Environmental Impact Assessment for Road Infrastructure and Development Projects

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 12 Issue: 04 | Apr 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

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 process designed to assess the potential environmental consequencesofaproposedprojectordevelopmentpriortoits 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 evaluationofaproject'sdirect,indirect,cumulative,andlongtermeffectsontheenvironment,coveringelementssuchasair, water, soil, biodiversity, and human health.

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).Publicinvolvementandconsultationwithrelevant stakeholdersarecrucialpartsoftheEIAprocedure,promoting transparency and ensuring community engagement.

EIA acts as a mechanism for promoting sustainable development by supporting informed decision-making and minimizingor preventingnegativeenvironmentalimpacts.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.

Key Words: 1. EIA,2.EnvironmentImpactAssessment,3. Environmental Monitoring,4.Road ConstructionImpact, 5. Environmental Mitigation, 6. Public Health Impact.

1.INTRODUCTION

The highway network is a crucial element of the transportationsystematnational,state,andlocallevels.It servesvariouspurposes,withtheprimaryobjectivebeing 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 directionforgrowth.Whentheroadandwaterwaysystems couldnolongeraccommodatethedemandsofpassengerand freight traffic, rail transport was introduced. Initially, this systemwasintendedforinter-urbantravel,butovertime,it becameessentialforfacilitatingintra-urbantravelaswell.

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 projectlocation.TheEIAprocessidentifiesbothpositiveand negative(beneficialandharmful)effectsontheenvironment that may arise from a proposed development or activity. ThroughEIA,strategiesaredevisedtomitigatetheadverse effectsofvariousinterventions.

2. NEED OF THE STUDY

Growing public concern over the "quality of life" has heightenedtheneedforasystematicapproachtoidentifying, measuring,andassessingenvironmentalimpacts.Currently, during the planning and design of highways, the primary focustendstobeoneconomicfactorsandtrafficflow.This narrow focus often leads to the neglect of environmental issues such as noise, air pollution, visual degradation, and ecologicaldisruptions.

EIAhasbecomeakeycomponentofhighwayplanningand designinmanydevelopednations.Thecaseforintroducing thistoolinourcountryisevenmorecompelling,asnumerous new highway projects are being planned and executed at boththeStateandCentralGovernmentlevelstoaccelerate national development. Withadvancementsin the field,the procedure could be further refined to serve as a more comprehensivetoolforcriticallyevaluatingandcomparing various alternatives. Some of the key issues typically addressedinclude:

Airpollution

Noisepollution

Waterpollution

Vibration

Dischargeofeffluentsontheroadsides

Wildlifedisturbance

Deforestation

Accidentaldata

Contaminationofsoil

2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

2.1 ShreyaHanda,RKAggarwal,andSKBhardwaj(2019)

Highlight that the environment is undergoing significant degradation globally due to various factors, with highway developmentbeingoneofthekeycontributors.EIAservesas

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 12 Issue: 04 | Apr 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

the initial step in advancing the sustainable development agenda and is the most effective tool for incorporating environmental concerns into development planning and execution. This paper reviews a research study aimed at assessing the quality of air, soil, and water, as well as the socio-economic impacts on local communities caused by highwayandroadconstructionactivities.

2.2 AnuragSingla(2018)

Defines Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a systematic evaluation of both the positive and negative effects on the physical, biological, and socio-economic environmentthatmayresultfromaproposedproject.EIA providesstrategiestomitigatethenegativeenvironmental impacts of a development project through alternative methods, design modifications, and corrective measures. Highway construction is a significant activity in the economicdevelopmentofcountries,butitalsorepresentsa majorsourceofenvironmentaldamage,includingecological disruption,habitatdisturbance,andharmtofloraandfauna. Thisstudyanalyzestheenvironmentalimpactsofhighway projects, focusing on the current conditions at the project site.Thestudycoversparameterssuchassocio-economic, biological,air,dust,water,noise,accidents,ecology,andsoil. Samplesofair,water,andsoilwerecollectedtoassesstheir current status. The noise levels were found to exceed permissiblelimits,andthedrainagesystemwasfoundtobe inadequateinsomeareas.Soilcontaminationwasminimal. Trafficanalysisrevealedthattheexistingtwo-lanehighway wasinsufficienttoaccommodatethecurrenttrafficvolume, suggesting the need for immediate four-laning to handle increased traffic. Based on the analysis of various parameters, the study provides recommendations for mitigation measures at different stages to minimize environmentalimpacts.

2.3 Saurabh Jadhav, Ganesh Chavan, Shridhar Patil, Sohel Sanadi,andSiddheshParavatGosavi(2023)

Note a significant surge in interest in environmental concerns, sustainability, and the better management of development projects to align with environmental considerations. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) exemplifiesthistrend.EIAinvolvesidentifying,predicting, andevaluatingtheenvironmentalconsequencesofplanned activities.Itservesasadecision-makingtool,withthethree mainvalueshighlightedinEIAstudiesbeingintegrity,utility, and sustainability. EIA is a method used to assess the environmental impacts of potential projects or activities, encompassing both physical and social factors, while also proposingmitigationstrategies.

2.4 KashishWalia,R.K.Aggarwal,andS.K.Bhardwaj(2017)

Emphasizethathighwayexpansionenhancesthequalityof existing roads and improves connectivity between key economiccenters.Thegrowingtrafficandtheneedtoboost

the area's economic capacity drive the expansion of highways. However, this development disrupts the ecosystem and brings about various changes in the surrounding landscape. It also impacts both abiotic and biotic components of the environment, both directly and indirectly.

2.5 MohitNandal(2017)

Describes Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a thorough examination of both the positive and negative effects on the physical, natural, and financial conditions resultingfromaproposedproject.EIAprovidesastrategyto mitigatethenegativeenvironmentalimpactsoftheproposed development through alternative methods, design modifications, and corrective measures. The assessment focuses on evaluating the environmental impacts of the projectbasedonthecurrentconditionsofthesite.

3. THE EIA CYCLE AND PROCEDURES

3.1 Environmental screening isastructuredprocessthat identifiesandassessesthepotentialenvironmentalimpacts ofproposedprojects,activities,orplanstodetermineifthey couldleadtosignificantnegativeeffectsontheenvironment. Thisprocessensuresthatenvironmentalfactorsaretaken intoaccountearlyintheplanningstage,helpingtoprevent harmtonaturalresourcesandlocalcommunities.

3.2 Scoping isanessentialstepintheEnvironmentalImpact Assessment(EIA)processthatdefinesthescope,boundaries, and focus of the assessment. It involves identifying key issues, environmental factors, and potential impacts that require further examination during the EIA. In essence, scopingestablishestheframeworkforthestudy,outlining whatwillbeanalyzed,themethodstobeused,andthelevel ofdetailnecessary.

3.3 Baseline data collection is a vital element of environmental assessments, especially within the EnvironmentalImpactAssessment(EIA)process.Itinvolves gathering information about the current environmental conditions of an area prior to the commencement of a project or development. This data acts as a reference for assessing and forecasting the potential impacts of the proposed project and is crucial for making well-informed decisionsregardingmitigationmeasures.

3.4 Baseline environmental monitoring wasconductedto assessambientairquality,waterquality,andnoiselevelsat various locations along the proposed alignment. This monitoringaimedtoestablish thebaseline status ofthese environmentalparameters.

3.5 Impact prediction is a critical phase in the EnvironmentalImpactAssessment(EIA)process.Itinvolves forecasting the potential environmental, social, and economic effects that a proposed project or development

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 12 Issue: 04 | Apr 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

couldhaveonthesurroundingenvironment.Thisprocess seekstoestimatethenature,extent,andsignificanceofthese impacts based on baseline data, project activities, and environmental factors. The aim of impact prediction is to identifynegativeeffectsbeforetheyoccur,aidingdecisionmaking on mitigation strategies, alternatives, and project design.

3.6 Assessment of alternatives iscrucialwhenaprojectis expected to have significant environmental impacts. EIA reportsshouldincludeanevaluationofalternativeprojects or approaches that can achieve the same or similar outcomes.Thisprocessinvolvesexploringdifferentmethods to meet the objectives of the proposed project while minimizingoravoidingnegativeenvironmental,social,and economic effects. Assessing alternatives ensures that the mostenvironmentallysustainableandsociallyresponsible optionischosenfordevelopment.

3.7 Finalizing the alignment involves a physical verificationoffactorssuchasthenumberoftreesalongthe roadandtheproximityofschoolsandhospitals.Thisstepis crucialintheEnvironmentalImpactAssessment(EIA)and project planning process. It ensures that the proposed projectreducesenvironmentalharm,minimizesimpactson localcommunities,andmeetstechnicalrequirementswhile achievingtheproject’sobjectives.

3.8 Identifying the requirements of environmental regulations is crucial to ensure that a proposed project adherestoallapplicableenvironmentallaws,standards,and guidelines. This understanding is key to securing the project's approval, maintaining legal compliance, and promotinglong-termsustainability.Ithelpsminimizelegal risks,prevent environmental damage,andensurethatthe projectmeetsbothnationalandinternationalenvironmental standards.

3.9 Integrating environmental impacts into the design process involvedidentifyingnecessaryadjustmentstothe alignmentbasedonenvironmentallysensitivefeaturesand culturalresourcesalongtheproposedroute.Thistaskalso contributed to finalizing the realignments. Considering environmental factors was a vital part of road project preparation,aprocessoftenreferredtobytheWorldBank as "mainstreaming the environment." The design and decision-makingprocessaimedtoaddressenvironmental, resettlement, and rehabilitation issues, prompting appropriateactions.Itwasalsocrucialtominimizeimpacts onsensitiveareas(e.g.,temples,hospitals,andforests)and reduceadverseeffectsonaffectedcommunities.

3.10 Evaluation involves assessing the potential environmental,social,andeconomicimpactsofaproposed project and determining their significance. This process helps decision-makers compare different alternatives, identifythemostsustainableandleastharmfuloptions,and choose appropriate mitigation strategies to address any negativeeffects.

3.11 Public hearing is a formal event where the public, stakeholders,andotherinterestedpartiesareinvitedtooffer feedback, express concerns, or ask questions about a proposedprojectordevelopment.Publichearingsareoften a required part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, particularly for projects that may have substantialenvironmental,social,oreconomicimpacts.

3.12 The decision-making processintegratesthe results from environmental studies, public consultations, and stakeholderfeedback.Itensuresthattheproposedproject adherestoregulatoryrequirementsandalignswithbroader objectivessuchassustainability,legalcompliance,andsocial responsibility.

3.13 Mitigation Plan is a detailed strategy created to address and minimize the negative environmental, social, and economic impacts of a proposed project. As a key componentoftheEnvironmentalImpactAssessment(EIA) process,itoutlinesspecificactions,measures,andpractices aimedatpreventing,reducing,oroffsettingadverseeffects throughouttheproject'slifecycle.

Thegoalofthemitigationplanistoensuretheprojectaligns with environmental sustainability objectives, meets regulatorystandards,andminimizesadverseeffectsonlocal communitiesandecosystems.Additionally,theplanincludes provisionsformonitoringandadjustingmitigationmeasures asnecessary.

3.14 Monitoring clearance conditions isanessentialpart ofensuringthataprojectadherestotheenvironmentaland socialmitigationmeasuresestablishedduringtheapproval process,particularlyconcerningEnvironmentalClearance. Afterreceivingenvironmentalclearance usuallyfollowing an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulatory authorities set specific, legally binding conditions that the project developer must follow to minimize and manage environmental impacts. Ongoing monitoring ensures compliancewiththeseconditionsthroughouttheproject's lifecycle.

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 12 Issue: 04 | Apr 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

4. TYPES OF IMPACTS

Environmentalimpactsarisingfromdevelopmentprojects fallinto3categories:

(i) DirectImpacts

(ii) IndirectImpacts

(iii)CumulativeImpacts.

These groups can be further classified according to their nature,

PositiveandNegativeImpacts

RandomandPredictableImpacts

LocalandWidespreadImpacts

TemporaryandPermanentImpacts,and

Shortandlong–termImpacts

5.

6. CONCLUSION

TheultimategoaloftheEIAisnotjusttoensurecompliance with environmental regulations but also to promote sustainable practices and deliver long-term benefits to society.Iftheproposedprojectisfoundtohaveunacceptable impacts, the EIA process may lead to adjustments in the projectdesign,theimplementationofmitigationmeasures, or,insomecases,therejectionoftheproject.Ultimately,the EIAactsasasafeguard,ensuringthatdevelopmentprojects are carried out in a way that prioritizes environmental protection,publichealth,andsocialwell-being.

REFERENCES

1. Study of Environmental impact Assessment of an Identified Highway Corridor by Jinendra Kumar Jain, TransportationEngineeringSection,UniversityofRoorkee.

2. Environmental Impact Assessment of a Rural Road Project:NetworkandMatrixMethodbySrijanaRai,Rahul Singh Department of Civil Engineering, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur , Nagpur Maharashtra,India.

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 12 Issue: 04 | Apr 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

3. Environmental Impact Assessment for Highway: Nitin Kamboj, Er. Sunita Kumari M.TECH Student, Assistant Professor,Departmentofcivilengineering,DCRUSTMurthal Haryana.

4.ShreyaHanda,RKAggarwalandSKBhardwaj“Acritical review on environmental impact assessment of highway development in Himalayan region” Department of EnvironmentalScience,YSPUniversityofHorticultureand Forestry,Nauni,Solan,HimachalPradesh,India.

5. Anurag Singla “A Review on Environment Impact Assessment for Highway” International Journal of All ResearchEducationandScientificMethods.

6.SaurabhJadhav1,GaneshChavan2,ShridharPatil3,Sohel Sanadi4,SiddheshParavatgosavi5,M.M.Rabade6“AReview Article on "Environmental Impact Assessment" (Eia), (UG StudentsDepartmentofCivilEngineering,D.Y.Patiltechnical campustalsande,Kolhapur)

7.NaikwadiGhanshyamB1,SujitDesai2,ShyambabuDangi3, KasarS.R4,andGuravVikasV5.DeccanEducationSociety’s, TechnicalInstitute,Pune,Maharashtra

8. Nitin Kamboj1, Er. Sunita Kumari2 M.TECH Student, 2Assistant Professor, Department of civil engineering, DCRUSTMurthalHaryanaIssue03March2017.