Environmental law in India has a long and complex history, shaped by a range of social, political, and economic factors. From the early colonial period to the present day, Indian environmental law has evolved in response to changing environmental challenges and the growing awareness of the need to protect and preserve India’s rich natural heritage.
Also Read History of Environmental Law in India
The early colonial period saw the establishment of several laws and policies aimed at regulating the use and exploitation of natural resources in India. The Indian Forest Act, 1927, was one such law, which aimed to regulate the movement and felling of timber, as well as to protect forests from over-exploitation. It also gave the government the power to declare certain areas as reserved or protected forests. Similarly, the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1935, was introduced to regulate hunting and poaching of wild animals in India.
Post-independence, India continued to develop its environmental law framework, responding to a range of new challenges including air and water pollution, waste management, and climate change. The Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, provided the legal basis for environmental protection in India. Article 48A of the Constitution, added in 1976, placed a duty on the state to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.
In 1974, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was passed to prevent and control water pollution in India. The act created a system of water quality monitoring and regulation, and established the Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Boards to oversee enforcement. Similarly, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, aimed to prevent and control air pollution in India.
The most significant environmental law in India, however, is the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. This act provides a comprehensive framework for the protection and improvement of the environment, covering a wide range of issues including air and water pollution, hazardous waste management, and biodiversity conservation. The act created the National Green Tribunal, a specialized court for environmental disputes.
Over the past few decades, India has enacted several other key environmental laws, such as the National Biodiversity Act, 2002, and the National River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management) Act, 2016. These laws are aimed at protecting and conserving India’s unique biodiversity and its iconic rivers, respectively.
In recent years, India has also taken significant steps to address the growing threat of climate change. In 2010, India passed the National Action Plan on Climate Change, which outlines a range of measures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. India was also a signatory to the Paris Agreement on climate change in 2015, and has set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy in its power mix.
Despite these efforts, there remain significant challenges in implementing and enforcing environmental laws in India. Corruption, weak institutional capacity, and inadequate resources are some of the key barriers to effective environmental governance in the country. There is also a need for greater public awareness and participation in environmental decision-making, as well as more effective regulation of industries and businesses.
In conclusion, the history of environmental law in India is a long and complex one, shaped by a range of social, political, and economic factors. While India has made significant progress in developing a robust legal framework for environmental protection over the past century, there is still much work to be done to ensure that these laws are effectively implemented and enforced. Nevertheless, India’s commitment to environmental protection and conservation is growing stronger by the day, as the country recognizes the critical importance of preserving its natural heritage for future generations.