Project siting and environmental impact assessment in developing countries

Abstract

The Bhopal incident has highlighted the dangers of inappropriate siting of chemical plants. A number of instances are quoted in which industrial sitings in India have not taken into account the environmental effects. One such siting could involve serious damage to the Taj Mahal which is downwind of sulphur dioxide emissions.Environmental impact assessment must become part of the project appraisal system in developing countries. This must be followed up with a monitoring system and the ability to make mid-course corrections if necessary. The environment-economic link is critical. © 1987 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.