Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Approval System in Bangladesh: A Review of the Environmental Conservation Rules (ECR) 2023

Abstract

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) serves as a mechanism to evaluate the environmental, social, and economic consequences of a project before any decisions are made. In recent years, however, governments, environmental specialists, researchers, media, and local communities have developed a comprehensive legislative and institutional framework for the EIA. To mitigate the environmental and social risks associated with any proposed project and its related components, as well as to safeguard and conserve the environment from negative effects, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has established specific regulations, policies, and guidelines. The EIA study has become a regulatory requirement for all RED categories and certain ORANGE categories of projects, contingent upon the directives issued by the Department of Environment (DoE), as specified in the Environment Conservation Rules. This study is essential for securing the Environmental Clearance Certificate, which is a prerequisite for any industrial and developmental initiatives. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), in accordance with Section 20 of the Environmental Conservation Act (ECA) 1995, has introduced the Environmental Conservation Rules 2023 (ECR 2023), thereby repealing the previous regulations enacted in 1997. According to Rule 5 (1) of ECR 2023, for the issuance of the Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC), every industrial unit or project will be categorized into four classifications based on their site and environmental impact. This categorization is determined by the spatial extent of potential impacts on human health and both natural and manmade resources. The current review outlines the rules, fundamental principles, and procedures for EIA approval, while also highlighting the comprehensive guidelines for EIA approval in Bangladesh as per the new ECR 2023.