Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a decision-making support tool to assess the impacts of various projects on the environment. This reports examines five significant indicators whose integration ensures a robust EIA system is in place. These indicators also take into account environmental and social impact mitigation aspects.

As EIA is backed by legislations, CSE has analysed different EIA processes—screening, scoping, preparation of draft EIA, public hearing and issuance of environmental clearance certificate—of different countries under their respective legislations. This report attempts to analyse whether the respective legislations have enough teeth to implement these processes effectively on the ground. Its findings will enable governments to strengthen their EIA systems and move towards their effective implementation.