21-04-2014, 02:34 PM
LAWS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
INTRODUCTION
In India, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) is the apex administrative body for :-
(i) regulating and ensuring environmental protection;
(ii) formulating the environmental policy framework in the country;
(iii) undertaking conservation & survey of flora, fauna, forests and wildlife; and
(iv) planning, promotion, co-ordination and overseeing the implementation of environmental and forestry programmes.
The Ministry is also the Nodal agency in the country for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
The umbrella legislation which authorizes the Central Government to protect and improve environmental quality, and prohibit or restrict the setting and /or operation of any industrial facility on trol and reduce pollution from all environmental grounds.
According to the Act, the term "environment" includes water, air and land and the inter- relationship which exists among and between water, air and land, and human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organism and property.
Under the Act the Central Government shall have the power to take all such measures as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of environment and preventing, controlling and abating environmental pollution.
Acts relating to Water Pollution
Are comprehensive in their coverage, applying to streams, inlandwaters, subterranean waters, and seas or tidal waters.
These Acts also provide for a permit system or ‘consent' procedure to prevent and control water pollution.
They generally prohibit disposal of polluting matter in streams, wells and sewers or on land in excess of the standards established by the state boards.
Rules relating to Noise pollution
Aims at controlling noise levels in public places from various sources like industrial activity, construction activity, generator sets, loud speakers, public address systems, music systems, vehicular horns and other mechanical devices having deleterious effects on human health and the psychological well being of the people
CONCLUSION
The Environmental Protection Act 1986 was passed after the BHOPAL TRAGEDY 1984 to cover many aspects other than prevention and control of pollution.It is our fundamental duty to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures