MEV 017: Unit 04 – Environmental Protection Acts

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 UNIT 4: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACTS

4.1 Introduction

India’s journey in environmental protection has been shaped by various acts, policies, and legal frameworks aimed at regulating pollution, conserving resources, and ensuring sustainable development. Since the Stockholm Conference (1972) and the Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984), the Indian government has increasingly focused on legislative measures to address environmental concerns. This unit explores key environmental acts and policy statements, with particular emphasis on the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and other significant frameworks like the National Green Tribunal Act, mining policies, and more.

4.2 Objectives

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the scope and importance of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
  • Analyze the Policy Statement for Abatement of Pollution (1992).
  • Examine the National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement (1992).
  • Understand the formation and function of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
  • Explore the evolution of mining policies in India.

4.3 The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

This Act was enacted in response to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, as a comprehensive law to fill gaps in existing pollution control legislations.

4.3.1 Salient Features

  • Empowers the central government to take necessary actions to protect and improve environmental quality.
  • Authorizes coordination between central and state authorities.
  • Provides powers to set standards for emissions and waste discharge.
  • Empowers government officials to inspect industries, collect samples, and shut down non-compliant units.
  • Establishes penalties for non-compliance (imprisonment up to 5 years, fines, or both).
  • Serves as an umbrella legislation under which rules for waste management, coastal regulation zones, etc., have been framed.

4.4 Policy Statement for Abatement of Pollution (1992)

This was India’s first major national pollution control policy formulated to integrate pollution control into development.

4.4.1 Preamble

  • Recognizes pollution as a serious challenge to health and sustainable growth.
  • Advocates a multi-sectoral approach to tackle pollution.

4.4.2 Environmental Problem

  • Identifies urban and industrial pollution, especially in water and air, as critical issues.
  • Highlights insufficient monitoring infrastructure and enforcement capacity.

4.4.3 Future Directions and Objectives

  • Shift from end-of-pipe treatment to prevention and control at the source.
  • Promote clean technologies and eco-friendly practices.

4.4.4 Critically Polluted Areas

  • Calls for special attention and interventions in highly polluted zones.
  • Supports zoning regulations to control industrial concentration.

4.4.5 Assistance for Adoption of Clean Technologies by SSIs

  • Proposes technical and financial support to small-scale industries (SSIs) to reduce pollution.

4.4.6 Standards

  • Recommends sector-specific pollution norms with provisions for updating standards regularly.

4.4.7 Fiscal Measures

  • Suggests subsidies, tax incentives, and pollution taxes to promote clean practices.

4.4.8 Integration

  • Calls for integration of pollution control in sectoral policies (e.g., industry, transport, agriculture).

4.4.9 Environmental Audit

  • Introduces the concept of environmental audit as a voluntary compliance tool.

4.4.10 Environmental Statistics

  • Proposes development of a national system for environmental data and indicators.

4.4.11 Public Partnership

  • Emphasizes the role of civil society and local communities in pollution control.

4.5 National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and Development (1992)

Formulated alongside the 1992 Earth Summit (Rio), this strategy promotes sustainable development and integrated planning.

4.5.1 Preamble

  • Calls for a harmonious balance between environmental protection and economic growth.

4.5.2 Environmental Problem: Nature and Dimensions

  • Highlights issues like deforestation, desertification, pollution, biodiversity loss, etc.

4.5.3 Actions Taken

  • Lists existing laws and policies, such as the Air and Water Acts, EIA notifications, and afforestation programs.

4.5.4 Constraints and Agenda for Action

  • Identifies poor coordination, lack of funding, and weak enforcement as major constraints.
  • Proposes a comprehensive action plan for integration of environment into development.

4.5.5 Priorities and Strategies for Action

  • Focus on water conservation, forest protection, pollution control, energy efficiency, and public awareness.

4.5.6 Development Policies from Environmental Perspectives

  • Stresses the need to revise industrial, transport, and energy policies to reflect environmental concerns.

4.5.7 International Cooperation

  • Encourages partnerships under global environmental treaties (e.g., CBD, UNFCCC, Montreal Protocol).

4.5.8 Support Policies and Systems

  • Advocates education, research, training, and institutional reforms to support environmental objectives.

4.6 The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established under this Act to provide speedy and specialized resolution of environmental cases.

Salient Features:

  • Deals with cases under seven key environmental laws.
  • Has original jurisdiction over matters involving substantial question relating to the environment.
  • Ensures effective enforcement of legal rights related to the environment.
  • Composed of judicial and expert members.
  • Guided by principles of natural justice, polluter pays, and precautionary principle.
  • Final orders are binding, and appeals lie only to the Supreme Court.

4.7 Mining Policies

Mining poses major environmental and social challenges. India’s mining policies aim to promote responsible and sustainable mineral development.

4.7.1 National Mineral Policy (NMP), 1993

  • Focused on increasing private sector participation.
  • Emphasized environmental protection, rehabilitation of displaced persons, and scientific mining.
  • Encouraged value addition and exports.

4.7.2 National Mineral Policy (NMP), 2008

  • Broadened the sustainability scope by integrating eco-restoration, waste management, and local stakeholder participation.
  • Recommended scientific exploration, proper land acquisition practices, and mine closure planning.
  • Called for strong regulatory institutions to monitor mining impacts.

4.8 Let Us Sum Up

This unit explored India's major environmental protection laws and policies, including:

  • The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which empowers the central government to protect and improve the environment.
  • The Policy Statement for Abatement of Pollution (1992), which outlines preventive strategies and fiscal tools.
  • The National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement (1992), which aligns India’s development policies with environmental concerns.
  • The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, enabling fast-track justice in environmental matters.
  • Mining policies, focusing on sustainable extraction and community welfare.

India’s environmental legal framework is continuously evolving to address emerging ecological challenges, promote sustainable development, and ensure citizen participation and justice.

 

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