Key Elements of an Initial Project Description and Scoping

The key environmental issues to be considered in relation to a project’s characteristics are discussed in Sectoral Guidelines published by MoEF from time to time.

       An Initial Project Description (IPD) should at the very least provide the reviewer with all the information necessary to enable project screening and scoping.

            Specific information that must be covered by the IPD includes:

·         Location/current land use along with contours and whether it conforms to the development plans proposed for that area

·       Details of proposed project activity including the project cost

·      Outlining the key project elements during the pre-construction, the construction and the operation phases etc. as per the list of documents to be attached with the questionnaire

·      The IPD may also include.

-          Off‑site activities

-          Associated activities

-          Expected project induced activities

-          Project activities as PERT chart and process as a flow chart delineating unit processes with input-output.

This would facilitate the reviewer’s task. The project proponent after suitable scoping should provide environmental information for consideration in detailed EIA. The reviewer while assessing the report should focus on the crucial aspects involving project location and characteristics.