Environmental Laws and Policies

Eco-sensitive zones and green tribunals

Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)

  1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are areas around protected areas like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to act as a buffer zone.
  2. ESZs are established to reduce the adverse impact of human activities on critical ecosystems.
  3. Declared under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
  4. Also known as Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs).
  5. Objectives include preserving biodiversity, minimizing habitat fragmentation, and pro

CAMPA: Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management

Introduction

  1. CAMPA stands for Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority.
  2. It was established under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016.
  3. The program ensures effective utilization of funds collected for compensatory afforestation, reforestation, and forest management.

Purpose

  1. To compensate for the loss of forest area diverted for non-forest activities.
  2. To promote afforestation and ecological restora

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

Introduction

  1. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) was launched by the Government of India in 2008.
  2. It aims to address the challenges of climate change and promote sustainable development.
  3. The NAPCC integrates measures to enhance energy efficiency and conserve natural resources.

Objectives

  1. To reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
  2. To enhance the use of renewable energy sources.
  3. To promote energy conse

Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

Introduction

  1. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, was the first legislation in India focused on preventing and controlling water pollution.
  2. It aims to maintain and restore the wholesomeness of India's water bodies.
  3. This act led to the establishment of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).

Objectives

  1. To prevent and control water pollution and maintain water quality.

Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

Introduction

  1. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, was enacted to address and control air pollution in India.
  2. The act was introduced in response to the growing concern about the impact of air pollution on public health and the environment.
  3. The act draws inspiration from the recommendations of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm in 1972.

Objectives

  1. To prevent, control, and reduce air pollution in Ind

Forest Conservation Act, 1980

Introduction

  1. The Forest Conservation Act, 1980 was enacted to prevent deforestation and conserve forests in India.
  2. The act aims to regulate the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
  3. It was passed by the Indian Parliament on October 25, 1980.

Objectives

  1. To conserve and enhance the country’s forest cover.
  2. To restrict the indiscriminate use of forest land for agriculture, industry, and urban development.

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Introduction

  1. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is a comprehensive legislation enacted to protect wildlife, including plants and animals, and their habitats in India.
  2. It was passed by the Indian Parliament and came into force on September 9, 1972.
  3. The act provides for the establishment of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and other protected areas.

Objectives

  1. To ensure the protection and conservation of wildlife species.
  2. To prevent the

Environment Protection Act, 1986

Introduction

  1. The Environment Protection Act, 1986 is a comprehensive legislation enacted in India to provide for the protection and improvement of the environment.
  2. It was passed in response to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984, highlighting the need for stringent environmental laws.
  3. The act came into force on November 19, 1986.
  4. It serves as an umbrella legislation for coordinating the activities of various regulatory agencies under existing environmental laws.

Key Objectives

  1. To prov

Montreal Protocol, CITES

Montreal Protocol

  1. The Montreal Protocol is a landmark international treaty adopted in 1987 to protect the ozone layer.
  2. Its full title is the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
  3. Aims to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
  4. Came into force on January 1, 1989.
  5. Signed by 197 parties, making it one of the most successful environmental agreements globally.
  6. The p

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Introduction

  1. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a multilateral treaty adopted at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992.
  2. It aims to promote the conservation of biodiversity, ensure its sustainable use, and advocate for the equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
  3. The CBD entered into force on December 29, 1993, and currently has 196 parties, making it one of the most widely ratified international treaties.
Environmental Laws and Policies