What is Environmental Governance and Policy?
Historical Background
Key Points
8 points- 1.
Legal Framework: Includes major acts like Environment Protection Act 1986, Forest Conservation Act 1980, Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981, and National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
- 2.
Institutional Framework: Comprises the MoEFCC, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), National Green Tribunal (NGT), and various expert committees and regulatory bodies.
- 3.
Policy Framework: Guided by policies such as the National Forest Policy 1988, National Environment Policy 2006, and various climate action plans and strategies.
- 4.
Judicial Role: The Supreme Court and High Courts play a critical role through judicial review, PILs, and interpreting environmental laws, as seen in the Aravalli case and the Godavarman judgment.
- 5.
Constitutional Mandates: Article 48A (Directive Principle - protection and improvement of environment) and Article 51A(g) (Fundamental Duty - protect and improve the natural environment).
- 6.
Public Participation: Encouragement of citizen groups, NGOs (like Aravalli Bachao Andolan), and local communities in environmental decision-making, monitoring, and advocacy.
- 7.
Sustainable Development: The overarching principle guiding all environmental policies and governance, aiming to balance development with ecological preservation.
- 8.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): A key regulatory tool for evaluating the environmental consequences of proposed development projects before approval.
Visual Insights
Pillars of Environmental Governance in India
A comprehensive mind map illustrating the multi-dimensional framework of environmental governance in India, encompassing legal, institutional, policy, and judicial aspects, along with public participation.
Environmental Governance in India
- ●Legal Framework
- ●Institutional Framework
- ●Policy Framework
- ●Judicial Role & Constitutional Mandates
- ●Public Participation
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Process in India
A flowchart illustrating the sequential steps involved in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process in India, a crucial regulatory tool for evaluating the environmental consequences of proposed projects.
- 1.Project Proponent Submits Application
- 2.Screening (Categorization of Project)
- 3.Scoping (Terms of Reference for EIA Study)
- 4.EIA Study & Report Preparation
- 5.Public Consultation (Public Hearing, Written Responses)
- 6.Appraisal (Expert Appraisal Committee/State Expert Appraisal Committee)
- 7.Decision Making (Grant/Rejection of Environmental Clearance)
- 8.Monitoring of Compliance
- 9.Project Implementation
Recent Developments
5 developmentsDebates on proposed amendments to environmental laws, balancing ease of doing business with environmental protection.
Increased focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, including India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Strengthening the role of NGT in environmental dispute resolution and enforcement.
Emphasis on circular economy principles and comprehensive waste management policies.
International collaborations and commitments (e.g., Paris Agreement, Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)) influencing national policies and governance structures.