Urbanising villages without adequately addressing infrastructure needs, exacerbate existing strains on legacy infrastructure and does NOT represent sustainable approach to addressing housing shortages.
Legacy infrastructure in rural areas are NOT designed to accommodate the increased population density associated with urbanization. Upgrading or expanding infrastructure to meet the needs of a larger population is costly and time-consuming, particularly if the existing systems are outdated or inadequate.
Rapid urbanisation of villages leads to social and environmental challenges, including loss of green spaces, disruption of community cohesion, increased pollution, and pressure on natural resources. Without careful planning and mitigation measures, these impacts undermine the sustainability and liveability of the affected areas.
Urbanising villages does not address the underlying factors driving housing shortages, such as affordability, housing supply constraints, and regional disparities. Developing new settlements with comprehensive planning and infrastructure provision offers a more sustainable solution by creating well-designed, inclusive communities that meet the needs of residents while minimizing strain on existing infrastructure.
Building new settlements from scratch provides an opportunity to incorporate innovative urban design, sustainable technologies, and smart infrastructure solutions. By planning and developing new communities holistically, policymakers can create resilient, future-proofed environments that support long-term economic growth, social well-being, and environmental sustainability.
The primary goal of an EIA is to identify and assess the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project and to inform the public and all other stakeholders about these effects.
It allows decision-makers to validate whether the proposed project would contribute positively to the community.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) plays a crucial role in sustainable development by helping to ensure that proposed projects and developments are evaluated in terms of their potential environmental, social, and economic impacts before they are approved and implemented.
The Brundtland Report defined sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
The purpose of a screening opinion is NOT to tailor information and argue AGAINST the need for an EIA.
Such abusive conduct is contrary to the principles of sustainable development. It raises serious concerns about environmental impacts and demands public opposition.
It is an initial assessment phase that helps regulatory authorities decide if the potential environmental impacts of a project are significant enough to warrant a comprehensive EIA.
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