Environment Policies, Law, Ethics and Rule & Regulation

Environment Policies, Law, Ethics and Rule & Regulation

Environment & Indian Constitution:

The constitution of India (42nd Amendment Act, 1976) explicitly incorporates environmental protection and improvement.

Article 48A:

The state shall endeavour to protect and improve environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.

Article 51A (g):

It shall be 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.

Environment Ministry:

• In 1980, the Union Government of India established the Department of Environment.
• In 1985, it renamed the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
• In 2014, it renamed again the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.

Environmental Policies of India:

• National Forest Policy, 1988
• National Conservation Strategy and Poliev Statement on Environment and Development, 1992
• Policy Statement on Abarement of Pollution, 1992
• National Environmental Action Programme, 1994
• National Agriculture Policy, 2000
• National Population Policy, 2000
• National Water Policy, 2002
• Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002
• National Environment Policy, 2006

Important Environmental Acts, Rules & Regulations of India:

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
• Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1974
• Forest Conservation Act, 1980

• Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1981
• Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
• Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986
• Environment Impact Assessment—EIA, 1994 (In 1994, EIA was made mandatory for certain types of projects e.g. nuclear power, river valley project, ports, harbours etc. Under this regulation, the project proponent requires to submit an EIA report to Environment Ministry and after granting clearance from ministry he can begin the project. This clearance letter is valid for 5 years.)

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) 1974:

The CPCB provides technical services to the environment ministry with regard to the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Eco-mark 1991:

Eco-mark is a certification mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (the national standards organisation of India) to products conforming to a set of standards aimed at the least impact on the ecosystem. The marking scheme was started in 1991. The earthen pot is chosen as the symbol of Eco-mark, because it is renewable source and doest not produce any hazardous waste. In other words it is eco-friendly.

National Green Tribunal (NGT), 2010:

National Green Tribunal is a tribunal exclusively dedicated to environmental issues/ matters. The Indian government established NGT in October 2010, headed by a former judge of Supreme Court. This body is established by Parliament (National Green Tribunal Act, 2010). It is based on 'Polluter Pays' principle and the principle of sustainable development.

Environmental Ethics:

Environmental ethics try to define the moral basis of environmental responsibility. There are three possible view points-

1. Anthropocentric (Man-centric):

This is the development ethic. Our environmental responsibility is to ensure that the earth remains hospitable and pleasant for human beings.

2. Biocentric:

This is the preservation ethic. All forms of life-Plants & animals (including human)- have an inherent right to exist and live without hindrance.

3. Ecocentric:

This is the conservation ethic. Environment deserves care and consideration by itself and not out of the interests of plants & animals (including man). It should be our aim to move from the current anthropocentric view to an ecocentric view.

4. Environmental Justice: 

An equal justice and equal protection for all under the environment laws and regulations without any discrimination based on race, cast, ethnicity or socio-economic status is known as Environmental Justice.

Environmental Movement in India

Amrita Devi Bishnoi/Beniwal (d.1730):

Amrita Devi, a follower of Bishnoi cult established by Jambhoji, sacrificed her life along with her three daughters namely Asu, Rani & Bhagu on 10th day of ShuklaPaksha, Bhadra Month, in year 1730AD to save green trees being felled by Abhay Singh, the Maharaja of Jodhpur at a place known as khejarli in Marwar, Rajasthan. Along with her more than 363 other Bishnois of khejarli village died saving the kherji trees. [Khejarli/Khejadli: It is a village in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. The name of the village, (now town) is derived from khejri (prospis cineraria) trees, which were in abundance in the village] Government of India have started the national leve'. Amrita Devi Bishnoi wildlife protection award (a/sc known as Amrita Devi Bishnoi National Award) for wildlife conservation. The award consists of cash Rs. 1,00,000 and given to individuals or institution involved in wildlife protection. Government of Rajasthan have started the prestigious state level Amrita Devi VishnoiSmriti Award for excellent contribution tc the protection and conservation of wild animals. Award consists of cash Rs. 25,000 and a prashasti.