About ERC

Objective:

• Keeping a close watch and challenge the EIA reports those are based on inadequate and improper assessment of developmental activities on the environment and communities.
• Acting as an independent resource and response centre to the issues of urgent environmental concerns, especially for communities and groups impacted by faulty EIA and approvals.
• Creating a national level database on EIA reports, those are accessible to groups and individuals.
• Conducting the alternative Environmental Impact Assessment studies in sensitive cases and challenging the faulty EIA.
• Creating a panel of experts to critique EIA reports in terms of accepted socio-economic and environmental standards, and facilitating a countrywide network of groups and agencies in environmental development.
• Creating awareness among communities and NGOs about the EIA processes and participating at public hearings.
• Providing third party assistance to Government Agencies, like Expert Appraisal Committee (in Environmental Clearance issues) and Forest Advisory Committee (in Forest Clearance issues).

The Focus:

Though the centre has been working across country, but the primary focus is Ecologically sensitive areas such as the Himalayas, the Western and Eastern Ghats and the North Eastern part of the India and areas, which are homes to vulnerable forest dependent communities.

What We Are Doing:

The center acts as an expert third party advocacy and action group, which is in a position to scientifically critique and challenge the approved faulty EIA reports of the environmentally sensitive projects. These projects range from mining, hydro and thermal power to roads, highways and ports among others.