<–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 is an act of the Parliament of India 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 ENVIRONMENT POLLUTION Control Authority (EPCA) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) to oversee the implementation of the Act. The Act also provides for the appointment of Inspectors to inspect and investigate any matter relating to the environment.
The Act prohibits the discharge of any effluent or other pollutant into any stream or well or into the air in such a manner as to cause environmental pollution. The Act also prohibits the use of any substance which is likely to cause environmental pollution.
The Act provides for the imposition of penalties for contravention of its provisions. The Act also provides for the establishment of a National Environment Tribunal to adjudicate on matters relating to environmental pollution.
The following are the sub topics of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986:
- Short title, extent and commencement
- Definitions
- Functions of the Central Government
- Functions of the State Government
- Establishment of Central Pollution Control Board
- Establishment of State Pollution Control Boards
- Functions of the Central Pollution Control Board
- Functions of the State Pollution Control Boards
- Power of the Central Government to give directions
- Power of the State Government to give directions
- Power of the Central Government to make rules
- Power of the State Government to make rules
- Power to delegate
- Offences and penalties
- Protection of action taken in good faith
- Power to remove difficulties
- Act to have overriding effect
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Repeal and saving
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Short title, extent and commencement
The short title of the Act is the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The Act extends to the whole of India. The Act came into force on 19 November 1986.
- Definitions
The following terms are defined in the Act:
- “Environment” means the aggregate of the following, namely:
- the air, water, land and the interrelationship which exists among and between them and human beings, other living creatures, Plants, micro-organisms and property;
- the physical, chemical and biological factors which affect the air, water, land and the interrelationship which exists among and between them and human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organisms and property;
- the social, economic and cultural factors which affect the quality of the air, water, land and the interrelationship which exists among and between them and human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organisms and property.
- “Pollution” means the state of contamination of the environment caused by the discharge of any effluent or other pollutant into any stream or well or into the air in such a manner as to cause environmental pollution.
- “Pollutant” means any solid, liquid or gaseous substance which in such concentration or combination can be harmful to human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organisms or property or which can interfere with the amenities of life or which is likely to pollute the environment.
- “Environment pollution” means the contamination of the environment caused by the discharge of any effluent or other pollutant into any stream or well or into the air in such a manner as to cause environmental pollution.
- “Effluent” means any liquid, solid or gaseous substance which is discharged from any premises into a stream or well or into the air.
- “Person” includes any individual, firm, company, corporation, association or body of individuals whether incorporated or not.
- “State Government” means the Government of any State in India.
- “Central Government” means the Government of India.
- “Board” means the Central Pollution Control Board or the State Pollution Control Board, as the case may be.
- “Inspector” means an Inspector appointed under section 13 of the Act.
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“National Environment Tribunal” means the National Environment Tribunal established under section 33 of the Act.
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Functions of the Central Government
The Central Government shall have the following functions:
- to formulate and lay down policies and programmes for the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution;
- to co-ordinate the activities of the State Governments in the matter of prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution;
- to provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Governments in the matter of prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution;
- to establish and maintain laboratories for the analysis of samples of air, water, Soil and other substances for the purpose of determining the presence of pollutants therein;
- to collect and disseminate information relating to environmental pollution;
- to undertake research and development in
What is environmental protection?
Environmental protection is the practice of protecting the natural environment by individuals, organizations and governments. Its goal is to conserve the Earth’s natural Resources and the wildlife that inhabit it. Environmental protection is important because it helps to ensure the survival of all life on Earth.
What are the benefits of environmental protection?
There are many benefits to environmental protection. Some of the most important benefits include:
- Protecting human Health: Environmental pollution can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. Environmental protection helps to reduce pollution and improve air quality, which can lead to better health for everyone.
- Protecting wildlife: Environmental protection helps to protect wildlife habitats and prevent the extinction of endangered species.
- Conserving Natural Resources: Environmental protection helps to conserve natural resources, such as water, forests, and Minerals. This is important because these resources are essential for human survival.
- Promoting Sustainable Development: Environmental protection promotes sustainable development, which is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
What are the challenges of environmental protection?
There are a number of challenges to environmental protection. Some of the most important challenges include:
- Climate change: Climate Change is one of the most serious environmental challenges facing the world today. 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 already having a significant impact on the planet, and it is expected to get worse in the future.
- Pollution: Pollution is another major environmental challenge. Pollution can come from a variety of sources, including factories, cars, and farms. It can cause a variety of health problems, and it can also damage the environment.
- Deforestation: Deforestation is the clearing of forests for other uses, such as agriculture or development. It is a major environmental problem because it destroys habitats for wildlife and contributes to climate change.
- Overpopulation: Overpopulation is the situation where there are too many people living in a particular area. It can lead to a number of environmental problems, such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change.
What can we do to protect the environment?
There are many things that we can do to protect the environment. Some of the most important things that we can do include:
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle: Reduce, reuse, and recycle are the three Rs of environmental protection. Reducing means consuming less, reusing means using things multiple times, and recycling means turning old materials into new products.
- Conserve energy: Conserving energy helps to reduce pollution and protect natural resources. We can conserve energy by turning off lights when we leave a room, unplugging electronics when we’re not using them, and using energy-efficient appliances.
- Drive less: Driving less helps to reduce Air Pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. We can drive less by walking, biking, or taking public transportation whenever possible.
- Eat less meat: Eating less meat helps to reduce the demand for meat, which in turn helps to reduce the amount of land that is used for agriculture. We can eat less meat by choosing vegetarian or vegan Options when we eat out, and by cooking more meals at home.
- Support sustainable businesses: Supporting sustainable businesses helps to promote the development of environmentally friendly products and Services. We can support sustainable businesses by buying products from companies that have a commitment to environmental protection.
What is the future of environmental protection?
The future of environmental protection is uncertain. There are a number of factors that could affect the future of environmental protection, including climate change, Population Growth, and Economic Development. However, there are also a number of reasons to be optimistic about the future of environmental protection. The world is becoming more aware of the importance of environmental protection, and there is a growing movement to promote sustainable development. With continued effort, we can create a more sustainable future for the planet.
The following are MCQs on the topic of environmental protection:
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Which of the following is not a goal of environmental protection?
(A) To protect human health and the environment
(B) To conserve natural resources
(C) To promote sustainable development
(D) To increase economic growth -
Which of the following is not a type of environmental pollution?
(A) Air pollution
(B) Water Pollution
(C) Land pollution
(D) Noise Pollution -
Which of the following is not a source of air pollution?
(A) Vehicles
(B) Factories
(C) Power plants
(D) Trees -
Which of the following is not a source of water pollution?
(A) Sewage
(B) Industrial waste
(C) Agricultural runoff
(D) Rainwater -
Which of the following is not a source of land pollution?
(A) Mining
(B) Construction
(C) Agriculture
(D) Trees -
Which of the following is not a way to reduce air pollution?
(A) Drive less
(B) Use public transportation
(C) Recycle
(D) Plant trees -
Which of the following is not a way to reduce water pollution?
(A) Reduce, reuse, and recycle
(B) Use less water
(C) Properly dispose of waste
(D) Plant trees -
Which of the following is not a way to reduce land pollution?
(A) Reduce, reuse, and recycle
(B) Use less paper
(C) Properly dispose of waste
(D) Plant trees -
Which of the following is not a government agency that is responsible for environmental protection?
(A) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
(B) The Department of Energy (DOE)
(C) The Department of the Interior (DOI)
(D) The Department of Agriculture (USDA) -
Which of the following is not a law that protects the environment?
(A) The Clean Air Act
(B) The Clean Water Act
(C) The Endangered Species Act
(D) The National Environmental Policy Act
Answers:
1. (D)
2. (D)
3. (D)
4. (D)
5. (D)
6. (C)
7. (C)
8. (C)
9. (B)
10. (D)