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Environmental Impact Assessment: NBSE Class 9 Environment
Get summaries, questions, answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDF and guide of Chapter 6 Environmental Impact Assessment, NBSE Class 9 Environmental Education textbook, which is part of the syllabus of students studying under Nagaland Board. These solutions, however, should only be treated as references and can be modified/changed.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Summary
Environmental Impact Assessment is a process to study how human activities affect the environment. It helps people understand the impact of projects like building factories or dams. This assessment became mandatory in 1994 for many types of projects. A report is prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Environment. The ministry reviews the report and makes a decision within 30 days. If approved, the project can start. The clearance is valid for five years.
The Environmental Impact Assessment is a planning tool. It gathers information about a proposed project. Decision-makers use this information to approve or reject the project. They can also suggest changes to reduce harm to the environment. The assessment predicts possible damage early in the planning stage. It suggests ways to reduce negative effects. However, even with good planning, environmental damage can still happen.
The role of Environmental Impact Assessment is to protect the environment and support sustainable development. It combines environmental protection with economic decisions during planning. It forecasts the environmental, social, and economic impacts of a project. It lessens harmful effects and involves people, government, and agencies in reviewing projects. If a project is rejected, alternative options are suggested to meet developmental needs.
In India, the Ministry of Environment and Forests made it mandatory for certain projects to get clearance. Public hearings are required for environmental clearance. Many industries need this clearance before starting work. There are tables that list environmental characteristics and project actions. These help identify how projects might affect the environment.
Two case studies are discussed. The Aswan High Dam in Egypt caused several problems. Evaporation and water loss were not properly assessed. Sedimentation reduced nutrients in the river, affecting fish populations. Disease-carrying snails contaminated the water, increasing malaria cases. Soil salinity rose, reducing agricultural production. The Tehri Dam in India faced objections from locals and environmentalists. They feared earthquakes, silt deposition, and ecosystem destruction. Authorities argued modern technology could handle these issues. They also said smaller dams would cost more and displace more people.
Environmental Impact Assessment helps predict environmental effects. It must be completed within 90 days of receiving documents. Its purpose is to achieve environmental protection with sustainable development. The relevance of the assessment depends on planning. Projects are categorized into three groups. After approval, a mitigation plan reduces adverse effects. In India, 30 categories of industries require clearance. Mistakes were made while assessing the Aswan High Dam and views of people were ignored in the Tehri Dam project.
Textbook solutions
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. The Environmental Impact Assessment was made mandatory for various types of projects in the year.
(a) 1992
(b) 1990
(c) 1994
(d) 1993
Answer: c. 1994
2. The assessment must be completed within ___ days of receipt of documents and data from the project authorities.
(a) 80
(b) 85
(c) 90
(d) 94
Answer: c. 90
3. EIA means:
(a) Employee Impact Assessment
(b) Environment Impact Assignment
(c) Environmental Impact Assessment
(d) Environmental Industrial Assessment
Answer: c. Environmental Impact Assessment
Very Short Answer Questions
1. What is Environmental Impact Assessment?
Answer: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the assessment of the impact of developmental or other projects on the environment. It involves different steps, including:
(i) Monitoring and sampling of pollutants.
(ii) Qualitative and quantitative analysis of pollutants.
(iii) Complete study to assess every possible damage due to exposure to pollutants emitted or discharged from the plant, factory, or industry.
2. Define the role of EIA.
Answer: The role of EIA is to support the goals of environmental protection and sustainable development, integrate environmental protection and economic decisions at the planning stage, forecast environmental, social, and economic consequences of a proposed project, lessen the adverse impacts likely to result from a proposed project, and involve people, government, and various agencies to review the proposed project.
3. Write the significance of EIA.
Answer: The objective of EIA is to minimize environmental damage and to ensure development. It will also help the proper utilization of resources without reducing their potential to meet future needs. It will not slow down the pace of socio-economic development. If any project is rejected on environmental grounds, its alternative options are also suggested which can meet the country’s developmental needs.
Short Answer Questions
1. What is the stipulated time for assessing and conveying decision?
Answer: The assessment must be completed within 90 days of receipt of documents and data.
2. Explain the planning stage of EIA.
Answer: The Environmental Impact Assessment is basically a planning tool that helps in decision-making. It helps in gathering information about the proposed project, which is provided to the decision-makers who decide the fate of the project. The decision-makers approve or disapprove the project and can also recommend modifications to minimize the adverse effects on the environment. The EIA predicts environmental damage at an early stage of planning and suggests different ways to reduce the adverse impacts.
3. Describe the relevance of EIA.
Answer: The relevance of EIA totally depends upon planning. All types of information are provided to the decision-makers to approve or disapprove the project. The result or decision taken may or may not bring desired results, which means that the environment may be damaged even after planning and taking appropriate decisions.
4. What is the significance of EIA?
Answer: The objective of EIA is to minimize environmental damage and to ensure development. It will also help the proper utilization of resources without reducing their potential to meet future needs. It will not slow down the pace of socio-economic development. If any project is rejected on environmental grounds, its alternative options are also suggested which can meet the country’s developmental needs.
5. What errors were committed while assessing the Aswan High Dam of Egypt?
Answer: Evaporation loss was not assessed because high-velocity winds were not considered. The high-velocity winds passing over a lake cause much higher evaporation than low-velocity winds, resulting in a loss of 5 billion cubic meters of water every year. Loss of water through seepage and percolation was also not taken into consideration.
6. Describe the features of Aswan High Dam.
Answer: Aswan High Dam over Lake Nasser is one of the highest dams in the world. It lies in Egypt, and its construction was started in 1964. Its construction caused several environmental problems of serious consequences. The environmental impact of the dam and lake was not properly evaluated. Initially, a small dam was constructed in 1902, but it could not cater to the needs of controlling floods and providing water for irrigation. Then, Aswan High Dam was constructed in 1964 for various purposes like controlling floods, irrigation, hydro-electric power generation, reclaiming additional land from the desert, and protecting people from drought and famine.
7. Describe the features of Tehri Dam.
Answer: The Tehri Dam is being constructed on the Ganga River in Tehri district of Uttarakhand. The major objective of the project is to impound floodwaters of the river into a large reservoir behind the dam, generation of hydro-electricity, irrigation, and tourism. The project was approved by the government, and work started on April 5, 1978.
Long Answer Questions
1. Discuss briefly the procedure of Environmental Impact Assessment.
Answer: The procedure of Environmental Impact Assessment involves multiple steps:
(i) Monitoring and sampling of pollutants.
(ii) Qualitative and quantitative analysis of pollutants.
(iii) A complete study to assess every possible damage due to exposure to pollutants emitted or discharged from the plant, factory, or industry.
2. What are the purposes of Environmental Impact Assessment?
Answer: The purposes of Environmental Impact Assessment are:
(i) The Environmental Impact Assessment was made mandatory in 1994 for various types of projects.
(ii) The project proponent is required to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment report, the management plan, details of the public hearing, and the project report to the Ministry of Environment.
(iii) Environmental Impact Assessment reports of these projects are evaluated by the Ministry or its Environmental Impact Assessment Agency.
(iv) The decision thereafter must be conveyed within 30 days. If the clearance is granted, it is valid for five years from the commencement of construction or operation of the project.
3. Write a note on Environmental Impact Assessment in India.
Answer: The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, issued a notification on January 27, 1994. This notification made it mandatory for the expansion or setting up of new projects. Till 1994, all projects undertaken by the public sector (government) or private sector required EIA clearance from the government as an administrative requirement. Now, there are 30 categories of industries that require EIA clearance. The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, made public hearing mandatory for environmental clearance vide Notification No: S.O. No. 60E dated April 10, 1997.
4. What problems were faced after the completion of Aswan High Dam?
Answer: The problems faced after the completion of Aswan High Dam were:
(i) 134 million tons of sediments brought by the River Nile were deposited each year because of the absence of sluices or floodgates.
(ii) Sedimentation in the lake resulted in the reduction of nutrients near the mouth of the Nile, leading to a one-third reduction in plankton, which further led to the falling population of fish like sardine, mackerel, and lobster.
(iii) The reservoir or lake water became contaminated by disease-carrying snails.
(iv) There was a considerable increase in the incidence of malaria.
(v) A very high rate of soil salinity reduced agricultural production.
5. Discuss the objections raised by the environmentalists in Tehri Dam.
Answer: The objections raised by the environmentalists in Tehri Dam wre:
(i) The dam is situated in the region of faults, and the construction of the dam may trigger off earthquakes.
(ii) There can be heavy deposition of silt in the reservoir.
(iii) The submergence of mountain valleys will destroy the ecosystem.
(iv) Tehri Dam will displace at least 125,000 people from 112 villages. The government plans to provide them land in plains, but the people are habitual of living in the mountains.
(v) The international border with China is hardly 50 km away; therefore, it is not desirable to build a huge dam from a defense point of view.
(vi) Environmentalists plead for the construction of small dams instead of a big one.
6. What were the views of authorities regarding objections raised by environmentalists in Tehri Dam?
Answer: The views of authorities regarding objections raised by environmentalists in Tehri Dam were:
(i) With the help of modern technology, dam structures can withstand even strong earthquake tremors. Many dams have already been constructed in such areas, and they have withstood tremors of very high intensity, e.g., Bhakra Dam, Nurek Dam of Tadzikistan, Tarbela, and Mangla Dams of Pakistan.
(ii) Regarding the construction of multiple small dams instead of one large dam, authorities say that the construction of many smaller dams would cost more. Ten to twenty smaller dams would have an irrigation capacity of 5,000 to 10,000 hectares per dam, whereas one big dam would irrigate at least 100,000 hectares of land. More people will be displaced by smaller dams.
(iii) Regarding the rehabilitation of the displaced people, authorities say that if displaced people are allotted land near or in a big city, it is a blessing for them. Otherwise, people shift from rural to adjoining cities.
(iv) Each family would get ₹40,000; allotment of 2 acres of land per landless laborer; ex gratia payment of ₹12,000 per hectare of agricultural land; ₹20,000 per family for house compensation; ₹1,000 per family for seeds and fertilizers; ₹3,000 per family for shifting household goods; a residential plot of 200 sq. m per family.
(v) Regarding environmental problems, there would not be much degradation except the submergence of the area under water.
(vi) Regarding the dam’s proximity to the international border, the distance of 50 km is sufficient. Bhakra Dam is even closer to the international border than Tehri Dam.
Extras
Additional questions and answers
1. What does EIA stand for?
Answer : EIA stands for Environmental Impact Assessment.
Q. When was the public hearing made mandatory in India?
Answer : Public hearing was made mandatory in India on April 10, 1997, through Notification no: S.O. No. 60E.
Q. How many categories of industries require EIA clearance in India?
Answer : Thirty categories of industries require EIA clearance in India.
Q. What is the validity period of EIA clearance once granted?
Answer : The validity period of EIA clearance, once granted, is five years from the commencement of construction or operation of the project.
Q. Which ministry in India oversees EIA notifications?
Answer : The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, oversees EIA notifications.
Q. What was the primary purpose of constructing the Aswan High Dam?
Answer : The primary purpose of constructing the Aswan High Dam was for various purposes like controlling floods, irrigation, hydro-electric power generation, reclaiming additional land from the desert, and protecting people from drought and famine.
Q. Which river is the Tehri Dam built on?
Answer : The Tehri Dam is built on the Ganga River.
Q. Name one biological condition affected by project actions.
Answer : One biological condition affected by project actions is aquatic plants.
Q. What is the significance of the year 1969 in the context of EIA?
Answer : The significance of the year 1969 in the context of EIA is that Environmental Impact Statement was first introduced in the USA as a requirement of the National Environmental Policy Act.
Q. Which dam in Egypt faced issues due to sedimentation?
Answer : The Aswan High Dam in Egypt faced issues due to sedimentation.
Q. What is the role of an Environmental Impact Statement?
Answer : The role of an Environmental Impact Statement is to disclose the environmental consequences of a course of action as an aid to decision making.
Q. Name one cultural factor affected by project actions.
Answer : One cultural factor affected by project actions is land use.
Q. Which notification mandated EIA in India in 1994?
Answer : The notification issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India on January 27, 1994, made Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) mandatory for various types of projects.
Q. What was the consequence of ignoring wind velocity in the Aswan High Dam’s assessment?
Answer : The consequence of ignoring wind velocity in the Aswan High Dam’s assessment was that evaporation loss was not assessed, resulting in a loss of 5 billion cubic metres of water every year due to high velocity winds causing much higher evaporation.
Q. Which species’ population declined due to reduced plankton in the Nile?
Answer : The population of fish like sardine, mackerel, and lobster declined due to reduced plankton in the Nile.
Q. List the steps involved in Environmental Impact Assessment.
Answer : The steps involved in Environmental Impact Assessment are:
(i) Monitoring and sampling of pollutants.
(ii) Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of pollutants.
(iii) Complete study to assess every possible damage due to exposure to pollutants emitted or discharged from the plant, factory, or industry.
Q. Explain the purpose of public hearings in EIA processes.
Answer : Public hearings in EIA processes are mandatory and serve the purpose of involving people, government, and various agencies to review the proposed project. Details of public hearings are required to be submitted along with the Environmental Impact Assessment report, management plan, and project report to the Ministry of Environment.
Q. What environmental problems arose from the Aswan High Dam’s construction?
Answer : The environmental problems arising out of Aswan High Dam’s construction are:
- 134 million tons of sediments brought by the river Nile were deposited each year because of the absence of sluices or floodgates.
- Sedimentation in the lake resulted in the reduction of nutrients near the mouth of the Nile, leading to a one-third reduction in plankton, which further caused a falling population of fish like sardine, mackerel, and lobster.
- The reservoir or lake water became contaminated by disease-carrying snails.
- There was a considerable increase in the incidence of malaria.
- A very high rate of soil salinity reduced agricultural production.
Q. Describe the role of EIA in sustainable development.
Answer : The role of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in sustainable development is:
- To support the goals of environmental protection and sustainable development.
- To integrate environmental protection and economic decisions at the planning stage.
- To forecast environmental, social, and economic consequences of a proposed project.
- To lessen the adverse impacts likely to result from the proposed project.
- To involve people, government, and various agencies in reviewing the proposed project.
Q. What were the errors in assessing the Aswan High Dam’s environmental impact?
Answer : The errors committed while assessing the Aswan High Dam’s environmental impact were: (a) Evaporation loss was not assessed because high-velocity winds were not considered. High-velocity winds passing over a lake cause much higher evaporation than low-velocity winds, resulting in a loss of 5 billion cubic meters of water every year. (b) Loss of water through seepage and percolation was also not taken into consideration.
Q. How did the Tehri Dam project address rehabilitation concerns?
Answer : The Tehri Dam project addressed rehabilitation concerns by stating that:
- Each family would receive ₹40,000; allotment of 2 acres of land per landless laborer; ex-gratia payment of ₹12,000 per hectare of agricultural land, ₹20,000 per family for house compensation; ₹1,000 per family for seeds and fertilizers; ₹3,000 per family for shifting household goods; and a residential plot of 200 sq m per family.
- Authorities claimed that if displaced people are allotted land near or in a big city, it is a blessing for them, as people often shift from rural areas to adjoining cities.
Q. What are the physical characteristics affected by project actions?
Answer : The physical characteristics affected by project actions include:
(i) Earth: Mineral resources, soil, landform, and construction material.
(ii) Water: Surface water, underground water, ocean water, snow, ice, permafrost, temperature, and quality.
(iii) Atmosphere: Temperature, climate, and quality.
(iv) Processes: Deposition, erosion, stability, aquatic plants, trees, endangered species, barriers, and corridors.
Q. Why is the Tehri Dam considered controversial?
Answer : The Tehri Dam is considered controversial because of the conflict between the government or project authorities on one hand and local people and environmentalists on the other hand. Objections were raised regarding its location in a fault region, potential for triggering earthquakes, heavy silt deposition in the reservoir, destruction of ecosystems due to submergence of mountain valleys, displacement of at least 125,000 people from 112 villages, concerns over rehabilitation, proximity to the international border with China, and calls for constructing smaller dams instead of one large dam.
Q. How does EIA integrate environmental and economic decisions?
Answer : EIA integrates environmental protection and economic decisions at the planning stage by forecasting environmental, social, and economic consequences of a proposed project, lessening adverse impacts likely to result from the project, and involving people, government, and various agencies in reviewing the proposed project.
Q. What measures were proposed to mitigate the Tehri Dam’s environmental impact?
Answer : Measures proposed to mitigate the Tehri Dam’s environmental impact included:
- Ensuring dam structures could withstand strong earthquake tremors using modern technology.
- Addressing concerns about silt deposition in the reservoir.
- Rehabilitating displaced people by providing each family with Rs. 40,000, allotment of 2 acres of land per landless laborer, ex gratia payment of Rs. 12,000 per hectare of agricultural land, Rs. 20,000 per family for house compensation, Rs. 1,000 per family for seeds and fertilizers, Rs. 3,000 per family for shifting household goods, and a residential plot of 200 sq m per family.
- Asserting that there would not be much environmental degradation except for the submergence of the area under water.
- Stating that the distance of 50 km from the international border was sufficient for defense purposes.
Q. Discuss the components of an Environmental Impact Assessment report.
Answer : The components of an Environmental Impact Assessment report include: (i) Monitoring and sampling of pollutants. (ii) Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of pollutants. (iii) A complete study to assess every possible damage due to exposure to pollutants emitted or discharged from the plant, factory, or industry.
Q. Explain the significance of EIA in resource management.
Answer : The significance of EIA in resource management is that its objective is to minimize environmental damage and to ensure development. It also helps in the proper utilization of resources without reducing their potential to meet future needs. It will not slow down the pace of socio-economic development.
Q. Describe the environmental consequences of sedimentation in the Aswan High Dam.
Answer : Sedimentation in the Aswan High Dam’s reservoir resulted in the reduction of nutrients near the mouth of the Nile. This led to a one-third reduction in plankton, which further caused a decline in the population of fish such as sardine, mackerel, and lobster.
Q. How did the absence of sluices affect the Aswan High Dam’s reservoir?
Answer : The absence of sluices or floodgates in the Aswan High Dam caused 134 million tons of sediments brought by the river Nile to be deposited in the reservoir each year.
Q. What challenges were faced during the Tehri Dam’s construction?
Answer : The challenges faced during the Tehri Dam’s construction include objections raised by environmentalists and local people, such as concerns about the dam being situated in a region of faults which could trigger earthquakes, heavy deposition of silt in the reservoir, submergence of mountain valleys leading to ecosystem destruction, displacement of at least 125,000 people from 112 villages, proximity to the international border with China, and pleas for the construction of small dams instead of a large one. Additionally, there was significant opposition, including legal petitions and protests led by local leaders like Sundarlal Bahuguna.
Q. What challenges were faced during the Tehri Dam’s construction?
Answer : The challenges faced during the Tehri Dam’s construction include objections raised by environmentalists and local people, such as concerns about the dam being situated in a region of faults which could trigger earthquakes, heavy deposition of silt in the reservoir, submergence of mountain valleys leading to ecosystem destruction, displacement of at least 125,000 people from 112 villages, proximity to the international border with China, and pleas for the construction of small dams instead of a large one. Additionally, there was significant opposition, including legal petitions and protests led by local leaders like Sundarlal Bahuguna.
Q. Analyze the objections raised by environmentalists against the Tehri Dam.
Answer : The objections raised by environmentalists against the Tehri Dam are:
- The dam is situated in a region of faults, and its construction may trigger earthquakes.
- There can be heavy deposition of silt in the reservoir.
- Submergence of mountain valleys will destroy the ecosystem.
- The dam will displace at least 125,000 people from 112 villages, and the government’s plan to rehabilitate them in plains is unsuitable as they are accustomed to living in the mountains.
- The international border with China is only 50 km away, making it undesirable to build a huge dam from a defense point of view.
- Environmentalists advocate for the construction of small dams instead of a large one.
Q. How does EIA contribute to minimizing adverse environmental impacts?
Answer : EIA contributes to minimizing adverse environmental impacts by forecasting environmental, social, and economic consequences of a proposed project. It also lessens the adverse impacts likely to result from the proposed project by predicting environmental damage at an early stage of planning and suggesting different ways to reduce the adverse impacts.
Q. What role do cultural factors play in EIA evaluations?
Answer : Cultural factors play a role in EIA evaluations as they are considered among the environmental characteristics that can be affected by project actions. These include land use patterns such as grazing, agriculture, forestry, residential, commercial, industrial, mining, and quarrying activities. Additionally, cultural factors encompass recreation, aesthetic and human interests, health and safety, employment, cultural patterns, population density, man-made facilities, ecological relationships, and others. The evaluation ensures that these factors are taken into account when assessing the potential impacts of a project.
Q. Describe the process of evaluating EIA reports in India.
Answer : In India, the evaluation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports involves the following steps:
(i) The project proponent is required to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment report, the management plan, details of public hearing, and the project report to the Ministry of Environment.
(ii) The Environmental Impact Assessment reports of these projects are evaluated by the Ministry or its Environmental Impact Assessment Agency.
(iii) The decision thereafter must be conveyed within 30 days. If the clearance is granted, it is valid for five years from the commencement of construction or operation of the project.
Q. Explain the impact of evaporation losses on the Aswan High Dam’s water reserves.
Answer : The impact of evaporation losses on the Aswan High Dam’s water reserves was significant because high velocity winds passing over the lake caused much higher evaporation than low velocity winds. This resulted in a loss of 5 billion cubic metres of water every year.
Q. Discuss the role and significance of EIA in modern environmental management.
Answer : The role and significance of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in modern environmental management are as follows:
Role of EIA :
- To support the goals of environmental protection and sustainable development.
- To integrate environmental protection and economic decisions at the planning stage.
- To forecast environmental, social, and economic consequences of a proposed project.
- To lessen the adverse impacts likely to result from the proposed project.
- To involve people, government, and various agencies in reviewing the proposed project.
Significance of EIA : The objective of EIA is to minimize environmental damage while ensuring development. It helps in the proper utilization of resources without reducing their potential to meet future needs. It ensures that the pace of socio-economic development is not slowed down. If any project is rejected on environmental grounds, alternative options are suggested to meet the country’s developmental needs.
Q. Describe the features and controversies surrounding the Tehri Dam project.
Answer : The features of the Tehri Dam project are:
(i) The dam is being constructed on the Ganga River in Tehri district of Uttarakhand.
(ii) The major objectives of the project include impounding floodwaters of the river into a large reservoir behind the dam, generating hydro-electricity, irrigation, tourism, etc.
(iii) The project was approved by the government, and work started on April 5th, 1978.
The controversies surrounding the Tehri Dam project are:
- The dam is situated in a region of faults, and environmentalists argue that its construction may trigger earthquakes.
- There is concern about heavy deposition of silt in the reservoir.
- Submergence of mountain valleys is expected to destroy the ecosystem.
- The dam will displace at least 125,000 people from 112 villages. While the government plans to provide them land in plains, the affected people are accustomed to living in the mountains.
- The international border with China is only 50 km away, raising concerns about building a huge dam from a defense point of view.
- Environmentalists advocate for the construction of small dams instead of one large dam.
Q. Analyze the long-term environmental consequences of the Aswan High Dam.
Answer : The long-term environmental consequences of the Aswan High Dam include:
- Deposition of 134 million tons of sediments brought by the river Nile each year due to the absence of sluices or floodgates.
- Reduction of nutrients near the mouth of the Nile caused by sedimentation in the lake, leading to a one-third reduction in plankton and a subsequent decline in fish populations such as sardine, mackerel, and lobster.
- Contamination of the reservoir or lake water by disease-carrying snails.
- A considerable increase in the incidence of malaria.
- Very high rates of soil salinity, which reduced agricultural production.
43. How does EIA balance developmental needs with environmental protection?
Answer : EIA balances developmental needs with environmental protection by:
(i) Supporting the goals of environmental protection and sustainable development.
(ii) Integrating environmental protection and economic decisions at the planning stage.
(iii) Forecasting environmental, social, and economic consequences of a proposed project.
(iv) Lessening the adverse impacts likely to result from the proposed project.
(v) Involving people, government, and various agencies to review the proposed project.
Additional MCQs
1. What does the term Environmental Impact refer to?
A. Effect on nature
B. Market analysis
C. Architectural design
D. Financial audit
Answer: A. Effect on nature
Q. What does Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) evaluate?
A. Impact of projects on the environment
B. Economic profit only
C. Political opinions
D. Marketing strategies
Answer: A. Impact of projects on the environment
Q. Which of the following is a step in the EIA process?
A. Monitoring and sampling of pollutants
B. Financial auditing
C. Marketing evaluation
D. Architectural planning
Answer: A. Monitoring and sampling of pollutants
Q. In which year was EIA made mandatory for various projects in India?
A. 1992
B. 1990
C. 1994
D. 1993
Answer: C. 1994
Q. Within how many days must the decision on an EIA report be conveyed?
A. 30 days
B. 60 days
C. 90 days
D. 120 days
Answer: A. 30 days
Q. For how many years is an EIA clearance valid from the commencement of construction or operation?
A. 3 years
B. 5 years
C. 7 years
D. 10 years
Answer: B. 5 years
Q. What is the function of the planning stage in EIA?
A. Gathering project information
B. Launching the project
C. Advertising the project
D. Finalising project designs
Answer: A. Gathering project information
Q. What is the main purpose of Environmental Impact Assessment?
A. Minimise environmental damage
B. Increase industrial profit
C. Expand market share
D. Accelerate project timelines
Answer: A. Minimise environmental damage
Q. Which document was first introduced in the USA in 1969 as a requirement for environmental assessments?
A. Environmental Impact Statement
B. Environmental Impact Evaluation
C. Environmental Impact Exam
D. Environmental Impact Example
Answer: A. Environmental Impact Statement
Q. How many categories of industries in India require EIA clearance?
A. 20
B. 25
C. 30
D. 35
Answer: C. 30
Q. Which ministry issued the notification for EIA in India on January 27, 1994?
A. Ministry of Health
B. Ministry of Environment and Forests
C. Ministry of Finance
D. Ministry of Agriculture
Answer: B. Ministry of Environment and Forests
Q. Public hearing for environmental clearance was made mandatory on which date?
A. April 10
B. January 27
C. April 5
D. December 25
Answer: A. April 10
Q. Which of the following best describes the role of EIA?
A. Forecasting environmental consequences
B. Increasing market profits
C. Designing architectural blueprints
D. Conducting financial audits
Answer: A. Forecasting environmental consequences
Q. Under the Physical and Chemical characteristics, which of the following is included?
A. Soil
B. Agriculture
C. Birds
D. Monuments
Answer: A. Soil
Q. Under the Water category, which characteristic is assessed?
A. Underground
B. Forestry
C. Shrubs
D. Landform
Answer: A. Underground
Q. Under the Atmosphere category, which characteristic is evaluated?
A. Climate
B. Crops
C. Minerals
D. Recreation
Answer: A. Climate
Q. Which of the following is a Biological condition mentioned in the document?
A. Shrubs
B. Transportation network
C. Construction material
D. Chemical de-icing
Answer: A. Shrubs
Q. Which of the following is considered a Cultural factor in EIA?
A. Monuments
B. Soil
C. Air quality
D. Water temperature
Answer: A. Monuments
Q. Which of the following is included under Man-made Facilities and Activities?
A. Transportation network
B. Surface water
C. Grass
D. Erosion
Answer: A. Transportation network
Q. What does IEE stand for in the context of EIA?
A. International Environmental Examination
B. Initial Environmental Evaluation Report
C. Integrated Environmental Evaluation
D. Industrial Environmental Examination
Answer: B. Initial Environmental Evaluation Report
Q. What does the abbreviation PPR refer to?
A. PPR
B. EPR
C. PPP
D. IET
Answer: A. PPR
Q. Which of the following is a characteristic under the “Processes” category?
A. Erosion
B. Agriculture
C. Highways
D. Public hearing
Answer: A. Erosion
Q. Which project action is associated with Resource Extraction?
A. Surface excavation
B. Highways and bridges
C. Landfill
D. Chemical de-icing
Answer: A. Surface excavation
Q. Which project action falls under Land Transformation and Construction?
A. Highways and bridges
B. Chemical stabilization
C. Wildlife conservation
D. Recreational structures
Answer: A. Highways and bridges
Q. Which project action is an example of Waste Emplacement and Treatment?
A. Landfill
B. Dairying
C. Aquatic planting
D. Chemical de-icing
Answer: A. Landfill
Q. What is the purpose of the Initial Environmental Evaluation Report (IEE)?
A. Determine issues and project details
B. Approve construction permits
C. Conduct public voting
D. Manage project finances
Answer: A. Determine issues and project details
Q. Which of the following is the objective of EIA?
A. Achieve sustainable development
B. Accelerate industrial growth
C. Increase profit margins
D. Expand market share
Answer: A. Achieve sustainable development
Q. What environmental issue does EIA aim to prevent?
A. Environmental damage
B. Market fluctuations
C. Political instability
D. Financial loss
Answer: A. Environmental damage
Q. Which statement about EIA is true?
A. It integrates environmental protection with economic decisions
B. It focuses solely on economic benefits
C. It delays project approval indefinitely
D. It ignores pollutant monitoring
Answer: A. It integrates environmental protection with economic decisions
Q. Where is the Aswan High Dam located?
A. Egypt
B. India
C. USA
D. China
Answer: A. Egypt
Q. In which year did the construction of the Aswan High Dam begin?
A. 1964
B. 1902
C. 1978
D. 1989
Answer: A. 1964
Q. Over which lake is the Aswan High Dam constructed?
A. Lake Nasser
B. Lake Victoria
C. Lake Superior
D. Lake Tahoe
Answer: A. Lake Nasser
Q. What was a major error in the implementation of the Aswan High Dam?
A. Evaporation loss not assessed
B. Excess water storage planned
C. Accurate sedimentation evaluation
D. Overestimation of reservoir capacity
Answer: A. Evaporation loss not assessed
Q. Approximately how much water was lost annually from the Aswan High Dam due to evaporation?
A. 5 billion cubic metres
B. 2 billion cubic metres
C. 10 billion cubic metres
D. 1 billion cubic metres
Answer: A. 5 billion cubic metres
Q. Which environmental problem resulted from sedimentation in the Aswan High Dam reservoir?
A. One-third reduction in plankton
B. Increase in nutrient flow
C. Enhanced fish breeding
D. Improved water clarity
Answer: A. One-third reduction in plankton
Q. Which of the following fish species was mentioned as affected by sedimentation in the Aswan High Dam?
A. Sardine
B. Trout
C. Salmon
D. Catfish
Answer: A. Sardine
Q. Which disease saw an increased incidence due to the reservoir of the Aswan High Dam?
A. Malaria
B. Dengue
C. Typhoid
D. Cholera
Answer: A. Malaria
Q. What effect did high soil salinity have in the region affected by the Aswan High Dam?
A. Reduced agricultural production
B. Increased crop yield
C. No noticeable effect
D. Improved soil fertility
Answer: A. Reduced agricultural production
Q. On which river is the Tehri Dam being constructed?
A. Ganga
B. Nile
C. Amazon
D. Indus
Answer: A. Ganga
Q. In which district is the Tehri Dam located?
A. Tehri
B. Dehradun
C. Nainital
D. Haridwar
Answer: A. Tehri
Q. When did work on the Tehri Dam project commence?
A. April 5, 1978
B. January 27, 1994
C. April 10, 1997
D. December 25, 1989
Answer: A. April 5, 1978
Q. Which local leader fasted to demand the stoppage of Tehri Dam construction?
A. Sundarlal Bahuguna
B. Mahatma Gandhi
C. Nehru
D. Indira Gandhi
Answer: A. Sundarlal Bahuguna
Q. Approximately how many people are expected to be displaced by the Tehri Dam project?
A. 125,000
B. 100,000
C. 50,000
D. 200,000
Answer: A. 125,000
Q. How many villages are affected by the Tehri Dam project?
A. 112
B. 100
C. 50
D. 150
Answer: A. 112
Q. The international border near Tehri Dam is with which country?
A. China
B. Pakistan
C. Nepal
D. Bhutan
Answer: A. China
Q. What suggestion did environmentalists make regarding dam construction in the Tehri project?
A. Build small dams
B. Build one large dam
C. Cancel the project
D. Relocate the dam
Answer: A. Build small dams
Q. According to the rehabilitation plan for the Tehri Dam project, how many acres of land are allotted per landless labourer?
A. 2 acres
B. 1 acre
C. 3 acres
D. 5 acres
Answer: A. 2 acres
Q. What ex gratia payment was proposed per hectare of agricultural land in the Tehri Dam project?
A. 12,000/-
B. 10,000/-
C. 15,000/-
D. 20,000/-
Answer: A. 12,000/-
Q. What is the size of the residential plot allocated per family in the Tehri Dam project?
A. 200 sq m
B. 100 sq m
C. 150 sq m
D. 250 sq m
Answer: A. 200 sq m
50. Which notification made public hearing mandatory for environmental clearance in India?
A. S.O. No. 60E
B. S.O. No. 50D
C. S.O. No. 70F
D. S.O. No. 80G
Answer: A. S.O. No. 60E
