ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP) “what is eia and relevance of eia in Kerala development project
The Environment Management Plan (EMP) is required to ensure sustainable
development in the area surrounding the proposed project. Hence, it needs to be an ### What is EIA?
all encompassive plan for which the industry, Government, Regulating agencies; like
Pollution Control Board working in the region and the local residents of the area need **EIA**, or Environmental Impact Assessment, is a process used to evaluate
to extend their co-operation and contribution. It has been evaluated that the the likely environmental impacts—both positive and negative—of a proposed
proposed project will have minor impacts on the surrounding areas. Mitigation project or development. It considers inter-related socio-economic, cultural, and
measures at the source level and an overall Management Plan at the site level are human-health impacts, aiming to anticipate environmental issues at the early
elicited so as to preserve the surrounding environment. The mitigation measures are stages of project planning and design. The process helps decision-makers by
recommended in order to synchronize the economic development of the project area providing critical information about environmental consequences and
with the environmental protection of the region. The construction phase impacts are suggesting mitigation or alternative measures before a project gets approved[1]
mostly short term, restricted to the plot area and not envisaged on the larger scale. In [2].
the operational phase, the environmental impacts are due to continuous operation of
the project. ### Relevance of EIA in Kerala Development Projects
OBJECTIVE OF ENVIRONMENT MANANGEMENT PLAN **EIA is crucial in the context of development projects in Kerala for several
reasons:**
Mitigation measures for each of the activities causing the environmental impacts.
Sustainable use of resources used for manufacturing activities which includes - **Sensitive Ecosystem:** Kerala is known for its fragile ecosystems, including
optimization of Resource consumption. Western Ghats, wetlands, backwaters, and coastal regions that are ecologically
Monitoring plans for checking activities and environmental parameters and sensitive and susceptible to environmental degradation.
monitoring Responsibilities - **Disaster Risk Reduction:** The state faces frequent natural hazards like
Role responsibilities and resource allocation for monitoring. To treat all the floods and landslides. EIA aids in identifying potential risks, thus guiding
pollutants, i.e. effluent, air emission, noise pollution & hazardous waste, that planners to modify or restrict projects in high-risk zones.
Contributes to the degradation of environment, with appropriate technology. - **Sustainable Development:** By mandatory assessment under Indian
To comply with all the regulations stipulated by central/state pollution control regulations, EIA ensures that economic growth in Kerala does not compromise
boards related environmental sustainability, thus balancing development with conservation
To air emission control and liquid effluents discharge as per Air & water pollution priorities[3].
control laws. - **Community and Livelihoods:** Many communities in Kerala depend on
To handle and management hazardous waste storage and disposal as per Hazardous natural resources; EIA evaluates the socio-economic effects of projects—like
& Other displacement or changes in resource availability—helping to safeguard
Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016. traditional livelihoods.
To encourage, support and conduct development work for achieving environment - **Legal and Policy Compliance:** EIA is a legal prerequisite for many large
standards projects in Kerala, such as transport, infrastructure, and industrial
And to improve methods of environment management. developments, as mandated by the Environmental Protection Act, 1986 and
To promote further forestation in the surrounding areas of the plant. subsequent state-level notifications and regulations[3][4].
To create good environment (devoid of air & noise pollution) for employees. To - **Transparency and Public Participation:** In Kerala, public consultation is a
reduce fire and accidental hazards. vital step in the EIA process, allowing local communities and stakeholders to
Perspective budgeting and allocation of funds for environment management voice concerns, propose alternatives, and influence project design.
expenditure.
Continuous development and search for innovative technologies for Notably, major Kerala projects—such as Kochi Metro and State Transport
Better environment. improvements—have required detailed EIAs to address impacts on habitat,
To adopt cleaner production technology. water resources, pollution, and local displacement. Through mitigation
measures recommended in EIA reports, projects are guided to minimize
adverse effects and support inclusive, sustainable growth[5][6][4].
