Created: 2026/10/28 20:43

EWCE 431 (EWC 431): Environment and Social Impact Assessment — Question Pattern & Analysis

An exhaustive, page-verified analysis of all 6 past term-final examination question papers and official lecture materials (EWCE 431/SA/ Lectures 1–7 and EWCE 431/SB/ Lectures 01–07) for EWCE 431: Environment and Social Impact Assessment (formerly EWC 431):

  1. Question Paper - EWC 431, 2019.pdf — Spring Final Examination: June 2019
  2. Question Paper - EWC 431, 2021.pdf — Final Examination (Spring): Feb 2021
  3. Question Paper - EWC 431, 2022.pdf — Term Final (Spring) Examination 2021: July–Aug 2021 (file named 2022.pdf)
  4. Question Paper - EWCE 431, 2023.pdf — Term Final (Spring) Examination 2023: Jul–Sep 2023
  5. Question Paper - EWCE 431, 2024.pdf — Term Final (Spring) Examination 2024: Oct–Nov 2024
  6. Question Paper - EWCE 431, 2025.pdf — Term Final (Spring) Examination 2025: Oct–Nov 2025

Structural Notes on Section A vs. Section B (SA/ vs. SB/ Attribution)

  • Faculty Continuity vs. Section Swaps: The faculty member conducting EWCE 431/SB/ has remained consistent over recent years, whereas the other section's faculty changed over time. Moreover, the two faculty members swapped exam paper sections between 2023 and 2024–2025, and several core topics (such as ECC Clearance Procedures, EMP, Monitoring, Baseline/Scoping, and EIA Steps) appear in both SB/ and SA/ slide decks.
  • Section-Level and Question-Set Attribution Across Years:
Exam Year Exam Section A (Q1–Q4) Exam Section B (Q5–Q8) Key Cross-Section Exceptions & Notes
2025 SA/ Faculty (Q1–Q4): ESIA activities, Environmental Management goals/framework, BD environmental issues, ECA 1995, NEP 1992, law non-enforcement, dispute resolution, ECC categories, IEE vs. EIA, impact chain & standards, project cycle, EIA methods, EMP, monitoring SB/ Faculty (Q5–Q8): ESIA definition/objectives, project description, BEZA Tangail Economic Zone (TEZ) case, SIA importance/impacts/stakeholders/surveys (Sonadia Island), economic valuation methods, road project impacts/mitigation, gender in ESIA, public participation, resettlement planning, existing fabric industry evaluation In Section A, Q2d (ECC for all 4 categories) and Q4b–d (EMP roles/content/flowchart & monitoring table) also have dedicated, detailed coverage in SB/Lecture 04 and SB/Lecture 07.
2024 SA/ Faculty (Q1–Q4): Environmental Management goals, BD environmental issues, 5 PIL cases, NEP 1992, ECA 1995, Red-category ECC, project cycle, IEE vs. EIA, EIA steps, EIA method selection & characteristics, source vs. impact standards, EMP, monitoring SB/ Faculty (Q5–Q8): EIA definition evaluation, baseline description, 3-category environmental parameter checklist, chemical industry impacts by Dhaleshwari River, SIA components/scopes/survey, BEZA Tangail Economic Zone (TEZ) ToC & questionnaire, economic valuation methods, resettlement phases, NCC solid waste site consultant case, gender in ESIA, public participation scopes, alternatives In Section A, Q4c–d (EMP definition, roles & effectiveness strategies), Q4e (monitoring), and Q2c (Red-category ECC) correspond directly to SB/Lecture 07 and SB/Lecture 04 as well as SA/Lecture 1–2.
2023 SB/ Faculty (Q1–Q4): EIA definition/objectives, EIA process steps & baseline study (Q1), economic valuation steps with diagram, population displacement & rehabilitation, BD environmental issues (Q2), GOB 100 Economic Zones SIA (Q3a), gender equality in ESIA (Q3b), Orange-B & Red ECC, EMP roles/content, highway EMP mitigation plan (Q4) SA/ Faculty (Q5–Q8): Environmental inventory & EIA-to-ESIA transition (Q5a), Matrix vs. Checklist, Ad-hoc features/drawbacks, Checklist categories (Q6), Environmental Monitoring objectives/categories/plan (Q7), ECR 1997 key regulations (Q8a) — plus Public Participation (Q5b, Q8b) Full Section Swap: All of 2023 Section A (Q1–Q4) was set by the SB/ faculty (SB/Lecture 01–07). Additionally, in 2023 Section B, Q5b (scopes of public participation across stages) and Q8b (4 levels of public involvement & stakeholder justification) come directly from SB/Lecture 06/Public Participation in EIA.pdf.
2022 SIA & EIA Focus (Q1–Q4 — corresponds to SB/Lecture 06 & earlier SIA notes): SIA scopes, major/minor socio-economic impacts, SIA importance in developing countries (Q1), SIA time period, SIA definition/origin, poor EIA–SIA relation (Q2), Direct Employment Labour Curve, power project socio-economic flow diagram, economic baseline (Q3), SIA area, social differences (communities, ethnic, occupation, stratification, age/gender), employment policies (Q4) SA/ Faculty Question Bank (Q5–Q8): EIA definition & EM goals, Orange-B vs. Red ECC, NEP 1992, Ad-hoc demerits (Q5), ECR 1997 standard limitations, EIA steps & modeling, EIA method characteristics, Environmental Index (Q6), Env. Court limitations, EM framework, Public Participation importance, EIA project cycle (Q7), 4 checklist types, impact chain & standards, first step of EIA, BD environmental laws (Q8) Q7c (Public Participation importance) and Q5b (Orange-B vs. Red ECC comparison) in Section B are also covered in detail in SB/Lecture 06 and SB/Lecture 04.
2021 EIA & SIA Focus (Q1–Q3 — corresponds to SB/Lecture 01, 02, 06 & SA/Lecture 1, 2, 4): EIA for decision-making, preventive measures for Dhaka elevated expressway (Q1), positive/negative/direct/indirect impacts in BD, Alternatives in EIA (Q2), importance of social impacts in developing countries, issues in socio-economic impact assessment (Q3) SA/ Faculty Question Bank (Q5–Q7): EM definition & framework, global warming/SLR in BD, Water Act 2013, EMP relation to EIA (Q5), Env. Court Act features, source vs. impact approach, Environmental Index & Red ECC, PIL cases (Q6), NEP 1992 sectors & Ecosystems/Fisheries, guidelines vs. standards, EIA final outputs & final step, Pre-feasibility vs. Feasibility (Q7) In Section B, Q5d (EMP relation to EIA) and Q6c (Red-category ECC) map to SB/Lecture 07 and SB/Lecture 04 (alongside SA/Lecture 2, 3, 6).
2019 EIA & SIA Focus (Q1–Q4 — corresponds to SB/Lecture 01, 02, 04, 06 & SA/Lecture 1, 3): Developer information to EIA team (Q1), project description in EIA report, Alternatives in EIA (Q2), interrelationship between factors, project areas with significant effects (Q3), poor EIA–SIA relation, social impacts importance in developing countries, socio-economic impact types (Q4) SA/ Faculty Question Bank (Q5–Q8): EM goals & framework, NEP 1992 principles/objectives, BD environmental laws (Q5), ECA 1995 declaration/factors, law non-enforcement & Env. Court limitations, act/impact chain & standards (Q6), EIA objectives & project cycle diagram, EMP roles/features, monitoring definition/purposes (Q7), Orange-B & Red ECC, EIA method characteristics & Ad-hoc merits/demerits, Battelle EES math (Q8) In Section B, Q7b (EMP roles/features) and Q8a (Orange-B & Red ECC) map directly to SB/Lecture 07 and SB/Lecture 04.

1. Master Ranked Frequency Table

All individual questions across the 6 past exams are ranked below by appearance frequency. The Reference column lists the primary lecture material(s) first (based on content match and section/set attribution), followed by secondary/overlapping lecture materials where applicable. All page numbers refer to 1-indexed PDF pages.

Rank Question Frequency Reference Years
1 Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) Procedure for Green, Orange-A, Orange-B & Red Category Projects
Define Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC). Describe and compare the process and required documents for obtaining an ECC from DoE for Green, Orange-A (Yellow), Orange-B, and Red category industrial units/projects.
6 SB: Lec 04 (Legal Aspects) (p. 6–16)
SB: Lec 04 (DoE Guide) (p. 3–7)
SA: Lec 2 (p. 8–10)
SA: Lec 6 (p. 19–23)
2019 (Q8a), 2021 (Q6c), 2022 (Q5b), 2023 (Q4a), 2024 (Q2c), 2025 (Q2d)
2 Definition, Important Considerations & Fundamental Objectives of EIA / ESIA
Define Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA). Explain how EIA provides information for decision-making and better protection of the environment and human health, and state its important considerations and fundamental objectives.
6 SB: Lec 01 (p. 24)
SB: Lec 02 (Dev. Project) (p. 2–3)
SB: Lec 02 (Slides) (p. 2, 7, 29)
SA: Lec 1 (p. 1–2)
SA: Lec 2 (p. 2, 5, 11, 16–17)
2019 (Q7a), 2021 (Q1a), 2022 (Q5a), 2023 (Q1a), 2024 (Q5a), 2025 (Q5a)
3 Environmental Management Plan (EMP): Definition, Roles/Importance, Relation to EIA, Typical Content & Integration into Project Design
Define Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and explain how it is related to EIA. Describe the roles, features, and importance of an EMP, outline the typical content of an EMP report, and explain the strategies required to make an EMP effective and integrate it into project design (with a flowchart).
5 SB: Lec 07 (p. 1–18, 23)
SB: Lec 02 (EIA Process) (p. 10, 13–14)
SA: Lec 1 (p. 1, 4, 16–18)
SA: Lec 2 (p. 20, 27–28)
2019 (Q7b), 2021 (Q5d), 2023 (Q4b, Q4c), 2024 (Q4c, Q4d), 2025 (Q4b, Q4c)
4 Social Impact Assessment (SIA): Definition, Origin & Importance in EIA / ESIA (Especially for Developing Countries)
Define Social / Socio-Economic Impact Assessment (SIA) and state its origin within the scope of EIA. Explain the importance of assessing social impacts in EIA/ESIA, specifically for developing countries.
5 SB: Lec 06 (SIA) (p. 2, 14–15)
SA: Lec 1 (p. 1–3)
2019 (Q4b), 2021 (Q3a), 2022 (Q1c, Q2b), 2023 (Q3a), 2025 (Q6a, Q6c)
5 Types of Social / Socio-Economic Impacts (Major & Minor Issues) in SIA / EIA
What types of social and socio-economic impacts/issues need to be addressed in a Socio-Economic Impact Assessment (SIA)? List and explain the major and minor socio-economic impacts of a development project in the context of EIA with examples.
5 SB: Lec 06 (SIA) (p. 13, 15)
SB: Lec 06 (TEZ Survey) (p. 5, 12)
SB: Lec 01 (p. 32, 38–39)
SB: Lec 02 (Slides) (p. 10)
2019 (Q4c), 2021 (Q3b), 2022 (Q1b), 2023 (Q3a), 2025 (Q6b, Q6c)
6 Environmental Management: Definition, Main Goals & Basic Framework
Define environmental management, state the main goals of environmental management, and draw/explain the basic framework of environmental management with an example.
5 SA: Lec 7 (p. 2–12) 2019 (Q5a), 2021 (Q5a), 2022 (Q5a, Q7b), 2024 (Q1a), 2025 (Q1b)
7 Environmental Policy & Bangladesh National Environment Policy 1992 (Guiding Principles, Objectives & 15 Sectors)
Define environmental policy. Write down the guiding principles and objectives of the Bangladesh National Environment Policy 1992, identify the 15 broad sectors for which it was formulated, and briefly explain specific sectors (e.g., Ecosystems and Fisheries).
5 SA: Lec 6 (p. 5–14, 27) 2019 (Q5b), 2021 (Q7a), 2022 (Q5c), 2024 (Q2a), 2025 (Q2a)
8 Steps / Main Activities of the EIA / ESIA Process (with Flow Diagram), First Step & Final Step
Mention and schematically show the various steps/main activities of the EIA/ESIA process with a diagram. Explain the first basic step (Screening/Scoping) and why it is important, why environmental modeling is necessary, and what the final step (Auditing) and final outputs of an EIA process are.
5 SA: Lec 1 (p. 4–8, 25–27)
SA: Lec 2 (p. 19–30)
SB: Lec 02 (EIA Process) (p. 2–8, 15)
SB: Lec 02 (Slides) (p. 12–27)
SB: Lec 06 (Public Part.) (p. 20)
2021 (Q7c), 2022 (Q6b, Q8c), 2023 (Q1b), 2024 (Q3c), 2025 (Q1a)
9 Traditional Project Cycle & Incorporating Environmental Considerations into the Project Cycle (with Diagrams)
Describe the traditional project cycle (including Pre-feasibility and Feasibility stages) and explain with diagrams how environmental considerations nowadays are incorporated into the project cycle.
5 SA: Lec 2 (p. 20)
SB: Lec 02 (Slides) (p. 29)
2019 (Q7a), 2021 (Q7d), 2022 (Q7d), 2024 (Q3a), 2025 (Q3d)
10 Desirable Characteristics & Selection Factors of EIA / ESIA Methodology
What are the desirable characteristics of an EIA/ESIA methodology, and what factors should be considered when selecting an EIA method for a development project?
4 SA: Lec 2 (p. 14–15, 30)
SA: Lec 3 (p. 2–14)
SB: Lec 02 (EIA Process) (p. 7)
2019 (Q8b), 2022 (Q6c), 2024 (Q3d, Q4b), 2025 (Q4a)
11 Types of EIA / ESIA Methods: Ad-Hoc Method (Features, Merits & Demerits), Checklist Categories & Matrix vs. Checklist
Name the different types of EIA/ESIA methods. Discuss the salient features, merits, and demerits/drawbacks of the Ad-hoc method, describe the four main categories/types of checklist methods with examples, and explain how Matrix methods differ from Checklist methods.
4 SA: Lec 3 (p. 3–9, 14)
SA: Lec 2 (p. 30)
2019 (Q8b), 2022 (Q5d, Q8a), 2023 (Q6a, Q6b), 2025 (Q4a)
12 Public Participation / Involvement in EIA / ESIA: Importance, Scopes Across Stages, Levels (1–4), Methods & Stakeholder Identification
Discuss the importance of public participation in EIA/ESIA from the viewpoint of sustainability, the scopes of public participation across different stages of ESIA, the four levels and methods/techniques of public involvement, and how to identify/justify appropriate stakeholders in development projects.
4 SB: Lec 06 (Public Part.) (p. 2–20)
SB: Lec 06 (SIA) (p. 6)
SA: Lec 1 (p. 4–5, 7–9)
SA: Lec 2 (p. 20, 23–25)
2022 (Q7c), 2023 (Q5b, Q8b), 2024 (Q8b), 2025 (Q5c, Q6c, Q8a)
13 Environmental Monitoring: Definition, Objectives/Purposes, Categories/Types & Environmental Monitoring Plan / Table
Define environmental monitoring and explain its objectives, purposes, and applications in ESIA studies. Describe the categories of environmental monitoring (baseline, compliance, impact/mitigation) and construct/discuss the salient features and typical format of an Environmental Monitoring Plan/Table.
4 SA: Lec 1 (p. 20–21)
SA: Lec 2 (p. 27–28)
SB: Lec 07 (p. 9, 11, 21–22)
SB: Lec 02 (EIA Process) (p. 14)
2019 (Q7c), 2023 (Q7a, Q7b), 2024 (Q4e), 2025 (Q4d)
14 Major Environmental Issues in Bangladesh & How Human Activities / Global Warming Degrade the Environment
Explain the major environmental issues in Bangladesh, how human and development activities degrade the environment, and the possible impacts of global warming and sea-level rise in Bangladesh.
4 SB: Lec 01 (p. 4, 10–22)
SA: Lec 6 (p. 7–14, 16–17)
2021 (Q5b), 2023 (Q2c), 2024 (Q1b), 2025 (Q1c)
15 SIA Scopes, Major Components & Socio-Economic Survey / Data Acquisition Methods (Including Questionnaire Design)
List the scopes and major components/steps of SIA in an EIA. Discuss the types of data needed in SIA, explain the procedure and methods of data acquisition / socio-economic survey (RRA, KII, FGD, Household Survey, Field Research), and prepare sample questions for a socio-economic questionnaire survey.
4 SB: Lec 06 (SIA) (p. 2–12, 14–27)
SB: Lec 06 (TEZ Survey) (p. 1–21)
2022 (Q1a), 2023 (Q3a), 2024 (Q6a, Q6b, Q6c), 2025 (Q6c)
16 Areas of Significant Project Impacts, Positive/Negative/Direct/Indirect Impacts & General Checklist of Environmental Components
What are the areas in a development project from where significant impacts are likely to occur? Give examples of positive, negative, direct, and indirect impacts in the context of Bangladesh, and prepare a general checklist of physico-chemical, biological/ecological, and human-interest parameters commonly subjected to project impacts.
4 SB: Lec 01 (p. 26, 29–39)
SB: Lec 02 (Dev. Project) (p. 4–25, 33–34)
SB: Lec 02 (Slides) (p. 6–10)
SA: Lec 1 (p. 22–24, 29–30)
2019 (Q3b), 2021 (Q2a), 2023 (Q1c), 2024 (Q5c)
17 Non-Enforcement of Environmental Laws & Salient Features / Limitations of the Environmental Court Act in Bangladesh
Point out the major reasons for non-enforcement of environmental laws in Bangladesh, and describe the salient features and major limitations of the Environmental Court Act in Bangladesh.
4 SA: Lec 6 (p. 8, 14, 19–20, partial) 2019 (Q6b), 2021 (Q6a), 2022 (Q7a), 2025 (Q2b)
18 Alternatives in EIA / ESIA: Definition & How Alternatives Are Considered with Examples
What are "Alternatives" in an EIA/ESIA? Explain with examples how project alternatives (location, technology, design, no-project) are considered and compared in an EIA for a development project.
3 SB: Lec 02 (Slides) (p. 12, 14, 23, 26, 29)
SB: Lec 02 (EIA Process) (p. 5–6, 9)
SB: Lec 03 (Slides) (p. 11)
SA: Lec 1 (p. 5, 13–15)
SA: Lec 4 (p. 2, 8)
2019 (Q2b), 2021 (Q2b), 2024 (Q8c)
19 Economic Evaluation of Environmental Impacts in EIA: Steps (with Diagram) & Valuation Methods
What are the steps followed to measure environmental costs in the economic evaluation of environmental impacts (with an impact pathway diagram)? Explain the market and non-market methods used to assign monetary value to changes in environmental quality and conduct economic evaluation in EIA.
3 SB: Lec 03 (Slides) (p. 2–17, 25–32)
SB: Lec 03 (ADB Guide) (p. 7–10, 38, 42–46)
SA: Lec 5 (p. 2–8)
SA: Lec 3 (p. 10)
2023 (Q2a), 2024 (Q7a, Q7c), 2025 (Q7a)
20 Development-Induced Population Displacement: Effects/Risks, Resettlement Phases & Rehabilitation Planning
Discuss the risks and effects of development-induced population displacement, describe the operational phases of a resettlement programme, and explain the factors and steps to plan and implement a resettlement and rehabilitation programme (RAP).
3 SB: Lec 05 (p. 2–15) 2023 (Q2b), 2024 (Q7b), 2025 (Q8b)
21 Gender Equality & Gender Issues in the ESIA Process (Integration Across Stages & Challenges for Sustainability)
Explain how gender issues can become a challenge for the sustainability of a development project and how gender equality/issues can be integrated and addressed across different stages of the ESIA process.
3 SB: Lec 06 (Gender) (p. 2–8) 2023 (Q3b), 2024 (Q8a), 2025 (Q7c)
22 Ecologically Critical Area (ECA): Definition, Declaring Authority, Deciding Factors (ECA 1995 / ECR 1997) & Restricted Activities
Define an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA). State the responsible authority who can declare an ECA, list the factors considered in declaring an ECA according to ECA 1995 / ECR 1997, and state the activities that are restricted/restrained in such areas.
3 SA: Lec 6 (p. 16, 19, 22)
SB: Lec 04 (Legal Aspects) (p. 2–3)
2019 (Q6a), 2024 (Q2b), 2025 (Q1d)
23 Major Environmental Laws of Bangladesh & Key Regulations of ECR 1997 for Development Projects
List the major environmental laws of Bangladesh and discuss the key environmental regulations required under the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act (ECA 1995) and Environment Conservation Rules (ECR 1997) for development projects.
3 SA: Lec 6 (p. 15–28)
SA: Lec 2 (p. 8–10)
SB: Lec 04 (Legal Aspects) (p. 2–16)
SB: Lec 04 (DoE Guide) (p. 3–7)
2019 (Q5c), 2022 (Q8d), 2023 (Q8a)
24 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) Cases in Bangladesh & Alternative Dispute Resolution
What is Public Interest Litigation (PIL)? Illustrate notable PIL cases in Bangladesh with their outcomes, and describe alternative ways of resolving disputes regarding resource exploitation and environmental management.
3 2021 (Q6d), 2024 (Q1c), 2025 (Q2c)
25 Environmental Act / Impact Chain Approach & Relationship with Environmental Standards
Describe the environmental act/impact chain approach, mention the purposes of setting environmental standards, and explain how different environmental standards are related to the impact chain.
3 SA: Lec 6 (p. 19, 21, 23–24, partial)
SB: Lec 03 (Slides) (p. 15–17, impact pathway)
2019 (Q6c), 2022 (Q8b), 2025 (Q3b, Q3c)
26 Source-Oriented vs. Impact-Oriented Standards, Guidelines vs. Standards & Limitations of ECR 1997 Standards
Differentiate between the source-oriented and impact-oriented approaches of setting standards, differentiate between environmental guidelines and standards with examples, and describe the limitations of standards in Bangladesh ECR 1997.
3 SA: Lec 6 (p. 8, 21–24, partial)
SB: Lec 04 (Legal Aspects) (p. 2, 4, partial)
2021 (Q6b, Q7b), 2022 (Q6a), 2024 (Q4a)
27 Environmental Index (EIV / EII) & Battelle Environmental Evaluation System (EES) Calculation
Explain 'Environmental Index' (Environmental Impact Value / Index, EIV=∑ViWi), and calculate the Environmental Impact Units (EIU) under the Battelle EES method to determine which project alternative is feasible.
3 SA: Lec 3 (p. 5–6)
SB: Lec 02 (Dev. Project) (p. 30–34)
SB: Lec 03 (Prob & Soln) (p. 1–4)
2019 (Q8c), 2021 (Q6c), 2022 (Q6d)
28 Screening & Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) vs. EIA: Differentiation & Decision Criteria
Differentiate between Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and full-scale EIA, and explain the screening criteria and approaches used to decide whether to conduct an IEE or an EIA/ESIA.
3 SA: Lec 2 (p. 21–22)
SB: Lec 02 (EIA Process) (p. 2–3, 9)
SB: Lec 02 (Slides) (p. 12–13, 16–19, 22–23, 27)
2021 (Q7c), 2024 (Q3b), 2025 (Q3a, Q5c)
29 Impacts & Mitigation / Preventive Measures for Road, Highway & Urban Elevated Expressway Projects
List the typical impacts of road/highway/elevated expressway development projects on air, water, and socio-economic conditions, and develop preventive/mitigation measures (as part of an EMP during construction and operation phases, including institutional responsibilities and budget).
3 SB: Lec 01 (p. 34–39)
SB: Lec 02 (Dev. Project) (p. 7, 25, 33–34)
SB: Lec 07 (p. 19–20)
SA: Lec 1 (p. 9, 30)
SA: Lec 4 (p. 4)
SA: Lec 5 (p. 7)
2021 (Q1b), 2023 (Q4c), 2025 (Q7b)
30 Project Description in an EIA Report & Table of Contents / Structure of an EIA / ESIA Report
Explain with examples how a development project is described in an EIA report, and prepare a standard Table of Contents / structure for a detailed EIA/ESIA report.
3 SB: Lec 02 (EIA Process) (p. 5–6, 10–14)
SB: Lec 02 (Slides) (p. 11, 14–15, 19, 26)
SB: Lec 04 (Legal Aspects) (p. 17)
SA: Lec 1 (p. 5, 19)
2019 (Q2a), 2024 (Q6c), 2025 (Q5b)
31 Baseline Study / Environmental Inventory: Definition, Salient Features, Importance & EIA-to-ESIA Transition
Define 'baseline description' / 'Environmental Inventory', describe its salient features and why it is an important component of an EIA/ESIA, and explain the context of transition from EIA to ESIA.
2 SB: Lec 02 (Slides) (p. 3–5)
SB: Lec 02 (EIA Process) (p. 9–11)
SA: Lec 1 (p. 1–4, 10–12)
2023 (Q1b, Q5a), 2024 (Q5b)
32 Multidisciplinary EIA Team Selection & Consultant Evaluation for Specific Project Scenarios (Solid Waste Site, Economic Zone, Fabric Industry)
For a given development or existing industrial scenario (e.g., municipal solid waste dumping site, economic zone, or expanding fabric industry with odor complaints): (i) identify the type of environmental/economic evaluation required, (ii) select the types of experts needed on the EIA team and why, (iii) justify whether a community survey/discussion is needed, and (iv) state the study objectives.
2 SB: Lec 02 (Slides) (p. 23, 28)
SB: Lec 02 (Dev. Project) (p. 2–3, 5, 8)
SB: Lec 04 (Legal Aspects) (p. 11, 13)
SB: Lec 06 (SIA) (p. 14–23)
SA: Lec 2 (p. 13, 15, 29–30)
2024 (Q7c), 2025 (Q5c, Q8c)
33 Why the Relation Between EIA and SIA Is Considered to Be Poor
Describe and explain the reasons why the relation between Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is considered to be poor.
2 SB: Lec 06 (SIA) (p. 2, 11)
SA: Lec 1 (p. 1–3, 29)
2019 (Q4a), 2022 (Q2c)
34 Environmental & Social Impacts of a Proposed Chemical Industry Next to a River and Agricultural Land
Identify and list the significant environmental and social impacts of constructing a chemical industry (discharging lime, salt, chromium, lead, and inorganic waste) on agricultural land adjacent to the Dhaleshwari River and a local community.
1 SB: Lec 01 (p. 29–33)
SB: Lec 02 (Dev. Project) (p. 5, 11–12)
SB: Lec 02 (Slides) (p. 8–10)
2024 (Q5d)
35 Geographic Area / Impact Zone That SIA in an EIA Should Cover
What is the geographic area that the SIA in an EIA should cover? Explain with examples (e.g., dam submergence zone vs. highway corridor).
1 SB: Lec 06 (SIA) (p. 4) 2022 (Q4a)
36 Environmental Significance of Social Differences (Communities, Ethnic/Tribal Groups, Occupational Groups, Stratification, Age & Gender)
Explain with examples how social difference can be environmentally significant based on: (i) Communities, (ii) Ethnic/Tribal groups, (iii) Occupational groups, (iv) Socio-Economic Stratification, and (v) Age and gender.
1 SB: Lec 06 (SIA) (p. 5, 10, 15, 24)
SB: Lec 06 (Gender) (p. 2–6)
SB: Lec 05 (p. 7–8, 13)
2022 (Q4b)
37 Information Provided by the Developer to the EIA Team
What sort of information is provided by the Developer to the EIA team? Explain in detail with an example.
1 SB: Lec 02 (EIA Process) (p. 5–6)
SB: Lec 02 (Slides) (p. 14–15)
SB: Lec 04 (Legal Aspects) (p. 5, 8–13)
2019 (Q1)
38 Interrelationship Between Environmental Factors in Development Project Impacts
What is meant by "Interrelationship between the factors" in the context of impacts of a development project? Explain.
1 SA: Lec 1 (p. 19, 22)
SA: Lec 3 (p. 8–9)
SB: Lec 01 (p. 28–29)
2019 (Q3a)
39 Basic Features of the Bangladesh Water Act 2013
Write down the basic features of the "Water Act 2013".
1 SA: Lec 6 (p. 18, 25, mentioned) 2021 (Q5c)
40 Period of Time That SIA Should Consider in an EIA of Development Projects
What is the "period of time" that the SIA should consider in an EIA of development projects?
1 SB: Lec 02 (EIA Process) (p. 5, 8, temporal scope)
SA: Lec 1 (p. 7–8, 29, temporal dimension)
2022 (Q2a)
41 Direct Employment Labour Curve in the Context of SIA
What is the "Direct Employment Labour Curve" in the context of SIA? Explain its attributes with an example.
1 2022 (Q3a)
42 Linkages Among Socio-Economic Impacts of a Power Project (Flow Diagram)
Show the linkages among the various socio-economic impacts of a power project with a flow diagram.
1 SA: Lec 3 (p. 8–9, dam/hydro impact tree) 2022 (Q3b)
43 Establishing Economic Environment Baseline (Host Economic Environment Area & Size of Labour Force)
Explain the following in the context of "Establishing Economic Environment Baseline": (i) Host Economic Environment Area, and (ii) Size of labour force.
1 SB: Lec 06 (SIA) (p. 10, 13, host region survey) 2022 (Q3c)
44 Impacts of Employment Policies in a Development Project in the Context of EIA
What are the impacts of employment policies in a development project? Explain in the context of EIA.
1 SB: Lec 06 (SIA) (p. 13, partial)
SB: Lec 05 (p. 10, 14, partial)
2022 (Q4c)

2. Questions Grouped by Section and Lecture Material

Every past exam question is mapped below to its corresponding lecture material in EWCE 431/SA/ (Lecture 1–Lecture 7) and EWCE 431/SB/ (Lecture 01–Lecture 07), ordered by slide page number within each lecture. Because several core topics (EIA/ESIA process, baseline study, alternatives, ECC clearance, EMP, monitoring, and economic valuation) are taught across both folders, questions are listed under each lecture material that contains their answer/topic, with notes indicating primary section attribution.

Section A Lecture Materials (EWCE 431/SA/ — Lectures 1 to 7)

SA Lecture 1: Introduction to ESIA

  • File: SA/Lecture 1 Introduction of ESIA.pdf (30 pages)
  • Key Topics: Introduction, purpose, and end product (ESMP) of ESIA; UNECE (1991) and IAIA (2009) definitions of ESIA; historical background and transition from EIA to ESIA (1970s Stockholm to SDGs); key elements & 7 process elements of ESIA; ESIA process flowchart; Scoping (aim, purpose, highway project example); Baseline Study (definition, purpose, hydropower example); Alternatives (types, purpose, industrial plant location/technology/design/no-project example); Mitigation (definition, purpose, hydropower example); presentation of findings in ESIA report; Monitoring (definition, 3 categories: baseline, compliance, impact & mitigation monitoring; purpose); Impact Prediction & Evaluation (direct/primary, indirect/secondary, cumulative impacts; hydropower example); Impact Analysis flowchart & 5 dimensions of impact (spatial, temporal, beneficial/adverse, reversibility, socio-political).
Slide Pages Question / Concept Tested Appeared Exams (Question & Marks)
p. 1–3 Define ESIA; explain the context of transition from EIA to ESIA and the importance of integrating social dimensions alongside environmental studies 2019 (Q4b, 10m), 2021 (Q3a, 15m), 2022 (Q1c, 11m; Q2b, 9m), 2023 (Q5a, 10m), 2025 (Q5a, 10m; Q6a, 7m)
p. 1, 4, 16–18 Purpose and roles of Environmental & Social Management Plan (ESMP / EMP) and mitigation measures in ESIA 2019 (Q7b, 10m), 2021 (Q5d, 7m), 2023 (Q4b, 10m), 2024 (Q4c, 5m), 2025 (Q4b, 8m)
p. 4–6, 25–28 Key elements and main activities/steps of the ESIA process with a schematic diagram 2022 (Q6b, 7m), 2023 (Q1b, 5m), 2024 (Q3c, 8m), 2025 (Q1a, 8m)
p. 7–9 Aim and purpose of Scoping (first critical step in ESIA); highway project scoping example 2022 (Q8c, 5m), 2023 (Q4c, 10m)
p. 10–12 Definition, salient features, and purpose of Baseline Study / Environmental Inventory in ESIA 2023 (Q1b, 5m; Q5a, 10m), 2024 (Q5b, 5m)
p. 13–15 What are "Alternatives" in EIA/ESIA? Purpose and examples of location, technology, design, and no-project alternatives 2019 (Q2b, 15m), 2021 (Q2b, 15m), 2024 (Q8c, 10m)
p. 19 Presentation of findings and integrated component assessment in an ESIA report 2019 (Q3a, 15m), 2024 (Q6c-i, 6m)
p. 20–21 Definition, 3 categories (baseline, compliance, impact & mitigation monitoring), and purposes of Environmental Monitoring in ESIA 2019 (Q7c, 8m), 2023 (Q7a, 10m; Q7b, 20m), 2024 (Q4e, 6m), 2025 (Q4d, 9m)
p. 22–24, 29–30 Direct/primary, indirect/secondary, cumulative, positive/beneficial, and negative/adverse impacts; spatial, temporal, reversibility, and socio-political dimensions; Upazila road project impacts 2019 (Q4a, 10m), 2021 (Q2a, 15m), 2022 (Q2c, 12m), 2025 (Q7b, 10m)

SA Lecture 2: Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

  • File: SA/Lecture 2_Introduction of EIA.pptx.pdf (30 pages)
  • Key Topics: What is EIA & linkage with UN SDGs (hydropower dam example); definitions of EIA (Canter, Munn, UNECE, IAIA); genesis of EIA (NEPA 1969, EU Directive, Rio Earth Summit Principle 17); different names of EIA (EIS, ES, EA report, EES); EIA in Bangladesh (ECA 1995 Clause 12, ECR 1997 Clause 7, Green, Orange-A, Orange-B, and Red categories with industry examples and requirements); objectives, advantages, and disadvantages of EIA; 14 basic best-practice principles of EIA; main functions & 3 core values (Integrity, Utility, Sustainability); stages of EIA (Preliminary Assessment, Detailed Assessment, Review Process) and Flow Diagram of EIA (showing integration with the traditional project cycle: Prefeasibility, Feasibility, Detailed design, Implementation, Operation & management); Screening & IEE; Scoping & 7 methods of scoping; Prediction & Mitigation (mathematical modeling); Management & Monitoring (EMP/EAP, satellite imagery); Auditing (last stage of EIA); EIA study techniques.
Slide Pages Question / Concept Tested Appeared Exams (Question & Marks)
p. 2, 5, 11–12, 16–18 Define EIA; explain how EIA provides information for decision-making, its fundamental objectives, main functions, and core values 2019 (Q7a, 4m), 2021 (Q1a, 15m), 2022 (Q5a, 2m), 2023 (Q1a, 10m), 2024 (Q5a, 7m), 2025 (Q5a, 10m)
p. 8–10 EIA in Bangladesh under ECA 1995 (Clause 12) & ECR 1997 (Clause 7); classification and ECC/IEE/EIA/ETP requirements for Green, Orange-A, Orange-B, and Red category industries 2019 (Q8a, 10m), 2021 (Q6c, 5m), 2022 (Q5b, 8m), 2023 (Q4a, 10m; Q8a, 10m), 2024 (Q2c, 8m), 2025 (Q2d, 10m)
p. 13, 15, 29–30 Multidisciplinary team requirement and expert advice in EIA studies 2024 (Q7c-ii, 3m), 2025 (Q5c-iii, 3m; Q8c-ii, 4m)
p. 14–15 14 basic best-practice principles / desirable characteristics of EIA methodology 2019 (Q8b, 5m), 2022 (Q6c, 7m), 2024 (Q4b, 7m), 2025 (Q4a, 4m)
p. 19–20 Stages of EIA and Flow Diagram of EIA showing how environmental considerations (Screening, Scoping, Prediction/Mitigation, EIS, EMP/Monitoring, Audit) are incorporated into the traditional project cycle (Prefeasibility, Feasibility, Detailed Design, Implementation, Operation) 2019 (Q7a, 8m), 2021 (Q7d, 3m), 2022 (Q6b, 7m; Q7d, 8m), 2023 (Q1b, 5m), 2024 (Q3a, 12m; Q3c, 8m), 2025 (Q1a, 8m; Q3d, 10m; Q4c, 5m)
p. 21–22 Screening outcomes, definition of Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), differentiation between IEE and full-scale EIA, and factors (nature, size, location) to decide whether to conduct an IEE or EIA 2021 (Q7c, 4m), 2022 (Q8c, 5m), 2024 (Q3b, 5m), 2025 (Q3a, 4m; Q5c-ii, 4m)
p. 23–25 Definition, importance, and 7 methods of Scoping (including public involvement plan) 2022 (Q7c, 7m; Q8c, 5m), 2023 (Q5b, 10m), 2024 (Q8b, 10m)
p. 26, 30 Role of mathematical modeling in impact prediction and EIA study techniques 2022 (Q6b, 4m), 2024 (Q3d, 5m)
p. 27–28 Management and Monitoring: Environmental Action/Management Plan (EMP) and purposes of environmental monitoring 2019 (Q7b, 10m; Q7c, 8m), 2021 (Q5d, 7m), 2023 (Q4b, 10m; Q7a, 10m), 2024 (Q4c, 5m; Q4e, 6m), 2025 (Q4b, 8m; Q4d, 9m)
p. 29 Environmental Auditing as the final stage of an EIA process 2021 (Q7c, 3m), 2025 (Q8c-i, 3m)

SA Lecture 3: EIA Methodology

  • File: SA/Lecture 3 EIA Methodology.pdf (15 pages)
  • Key Topics: Why EIA methodologies are needed; 7 common EIA methods: (1) Checklists (Simple, Scaling, Questionnaire; advantages & disadvantages), (2) Environmental Evaluation System / EES (EIV=∑i=1nViWi formula and worked numerical example), (3) Matrices (interaction matrix of project activities vs. environmental components; advantages & disadvantages; numerical example), (4) Networks (Relevance/Impact tree/Sequence diagram extending matrices to primary/direct, secondary/indirect, and cumulative impacts; dam construction example; advantages & disadvantages), (5) Cost–Benefit Analysis (CBA; advantages & disadvantages), (6) Simulation Model Workshop (SMW; groundwater contamination plume example; advantages & disadvantages), and (7) Overlays / GIS (transparent plastic overlays & GIS mapping; advantages & disadvantages).
Slide Pages Question / Concept Tested Appeared Exams (Question & Marks)
p. 2–14 Why EIA methodologies are needed; desirable characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and factors in selecting an EIA method; naming different types of EIA/ESIA methods 2019 (Q8b, 10m), 2022 (Q5d, 3m; Q6c, 7m), 2023 (Q6b, 10m), 2024 (Q3d, 5m; Q4b, 7m), 2025 (Q4a, 8m)
p. 4, 7 Types/categories of Checklist methods (Simple, Scaling, Questionnaire; plus Descriptive) and how Matrix methods differ from Checklist methods (linking project actions to environmental impacts) 2022 (Q8a, 12m), 2023 (Q6a, 10m; Q6b, 10m)
p. 5–6 Environmental Evaluation System (EES) / Environmental Impact Value (EIV=∑ViWi) concept and numerical calculation 2019 (Q8c, 10m), 2021 (Q6c, 3m), 2022 (Q6d, 4m)
p. 8–9 Network / Impact Tree / Sequence Diagram showing cause-effect linkages and interrelationship between direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts (e.g., dam/power project) 2019 (Q3a, 15m), 2022 (Q3b, 11m)
p. 10 Cost–Benefit Analysis (CBA) as an economic evaluation method in EIA 2024 (Q7a, 10m; Q7c-i, 2.5m), 2025 (Q7a, 10m)
p. 11–13 Simulation Model Workshop (SMW) and why modeling the environment is necessary in the EIA process 2022 (Q6b, 4m)

SA Lecture 4: Application of EIA

  • File: SA/Lecture 4 Application of EIA.pdf (9 pages)
  • Key Topics: Ideal EIA system (Barrett & Therivel, 1991); key sector applications of EIA: (1) Infrastructure & Connectivity (linear road/railway habitat fragmentation, eco-ducts/wildlife underpasses, Padma Bridge, Madhupur National Park Highway; aviation noise contours & port dredging), (2) Energy Sector (wind/solar visual flicker & migratory birds; hydroelectric dams upstream flooding vs. downstream siltation & R&R; mining/oil Acid Mine Drainage; Banshkhali Coal Power Plant), (3) Industrial & Urban Applications (manufacturing point-source stack height & CETPs; urban mega-projects micro-climate, traffic load & waste management; Konabari brick fields), (4) Transboundary Applications (international rivers: Tipaimukh Dam, GERD; transboundary acid rain), (5) The "No-Go" Decision / Alternatives Analysis (Zero option, Site A vs. Site B Critical Habitat relocation, Rampal Coal Power Plant), and Wildlife Management (Asian Elephant corridors in Chunati & Fasiakhali).
Slide Pages Question / Concept Tested Appeared Exams (Question & Marks)
p. 2, 8 Ideal EIA system and the "No-Go" Decision / Alternatives Analysis ("Zero Option" and Site A vs. Site B comparison) 2019 (Q2b, 15m), 2021 (Q2b, 15m), 2024 (Q8c, 10m)
p. 3–7, 9 Sectoral applications of EIA (roads/highways, urban mega-projects/expressways, power plants, industrial clusters) and their significant impacts & preventive/mitigation measures in Bangladesh 2019 (Q3b, 15m), 2021 (Q1b, 15m; Q2a, 15m), 2023 (Q1c, 10m; Q4c, 10m), 2025 (Q7b, 10m)

SA Lecture 5: Economical Evaluation of EIA

  • File: SA/Lecture 5 Economical Evaluation of EIA.pdf (8 pages)
  • Key Topics: Definition of economic evaluation of EIA (direct costs, indirect costs, mitigation/monitoring costs; textile industry ETP example); 6 purposes of economic evaluation (cost savings, risk reduction, long-term sustainability, policy justification, economic sustainability, resource efficiency; Fakir Knitwears water recycling example); 4 core economic evaluation methods: (1) Cost–Benefit Analysis (CBA, NPV), (2) Cost–Effectiveness Analysis (CEA, CER, difference between CBA and CEA), (3) Multi–Criteria Analysis (MCA; Dhaka Urban Transport Elevated Expressway vs. Bus Rapid Transit [BRT] example), and (4) Lifecycle Costing (LCC: capital, operating, maintenance, and decommissioning costs), plus extensions (CUA, CMA, CCA, SCBA).
Slide Pages Question / Concept Tested Appeared Exams (Question & Marks)
p. 2–8 Purpose and methods of economic evaluation of environmental impacts in EIA (CBA, CEA, MCA, LCC) 2023 (Q2a, 10m), 2024 (Q7a, 10m; Q7c-i, 2.5m), 2025 (Q7a, 10m)
p. 7 Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) example comparing an Elevated Expressway vs. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in an urban transport project in Dhaka 2021 (Q1b, 15m)

SA Lecture 6: Environmental Laws and Regulations

  • File: SA/Lecture 6 Environmental Laws and Regulations.pdf (28 pages)
  • Key Topics: Role of environmental policies and legislation in EIA; National Environment Policy (NEP) 1992 (framework, DoE, National Environment Council, 15 broad sectors covered, and 4 limitations leading to the 2018 revision); National Environment Policy (NEP) 2018 (key objectives, 8 focus areas, and 20 key subject matters including polluter-pays principle, 3R, SLCP, climate change, and ecosystem services); list of 24+ supporting National Plans, Policies, Acts, and Rules in Bangladesh; Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act (BECA) 1995 (amended 2000, 2002, 2010; Table of Sections 4, 4A, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20); Environment Conservation Rules (ECR) 1997 (Table 2.2 of Principal Provisions: Rule 3 ECA declaration factors & restricted activities, Rule 5, Rule 7 ECC procedure & 4 categories, Rule 8 validity & renewal, Rule 9 appeal, Rules 12 & 13 standards, Rule 14 fees, Rule 17 accidents); Noise Pollution (Control) Rules 2006; National Forestry Policy (Sundarbans); National Fisheries Policy (coastal wetlands, rivers, haor/baor, floodplains); Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act 2012.
Slide Pages Question / Concept Tested Appeared Exams (Question & Marks)
p. 5–14, 27 Define environmental policy; guiding principles, objectives, and 15 broad sectors of Bangladesh National Environment Policy 1992 (and 2018 revision), including "Ecosystems and Fisheries" 2019 (Q5b, 12m), 2021 (Q7a, 12m), 2022 (Q5c, 12m), 2024 (Q2a, 12m), 2025 (Q2a, 10m)
p. 7–14, 16–17 Major environmental issues and focus areas in Bangladesh (pollution, land/water degradation, biodiversity loss, urbanization, climate change/disasters) 2021 (Q5b, 8m), 2023 (Q2c, 10m), 2024 (Q1b, 10m), 2025 (Q1c, 5m)
p. 15–28 List of major environmental laws, acts, rules, and resource conservation policies of Bangladesh 2019 (Q5c, 5m), 2021 (Q5c, 5m), 2022 (Q8d, 5m), 2023 (Q8a, 10m)
p. 16, 19, 22 (Rule 3) Ecologically Critical Area (ECA): definition, declaring authority (Government / DG of DoE), factors considered in declaring an ECA (human habitat, archaeological site, ancient monument, national park, mangrove, etc.), and restricted activities under ECA 1995 / ECR 1997 2019 (Q6a, 10m), 2024 (Q2b, 10m), 2025 (Q1d, 8m)
p. 19–23 (Sec 12, Rule 7–8) Key environmental regulations under BECA 1995 and ECR 1997 for development projects; ECC procedure for Green, Orange-A, Orange-B, and Red categories 2019 (Q8a, 10m), 2021 (Q6c, 5m), 2022 (Q5b, 8m), 2023 (Q4a, 10m; Q8a, 10m), 2024 (Q2c, 8m), 2025 (Q2d, 10m)
p. 8, 14, 19–24 Institutional/legal enforcement capacity, environmental standards & guidelines under BECA 1995 (Sec 13, 20) and ECR 1997 (Rules 12 & 13), and Noise Pollution Rules 2006 2019 (Q6b, 10m; Q6c, 10m), 2021 (Q7b, 8m), 2022 (Q6a, 8m), 2025 (Q2b, 5m; Q3c, 6m)

SA Lecture 7: Environmental Management System (EMS)

  • File: SA/Lecture 7 Environmental Management System.pdf (13 pages)
  • Key Topics: Definition of an Environmental Management System (EMS, ISO 14001:2015, continual improvement, PDCA model); Bangladesh textile factory EMS example (Policy, Planning, Implementation with ETP); 7 reasons why EMS is needed; what an EMS does; 7 core elements of EMS; Frameworks of EMS (Plan–Do–Check–Act cycle: Policy, Planning, Implementation & Operation, Checking, Management Review, Act) and EMS Model diagram; 8 steps in EMS; scope of EMS; 9 benefits of EMS.
Slide Pages Question / Concept Tested Appeared Exams (Question & Marks)
p. 2–12 Explain environmental management / EMS, state the main goals and benefits of environmental management, and draw/explain the basic framework of environmental management (PDCA / EMS model) with an example (e.g., textile factory) 2019 (Q5a, 13m), 2021 (Q5a, 10m), 2022 (Q5a, 5m; Q7b, 8m), 2024 (Q1a, 10m), 2025 (Q1b, 9m)

Section B Lecture Materials (EWCE 431/SB/ — Lectures 01 to 07)

SB Lecture 01: Environmental Crisis, Environmental Issues, Sustainable Development & Environmental Parameters

  • File: SB/Lecture 01/EWCE 431 Lecture 1.pdf (39 pages)
  • Key Topics: Environmental crisis in industrial countries (1952 London fog, 1963 Silent Spring, 1966 Cuyahoga River) and developing world (1984 Bhopal, megacity air pollution, sanitation); causes of environmental damage (population growth, resource pressures, urbanization, industrialization, profit motive, poverty, non-degradable plastic, global warming/climate change); 4 major environmental issues from development: (1) Deforestation (causes & effects including floods and global warming), (2) Pollution (air, water, soil/land, noise), (3) Desertification, and (4) Extinction of species (IUCN Red List in Bangladesh); Sustainable Development definition; What is EIA (definition, US NEPA 1960s origin, 9 dimensions of Impact Analysis); What is Environment; 3 major categories of Environmental Parameters: (1) Ecology (Aquatic & Terrestrial), (2) Physico-chemical (Land, Surface water, Groundwater, Atmosphere), and (3) Human Interest (Health, Aesthetic, Socio-Economic); and detailed Ecological, Physico-chemical, and Human Interest impacts of an Infrastructure Development (Thana Road) Project.
Slide Pages Question / Concept Tested Appeared Exams (Question & Marks)
p. 4, 10–22 Major environmental issues in Bangladesh and globally (deforestation, air/water/soil/noise pollution, desertification, species extinction, global warming/climate change) and how human/development activities degrade the environment 2021 (Q5b, 8m), 2023 (Q2c, 10m), 2024 (Q1b, 10m), 2025 (Q1c, 5m)
p. 23–25 Definition of Sustainable Development and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA); how EIA ensures protection of the environment and human health and welfare 2019 (Q7a, 4m), 2021 (Q1a, 15m), 2022 (Q5a, 2m), 2023 (Q1a, 10m), 2024 (Q5a, 7m), 2025 (Q5a, 10m)
p. 26 9 dimensions of Impact Analysis (type, nature: direct/indirect/cumulative, extent, magnitude, timing, duration, uncertainty, reversibility, significance) 2021 (Q2a, 15m)
p. 29–33 Three major categories of environmental parameters — Ecology (Aquatic & Terrestrial), Physico-chemical (Land, Surface water, Groundwater, Atmosphere), and Human Interest (Health, Aesthetic, Socio-Economic) — as a general checklist of components subjected to project impacts 2019 (Q3a, 15m; Q3b, 15m; Q4c, 10m), 2021 (Q3b, 15m), 2023 (Q1c, 10m), 2024 (Q5c, 10m; Q5d, 8m)
p. 34–39 Typical Ecological, Physico-chemical, and Human-Interest (socio-economic) impacts of road/infrastructure development projects in Bangladesh 2021 (Q1b, 15m; Q2a, 15m), 2025 (Q7b, 10m)

SB Lecture 02: EIA Process in Bangladesh & EIA of Development Projects

  • Files:
  • Key Topics:
    • EIA Process.pdf: Three-tier EIA approach in Bangladesh (Screening/Scoping, IEE, Detailed EIA); Screening criteria (type, size, location) and 4 ECR 1997 categories; Scoping definition, importance (12 key project questions answered), methodologies, and timing (< 2 months before EIA); IEE steps for Amber-B/Orange-B & Red categories; Detailed Structure / Table of Contents of an EIA Report (1. Base Maps 10 km radius, 2. Baseline features i–vii, 3. Environmental Impacts & Mitigation, 4. EMP including technical aspects, management organization, and environmental monitoring program for ambient quality, effluents/emissions, and raw materials); Generalized EIA Process Flowchart.
    • EIA of Development Project.pdf: Purpose and goal of EIA for development projects; projects listed in EIA regulations across 10 sectors (Energy, Manufacturing/Processing, Mining, Transport, Water Management/Dams/Irrigation, Water Supply, Waste Disposal, Urban Development/Tourism, Environmentally Sensitive Areas); phases and environmental/social impacts of Mining Projects, Oil & Gas Exploration, Seaports & Terminals, and Roads & Highways; Quantification of Environmental Impact (EIV=∑i=1nViWi, scale -5 to +5, relative importance of parameters in Bangladesh, and complete Thana Road EIV calculation table across Ecological [-18], Physico-chemical [-13], and Human Interest [+26] parameters).
    • EWCE 431 Lecture 2 (OCR).pdf: EIA definition; impact as deviation from baseline; baseline situation (not just a snapshot — includes normal variability & temporal trends); types and attributes of impacts (focus on significant impacts); examples of impacts on land, water, air, noise, biology, socio-economics, and waste; understanding the proposed activity (Development Objective vs. primary activity & associated actions); Phase I (Understand activity, Screen into Low/Moderate/High risk, Preliminary Assessment / IEE outline & 3 findings, Mitigation definition, Identify–Predict–Judge); Phase II (Full EIA Study differences: formal scoping, detailed analysis, formal alternatives comparison, public participation, professional EIA team; Who is involved in EIA; 4 conditions for making EIA effective).
Slide Pages Question / Concept Tested Appeared Exams (Question & Marks)
EIA Process p. 2–3, 9; Lec 2 Slides p. 12–13, 16–19, 22–23, 27 Three-tier EIA approach in Bangladesh; Screening criteria and risk categories; IEE steps and how to determine whether an IEE or full-scale EIA/ESIA is required 2021 (Q7c, 4m), 2022 (Q8c, 5m), 2024 (Q3b, 5m), 2025 (Q3a, 4m; Q5c-ii, 4m)
EIA Process p. 4–8; Lec 2 Slides p. 11, 14–15, 24–25 Scoping definition, importance, and how a development project (development objective, primary activity, associated actions, site, alternatives, phases) is described in an EIA report / provided by the developer 2019 (Q1, 30m; Q2a, 15m), 2022 (Q8c, 5m), 2025 (Q5b, 10m)
EIA Process p. 10–14 Structure / Table of Contents of a detailed EIA/ESIA report, including EMP and Environmental Monitoring Program 2019 (Q7b, 10m), 2023 (Q4b, 10m; Q7b, 10m), 2024 (Q6c-i, 6m), 2025 (Q4b, 8m)
EIA Process p. 2, 15; Lec 2 Slides p. 12–13, 26 Steps / phases of the EIA process with a generalized flowchart diagram 2022 (Q6b, 7m), 2023 (Q1b, 5m), 2024 (Q3c, 8m), 2025 (Q1a, 8m)
Lec 2 Slides p. 3–5; EIA Process p. 9–11 Definition of 'baseline situation / description' (characterizing both normal variability and trends over time) and why it is an essential reference point in EIA/ESIA 2023 (Q1b, 5m; Q5a, 10m), 2024 (Q5b, 5m)
Dev. Project p. 4–25; Lec 2 Slides p. 6–10 Areas and phases in a development project (mining, oil & gas, ports, roads/highways, chemical/industrial plants) where significant environmental and social impacts occur 2019 (Q3b, 15m), 2021 (Q2a, 15m), 2023 (Q1c, 10m), 2024 (Q5d, 8m), 2025 (Q7b, 10m)
Lec 2 Slides p. 12, 14, 23, 26, 29 Consideration and comparison of project "Alternatives" in a full EIA study 2019 (Q2b, 15m), 2021 (Q2b, 15m), 2024 (Q8c, 10m)
Lec 2 Slides p. 23, 28–29 Who is involved in EIA (professional multidisciplinary team, sponsor, regulators, public consultation) and conditions for making EIA/EMP effective 2023 (Q1a, 10m), 2024 (Q4d, 6m; Q7c, 10m), 2025 (Q5a, 10m; Q5c-iii, 3m; Q8c, 10m)
Dev. Project p. 30–34 Environmental Impact Value (EIV=∑ViWi) quantification method and parameter checklist table (Ecological, Physico-chemical, Human Interest) 2019 (Q8c, 10m), 2021 (Q6c, 3m), 2022 (Q6d, 4m), 2024 (Q5c, 10m)

SB Lecture 03: Economic Evaluation of EIA & Environmental Impact Index (EII) Problem

  • Files:
  • Key Topics:
    • EWCE 431 Lecture 3.pdf & Developing Guidelines...pdf: Introduction & importance of economic evaluation in EIA; Direct vs. Indirect environmental costs; 4 main uses of economic valuation (1. Cost–Benefit Analysis [CBA], 2. Motivate & prioritize mitigation options, 3. Compare significance of different impacts, 4. Analyze project alternatives); methodology of economic valuation (with vs. without project, discounting to NPV, sensitivity analysis); Steps in Economic Evaluation impact pathway diagram (Activity/Sources → Stressors → Environmental Media → Receptors → Impacts → Unit Valuation → Environmental Costs); Air Pollutant Dose (D=(C×IR×EF)/BW, EF=(F×ED)/AT, Potency Factor PF, Chronic Daily Intake CDI, and Incremental Cancer Risk worked exercise); categorization of impacts (Human health, Human welfare, Environmental resources, Global systems); Market methods / Revealed preferences (productivity change, income/cost of illness, defensive/averting expenditures, replacement/compensation cost, hedonic pricing / property values, wage differential, travel cost, shadow prices) vs. Hypothetical markets / Stated preferences (contingent valuation WTP/WTA, contingent ranking) and Benefit Transfer; specific formulas for mortality costs (L=∑VSL×P×Δc×M×DR) and disease costs (hospital admission & workday loss).
    • Prob and Soln.pdf: Worked numerical problem on Environmental Impact Index (EII=∑WiSi) for a 250-acre industrial park comparing 3 mitigation alternatives (A, B, C) under a budget constraint.
Slide Pages Question / Concept Tested Appeared Exams (Question & Marks)
Lec 3 Slides p. 7–11 Four main uses of economic valuation in EIA (CBA, motivating/prioritizing mitigation, comparing impact significance, and analyzing project alternatives with/without project) 2019 (Q2b, 15m), 2021 (Q2b, 15m), 2024 (Q7c-i, 2.5m; Q8c, 10m)
Lec 3 Slides p. 12–17, 24–25; ADB Guide p. 38 Steps followed to measure environmental costs in the economic evaluation of environmental impacts with the impact pathway diagram (Activity/Sources → Stressors → Media → Receptors → Impacts → Unit Valuation → Environmental Costs) 2023 (Q2a, 10m)
Lec 3 Slides p. 26–32; ADB Guide p. 7–10, 42–46 Market (revealed preference, dose-response, damage/resource cost, hedonic pricing, travel cost) and non-market (contingent valuation WTP/WTA, benefit transfer) methods used to assign monetary value to changes in environmental quality 2024 (Q7a, 10m; Q7c-i, 2.5m), 2025 (Q7a, 10m)
Prob & Soln p. 1–4 Quantitative calculation of Environmental Impact Index (EII=∑WiSi) and selection of feasible project/mitigation alternatives 2019 (Q8c, 10m), 2021 (Q6c, 3m), 2022 (Q6d, 4m)

SB Lecture 04: Legal Aspects of EIA & Environmental Clearance Procedure from DoE

  • Files:
  • Key Topics: Constitutional provision (Article 18A); Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act (ECA) 1995 key provisions & sections (Section 5: Declaration of ECA, Section 6: Vehicles emitting smoke, Section 10: Power of Entry, Section 12: Environmental Clearance, Section 15: Penalty, Schedule-1); Environment Conservation Rules (ECR) 1997 (Rule 7 categorization into Green, Orange-A, Orange-B, and Red; Environmental Quality Standards [EQS]; Rule 8 validity period); Checklist for Environmental Clearance; required documents for application to DoE for Green, Orange-A, Orange-B, and Red category projects (proposed vs. existing industries); location restrictions for industrial units; 5 general process steps for obtaining ECC (Application → Verification → Inspection → Environmental Clearance Committee meeting for Orange-B & Red → Decision); Time Frame table for Site Clearance (SCC) and Environmental Clearance (ECC); Fee Schedule and Renewal Process (3 years for Green, 1 year for Orange-A/Orange-B/Red); and standard EIA Report Table of Contents.
Slide Pages Question / Concept Tested Appeared Exams (Question & Marks)
Legal Aspects p. 2–6; DoE Guide p. 3 Key provisions of ECA 1995 (Sections 5, 6, 10, 12, 15) and ECR 1997 (Rule 7 categorization, Rule 8 validity, EQS) for development projects 2019 (Q5c, 5m; Q6a, 10m), 2022 (Q8d, 5m), 2023 (Q8a, 10m), 2024 (Q2b, 10m), 2025 (Q1d, 8m)
Legal Aspects p. 6–16; DoE Guide p. 3–7 Process steps, required documents, site/location clearance, and timeframe for obtaining an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) for Green, Orange-A, Orange-B, and Red category projects 2019 (Q1, 30m; Q8a, 10m), 2021 (Q6c, 5m), 2022 (Q5b, 8m), 2023 (Q4a, 10m), 2024 (Q2c, 8m), 2025 (Q2d, 10m)
Legal Aspects p. 11, 13; DoE Guide p. 5 Environmental evaluation requirement (EMP report + ETP effectiveness) for an existing Orange-B or Red category industrial unit (e.g., 15-year-old fabric industry) 2025 (Q8c-i, 3m)
Legal Aspects p. 17 Standard Table of Contents of an EIA / ESIA Report 2024 (Q6c-i, 6m)

SB Lecture 05: Population Displacement and Rehabilitation Strategy

  • File: SB/Lecture 05/EWCE 431 Lecture 5.pdf (15 pages)
  • Key Topics: Definition of population displacement; causes/reasons for displacement (natural disasters, man-made industrial/nuclear disasters, employment search, dams/irrigation, roads/highways/bridges, power/mining, agriculture, wildlife sanctuaries); types of displacement (Primary/direct vs. Secondary/indirect); major historical displacement events (Three Gorges Dam, Sardar Sarovar Dam, Ahafo Mine, Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary, Pacific Park); 8 risks of displacement (landlessness, joblessness, homelessness, marginalization, food insecurity, increased morbidity & mortality, loss of access to common property, social disarticulation); 7 adverse effects of displacement (little/no support for tribal/rural people, meager/delayed compensation, loss of livelihood, lack of basic facilities, increase in stress & social prestige loss, health/nutrition decline, loss of cultural identity); definitions of Resettlement and Rehabilitation; Land Acquisition Assessment; Rehabilitation Strategy; 6 basic features of a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP); 14 aspects to keep in mind when planning a Rehabilitation Programme; and 11 operational phases/procedures of a Resettlement Programme.
Slide Pages Question / Concept Tested Appeared Exams (Question & Marks)
p. 2–8 Definition, types (direct vs. indirect), risks (Cernea's 8 risks), and effects of development-induced population displacement 2023 (Q2b, 5m)
p. 9–14 Rehabilitation strategy, features of a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), and factors/aspects to consider when planning and implementing a resettlement and rehabilitation programme 2022 (Q4b, 12m), 2023 (Q2b, 5m), 2025 (Q8b, 10m)
p. 15 Operational procedures / 11 phases of a resettlement programme 2024 (Q7b, 10m), 2025 (Q8b, 10m)

SB Lecture 06: Social Impact Assessment (SIA), Gender Issues, Public Participation & TEZ Socio-Economic Survey

  • Files:
  • Key Topics:
    • EWCE 431 Lecture 6.pdf: SIA definition, primary goal, and role in EIA/RAP; 9 steps in the Process of SIA (1. Impact Assessment & delineating impact area, 2. Data Needs & Sources, 3. Identifying Stakeholders, 4. Screening, 5. Scoping, 6. Preparation of Socioeconomic Profile, 7. Survey of host & affected regions, 8. Identifying & Assessing Risks, 9. Developing a Mitigation Plan); 6 categories of impacts assessed in SIA (Employment & Economy, Land Acquisition & Livelihoods, Community Health, Community Safety & Security, Environmental Emissions, Community Infrastructure & Services); What is a Socio-Economic Survey and why it is needed; How to conduct a Socio-Economic Survey in 3 steps (Step 1: Designing the Survey — KII, FGD, HH survey, random sampling; Step 2: Planning — training enumerators, prior village notification; Step 3: Implementation — 1. Rapid Rural Appraisal [Community Meeting, Key Informant Interview, Group Discussion/FGD], 2. Household Survey, 3. Field Research); and Questionnaire formulation (8 question categories; Open vs. Closed questions with examples).
    • Gender Issues in ESIA.pdf: Gender & gender equality in ESIA; 3 general questions for a gender-inclusive approach; opportunities for integrating gender across 8 stages of ESIA (Scoping, ToR, Baseline data collection, Impact identification, Public consultation, Mitigation measures, EMP, Monitoring); 10 reasons for low participation of women in project implementation; and women's challenges in public participation (female decorum norms, triple role / heavy workload, unequal education, reluctance).
    • Public Participation in EIA.pdf: Introduction & 6 key objectives of public involvement; definition of public participation; how to identify publics/stakeholders (5 bases: Proximity, Economic, Use, Social, Values); role/benefits vs. disadvantages of public participation (confusion, erroneous info, project delay & cost); scopes and objectives of public involvement across 6 stages of EIA (Screening, Scoping, Assessment, EIA Report Review, Decision, Monitoring); Unilateral vs. Participatory Decision-Making; 11 public participation techniques and 4 Levels of Public Involvement (Level 1: Education & Information Provision; Level 2: Information Feedback; Level 3: Involvement & Consultation; Level 4: Extended Involvement); practical considerations for consultation; and DoE public consultation rules in Bangladesh.
    • Socio-economic svy ques_TEZ.pdf: Real-world Annexure from the Final ESIA Report of Tangail Economic Zone (TEZ) at Bhuapur, Tangail, containing the full Socio-Economic and Census Survey Questionnaire (Forms A, B, C, including Minor [<10% productive asset loss] vs. Major [>10% loss] impact definitions), FGD guidelines (Women Group, Youth Group, Old/Local Experience People), and Institutional Stakeholder KIIs.
Slide Pages Question / Concept Tested Appeared Exams (Question & Marks)
Lec 6 SIA p. 2, 11, 14–15 Define SIA; explain its origin and importance in EIA/ESIA (especially for developing countries) and why the relation between EIA and SIA is often poor (subjective vs. objective ranking differences) 2019 (Q4a, 10m; Q4b, 10m), 2021 (Q3a, 15m), 2022 (Q1c, 11m; Q2b, 9m; Q2c, 12m), 2023 (Q3a-i, 6m), 2025 (Q6a, 7m; Q6c-i, 3m)
Lec 6 SIA p. 3–12 Scopes and 9 major components/steps of SIA in an EIA; establishing the geographic area that SIA should cover (e.g., dam submergence region vs. highway corridor, p. 4) and host-region survey (p. 10) 2022 (Q1a, 9m; Q3c, 9m; Q4a, 8m), 2024 (Q6a, 4m; Q6b, 5m)
Lec 6 SIA p. 5, 13, 15; TEZ Survey p. 5, 12 Types of social and socio-economic impacts (major vs. minor impacts) to be addressed in SIA/EIA; disaggregated data by social groups (caste, religion, gender, BPL, occupation) 2019 (Q4c, 10m), 2021 (Q3b, 15m), 2022 (Q1b, 10m; Q4b, 12m; Q4c, 10m), 2023 (Q3a-ii, 7m), 2024 (Q6a, 4m), 2025 (Q6b, 8m; Q6c-ii, 6m)
Lec 6 SIA p. 16–23 Procedure of conducting a socio-economic survey (Step 1: Design, Step 2: Planning, Step 3: Implementation) and methods of data acquisition in SIA (RRA [Community Meeting, KII, Group Discussion/FGD], Household Survey, Field Research) 2023 (Q3a-iii, 7m), 2024 (Q6b, 5m; Q7c-iii, 2.5m), 2025 (Q6c-iii, 6m; Q8c-iii, 3m)
Lec 6 SIA p. 24–27; TEZ Survey p. 1–21 Questionnaire categories (open vs. closed questions) and preparing socio-economic survey questions for the BEZA Tangail Economic Zone (TEZ) at Bhuapur, Tangail 2024 (Q6c-ii, 6m)
Gender Issues p. 2–8 How gender issues can become a challenge for sustainability (low women participation reasons & barriers) and how gender equality is integrated across all stages of the ESIA process 2022 (Q4b-v, 2.5m), 2023 (Q3b, 10m), 2024 (Q8a, 10m), 2025 (Q7c, 10m)
Public Part. p. 2–7, 10–12; Lec 6 SIA p. 6 Definition, key objectives, role/benefits, disadvantages, and techniques of Public Participation in EIA/ESIA; how to identify appropriate stakeholders (Proximity, Economic, Use, Social, Values) and justify their involvement 2022 (Q7c, 7m), 2023 (Q8b, 10m), 2025 (Q5c-i, 3m; Q6c-i, 3m; Q8a, 10m)
Public Part. p. 8–9, 20 Scopes and objectives of public participation in different stages of EIA/ESIA (Screening, Scoping, Assessment, EIA Report Review, Decision, Monitoring) 2023 (Q5b, 10m), 2024 (Q8b, 10m)
Public Part. p. 13–17 Four levels of public involvement in an ESIA study (Level 1: Education & Information Provision, Level 2: Information Feedback, Level 3: Involvement & Consultation, Level 4: Extended Involvement) and their tools 2023 (Q8b, 10m), 2025 (Q8a, 5m)

SB Lecture 07: Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

  • File: SB/Lecture 07/EWCE 431 Lecture 7.pdf (23 pages)
  • Key Topics: Relationship between EIA and EMP ("EIA is a Process - Not a Product; EMP is an action plan based on results of EIA"); definition and 3 core components of EMP; Scope of EMP (8 items); Goals & Aims of EMP; Purpose of EMP (6 points); Importance of EMP (flexible, comprehensive, updatable, accountability tool); What EMP covers; 7 Elements of EMP (mitigation measures, residual concerns, monitoring program, institutional responsibility/accountability, monitoring plan, cost estimate, funding sources & training); detailed breakdown of Mitigation, Monitoring, Capacity Development & Training, and Implementation Schedule & Cost Estimate; Typical Contents of an EMP report; baseline aspects covered; how EMP adds value to a project; EMP implementation (establishing an Environmental Management Unit [EMU] inside the PMU for large/complex projects); responsibilities of project staff; and worked Example EMP Tables (A. Mitigation Plan for Construction & Operation Phases showing Issue, Potential Impact, Proposed Mitigation Measures, Institutional Responsibility, and Costs; B. Monitoring Plan for Construction & Operation Phases showing Potential Impact, What parameter, Where, How, and When).
Slide Pages Question / Concept Tested Appeared Exams (Question & Marks)
p. 2–9, 16 Define EMP; explain how EMP is related to EIA and describe the scope, goals, roles/purpose, features, and importance of an EMP 2019 (Q7b, 10m), 2021 (Q5d, 7m), 2023 (Q4b, 6m), 2024 (Q4c, 5m), 2025 (Q4b, 4m)
p. 8–15 Outline the typical contents and elements of an EMP report 2023 (Q4b, 4m), 2025 (Q4b, 4m)
p. 10–13, 17–18, 23 Strategies required to make an EMP effective (institutional arrangements, EMU in PMU, capacity building/training, cost integration, periodic review) and how EMP is integrated into project design 2024 (Q4d, 6m), 2025 (Q4c, 5m)
p. 19–20 Develop a mitigation plan table as part of an EMP at the construction and operation phases of a project (e.g., highway project) mentioning institutional responsibilities and required budget 2023 (Q4c, 10m), 2025 (Q7b, 10m)
p. 9, 11, 21–22 Purpose and salient features of an Environmental Monitoring Plan; construct a typical format for an environmental monitoring table (Potential Impact What Where How When) 2019 (Q7c, 8m), 2023 (Q7a, 10m; Q7b, 10m), 2024 (Q4e, 6m), 2025 (Q4d, 9m)

Unmapped Past Exam Questions (From Earlier Faculty Notes / Not in Current Lecture PDFs)

The following questions appeared in past exams (from earlier Section-A law handouts in Notebook.pdf or the 2022 SIA lecture notes) and are either absent from or only partially touched upon in the current SA/Lecture 1–7.pdf and SB/Lecture 01–07 slide decks:

Source Exam(s) Question / Concept Tested Appeared Exams (Question & Marks)
2019, 2021, 2022, 2025 Major reasons for non-enforcement of environmental laws in Bangladesh (2019 Q6b, 2025 Q2b), salient features of the Environmental Court Act (2021 Q6a), and basic limitations of the Environmental Court in Bangladesh (2019 Q6b, 2022 Q7a) 2019 (Q6b, 10m), 2021 (Q6a, 6m), 2022 (Q7a, 7m), 2025 (Q2b, 5m)
2021, 2024, 2025 Definition of Public Interest Litigation (PIL), 2–5 notable PIL cases in Bangladesh with outcomes (2021 Q6d, 2024 Q1c), and alternative ways of resolving disputes about resource exploitation and environmental management (2025 Q2c) 2021 (Q6d, 10m), 2024 (Q1c, 10m), 2025 (Q2c, 5m)
2019, 2022, 2025 Environmental act/impact chain approach and how different environmental standards are related to the impact chain 2019 (Q6c, 10m), 2022 (Q8b, 8m), 2025 (Q3b, 10m)
2021, 2022, 2024 Differences between source-oriented and impact-oriented approaches of setting standards (2021 Q6b, 2024 Q4a), environmental guidelines vs. standards with examples (2021 Q7b), and limitations of standards in Bangladesh ECR 1997 (2022 Q6a) 2021 (Q6b, 6m; Q7b, 8m), 2022 (Q6a, 8m), 2024 (Q4a, 6m)
2021 Basic features of the "Water Act 2013" 2021 (Q5c, 5m)
2022 What is the "period of time" that the SIA should consider in an EIA of development projects (Q2a) and what is the "Direct Employment Labour Curve" in the context of SIA with its attributes and example (Q3a) 2022 (Q2a, 9m; Q3a, 10m)
⇪