Cumulative impact assessment has been made an
integral part of EIA legislative requirements in many
nations across the world. However, in India, this requirement
has still not been incorporated in the EIA
notifications of the Ministry of Environment and
Forests. As the study reveals, many of the detrimental
environmental impacts may occur by not properly
addressing the potential of cumulative impacts. It is
recommended that in future cumulative impacts
should be included in the EIA process in India as it
leads to best practice, enhances the effectiveness of
EIA by aiding in the decision-making process, and
finally contributes to sustainable development.