Define Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and mention its various stages. Also, highlight the significance of EIA in balancing developmental needs with environmental conservation in the country.

Environmental Impact Assessment EIA refers to the pre-curative and pro-active examination of potential impact of project on the environment and society. By EIA 9 things listed: Projects. Various stages in EIA: (1) Identification of problem statement (2) Scoping (3) Surveys and data collection (4) Evaluation of probable cases (5) Public Hearing & feedback (6) Decision making (7) Monitoring

Significance of EIA in balancing development generated needs with environmental conservation: (1) Timely position to meet plan - By development of overbridge wildlife corridor on Mumbai-Delhi expressway (2) EIA gives investors confidence in investment and attracts green funding - By World Bank loan to Delhi metro (3) Prevents loss of livelihood of tribals due to displacement or pollution - Map Airport displacement followed by rehabilitation quarters nearby However, EIA faces certain challenges like poorly conducted public hearings, conflict of interest in EIA and independent pragmatism check need to be checked.