Evaluating the Adequacy and Quality of Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Reports in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

This paper evaluated the quality of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports submitted to EPA Punjab, Pakistan during 2005–2013 (2005 is the period when the practice became more common) prepared by different consultants and investigated whether the information provided in the report is adequate for ultimate decision making by using a comprehensive checklist. Data was collected through interviews, EPA library and Punjab public library. The results are presented in graphical form after the detailed review of randomly selected 100 EIA reports submitted to EPA Punjab during the study period. The selected EIA reports were prepared for new development projects, expansion/extension projects, rehabilitation projects and also for funding projects by donor agencies i.e. World Bank and ADB. The study revealed that the reports prepared for international funding agencies contained adequate data whereas the assessment report prepared by the consultants for local development project were lacking in substantial primary data and adequate evidences, showing lack of commitment towards sustainable development and environment protection.