List various acts related to environment protection and briefly explain salient features of the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

 The environment is the natural system where living beings, including humans, coexist. The essential services provided by nature, including food, water, air, and other resources, are vital for our survival. However, human activities like industrialization, urbanization, and overexploitation of natural resources have led to environmental degradation. The consequences of environmental degradation have far-reaching effects on natural systems and human health. Various acts related to environmental protection have been enacted, with the primary goal of limiting environmental damage and preventing degradation.

Acts related to Environmental Protection

1. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act aims to prevent and control water pollution. It was enacted in 1974 and amended in 1988. The primary objective of the act is to maintain water quality in India by preventing and controlling water pollution. The Act establishes a Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB) to carry out the provisions of the Act. The act provides for penalties for polluting water bodies, both civil and criminal, and empowers the State Boards to take measures to prevent and control water pollution.

2. Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in 1981 to prevent and control air pollution in India. The Act established the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB) to carry out the provisions of the law. The Act empowers the CPCB and the SPCBs to issue directives to industries to limit and control air pollution. The Act provides for penalties for industries that violate the provisions of the act. The Air Act was amended in 1987 to regulate the emissions from vehicles.

3. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980

The Forest (Conservation) Act was enacted in 1980 to conserve forests and wildlife in India. The Act regulates the diversion of forestland for non-forestry purposes like agricultural development, mining, industrialization, and urbanization. The Act requires state governments to obtain the prior approval of the central government for any diversion of forestland for non-forestry purposes. The Act provides for penalties for violating the provisions of the Act.

4. National Green Tribunal Act, 2010

The National Green Tribunal Act was enacted in 2010, establishing the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to handle environmental disputes and petitions. The NGT is empowered to hear cases on environmental matters, including air pollution, water pollution, and forest conservation. The NGT has the power to impose penalties, including fines and imprisonment, on violators of environmental laws. The NGT is headed by a Chairperson and has several members, including judicial and technical experts.

5. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

The Wildlife Protection Act was enacted in 1972 to protect wildlife in India. The Act prohibits hunting, poaching, or killing of any wildlife species listed in the Act. The Act provides for the establishment of wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and other protected areas for wildlife conservation. The Act also provides for penalties for violating the provisions of the Act. The Wildlife Act was amended in 1986, 1991, and 2002 to include additional provisions for wildlife conservation.

6. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

The Environment (Protection) Act was enacted in 1986 to provide a framework for environmental protection and management in India. The Act empowers the central government to take measures to protect and improve the environment, including the prevention and control of pollution. The Act establishes the National Environment Appellate Authority (NEAA) to hear and resolve environmental disputes. The Act provides for the establishment of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) to carry out the provisions of the Act. The Act provides for penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for violating the provisions of the Act.

Salient Features of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

The Environment (Protection) Act was enacted in 1986, and its salient features are as follows:

1. Setting up of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs): The Act establishes the CPCB, SPCBs, and PCCs to carry out the provisions of the Act. The CPCB is responsible for developing national policies and guidelines for the prevention and control of pollution. The SPCBs are responsible for implementing the policies and guidelines at the state level. The PCCs are responsible for implementing the Act at the local level.

2. Powers of the central government: The Act provides for the central government to take measures to protect and improve the environment, including the prevention and control of pollution. The central government can prohibit or regulate industrial operations in specific areas or industries that cause pollution. The Act empowers the central government to declare any area a "critically polluted area" and to take appropriate measures to prevent and control pollution in the area.

3. Compliance with environmental standards: The Act empowers the CPCB and the SPCBs to set environmental standards for various industrial sectors. The act mandates industries to comply with these standards, failing which they would face penalties, including imprisonment and fines.

4. Inspection and monitoring of industries: The Act empowers the CPCB and the SPCBs to inspect and monitor industries to ensure compliance with environmental standards. The Act provides for penalties for industries that violate the provisions of the Act.

5. Environmental Clearances: The Act mandates industries to obtain environmental clearances before commencing operations. The clearance is granted after the CPCB and SPCBs assess the environmental impact of the proposed industrial activities.

6. Public Participation: The Act provides for public participation in decision-making processes related to environmental matters. The Act empowers the CPCB and the SPCBs to hold public hearings and consultations before granting environmental clearances.

7. Penalties: The Act provides for penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for violating the provisions of the Act. The Act empowers the CPCB and the SPCBs to take punitive measures against violating industries.

In conclusion, the environment plays a crucial role in the survival of living beings, including humans. However, human activities like industrialization, urbanization, and overexploitation of natural resources have led to environmental degradation. Various acts related to environmental protection have been enacted, with the primary goal of limiting environmental damage and preventing degradation. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, is a comprehensive legislation that establishes a framework for environmental protection and management in India. The Act empowers the central and state governments to take measures to protect and improve the environment, including the prevention and control of pollution. The Act also provides for penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for violating the provisions of the Act.

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