Development of these Terms of Reference (ToRs) would not have been possible without the commitment of and contributions from different individuals and institutions. A special note of thanks must go to Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), India for the technical support and guidance provided for developing this important tool.

This tool has come at an opportune time, keeping in mind our government’s directions with regard to a National Industrial Development Agenda. The Agenda entails establishment of development projects where their sustainability depends on the incorporation of environmental components and on ensuring that there are always mitigation measures to respond to associated environmental challenges. This Agenda would not be sustainable and possible if environmental issues are not considered in the process, which would primarily include a review of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Audit (EA) studies for proposed and existing projects.