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

Abstract

Growing environmental concern, which had arisen due to bitter experiences from the development 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 the transition from 'proponent' driven development to 'proponent with p ublic' driven development. Since the government is interested in achieving its dtNelopment objectives withoul undue delays, it is necessary for the projects to obtain environmenlal 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 p resent day contest it is necessary for the EIA evaluators to extend more efforts than expected imtil the proponents are matured enough to account for environmental concerns. The present work of Upper Kotmale Hydropower Project (UKHP) in Sri Lanka presenJs an evaluation of the key rupects of the EIAR and the efforts taken in the above direction.