Present day needs in environmental impact assessment evaluation - the UKHP of Sri Lanka, an example of the challenge : B

Abstract

Growing environmental concerns, which had arisen due to bitter experiences from the develapment projects of the past, now require public involvement to ensure that the best option is implemented. This includes an evaluation of the environmental impact assessment reports by" the environmental authorities prior to the grant of clearance to proceed. In Sri Lanka the environmental legislation was enacted in the year 1980 and · the present era could be considered as the transition from 'proponent' -driven development to 'proponent with public' driven development. Since the government is interested in achieving its development objectives without undue delays, it is necessary for the projects to obtain environmental clearance at the earliest. However it is often noted that there is a tendency to sideline the environmental aspects of projects citing the urgency of the government. The environmental authorities identify this as deficiencies in the EIAR. In the present day contest it is necessary for the EIA evaluators to extend more efforts than expected until the proponents. are matured enough to account for environmental concerns. The present work of Upper Kotmale Hydropower Project (UKHP) in Sri Lanka presents an evaluation of the key aspects of the EIAR and the efforts taken in the above direction.