EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment)

In Bangladesh, EIA is administered by the Department of Environment (DoE) under the Environmental Conservation Act 1995 and Environmental Conservation Rules 1997. Projects are categorised as Green (minimal impact, no EIA required), Orange-A (moderate impact, Initial Environmental Examination), Orange-B (significant impact, full EIA), and Red (major impact, comprehensive EIA with public hearing). The EIA report covers air quality, water quality, noise, ecology, socio-economic impacts, and mitigation measures. Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) is issued upon approval.

EIA is a legal prerequisite for construction approval of most commercial and industrial projects in Bangladesh. Operating without ECC risks fines, closure orders, and legal liability. For multinational companies, EIA compliance is a basic due diligence requirement and is referenced in ESG reporting frameworks. The EIA process also provides valuable baseline environmental data for ongoing monitoring.