How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? (UPSC 2020)

The draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 proposed major changes to the 2006 regime. It sought to speed up clearances, but many provisions were criticised for weakening public participation and environmental safeguards.

• Post-facto clearance: It introduced a “violation” category, allowing projects begun without prior clearance to seek regularisation on payment of penalties.
• Public consultation: It reduced the response period for public hearing in some cases from 30 days to 20 days.
• Compliance reporting: Half-yearly compliance reports under 2006 were diluted to annual reporting.
• More exemptions: It expanded the list of projects exempt from public consultation, including some highway, mining and large construction projects.
• Strategic projects: It allowed the Government to label projects as strategic, limiting public disclosure.
• Violations reporting: Public reporting of violations was restricted, unlike the wider scope under 2006.

Thus, the draft tilted the balance towards faster approvals and ease of doing business, while the 2006 notification placed stronger emphasis on prior clearance, transparency and public scrutiny.