International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 04 | Apr 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
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Environmental Impact Assessment for Road Infrastructure and Development Projects Vaibhav Namdeo Mahale Ms. Apeksha Choudhary, Dept. of civil Engineering, GH Raisoni University, Amravati, Maharashtra, India ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a
EIA is a process designed to assess the potential environmental impacts of human activities on natural systems. It serves as a tool for comparing different development options and evaluating alternative sites for project location. The EIA process identifies both positive and negative (beneficial and harmful) effects on the environment that may arise from a proposed development or activity. Through EIA, strategies are devised to mitigate the adverse effects of various interventions.
process designed to assess the potential environmental consequences of a proposed project or development prior to its execution. The main objective of EIA is to ensure that environmental factors are considered along with economic, social, and technical aspects during the decision-making process. This includes the identification, prediction, and evaluation of a project's direct, indirect, cumulative, and longterm effects on the environment, covering elements such as air, water, soil, biodiversity, and human health.
2. NEED OF THE STUDY
The EIA process generally involves several steps, including screening (to assess if an EIA is necessary), scoping (to pinpoint critical issues), impact analysis (to assess possible effects), mitigation (to reduce negative impacts), and monitoring (to observe real impacts during and after project execution). Public involvement and consultation with relevant stakeholders are crucial parts of the EIA procedure, promoting transparency and ensuring community engagement.
Growing public concern over the "quality of life" has heightened the need for a systematic approach to identifying, measuring, and assessing environmental impacts. Currently, during the planning and design of highways, the primary focus tends to be on economic factors and traffic flow. This narrow focus often leads to the neglect of environmental issues such as noise, air pollution, visual degradation, and ecological disruptions.
EIA acts as a mechanism for promoting sustainable development by supporting informed decision-making and minimizing or preventing negative environmental impacts. It is commonly applied across various industries, including infrastructure, industrial growth, agriculture, and resource extraction. In the end, the goal of EIA is to achieve a balance between development objectives and environmental conservation, fostering projects that are sustainable from social, economic, and environmental perspectives.
EIA has become a key component of highway planning and design in many developed nations. The case for introducing this tool in our country is even more compelling, as numerous new highway projects are being planned and executed at both the State and Central Government levels to accelerate national development. With advancements in the field, the procedure could be further refined to serve as a more comprehensive tool for critically evaluating and comparing various alternatives. Some of the key issues typically addressed include:
Key Words: 1. EIA, 2. Environment Impact Assessment, 3. Environmental Monitoring, 4. Road Construction Impact, 5. Environmental Mitigation, 6. Public Health Impact.
Air pollution Noise pollution Water pollution Vibration Discharge of effluents on the road sides Wild life disturbance Deforestation Accidental data Contamination of soil
1.INTRODUCTION The highway network is a crucial element of the transportation system at national, state, and local levels. It serves various purposes, with the primary objective being the movement of passengers and goods. Additionally, the network plays a key role in shaping the development of surrounding areas by providing a defined form, size, and direction for growth. When the road and waterway systems could no longer accommodate the demands of passenger and freight traffic, rail transport was introduced. Initially, this system was intended for inter-urban travel, but over time, it became essential for facilitating intra-urban travel as well.
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Impact Factor value: 8.315
2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE 2.1 Shreya Handa, RK Aggarwal, and SK Bhardwaj (2019) Highlight that the environment is undergoing significant degradation globally due to various factors, with highway development being one of the key contributors. EIA serves as
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