Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) |
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a major requirement for developmental projects. Dehsabz-Barikab City Development Authority (DCDA) as managing body for the Kabul New City (KNC) development undertakes a number of EIA studies for its infrastructure and land development projects. EIA studies comply with major World Bank environmental safeguarding policies, JICA Environmental considerations and National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) guidelines. Afghanistan has established an EIA system through the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA), and therefore, DCDA follows the rule stipulated in the EIA regulations. The EIA reports shall also comply with the Afghanistan Environmental Law. EIA will be conducted on most of the new city projects that include the following necessary aspects for the Environmental Impact Assessment:
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The role of the EIA is outlined in the following manner: |
No. | EIA Related Activities | Scope |
1 | Determine the category of the developmental projects in advance | Impact category of the project to be determined. The depth of EIA (EIA and Initial Environmental Examination) |
2 | Development of ToR and RFP or RFT for the projects | ToR for the EIA project, Announcement of EoI, RFP/RFT, reviewing the proposals and making technical decisions. |
3 | Development of scoping of the EIA projects | Upon determination of the project impact the scoping shall be developed in order to cover all aspects of the EIA impact, mitigation plans, EIA management plans and Environmental monitoring plans. |
4 | Assist in procuring for the EIA project implementation | Technical assessment of the consultant selection process, Supporting the consultant in achieving the goals of the EIA study, providing necessary documents and studies to the consultant, leading public gatherings that relate to the EIA matters |
5 | Assist the contracting agency to carry out the EIA process | Provide technical and guidance assistance to the selected consultant in implementing the EIA project. This assistance may include provision of necessary documents, provision of topographical maps, support in community relations, assigning of an liaison officer and participation in the Stakeholder meetings |
Implementation of the EIA projects may include the following components and sub components: |
No. | Major EIA Components | Sub Elements |
1. | Identification of legal system |
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2. | Survey on existing natural environment |
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3. | Survey on existing social environment |
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4. | Survey on People and Organizations |
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5. | Supporting Stakeholder Meetings |
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6. | Preparation of Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) (if necessary) |
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7. | Relocation/Compensation Plan |
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8. | Analysis of Alternatives |
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9. | EIA Report Preparation |
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It is important to mention that if the project is financed by a donor country/agency, the environmental guidelines of the donor may need to be complied in addition to NEPA guidelines. The final EIA report will identify mitigation measures and environmental management plan that shall be implemented by the authority. Additional financial and technical capacities will be required to implement the recommendations provided by the EIA report. |