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INTRODUCTION
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic process initiated at the planning stage for predicting all the beneficial and adverse impacts that any developmental activity is likely to have upon environment, and then formulating mitigatory measures to reduce altogether or at least minimize the harmful effects of that developmental activity on the environment. EIA helps in efficient use of resources, optimizing capital costs in longer term and aiding a balanced decision making process that result in sustainable development Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a rapidly growing field of work and has become a mandatory legal requirement in Pakistan. The formalized arrangements for implementation of EIA system in Pakistan evolved over a period of fifteen years. It started with the promulgation of Pakistan Environmental Protection Ordinance (PEPO) of 1983 (repealed in 1997). EIA became mandatory for all new projects, since 1st July 1994 Documentation of sectoral guidelines as EIA Package is effective from 1997 Enactment of Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 followed by IEE/EIA Regulations of 2000. Finally, the National Environmental Policy in 2005, which describes integration of environment into development planning through implementation of EIA at project level and promotion of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) as a tool for integrating environment into decision making process

EIA/IEE REGULATION 2000

Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Notified the IEE/EIA Regulations 2000 wherein details regarding the filing, review and approval/rejection process of the lEE and EIA Reports is specified. IEE/EIA Regulations 2000, also comprises of two schedules namely Schedule I, i.e. the projects requiring submission of lEE and Schedule II, i.e. the projects requiring submission of the EIA reports. Guide lines for developers. The Federal Ministry of Environment, Government of Pakistan has notified general and sectoral guidelines, to guide and inform developers regarding preparation of lEE and EIA studies/reports. These generally include:1. GENERAL EIA GUIDELINES a. Policy and Procedures for the Filing, Review and approval of Environmental Assessments b. Guidelines for the Preparation and Review of Environmental Reports c. Guidelines for Public Consultations. d. Guidelines for Sensitive and Critical Areas e. Pakistan Environmental Legislation and the NEQS 2. SECTORAL GUIDELINES a. Major Thermal Power stations. b. Major Manufacturing and Chemical plants. c. Muncipal Waste disposal. d. New township development. e. Oil and Gas exploration and development. f. Major roads. g. Water supply projects. h. Sewerage schemes. i. Industrial estates.

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ENVIRONMENTAL AND GUIDELINES

ASSESSMENT

CHECKLIST

The Environmental Protection Agencies, in collaboration with IUCN - SPCS Support Program, have also developed Environmental Assessment Checklists & Guidelines for small scale projects in NWFP which do not fall under Schedule I or II of the IEE/EIA Regulations. The main objective of developing these guidelines was to control the predicted environmental pollution that is likely to be resulted from small scale development activities. These guidelines are available with EPA, and are provided to the proponent on request for their guidance and information. 4.

AGRICULTURE SECTOR
a. Construction of water reservoirs in arid zones b. Construction and lining of water courses c. Use of pesticides in the context of integrated pest management. d. Tube well construction for irrigation purpose.

5.

URBAN ENVIRONMENT SECTOR

a. b. c. d. e. Small and medium size road construction in urban areas. Small to medium size water supply and sanitation schemes. Canal cleaning and desiltation in urban areas. Development of small housing schemes Construction or expansion of bus stands and terminals

a. b. c. d.

6. FORESTRY SECTOR Road construction in forest covered area. Timber harvesting. Plantation of various species. Construction of buildings in environmentally sensitive areas. 7.

INDUSTRIAL SECTOR
a. b. c. d. e. Small and medium size road construction in urban areas Small to medium size water supply and sanitation schemes Canal cleaning and desiltation in urban areas Development of small housing schemes Construction or expansion of bus stands and terminals

Although, carrying out lEE or EIA is mandatory according to PEPA 1997 and IEE/EIA Regulations 2000, but mainly due to unawareness of the general public, most of the developmental projects are implemented without complying by the erstwhile regulations. EPA is also represented in District Development Working Party (DDWP) and Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP), thus keeping a check on the environmental aspects of the public sector development program.