India’s Environment Policies & Protection

India’s Environment Policies & Protection

Environment & Indian Constitution

Constitutional Provisions

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

Article 48A

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

Article 51A (g)

• 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.

Environment Ministry

• In 1980, the Union Government of India established the Department of Environment.

• In 1985, it was renamed the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

• In 2014, it was again renamed the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.

Environmental Policies of India

• National Forest Policy, 1988

• National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and Development, 1992

• Policy Statement on Abatement 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

  • EIA Details:

(In 1994, EIA was made mandatory for certain types of projects, e.g., nuclear power, river valley projects, ports, harbours, etc. Under this regulation, the project proponent is required to submit an EIA report to the Environment Ministry, and after granting clearance from the ministry, they can begin the project. This clearance letter is valid for 5 years.)

Key Environmental Institutions

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) 1974

• The CPCB provides technical services to the environment ministry about the provisions of the 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 a renewable source and does not produce any hazardous waste.

• In other words, it is eco-friendly.

National Green Tribunal (NGT), 2010

The 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 the Supreme Court.

• This body is established by Parliament (National Green Tribunal Act, 2010).

• It is based on the 'Polluter Pays' principle and the principle of sustainable development.

Environmental Ethics

Environmental ethics tries to define the moral basis of environmental responsibility. There are three possible viewpoints:

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 humans)—have an inherent right to exist and live without hindrance.

3. Ecocentric

• This is the conservation ethic.

•  The 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.

Environmental Justice

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

Environmental Movement in India

* Since Bishnois have followed Bishnoi [Bish(=Twenty)+Noi(=Nine)] principles laid down by Guru Jambhoj, they have been called Bishnoi. These principles emphasize the conservation of plant & animal & species.

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 Shukla Paksha, Bhadra Month, in year 1730 AD 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 Khejri trees.

• Khejarli/Khejadli: A village in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. The name is derived from khejri (Prosopis cineraria) trees, which were in abundance in the village.

Government of India started the Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award (also known as the Amrita Devi Bishnoi National Award) for wildlife conservation. The award consists of cash of Rs. 1,00,000 and is given to individuals or institutions involved in wildlife protection.

Government of Rajasthan started the prestigious state-level Amrita Devi Vishnoi Smriti Award for excellent contribution to the protection and conservation of wild animals. The award consists of cash Rs. 25,000 and a prashasti.

Final Thoughts

The environment and the Indian Constitution together provide a strong foundation for sustainable growth and ecological balance. With provisions like Article 48A and Article 51A(g), both the state and citizens are entrusted with the duty of protecting nature. The establishment of the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, along with landmark policies and acts, reflects India’s commitment to conservation.

Institutions like the CPCB, Eco-mark certification, and the National Green Tribunal play a vital role in implementing and monitoring environmental safeguards. Moreover, the rise of environmental ethics and the concept of environmental justice underline the moral and social responsibility toward nature.

The rich history of environmental movements in India, from the Bishnoi sacrifice to the Narmada Bachao Andolan, showcases people’s determination to protect natural resources. In essence, India’s environmental journey is a blend of constitutional backing, policy reforms, institutional support, and people’s participation, making it a holistic approach to sustainability.