EIA and Its Role – A case study on river rafting industry

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) can be described as a tool that seeks to ensure sustainable development by evaluating and providing mitigation measures for the impacts which might arise from a major activity and would likely affect the present state of environment adversely. Hence, this process can be seen as to be anticipatory, participatory and systematic in nature that relies on multidisciplinary input. Thus its aim is to predict the various environmental, social and economic impacts at an early stage while project planning and designing, find ways and means to reduce the resultant adverse impacts and shape out the project/activity to suite the local environment and present the predictions and options to decision makers. Hence, EIA can be looked upon as a modern versatile contrivance for framing strong policies considering the environment, society and economy as a whole for better development planning and resource management.

Case Study

In co-ordination to the above context, a study was undertaken to access the various impacts of River Rafting a well established industry along the banks of Ganges in Uttarakhand, India. The basic approach for the study comprised collection of various primary and secondary data from field surveys and government records. Basing on this Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) various impacts were postulated. The impact on the local identity and traditional culture though moderate were also apparent and reported by locals. Environmentally, it lacks the monitoring of solid waste management generated from kitchen as well as by the visitors directly to defecation within submergence zone. Even man animal conflict is apprehended in this area. Hence, I think that a comprehensive EIA study can help in identifying and exactly quantifying the adverse impacts of this industry; simultaneously leading to sustainable planning and development.

Read  full research paper here

References

P. S. Mahapatra

Dr. H.B.Vasistha

Dr. R. Pandey

18.48341873.905765
Shailesh Telang

Shailesh is post graduate in Environment Management from Forest Research Institute (FRI) University, Dehradun, India. Presently he is working in the areas of Environmental and Renewable Energy Advisory Services. He has started GreenCleanGuide.com during his college days.

View Comments

Published by

Recent Posts

Green Thumb, Marathi Style: Your Mobile’s Eco-Adventure Awaits!

Ever wished your mobile phone could do more than just send memes and crush candies? Well, buckle up, because we're about to take your mobile…

2 months ago

Environmental Impacts of Bitcoin and other Proof of Work (PoW) Mining Activities

As of 2023, 106 million people worldwide had bitcoins but the currency's influence on the environment is disproportionate. The primary method of cryptomining, known as…

3 months ago

Cultivating a Sustainable Future: Top Ten Green and Clean Habits to Teach Children

In today’s modern world, where environmental issues are becoming more and more important, teaching kids to be environmentally conscious and eco-friendly is crucial to building…

5 months ago

Top 10 House Plants for Clean Air

Our houses offer a safe haven from the outside world amid the chaos of modern life. However, common contaminants emitted by furniture, cleaning supplies, and…

5 months ago

The Environmental Impact of Scrap Metal Recycling

Scrap metal recycling stands as a cornerstone of sustainable waste management, playing a pivotal role in mitigating the environmental impact of metal production and waste…

5 months ago

Say Goodbye to Fuel Poverty by Applying For Free Energy Upgrades

If the worry of affording your next energy bill is giving you sleepless nights, you’re not alone. Millions of people in the UK have this…

5 months ago