<–2/”>a >The Environment Protection Act is an important legislation that provides for coordination of activities of the various regulatory agencies, creation of authorities with adequate powers for environmental protection, regulation of the discharge of environmental pollutants, handling of hazardous substances, etc. The Act provided an opportunity to extend legal protection to non-forest habitats (‘Ecologically Sensitive Areas’) such as grasslands, wetlands and coastal zones.The Environment (Protection) Act was enacted in 1986 with the objective of providing for the protection and improvement of the environment. It empowers the Central Government to establish authorities charged with the mandate of preventing environmental pollution in all its forms and to tackle specific environmental problems that are peculiar to different parts of the country.
The Environment Protection Act is an umbrella legislation that consolidated the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981. Within this framework of the legislations, the government established Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) in order to prevent, control, and abate environmental pollution.
Under the EPA, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification was introduced in 1994, it was modified in 2006 and the latest amendment was in 2009. Under the EIA it has become mandatory to seek environmental clearance for several activities and industries with the involvement of the public as per procedure.
Main Features of The Environment Protection Act are:-
i) Co-ordination of actions by the State Governments, officers and other authorities
ii) Planning and execution of a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution.
iii) Laying down standards for the quantity of environment in its various aspects.
iv) Laying down standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources whatsoever. Provided that different standards for emission or discharge may be laid down under this clause from different sources having regard to the quality or composition of the emission lr discharge of environmental pollutants from such sources.
v) Restriction of areas in which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries, operations or processes shall not be carried out or shall be carried out subject to certain safeguards.
vi) Laying down procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents which may cause environmental pollution and remedial measures for such accidents.
vii) Laying down procedures and safeguards for the handling of hazardous substances.
viii) Examination of such manufacturing processes, materials and substances as are likely to cause environmental pollution.
ix) Carrying out and sponsoring investigations and research relating to problems of environmental pollution.
x) Inspection of any premises, plant, equipment, machinery, manufacturing or other processes, materials or substances and giving, by order, of such directions to such authorities, officers or persons as it may consider necessary to take steps for the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution.
xi) Establishment or recognition of environmental laboratories and institutes to carry out the functions entrusted to such environmental laboratories and institutes under this Act.
xii) Collection and dissemination of information in respect of matters relating to environmental pollution.
xiii) Preparation of manuals, codes or guides relating to the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution.,
The Environment Protection Act 1986 (EPA) is an act of the Parliament of India enacted to provide for the protection and improvement of the environment and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The Act provides for the establishment of the Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Boards, and for the appointment of officers for the enforcement of the Act. It also provides for the imposition of penalties for contravention of the Act.
The Act has been amended several times since its enactment. The most recent amendment was made in 2019.
The Act covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Air Pollution
- Water Pollution
- Soil-pollution/”>Soil Pollution
- Noise Pollution
- Hazardous Waste Management
- Environmental impact assessment
- Public participation in environmental protection
- Enforcement of environmental laws
- Liability for environmental damage
- Research and development in environmental protection
- International cooperation in environmental protection
The Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that provides a framework for the protection and improvement of the environment in India. It has been instrumental in improving the quality of the environment in India, and has helped to raise awareness of environmental issues among the public.
The Act has been praised by environmental experts for its comprehensiveness and its effectiveness in protecting the environment. However, it has also been criticized for its lack of enforcement and for its failure to address some of the most pressing environmental problems in India.
Despite its shortcomings, the Environment Protection Act 1986 is a landmark piece of legislation that has had a positive impact on the environment in India. It is a valuable tool for protecting the environment and for promoting Sustainable Development.
Chapter I: Preliminary
This chapter provides for the short title, extent, commencement, and application of the Act.
Chapter II: Central Pollution Control Board
This chapter provides for the establishment of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), its composition, functions, and powers.
Chapter III: State Pollution Control Boards
This chapter provides for the establishment of State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), their composition, functions, and powers.
Chapter IV: Air Pollution
This chapter provides for the prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution. It also provides for the establishment of air quality standards and for the monitoring of air quality.
Chapter V: Water Pollution
This chapter provides for the prevention, control, and abatement of water pollution. It also provides for the establishment of water quality standards and for the monitoring of water quality.
Chapter VI: Soil Pollution
This chapter provides for the prevention, control, and abatement of soil pollution. It also provides for the establishment of soil quality standards and for the monitoring of soil quality.
Chapter VII: Noise Pollution
This chapter provides for the prevention, control, and abatement of noise pollution. It also provides for the establishment of noise standards and for the monitoring of noise levels.
Chapter VIII: Hazardous Waste Management
This chapter provides for the management of hazardous waste. It also provides for the establishment of hazardous waste management facilities and for the regulation of hazardous waste disposal.
Chapter IX: Environmental Impact Assessment
This chapter provides for the environmental impact assessment of projects that are likely to have a significant adverse impact on the environment.
Chapter X: Public Participation in Environmental Protection
This chapter provides for the participation of the public in environmental protection. It also provides for the establishment of environmental protection councils and for the holding of public hearings on environmental issues.
Chapter XI: Enforcement of Environmental Laws
This chapter provides for the enforcement of environmental laws. It also provides for the appointment of environmental officers and for the imposition of penalties for contravention of environmental laws.
Chapter XII: Liability for Environmental Damage
This chapter provides for the liability of persons for environmental damage. It also provides for the establishment of a fund for the compensation of victims of environmental damage.
Chapter XIII: Research and Development in Environmental Protection
This chapter provides for the promotion of research and development in environmental protection. It also provides for the establishment of an environmental research fund.
Chapter XIV: International Cooperation in Environmental Protection
This chapter provides for the promotion of international cooperation in environmental protection. It also provides for the establishment of an environmental cooperation fund.
Chapter XV: Offences and Penalties
This chapter provides for the penalties for contravention of the Act.
Chapter XVI: Miscellaneous
This chapter provides for the matters that are not covered in the other chapters of the Act.
The Environment Protection Act 1986 is a landmark piece of legislation that has had a positive impact on the environment in India. It is a valuable tool for protecting the environment and for promoting sustainable development.
Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about the environment:
What is the environment?
The environment is the natural world that surrounds us. It includes the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the land we live on.What are the main environmental problems?
The main environmental problems are Climate change, pollution, and deforestation. Climate Change is the long-term change in the Earth’s climate. Pollution is the contamination of the environment with harmful substances. Deforestation is the clearing of forests for other uses.What can we do to protect the environment?
We can protect the environment by reducing our carbon footprint, recycling, and conserving water. We can also support organizations that are working to protect the environment.What are the benefits of protecting the environment?
There are many benefits to protecting the environment. Protecting the environment helps to ensure that we have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and healthy food to eat. It also helps to protect wildlife and Ecosystems.What are the challenges of protecting the environment?
The main challenges of protecting the environment are climate change, pollution, and deforestation. Climate change is a major threat to the environment. Pollution is a major problem that can cause Health problems and damage the environment. Deforestation is a major problem that can lead to soil erosion and loss of Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity.What is the future of the environment?
The future of the environment is uncertain. If we do not take action to protect the environment, it will continue to deteriorate. However, if we take action to protect the environment, it can be restored and improved.What is the role of government in protecting the environment?
The government has a role to play in protecting the environment by enacting laws and regulations, providing funding for environmental programs, and educating the public about environmental issues.What is the role of individuals in protecting the environment?
Individuals can play a role in protecting the environment by reducing their carbon footprint, recycling, and conserving water. They can also support organizations that are working to protect the environment.What is the role of businesses in protecting the environment?
Businesses can play a role in protecting the environment by reducing their environmental impact, investing in RENEWABLE ENERGY, and developing sustainable products and Services.What is the Role Of Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in protecting the environment?
NGOs can play a role in protecting the environment by raising awareness about environmental issues, lobbying for environmental policies, and conducting environmental research.
The Environment Protection Act 1986 was enacted to:
(A) Protect the environment and safeguard the ecological balance.
(B) Control and regulate air, water and land pollution.
(C) Promote the sustainable development of natural Resources.
(D) All of the above.The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established in:
(A) 2006.
(B) 2007.
(C) 2008.
(D) 2009.The NGT is a:
(A) Statutory body.
(B) Quasi-judicial body.
(C) Judicial body.
(D) None of the above.The NGT has jurisdiction over:
(A) All environmental matters.
(B) All matters relating to forests and wildlife.
(C) All matters relating to water and air pollution.
(D) All of the above.The NGT has the power to:
(A) Issue directions, orders or writs, including writs in the nature of Habeas Corpus, Certiorari, Mandamus, quo warranto and Prohibition.
(B) Impose penalties for violation of environmental laws.
(C) Order closure of industries or other establishments causing environmental pollution.
(D) All of the above.The National Environment Policy (NEP) 2006 was adopted to:
(A) Promote sustainable development.
(B) Protect the environment.
(C) Conserve Natural Resources.
(D) All of the above.The NEP 2006 emphasizes on:
(A) The need for a holistic approach to environmental management.
(B) The need for public participation in environmental decision-making.
(C) The need for sustainable use of natural resources.
(D) All of the above.The NEP 2006 has been criticized for:
(A) Being too ambitious.
(B) Being too vague.
(C) Not being implemented effectively.
(D) All of the above.The Forest conservation Act 1980 was enacted to:
(A) Protect and conserve forests.
(B) Regulate the felling of trees.
(C) Promote afforestation.
(D) All of the above.The Forest Conservation Act 1980 prohibits:
(A) The diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
(B) The felling of trees without permission from the government.
(C) The use of forest produce for commercial purposes.
(D) All of the above.The Wildlife protection act 1972 was enacted to:
(A) Protect and conserve wildlife.
(B) Regulate the hunting of wild animals.
(C) Promote the captive breeding of wild animals.
(D) All of the above.The Wildlife Protection Act 1972 prohibits:
(A) The hunting of wild animals.
(B) The trade in wild animals and their products.
(C) The possession of wild animals and their products without a license.
(D) All of the above.The Air (prevention and control of pollution) Act 1981 was enacted to:
(A) Control air pollution.
(B) Protect the environment.
(C) Promote public health.
(D) All of the above.The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 prohibits:
(A) The emission of air pollutants from industries and other sources.
(B) The use of polluting fuels.
(C) The manufacture and use of polluting products.
(D) All of the above.The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 was enacted to:
(A) Control water pollution.
(B) Protect the environment.
(C) Promote public health.
(D) All of the above.The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 prohibits:
(A) The discharge of pollutants into water bodies.
(B) The use of polluting water.
(C) The manufacture and use of polluting products.
(D) All of the above.The Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules 2008 were framed under the:
(A) Environment Protection Act 1986.
(B) Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1