Abstract:
In present study, two private sector housing societies from two zones IV and V
of Islamabad are compared to evaluate the efficacy of Environmental Impact
Assessment, in which one has approval from EPA on the base of EIA and other one
without EPA approval. Research is based on primary and secondary data. Primary
data includes questionnaire survey and interview whereas secondary data consist of
the reports provided by Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
housing societies. Data is compared, analyzed on the bases of selected parameters that
include Master Plan (parks, grounds, plantation, and green belts), Solid Waste
Management, Water Management and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) of
both societies. Research showed that both societies have visible differences in the
selected parameters. The society operational without NOC from Pak-EPA has EMP
completely missing whereas; Solid waste management and water management is not
according to the guideline of Pak-EPA and CDA and as far master plan is concerned
the land distribution plan demonstrate that it has 15% more land for residential and
commercial use and has 8% less open space with uneven distribution of greenery that
illustrate economic priority over environment as compared to the other society.
Society with approval from Pak-EPA has a detailed EMP and Solid waste
management plan for the project but it has few elements in water management which
has to be addressed. This research shows the importance, that conducting EIA for
projects contributes in sustainable development and the projects are successful in the
long run. Projects without EIA reports has adverse effect on the environment even if it
gets short term initial success, such projects should not be even allowed to begin and
the projects that has started should be monitored by the regulatory authorities and post
construction phase monitoring should also be done on a regular bases to make sure
environment friendly progress.
