INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP FOR ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE THROUGH EIA IN PAKISTAN: THE CASE OF PUBLIC SECTOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Abstract

Institutional context and EIA have significant role in environmental governance of a country. The potential of EIA as a tool to achieve sustainable development can best be realized when it is applied invariably not only to private but also to public sector projects. The latter can also represent a key attribute of good environmental governance on the part of the state to promote and implement the agenda of sustainable development. This paper examines the institutional set-up and the practice of conducting EIA of public sector development projects in Pakistan. The analysis is based on interviews with concerned government officials and review of selected projects. The paper argues that despite some inadequacies, EIA exercise done for a project of National Highways Authority can be followed as a good practice model by others to portray a responsible image of government agencies. Whilst the realization to fulfil EIA requirements is growing, a sustained commitment towards environmental regulation is needed to enhance effectiveness of EIA and promote good environmental governance in the country