Environmental Laws in India

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
Environmental Laws in India