Abstract:
Growing environmental concerns, which had arisen due to bitter
experiences from the develapment 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 as the transition from 'proponent'
-driven development to 'proponent with public' driven development. Since
the government is interested in achieving its development objectives
without undue delays, it is necessary for the projects to obtain
environmental 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 present day contest it is necessary for
the EIA evaluators to extend more efforts than expected until the
proponents. are matured enough to account for environmental concerns.
The present work of Upper Kotmale Hydropower Project (UKHP) in Sri
Lanka presents an evaluation of the key aspects of the EIAR and the efforts
taken in the above direction.
