The instrument of PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is considered to be an effective Ð and globally accepted -- tool for addressing the environmental issues associated with upcoming projects. However, EIA in implementation has failed to provide the anticipated results due to a continuous and consistent weakening of the EIA process.

One of the key instruments of this process -- Public Consultation, which provides a platform to listen to and understand the grievances and objections of project-affected communities Ð has been hit particularly severely. In many cases, public consultations are not conducted properly; often, project-affected people are not informed about the hearings. The agenda seems to be clear: to avoid addressing issues of these people in the EIA.

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has always argued that the instrument of Public Consultation Ð and the EIA process itself Ð needs a closer scrutiny. We invite you to a webinar with experts from across the world to discuss how Public Consultation is implemented in other countries for effective results, and what changes should India incorporate to ensure maximum benefits to its project-affected people.

For details, please contact:

Ishita Garg
Industrial Pollution Unit,
CSE
ishita.garg@cseindia.org
+91-9899676011