Challenges to EIA consultants whilst dealing with stakeholders in Punjab, Pakistan

Journal Article · Thu Nov 15 04:00:00 EST 2018 · Environmental Impact Assessment Review

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.EIAR.2018.09.001· OSTI ID:22826063

Khan, Mehreen; Ahmad, Sajid Rashid ^[1]; Chaudhary, Muhamnmad Nawaz ^[2]; Saif, Samia ^[3]; Mehmood, Asim ^[4]

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1. Department of Environmental Science, College of Earth and Environmental Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore (Pakistan)
2. Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Lahore School of Economics, Barki Road, Lahore (Pakistan)
3. Environmental Consultancies and Options, 3rd floor, 31 Commercial Area, Cavalry Ground, Lahore (Pakistan)
4. Global ECO Lab, 2nd and 3rd floor, 4-5 Commercial Area, Cavalry Ground, Lahore (Pakistan)

Highlights: • EIA in Punjab is subject to influence by elites as a result of which projects are implemented prior to EIA. • Proponents consider EIA as hindrance to project development • Lack of EPA resources lead to delayed decision making • Consultants tend to compromise the EIA quality in order to profitably run their setup. • EIA implementation is weak because Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lacks capacity to enforce legislation - Abstract: Consultants play a pivotal role in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process because they are the ones who carry out assessments, deal with multiple stakeholders and thus face the most pressure. Considering the ineffectiveness of the EIA process, the current study attempts to identify the challenges faced by consultants in Punjab whilst dealing with stakeholders. Participant observation, professional practice and unstructured interviews were employed as data collection methods. Key challenges identified include the lack of equal treatment, insufficient capability of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and consultants, and the lack of awareness on the parts of the proponents and the public. Legislations accompanied with procedural controls exist in Punjab regarding EIA but the implementation is weak. A strong political will is necessary for implementation of EIA rules and regulation, awareness of the proponents and the public and capacity building of EPA. Registration and accreditation can help bring competent consultants in the field who can improve the process.

• OSTI ID: 22826063
• Journal Information: Environmental Impact Assessment Review, Journal Name: Environmental Impact Assessment Review Vol. 73; ISSN 0195-9255; ISSN EIARDK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
DECISION MAKING
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
IMPLEMENTATION
LEGISLATION
REGULATIONS
US EPA