Environmental Impact Assessment — Environmental Laws

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
S.O. 1533(E)	2006	This is the primary EIA Notification, replacing the 1994 notification. It introduced a decentralized system for Category B projects, expanded the list of projects requiring clearance, and formalized the four-stage EIA process.	Significantly broadened the scope of EIA, introduced a structured process, and decentralized clearance for smaller projects, aiming for greater efficiency and public participation. It is the bedrock of the current 'EIA notification 2006 UPSC' framework.
S.O. 3067(E)	2018	This amendment streamlined the process for certain projects, particularly those related to linear projects like highways and railways, by allowing for a 'single window' clearance and reducing some procedural steps.	Aimed to expedite infrastructure projects by simplifying the clearance process, but raised concerns among environmentalists about potential dilution of scrutiny for critical linear developments.
Draft EIA Notification, 2020	2020 (Proposed)	A highly controversial draft that proposed significant changes, including allowing post-facto clearances, reducing public consultation periods, granting exemptions to certain projects, and increasing validity periods for clearances.	Sparked widespread protests and legal challenges due to fears of diluting environmental safeguards, reducing transparency, and weakening public participation. Though not finalized in its original form, it indicates policy directions and ongoing debates.

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