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Environment Protection Act 1986

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The Environment Protection Act was introduced in India in 1986 to address the growing impact of pollution on the environment, health, society, and economy. The objective was to create a framework and legal safeguard to control the level of pollution affecting the environment that also slows down economic progress by damaging crops and biodiversity. There is a need to implement action plans to reduce the impact of pollution on the social and community level by controlling waste generation. The government also has the responsibility to take care of region-specific environmental issues that generate frequent health problems The act defines different standards and guidelines to control the adverse impact of pollution on the environment.

Objectives of the Environment Protection Act, 1986:

The implementation of this act aims to improve the quality of the environment by assessing the pollution level through the analysis of air, water, and soil of any place using suitable testing procedures. The law suggests the formation of a regulatory body that would specify norms and standards for the release of pollutants by industries. The law empowers government authorities to inspect the operations and ensure that the industries operate in compliance with regulatory requirements. The government can also impose restrictions or take legal actions if the emission or discharge of pollutants crosses the specified limits. The act recommends organizing nationwide awareness programs to involve more people to contribute to the protection of the environment. 

Features of the Environment Protection Act, 1986:

The government of India enacted the Environment Protection Act, 1986 under Article 253 of the Indian constitution. The Act includes different provisions and procedures to reduce the growing impact of pollution on the environment. The details of actions and regulations implemented under the Environment Protection Act are given below.

A. Empowering Central Government:

The Act empowers the central government to plan and implement all necessary measures in coordination with the state governments, towards the protection of the environment in different parts of the country. The responsibilities of the central government include setting up standards for the emission of harmful components such as industrial discharge. It has the authority to restrict certain areas from access to processes or operations that might cause pollution of the environment.

B. Restriction On Pollutant Discharge:

All industries and organizations have to comply with the prescribed standards of pollutants discharged. The central government has the right to prohibit or regulate operations that are found non-compliant with standards defined in the act.

C. Handling of Hazardous Materials:

There are defined safeguards and procedures for handling hazardous substances that every individual and organization should follow.

D. Inspection Authority:

An authorized representative of the central government can inspect plants and machinery to check the necessary compliances with the guidelines mentioned in the act. He can record and prepare reports regarding any offensive actions that are found punishable under the act. The government-appointed officer can collect samples for testing in the laboratory. The government assigns officers with different responsibilities and functions to ensure the enactment of the law for the protection of the environment.

E. Penalties For Offences:

If any action or process is found not as per the specified parameters as defined in the act, the concerned authority is charged as guilty. As per the Environment Protection Act, this may lead to imprisonment and a fine. The punishment for breaking any rules as specified under the law, the punishment includes a prison term of up to five years or a fine of up to Rs. 1 lakh, or both

F. Establish Environmental Laboratories:

Under this act, the central government is entitled to establish new laboratories or develop existing laboratories to carry out specified testing activities. The central government also defines certain rules for the functioning of these laboratories.

G. Information And Reports:

The central government authority can seek reports from any agency or organization related to their functioning under this act.

Important Government Data Regarding Environment Protection Act, 1986:

  • The government of India enacted the Environment Protection, 1986 under Article 253 of the Indian constitution. 
  • The punishment for breaking any rules as specified under the law, the punishment includes a prison term of up to five years or a fine of up to Rs. 1 lakh, or both. 

Conclusion:

The increased pollution level in the environment has adversely affected the ecosystem and biodiversity. To improve the quality of the ambient atmosphere, the government has taken serious steps through various legislations and rules to control the indiscriminate release of harmful materials and other activities that pose threat to the environment. The Environmental Protection Act, of 1986 is the most significant measure in this regard to promote sustainable development in India with environmental protection.


Last Updated : 06 Aug, 2022
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