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The Environment Protection Act was passed in the year 1986 to protect and improve the environment and related matters. Earlier, the Indian Constitution did not have a provision for environmental protection. However, after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, the 1986 Environment Protection Act was passed by the Indian government for the protection of the environment against air, water, noise, and soil pollution. In this article, we will learn about the objectives and the main provisions of the Environment Protection Act 1986.
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Key Terms: Environment, pollutants, soil, Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Environment Protection Act
Environment (Protection) Act 1986
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The original constitution of India did not have any provisions related to natural environment conservation. However, by the 42nd amendment to the constitution, fundamental duties were added describing the protection of the natural environment including the protection of lakes, forests, wildlife, and rivers as the fundamental duty of all citizens.
- This act was launched in 1986 with the objective of preserving the environment and protecting it.
- After the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment was held in Stockholm, in 1972, measures were taken for improving the environmental condition.
- The Wildlife Protection Act 1972, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 were enacted followed by the 1986 Environment Protection Act 1986.
- It was passed by the Indian government for safeguarding the environment after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy on 2 December 1984, which emphasized on the need and measures for the protection of the environment.
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Objectives of the Environment Protection Act
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The Environment Protection Act was passed with the following objectives:
- To protect the environment from degradation and take actions to improve the current condition.
- To implement the decisions made at the UN Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm in 1972.
- To set up a government body to look after the industries and regulate the effect they have on the environment, and also issue direct orders such as for closure of industries.
- To punish and penalize those posing a danger to the environment, health, and safety. For each failure, a fine of up to 1 Lakh, a prison term of five years, or both can be included. In certain cases, the term can be extended up to seven years.
- To coordinate the work of the agencies for the protection of the environment under existing laws.
- To enforce this law in all regions, including the places earlier exempted under previous laws.
- To encourage and work towards sustainable development of the environment.
Read More: Effects of air pollution on environment
Main Provisions of the Environment Protection Act
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The Environment Protection Act allows the center to take all actions deemed fit for the protection of the environment.
- Under this act, protection of the environment against all forms of pollution is covered, including air, water, soil, and noise.
- The Centre can carry out various activities and programs to further environmental protection.
- The discharge or emission of environmental pollutants by industries will be regulated by safe standards, set by the Centre.
- Any citizen, except the authorized government officers, can file a complaint regarding a breach of any of the provisions of the EPA.
- Restrictions on certain locations for the establishment of a business or personal property can be imposed under this act if they seem to endanger the environment.
- Under this act, samples of air, water, or soil from any place can be tested and analyzed by the authorized party.
- The discharge of hazardous pollutants beyond safety standards by any individual or organization makes them liable for punishment and even a complete ban on their activity.
- Management of hazardous substances should be done as per the regulatory norms of the government.
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Things To Remember
- The Environment Protection Act was passed in 1986 to improve the current environmental condition and safeguard it from further deterioration.
- The EPA promotes sustainable development by encouraging the use of renewable energy sources.
- To regulate the pollutants released by industries and manage waste to protect the environment according to the safety standards set by the act.
- Any individual or organization posing a threat or danger to the environment is liable to be punished under the law.
- The Environment Protection Act is an important topic in the Chapter Environmental Issues for CBSE Class 12 Biology.
Previous Years Questions
- Which is wrong with respect to our responsibility as a human being to protect our environment? [JEE Mains 2019]
- BOD stands for? [JEE Mains 2016]
- Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) value can be a measure of water pollution caused by the…? [JEE Mains 2016]
- Ozone is destroyed by CFCs in the upper stratosphere Ozone holes increase the amount of UV…? [JEE Mains 2019]
- Addition of phosphate fertilisers to water bodies causes? [JEE Mains 2015]
- A water sample has ppm level concentration of the following metals…? [JEE Mains 2019]
Sample Questions
Ques 1. The leakage of which gas led to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy in 1984? (1 mark)
a)Ammonia
b)Methyl isocyanate
c)Hydrogen Sulphide
d)Nitrogen
Ans. b) Methyl isocyanate. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy was caused by the leakage of methyl isocyanate, leading to the death of thousands of people. It was one of the factors that led to the Environment Protection Act because of the severity of the incident.
Ques 2. When was the Environment Protection Act passed by the Government of India for the safeguarding of the environment?(1 mark)
a)1981
b)1986
c)1974
d)1971
Ans. b) 1986
The Environment Protection Act was passed in 1986 after the Bhopal gas incident. It was inspired by the UN Conference on the Human Environment, 1972
Ques 3. How, as an individual, can you contribute to protecting the environment? (5 mark)
Ans. Some steps that can be taken toward the protection and safeguarding of the environment by an individual are as follows:
- Get vehicles checked regularly to see whether they are emitting any harmful gases or contributing to noise pollution in the environment and have them fixed.
- Avoid the use of firecrackers for Diwali. Encourage others to follow the approach as the use of firecrackers lead to air and noise pollution.
- Use reusable bags made of cotton and jute and avoid the use of plastics.
- Prefer public transportation, the use of CNG, and cut down on the use of petrol and diesel as much as possible. Opt for cycling and walk whenever deemed fit.
- Produce compost from the biodegradable waste from the kitchen.
- Make judicious use of water. Be considerate about the waste generated and try to limit it as much as possible.
- Encouraging and spreading awareness about renewable sources of energy.
- Promote rainwater harvesting by working on ways to store and utilize rainwater at home.
Ques 4. What are the main provisions of the Environment Protection Act, 1986?(3 mark)
Ans. The main provisions of the Environment Protection Act are:
- The Environment Protection Act, of 1986, covers the safeguarding of the environment against all types of pollution: air, water, noise, and soil.
- The central authority will set safe limits for the emission of environmental pollutants and can carry out tests to check the conditions of soil, water, or air at any location. They can also impose a ban on the setting up of industries in certain locations.
- Any individual or organization performing activities that adversely affect the environment is liable for punishment and penalty under the law.
- The Centre can launch campaigns and initiatives for the reduction of pollution and for bettering the condition of the environment.
Ques 5. What are the objectives of the Environment Protection Act, 1986? (5 mark)
Ans. The objectives of the Environment Protection Act are as follows:
- To take measures to reduce pollution and improve the current environmental conditions.
- Create awareness about environmental protection among people by educating them through various campaigns.
- To promote the use of renewable resources and encourage sustainable development.
- To take strict actions against the factors causing a threat to the environment.
- To punish and penalize those posing a danger to the environment, health, and safety.
Ques 6. Why is the Environment Protection Act 1986 referred to as an umbrella act to discuss the most important environmental regulations? (2 marks)
Ans. The EPA is an “umbrella” legislation that provides a framework for the environmental regulatory regime in India. This covers all the major industrial and infrastructural activities and further prohibits and regulates specific activities in eco-sensitive areas and coastal areas.
Ques 7. How many sections are in the Environmental Protection Act? (3 marks)
Ans. The Environmental Protection Act consists of 26 articles which are divided into the following Chapters:
- Preliminary (I)
- General Powers of the Central Government (II)
- Prevention, Control, and Abatement of Environmental Pollution (III)
- Miscellaneous (IV).
Ques 8. How is the environment defined in Environment Protection Act? (1 mark)
Ans. As per EPA, the environment includes water, air, and land, and the inter-relationship between water, air, and land, and human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organisms, and property.
Ques 9. What is the importance of the environment protection Act 1986? (2 marks)
Ans. The purpose of the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) is to promote and support the management, protection, enhancement, and use of the environment wisely while preventing, mitigating, and remediating environmental impacts.
Ques 10. What are the 4 types of the environment? (2 marks)
Ans. The components of the environment can be classified as –
- Lithosphere
- Hydrosphere
- Biosphere
- Atmosphere
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