“The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for environmental appraisal for River Valley and Hydroelectric Projects is constituted in terms of provisions of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006. It appraises the project thoroughly by examining environment impact assessment report, environmental management plan, public hearing proceedings, presentation made during the meeting etc.
The EIA Notification mandates 4 steps for considering environmental clearance namely Screening, Scoping, Public Consultation and Appraisal. The Step-3, “Public Consultations” has two components (i) A public hearing is held at the project site for ascertaining concerns of the project affected persons; and (ii) obtaining responses in writing from public at large. A set procedure has been prescribed in the EIA Notification, 2006 and amendment thereof, for conducting public consultations.”