<–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 Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act was enacted in 1974 to provide for the prevention and control of Water Pollution, and for the maintaining or restoring of wholesomeness of water in the country. The Act was amended in 1988. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act was enacted in 1977, to provide for the levy and collection of a cess on water consumed by persons operating and carrying on certain types of industrial activities. This cess is collected with a view to augment the Resources of the Central Board and the State Boards for the prevention and control of water pollution constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
The main purpose of The Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act is to levy and collect cess on water consumed by certain categories of Industry specified in the schedule appended to the Act. The Money thus collected is used by CPCB and SPCBs to prevent and control water pollution.
The Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act provides for constitution of central and State Boards for preventing water pollution, power to take water samples and their analysis, discharge of sewage or trade effluents, appeals, revision, minimum and maximum penalties, publication of names of offenders, offences by companies and Government departments, cognizance of offences, water laboratories, analysis etc.
Prevention and control of water pollution is achieved through a permit or ‘Consent administration’ procedure. Discharge of effluents is permitted by obtaining the consent of the State Water Board, subject to any condition they specify. Any person who fails to comply with a directive of the State cannot, however, entertain in suit under this Act unless the suit is brought by, or with the sanction of the State Board.
Functions of Central Board:
1. Subject to the provisions of this Act, the main function of the Central Board shall be to promote cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the States.
2. In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing function, the Central Board may perform all or any of the following functions, namely:
a) Advise the Central Government on any matter concerning the prevention and control of water pollution
b) Co-ordinate the activities of the State Boards and resolve disputes among them
c) Provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry out and sponsor investigations and research relating to problems of water pollution and prevention, control or abatement of water pollution
d) Plan and organize the training of persons engaged or to be engaged in programmes for the prevention, control or abatement of water pollution on such terms and conditions as the Central Board may specify
e) Organize through mass media a comprehensive programme regarding the prevention and control of water pollution
(perform such of the functions of any State Board as may be specified in an order made under sub section(2) of Section 18)
f) Collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data relating to water pollution and the measures devised for its effective prevention and control and prepare manuals, codes or guides relating to treatment and disposal of sewage and trade effluents and disseminate information connected therewith
g) Lay down, modify or annul, in consultation with the State Government concerned, the standards for a stream or well
(Provided that different standards may be laid down for the same stream or well or for different streams or wells, having regard to the quality of waterflow characteristics of the stream or well and the nature of the use of the water in such stream or well or streams or wells)
h) Plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control or abatement of water pollution
i) Perform such other functions as may be prescribed
3. The Board may establish or recognise a laboratory or laboratories to enable the Board to perform its functions under this section efficiently, including the analysis of samples of water from any stream or well or of samples of any sewage or trade effluents.
Functions of the State Boards:
a) To plan a comprehensive programme for the prevention, control or abatement of pollution of streams and wells in the State and to secure the execution thereof
b) To advise the State Government on any matter concerning the prevention, control or abatement of water pollution
c) To collect and disseminate information relating to water pollution and the prevention, control or abatement thereof
d) To encourage, conduct and participate in investigations and research relating to problems of water pollution and prevention, control or abatement of water pollution
e) To collaborate with the Central Board in organizing the training of persons engaged or to be engaged in programmes relating to prevention, control or abatement of water pollution and to organise mass Education programmes relating thereto
f) To inspect sewage or trade effluents, works and Plants for the treatment of sewage and trade effluents and to review plans, specifications or other data relating to plants set up for the treatment of water, works for the purification thereof and the system for the disposal of sewage or trade effluents or in connection with the grant of any consent as required by this Act
g) To lay down, modify or annul effluent standards for the sewage and trade effluents and for the quality of receiving waters (not being water in an inter-State stream) resulting from the discharge of effluents and to classify waters of the State
h) To evolve economical and reliable methods of treatment of sewage and trade effluents, having regard to the peculiar conditions of soils, Climate and Water Resources of different regions and more especially the prevailing flow characteristics of water in streams and wells which render it impossible to attain even the minimum degree of dilution
i) To evolve methods of utilization of sewage and suitable trade effluents in agriculture) To evolve efficient methods of disposal of sewage and trade effluents on land, as are necessary on account of the predominant conditions of scant stream flows that do not provide for major part of the year the minimum degree of dilution
j) To lay down standards of treatment of sewage and trade effluents to be discharged into any particular stream taking into account the minimum fair weather dilution available in that stream and the Tolerance limits of pollution permissible in the water of the stream, after the discharge of such effluents
k) To make, vary or revoke any order
i)?for the prevention, control or abatement of discharges of waste into streams or wells
ii)?requiring any person concerned to construct new systems for the disposal of sewage and trade effluents or to modify, alter or extend any such remedial measures as are necessary to prevent, control or abate water pollution
l) To lay down effluent standards to be complied with by persons while causing discharge of sewage or sullage or both and to lay down, modify or annul effluent standards for the sewage and trade effluents
m) To advise the State Government with respect to the location of any industry the carrying on of which is likely to pollute a stream or well
n) To perform such other functions as may be prescribed or as may, from time to time, be entrusted to it by the Central Board or the State Government.
The Air Prevention & Control of Pollution Act is an Act by Parliament to provide for the prevention, control and abatement of Air Pollution, for the establishment, with a view to carrying out the aforesaid purposes, of Boards, for conferring on and assigning to such Boards powers and functions relating thereto and for matters connected therewith.The objective of the Air Act 1981 is to prevent, control and reduce air pollution including Noise Pollution.
Under provisions of this Act, no person shall, without previous consent of the SPCB, establish or operate any industrial plant in air pollution control area the investor has to apply to the SPCB/Pollution Control Committee (PCB) to consent. No person operating any industrial plant shall emit any air pollution in excess of the standards laid down by the SPCB and have to comply with the stipulated conditions.
Under section-19 of The Air Prevention & Control of Pollution, the State Government may with the help of the State Board declare air pollution control areas, alter any air pollution control area or declare a new air pollution control area after altering the existing areas. Air Pollution Act states that no person shall, without the previous consent of the State Board, establish or operate any industrial plant in an Air Pollution Control Area. No person operating any industrial plant, in any air pollution control area shall discharge or cause or permit to be discharged the emission of any air pollutant in excess of the standards laid down by the State Board.
State Government may by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint, constitute a State Board for the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution under such name as may be specified in the notification, to exercise the powers conferred on, and perform the functions assigned to, that Board under The Air Prevention & Control of Pollution.State Board has following:-
(a) a Chairman, being a person, having a person having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of matters relating to environmental protection, to be nominated by the State Government.
(b) such number of officials, not exceeding five, as the State Government may think fit, to be nominated by the State Government to represent that government;
(c) such number of persons, not exceeding five, as the State Government may think fit, to be nominated by the State Government from amongst the members of the local authorities functioning within the State;
(d) such number of non-officials, not exceeding three, as the State Government may think fit, to be nominated by the State Government to represent the interest of agriculture, fishery or industry or trade or labour or any other interest, which in the opinion of that government, ought to be represented;
(e) two persons to represent the companies or corporations owned, controlled or managed by the State Government, to be nominated by that Government
Main Functions of Central Board under The Air Prevention & Control of Pollution are:-
(a) advise the Central Government on any matter concerning the improvement of the quality of air and the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;
(b) plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;
(c) co-ordinate the activities of the State and resolve disputes among them;
(d) provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry out and sponsor investigations and research relating to problems of air pollution and prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;
(e) plan and organise the training of persons engaged or to be engaged in programmes for the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution on such terms and conditions as the Central Board may specify;
(f) organise through mass media a comprehensive programme regarding the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;
(g) collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data relating to air pollution and the measures devised for its effective prevention, control or abatement and prepare manuals, codes or guides relating to prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;
(h) lay down standards for the quality of air.,
(i) collect and disseminate information in respect of matters relating to air pollution;
(j) perform such other functions as may be prescribed.
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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. The environment is essential to our survival, and it is important to protect it.
There are many different ways to protect the environment. One way is to reduce pollution. Pollution is the contamination of the environment with harmful substances. There are many different types of pollution, including air pollution, water pollution, and land pollution. Air pollution is caused by the release of harmful gases and particles into the air. Water pollution is caused by the release of harmful chemicals and sewage into water bodies. Land pollution is caused by the improper disposal of waste.
Another way to protect the environment is to conserve Natural Resources. Natural resources are the materials and energy that we get from the Earth. They include things like water, Minerals, forests, and fossil fuels. We need to conserve natural resources so that they will be available for future generations.
We can also protect the environment by recycling and reusing materials. Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects. Reusing is the process of using a product again instead of throwing it away. Recycling and reusing help to reduce the amount of waste that we produce.
Finally, we can protect the environment by supporting environmental protection laws and policies. Environmental protection laws and policies are designed to protect the environment from harm. They can help to reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, and promote Sustainable Development.
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is important to promote sustainable development so that we can protect the environment for future generations.
There are many things that we can do to protect the environment. We can reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, recycle and reuse materials, and support environmental protection laws and policies. By taking these steps, we can help to protect the environment for future generations.
Here are some additional details on each of the subtopics:
- Air pollution: Air pollution is the contamination of the air with harmful substances. These substances can come from natural sources, such as Volcanoes-2/”>Volcanoes, or from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels. Air pollution can cause a variety of Health problems, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.
- Climate Change: Climate change is the long-term change in the Earth’s climate. It is caused by the release of greenhouse gases into the Atmosphere, which trap heat and cause the Earth’s temperature to rise. Climate change is causing a variety of changes to the Earth’s climate, including rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, and changes in plant and animal life.
- Environmental impact assessment: Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a process for evaluating the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project. EIAs are conducted by governments and other organizations to ensure that projects are not likely to have significant negative impacts on the environment.
- Environmental law: Environmental law is a body of law that protects the environment. Environmental laws regulate a variety of activities, including pollution, waste disposal, and land use. Environmental laws are designed to protect human health and the environment.
- Environmental policy: Environmental policy is a set of principles and goals that guide government action on environmental issues. Environmental policies are designed to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.
- Environmental protection: Environmental protection is the act of protecting the environment from harm. Environmental protection can be achieved through a variety of means, including pollution control, Waste Management, and conservation.
- Environmental regulation: Environmental regulation is the process of setting and enforcing rules to protect the environment. Environmental regulations are designed to reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, and promote sustainable development.
- Hazardous waste: Hazardous waste is waste that is dangerous to human health or the environment. Hazardous waste can be produced by a variety of industries, including manufacturing, mining, and agriculture. Hazardous waste must be properly managed and disposed of to prevent it from harming the environment.
- Natural resources: Natural resources are the materials and energy that we get from the Earth. They include things like water, minerals, forests, and fossil fuels. Natural resources are essential to our survival, and it is important to conserve them.
- Pollution: Pollution is the contamination of the environment with harmful substances. Pollution can come from natural sources, such as volcanoes, or from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels. Pollution can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.
- RENEWABLE ENERGY: Renewable energy is energy that comes from sources that are naturally replenished, such as sunlight, wind, and water. Renewable energy is a clean and sustainable Source Of Energy that can help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
- Sustainable development: Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development is important because it ensures that we can meet our own needs without harming the environment for
What is environmental protection?
Environmental protection is the practice of protecting the natural environment by individuals, organizations and governments. Its goal is to conserve natural resources and the ecosystem while also protecting human health and well-being.
What are the benefits of environmental protection?
There are many benefits to environmental protection, including:
- Improved air quality: Air pollution can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory infections, heart disease, and cancer. Environmental protection can help to reduce air pollution and improve air quality.
- Reduced water pollution: Water pollution can contaminate drinking water, harm aquatic life, and damage Ecosystems. Environmental protection can help to reduce water pollution and protect water resources.
- Conserved natural resources: Natural resources, such as forests, water, and minerals, are essential for human life. Environmental protection can help to conserve these resources and ensure that they are available for future generations.
- Protected wildlife: Wildlife plays an important role in the ecosystem and provides many benefits to humans, such as pollination, pest control, and recreation. Environmental protection can help to protect wildlife and their habitats.
- Reduced climate change: Climate change is a major threat to the planet and its inhabitants. Environmental protection can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
What are the challenges of environmental protection?
There are many challenges to environmental protection, including:
- Economic costs: Environmental protection can sometimes be expensive, as it requires Investment in new technologies and Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE.
- Political opposition: Some people oppose environmental protection because they believe it is too costly or that it interferes with their economic interests.
- Public apathy: Many people are not aware of the importance of environmental protection or do not feel that they can make a difference.
- Lack of international cooperation: Environmental problems often cross national borders, making it difficult to address them without international cooperation.
What can be done to address the challenges of environmental protection?
There are many things that can be done to address the challenges of environmental protection, including:
- Investing in new technologies: New technologies can help to reduce the cost of environmental protection and make it more efficient.
- Raising public awareness: Educating the public about the importance of environmental protection can help to build support for it.
- Promoting sustainable development: Sustainable development is a type of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It can help to address the environmental challenges of Economic Development.
- Strengthening international cooperation: International cooperation is essential for addressing global environmental problems. Countries need to work together to develop and implement effective solutions.
What is the future of environmental protection?
The future of environmental protection is uncertain. There are many challenges that need to be addressed, but there are also many reasons to be optimistic. With continued investment in new technologies, public awareness, and sustainable development, we can make progress towards a cleaner and healthier planet.
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Which of the following is not a type of environmental pollution?
(A) Air pollution
(B) Water pollution
(C) Noise pollution
(D) Soil-pollution/”>Soil Pollution
(E) Climate change -
Which of the following is not a source of air pollution?
(A) Cars
(B) Factories
(C) Power plants
(D) Trees
(E) Wildfires -
Which of the following is not a source of water pollution?
(A) Sewage
(B) Industrial waste
(C) Agricultural runoff
(D) Oil spills
(E) Rain -
Which of the following is not a source of noise pollution?
(A) Traffic
(B) Construction
(C) Factories
(D) Music
(E) Animals -
Which of the following is not a source of soil pollution?
(A) Pesticides
(B) Fertilizers
(C) Industrial waste
(D) Mining
(E) Oil spills -
Which of the following is not a greenhouse gas?
(A) Carbon dioxide
(B) Methane
(C) Nitrous oxide
(D) Ozone
(E) Water vapor -
Which of the following is not a consequence of climate change?
(A) Sea level rise
(B) Extreme weather events
(C) Droughts and floods
(D) Melting Glaciers
(E) Increased plant Growth -
Which of the following is not a way to reduce air pollution?
(A) Drive less
(B) Use public transportation
(C) Recycle
(D) Plant trees
(E) Use energy-efficient appliances -
Which of the following is not a way to reduce water pollution?
(A) Reduce, reuse, and recycle
(B) Install a water filter
(C) Take shorter showers
(D) Fix any leaks in your home
(E) Don’t use pesticides or fertilizers -
Which of the following is not a way to reduce noise pollution?
(A) Turn down the volume on your TV or radio
(B) Use headphones when listening to music
(C) Avoid using power tools during the day
(D) Plant trees around your home
(E) Don’t honk your horn unnecessarily -
Which of the following is not a way to reduce soil pollution?
(A) Use less fertilizer
(B) Don’t use pesticides
(C) Compost your food scraps
(D) Plant trees
(E) Don’t drive on unpaved roads -
Which of the following is not a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
(A) Drive less
(B) Use public transportation
(C) Recycle
(D) Plant trees
(E) Use energy-efficient appliances -
Which of the following is not a consequence of deforestation?
(A) Loss of Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity
(B) Soil erosion
(C) Climate change
(D) Increased flooding
(E) Increased droughts -
Which of the following is not a way to reduce deforestation?
(A) Plant trees
(B) Buy products that are made from recycled materials
(C) Support organizations that are working to protect forests
(D) Reduce your consumption of paper and wood products
(E) Don’t buy products that are made from endangered species -
Which of the following is not a way to protect the environment?
(A) Recycle
(B) Reduce, reuse, and recycle
(C) Conserve energy
(D) Support environmental organizations
(E) Vote for candidates who support environmental protection