Environmental impact assessment features – UGC NET Question

Statements A, C and D correctly describe key features of Environmental Impact Assessment. Statement A highlights that EIA is a systematic process, C points to the role of public participation and D emphasises identification of mitigation measures to reduce negative impacts. Statement B is incorrect because EIA is normally carried out before project implementation to inform decision-making. Therefore, the combination containing A, C and D only is the correct answer.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it includes all the true statements about EIA while excluding the false one. It recognises that EIA is prospective in nature, involves stakeholders and leads to mitigation plans. By omitting statement B, which wrongly places EIA after project completion, this option fits the conceptual understanding used in environmental management.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it pairs A with B. While A is correct, B is wrong since EIA is not meant to be carried out after the project is fully constructed; such a timing would defeat its preventive purpose. Including a false statement makes the whole combination invalid.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it collects A, B and C. In this set, A and C are correct but B remains incorrect for the reason that EIA is done prior to project implementation. A correct combination must exclude B altogether rather than including it along with true statements.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it groups B, C and D. Although C and D are correct, the presence of B, which misrepresents the timing of EIA, means the option cannot be accepted. An answer containing even one false statement fails to represent the correct description of EIA.