Notes

Important Environmental Acts in India

According to the 42nd Amendment in the Constitution of India, “The state shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country”. The government of India acted upon this amendment and has introduced various acts and laws specifically designed to protect wildlife and the environment. 

Important Environmental Acts in India

Here are some of the significant environmental acts in India. 

Air Protection and Control of Pollution Act, 1981

It gives the state and central boards the power to enforce this act. The last amendment was in 1987.

Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules 2001

This applies to the manufacturing, handling, and management of batteries and their components. It also includes regulations for used batteries. The rules are under the Environment Protection Act 1986.

Biological Diversity Act 2002

This is for the sustainable use and conservation of biological diversity and the proper sharing of benefits from these resources.

Biomedical Waste Management & Handling Rules, 1998

It directs the healthcare industry to process and handle the hospital waste with proper segregation, management, disposal, and treatment. This rule comes under the Environmental Protection Act 1986, with an amendment in 2016.

Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991

It regulates activities such as construction to protect water bodies along the coastline. It comes under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. 

Environmental Protection Act, 1986

This act was implemented to improve the protection of environmental quality, control pollution, and restrict operations that pollute the environment. This was enforced after the Bhopal Gas tragedy and was amended in 1991. 

Forest Conservation Act 1980

This is for the protection and conservation of forests. The last amendment was in 1988. 

Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management & Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016

This is an amendment to the Hazardous Waste Management & Handling Rules, 1989. It controls the generation, treatment, collection, storage, import and handling of biohazard waste. 

Indian Forest Act, 1927

This act is for the protection of the forest, transport, and the duty levied on forest products. 

Manufacture, Storage, and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989

It authorises an authority to properly inspect the industrial activities if hazardous chemicals and their storage. The rules were amended in 2000. It comes under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. 

National Green Tribunal Act 2010

This act is for the effective disposal of environmental-related cases concerning forest conservation and other natural resources. It also helps the enforcement of laws and rules related to giving proper relief funds or compensation for damages to persons or property. 

Noise Pollution Regulation & Control Rules 2000

It enacts the terms and conditions related to noise pollution to protect human health. These rules come under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. It was last amended in 2010. 

Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016

These rules enforce the use of plastic bags of 40-50 microns in thickness and reduce the use of plastic that is under 50 microns. It was implemented right from the Gram Panchayat level. 

Public Liability Insurance Act 1991

This act is to provide instant relief to persons affected by accidents involving hazardous substances handling. It was amended in 1992. 

Ozone Depleting Substances Regulation & Control Rules, 2000

It regulates the production of ozone-depleting substances and comes under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. 

Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006

It recognises and protects the forest rights, occupation of forest land by tribes and forest dwellers. 

Solid Waste Management Rules 2016

It is an amendment of the Municipal Solid Waste (Management & Handling) Rules 2000. It applies to all areas for proper collection, segregation, storage, transportation, processing, and disposal of solid waste. It comes under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. 

Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

It prevents water pollution, establishes the quality and amount of effluents, etc. Under this rule, the industries that dispose of waste into water bodies must seek permission. It was amended in 1988. 

Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977

It enforces a fee or cess on industrial usage of water. It was amended in 2003. 

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

It protects anything connected to bird, animals, and their habitat. It was amended in 2006. 

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