project on their lives etc. Apart from this, the team will also check if there is any proper provision of solid waste management for the laborers working at the site.
According to the officials, the Environmental Impact Assessment will be completed as soon as possible and all the reports will be sent on time. This will not affect the pace of the ongoing process and the loan installment will be released without any delay.
