8.4 - New Laws to Protect the Environment

In recent years, new laws have been introduced in India to protect the environment from the harmful effects of pollution, deforestation, and other forms of environmental degradation. These laws aim to safeguard natural resources, promote sustainable development, and ensure a clean and healthy environment for future generations.

Some of the key environmental laws that have been enacted include:

• Environmental Protection Act (1986): This Act gives the government the power to take action to protect and improve the environment. It provides the framework for setting standards for air, water, and noise pollution, as well as guidelines for the disposal of hazardous substances.
• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act (1974): This Act aims to prevent and control water pollution. It empowers the government to set standards for the discharge of pollutants into water bodies and provides for the establishment of pollution control boards to enforce these standards.
• Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act (1981): This law addresses air pollution. It gives the government the authority to set air quality standards, regulate the emission of pollutants, and establish air pollution control programs.
• Wildlife Protection Act (1972): This Act provides for the protection of wildlife in India. It establishes national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves, and regulates hunting and poaching of endangered species.
• Forest Conservation Act (1980): This law regulates the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes. It requires the government to approve any proposal that involves the use of forest land for activities such as construction or mining.
• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Act (2010): The NGT was established to provide a specialized forum for the resolution of environmental disputes. It handles cases related to the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations and issues directions to protect the environment.
• The National Environment Policy (2006): This policy aims to ensure that the country's economic growth does not harm the environment. It emphasizes the need for sustainable development, pollution control, and conservation of natural resources.

Along with these specific laws, there are several rules and regulations that govern the management of environmental issues. The government has introduced the concept of "Environmental Impact Assessment" (EIA), which requires projects that may have a significant effect on the environment to conduct an environmental assessment before they can be approved.

The Environmental Protection Act (1986) also introduced a system for granting "Environmental Clearance" to projects. This clearance is given based on the assessment of the project's environmental impact and compliance with established environmental standards.

India has also signed international agreements related to environmental protection, such as the Paris Climate Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol, to limit greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. These agreements bind countries to take action on global environmental issues, and India has made significant strides in this area.

The government also encourages citizens to participate in environmental protection through initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), which aims to improve sanitation and reduce waste generation, and the Save Water and Save Energy Campaigns, which promote water conservation and energy efficiency.

Despite these efforts, the enforcement of environmental laws remains a challenge. Issues such as corruption, lack of awareness, and weak implementation mechanisms hinder the effectiveness of these laws. However, increasing public awareness, activism, and technological advancements are helping to improve the situation over time.