Environmental Impact Assessment of Construction of Alternate Route to Circular Road from New Azadi Chowk to Masti Gate

Abstract

EIA is considered as one of the important tool for ensuring the “Sustainable Development” throughout the world. Pakistan has a proper framework and policies for conducting EIA before any major development. Since the Environmental Act 1997 for the Protection of Environment has been passed many EIA’s have been carried out. After the 18th Amendment in the constitution the Environmental Act is now a Provincial subject. All the environmental consultants and practitioners are following the provisions. High Quality EIA is one of the main components of effective translation of EIA policy into practice. EIA of “Construction of Alternate Route to Circular Road” was carried out through a holistic approach as a case study. The quality of existing report on this project was also assessed. The study is frame worked in political and historical context. Interviews were conducted with all the stakeholders to identify their concerns and impacts of the project. The study reveals that there are certain problems within the Laws of EIA. One of the major finding is the controversial “Land Acquisition Act 1894.” Apparently the act seems straightforward but the major loophole is that it totally negates the public interest by not giving them fair compensation and acquiring any land any time for any kind of development and no arrangements for displaced people and their businesses. The law is “Anti citizen” and “undemocratic” and reflects the legacy of British Colonial times. Furthermore after the 18th amendment the powers have been shifted from federal to provincial level, and these powers are now used for the advocacy of mega development projects. This leaves the quality of EIA questionable. The analysis further exposes that certain areas of EIA do not receive sufficient attention. The inadequacies are in decision making, consideration of alternatives and Public participation and consultation. It’s not true that Government institutes are incompetent or lack capacity and interest in critical and holistic environmental matters but they are helpless and felt constraints against the central policies of Government. This study underlines the need for further research on EIA through critical lens and holistic perspective.