India’s Major Environmental Laws: Wildlife, Forest, Air, Water
1. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 was enacted to protect wild animals, birds, and plants and to ensure ecological and environmental security in India. The Act provides for the creation of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves, and community reserves. It prohibits hunting, poaching, and illegal trade of wildlife and wildlife products. The Act classifies species into six schedules, with Schedules I and II providing the highest level of protection. It also establishes authorities such as the National Board for Wildlife and State Wildlife Boards. The Act has played a key role in conserving endangered species like the tiger, elephant, and rhinoceros.
2. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 was enacted to prevent deforestation and conserve forest land in India. The Act restricts the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes without prior approval of the Central Government. It aims to maintain ecological balance, preserve biodiversity, and check environmental degradation. The Act also regulates activities such as mining, industrial projects, and infrastructure development in forest areas. By controlling forest land use, the Act promotes sustainable development and long-term conservation of forest resources.
3. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 was introduced to prevent and control water pollution and to maintain or restore the quality of water in rivers, lakes, and groundwater. The Act established the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs). These boards monitor water quality, regulate discharge of pollutants, and grant consent to industries. The Act prohibits the disposal of untreated sewage and industrial effluents into water bodies. It also prescribes penalties for violations, thus helping protect public health and aquatic ecosystems.
4. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 was enacted to prevent, control, and reduce air pollution in India. Under this Act, the CPCB and SPCBs were empowered to implement air quality standards and regulate emissions from industries and vehicles. The Act allows the government to declare air pollution control areas. Industries operating in such areas must obtain consent before releasing pollutants. The Act also prescribes penalties for non-compliance. It plays a vital role in controlling industrial emissions and improving air quality.
5. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 was enacted after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy to provide comprehensive protection to the environment. It empowers the Central Government to take measures to protect and improve environmental quality. The Act covers air, water, soil, and noise pollution and regulates hazardous substances. It provides a framework for issuing environmental standards, conducting environmental impact assessments (EIA), and enforcing penalties. This Act serves as an umbrella legislation for environmental protection in India.
6. The National Environmental Tribunal Act, 1995
The National Environmental Tribunal Act, 1995 was enacted to provide strict liability and compensation to victims of environmental accidents involving hazardous substances. The Act aimed to ensure speedy justice and relief for damage to persons, property, and the environment. It established the National Environmental Tribunal, consisting of judicial and expert members. The Act followed the “polluter pays” principle. Although later replaced by the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, it laid the foundation for specialized environmental justice in India.