Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) involves several stages, and each stage is equally important in determining the overall performance of a project. Arrange the following stages in the correct chronological order:

1. Scoping

2. Impact Analysis

3. Screening

4. Mitigation

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) 3, 1, 2, 4

• First, Screening is done to determine whether the project requires an environmental impact assessment or not. This acts as a preliminary filtering step.

• Then comes the Scoping phase, where the key environmental issues and important aspects for the assessment are identified.

• Next, Impact Analysis is carried out to analyze the potential environmental effects of the project.

• Finally, in the Mitigation stage, measures are proposed to reduce or eliminate the negative impacts.

Information Booster:

1. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic process necessary for identifying and managing environmental effects.

2. Screening is the initial step to check whether EIA is required for a project.

3. Scoping sets the boundaries of the study and decides which environmental issues to focus on.

4. Impact Analysis evaluates the potential positive and negative environmental impacts of the project.

5. Mitigation develops strategies to minimize environmental harm.

6. Following the correct sequence makes environmental decision-making more effective and transparent.

7. In India, this process is mandated under the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006.