Indian environmental law


Indian environmental law concerns the law and policy of India concerning the protection of the environment. Measures include attempts to address climate change and achieve a zero carbon economy.
Environment quality declined due to increasing pollution, loss of biological diversity, excessive concentration of harmful chemicals in the atmosphere and in food chains, and threats to life support systems. The Decisions taken at a United Nations conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm in June 1972 were based on the world's resolve to protect the environment. Although several measures had been taken for environmental protection both before and after the conference it decided to enact a comprehensive law on the subject. Accordingly, an environment protection bill was introduced in the Parliament. Some of the areas covered include:
As with environmental protection legislation in many countries, the regulations are effective only if they are properly enforced, which is not always the case in India.
'''Article 21 of the Constitution of India'''

Legislation

The Environment Protection Act of 1986 is enforced by the Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Boards.
  • National Green Tribunal established under the National Green Tribunal Act of 2010 has jurisdiction over all environmental cases dealing with a substantial environmental question and acts covered under the Water Act, 1974.
  • Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
  • Air Act, 1981
  • Air Rules, 1983

Water

Legislation to protect water quality include:

Forests and wildlife

Waste management

  • Batteries Rules, 2001
  • Recycled Plastics, Plastics Manufacture and Usage Rules, 1999
  • Basel Convention on Control of TransboundaryMovements on Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, 1989 and Its Protocols
  • Hazardous Wastes Amendment Rules, 2003
  • Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016