Does impact assessment meet stakeholder expectation: case study of POSCO project in Odisha. Issue 5 (3rd September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mishra, Pradeep Kumar
• Is Part Of: Impact assessment and project appraisal. Volume 37:Issue 5(2019)
• Page Start: 397
• Page End: 406
• Publication Date: 2019-09-03
• Subjects: Impact assessment -- stakeholders -- POSCO -- India; 333.714
• DOI: 10.1080/14615517.2018.1541562
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1461-5517

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The USD 12 billion steel project of POSCO in Odisha, India, conceived in 2005, was to be one of the largest investments in the country. But the project could not materialize, and in 2017 POSCO withdrew from the project after a lot of controversies. For this classic example of a lose-lose situation, the role of impact assessment (IA) has not been discussed adequately. Using a single case study method, this paper analyzes various dimensions of IA exercises conducted for the project. These IA exercises failed to notice the complex livelihood systems and potential dissent among the people of the area. Stakeholders' consultations were weak, IA reports did not highlight the negative impacts, and the potential loss of livelihoods was not noticed. Questions have also been raised on the legitimacy and authenticity of the claims made in these IA studies. However, the role of IA was also found be to be limited and the expectation from IA was also low. This negates the role of an ideal IA that should have been a comprehensive one and should have taken note of issues that are detrimental for the society, and particularly for the project.