What is Environmental Protection?
Historical Background
Key Points
9 points- 1.
Article 48A (Directive Principles of State Policy): State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.
- 2.
Article 51A(g) (Fundamental Duty): It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
- 3.
Article 21 (Right to Life): Interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to a clean and healthy environment.
- 4.
Environment (Protection) Act 1986: Umbrella legislation for environmental protection, giving powers to the Central Government.
- 5.
Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: For protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, and establishment of protected areas.
- 6.
Forest (Conservation) Act 1980: Regulates the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
- 7.
National Green Tribunal Act 2010: Established NGT for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation.
- 8.
India is committed to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action, life on land, and clean water.
- 9.
The Polluter Pays Principle and Precautionary Principle are key judicial doctrines applied in environmental cases.
Visual Insights
Evolution of Environmental Protection Policies
Timeline showing the key milestones in the evolution of environmental protection policies, both globally and in India.
Environmental protection policies have evolved significantly over the past few decades, driven by growing awareness of environmental degradation and the need for sustainable development.
- 1972Stockholm Conference: UN Conference on the Human Environment.
- 1974Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, India.
- 1981Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, India.
- 1986Environment Protection Act, India.
- 1992Rio Earth Summit: UN Conference on Environment and Development.
- 1997Kyoto Protocol adopted.
- 2010National Green Tribunal Act, India.
- 2015Paris Agreement adopted.
- 2023India launches National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
- 2025India's updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted to UNFCCC.
Recent Developments
5 developmentsIncreased focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies through national policies.
Promotion of renewable energy, e-mobility, and circular economy principles.
Initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Namami Gange, and National Clean Air Programme.
Debate and amendments related to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) notification.
Enhanced judicial intervention and activism in environmental matters, often through Public Interest Litigations (PILs).