Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Course | IIT Roorkee | Prof. Harshit Sosan Lakra
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 1400 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Architecture and Planning, Energy, Climate and Sustainability, Construction Materials Technology, Environment, Sustainable Architecture |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 19 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Mastering Environmental Impact Assessment: A Comprehensive 12-Week Course by IIT Roorkee
In an era defined by climate change and rapid urbanization, the need for sustainable development has never been more critical. At the heart of this movement lies the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), a vital tool for predicting and mitigating the environmental consequences of proposed projects. For students and professionals seeking to master this essential discipline, a new, in-depth course offered by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee provides a unique and comprehensive learning opportunity.
About the Course: Environmental Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic process used to evaluate the likely environmental, social, economic, and health impacts of a proposed project or development, both beneficial and adverse. This proactive tool is employed during the pre-planning stages to inform decision-making, ensuring that potential negative impacts are minimized and positive outcomes are enhanced. This 12-week course is designed to build a foundational and advanced understanding of the entire EIA process.
Students will delve into the history, necessity, structure, and procedural steps of EIA. The curriculum covers crucial aspects such as the criteria for selecting impact assessment methods, an overview of various methodologies, parameters for effective public participation, and techniques for writing robust EIA reports. The course aims to equip learners with the practical knowledge required to navigate the complexities of environmental governance and sustainable project development.
Learn from an Expert: Instructor Profile
The course is led by Prof. Harshit Sosan Lakra, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Architecture and Planning at IIT Roorkee. Prof. Lakra brings a wealth of academic and practical expertise to the classroom. Her qualifications include:
- Training as an Architect.
- A Master's in Environmental Planning from CEPT University, Ahmedabad.
- A second Master's in City and Regional Planning from Cornell University, USA.
- A PhD from IIT Roorkee.
Prof. Lakra has been teaching the Environmental Impact Assessment course since 2015 at IIT Roorkee and previously at BIT Mesra. Her hands-on experience is reflected in the environmental-focused studios she has conducted at diverse sites, including industrial areas in Roorkee, the heritage site of Piran Kaliyar Sharif in Haridwar, the ecologically sensitive Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand, and North Lakhimpur in Assam.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is meticulously designed for a broad audience, making it an invaluable resource for:
- Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) students in Architecture, Planning, Environmental Science, Engineering, and related fields.
- PhD scholars conducting research in environmental management and sustainability.
- Academicians looking to enhance their curriculum.
- Professionals working in environmental consultancy, urban planning, civil engineering, government regulatory bodies, and corporate sustainability divisions.
Industry Recognition and Support
The course's relevance is underscored by the industry support it acknowledges, including leading organizations in the environmental sector such as:
- National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI)
- National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET)
- Green Ultratech Environmental Consultancy and Laboratory
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
- Consultancies like SECON, SLR, MANVIT, AEPPL, and Umwelt Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to Environment Management & EIA |
| Week 2 | Legal, Policy & Regulatory Framework |
| Week 3 | EIA Procedure - Scoping, Screening & Baseline Conditions |
| Week 4 | EIA Methodologies |
| Week 5 | Connectedness: Spaces, Subspaces & the Intermediate Value Theorem |
| Week 6 | EIA Methods, Tools and Techniques |
| Week 7 | Public Involvement in EIA |
| Week 8 | Impact Management - Mitigation & Environment Management Plans (EMP) |
| Week 9 | EIA Reporting & Review of EIA Quality |
| Week 10 | Decision Making & Project Management |
| Week 11 | Implementation & Follow-up |
| Week 12 | EIA Case Examples |
Recommended Reading & Resources
To complement the lectures, the course references authoritative texts in the field, including:
- Wathern P., “Environmental Impact Assessment: Theory and Practice”
- Marriott B., “Environmental Impact Assessment: A Practical Guide”
- Glasson J., Therivel R., Chadwick A., “Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment”
- Anjaneyulu Y., Manickam V., “Environmental Impact Assessment Methodologies”
- Shrivastava A.K., et al., “Environmental Impact Assessment”
Why Take This Course?
This course is more than just an academic module; it's a career investment. Whether you aim to contribute to greener industrial practices, plan sustainable cities, influence policy, or ensure regulatory compliance, a deep understanding of EIA is indispensable. Under the guidance of Prof. Harshit Sosan Lakra and through a curriculum backed by real-world industry needs, you will gain the expertise to assess, manage, and mitigate environmental impacts effectively, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Level: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Duration: 12 Weeks
Categories: Architecture and Planning, Energy, Climate and Sustainability, Construction Materials Technology, Environment, Sustainable Architecture