Environmental Laws and Regulations PDF

Course Name: Environmental studies Course Code: 24AGNSVAC01 Name of the Program/Semester:BHMCT/SOL/SOHPE/SOET By: Ms. Harmandeep Kaur  UNIT-6 Environmental Treaties and Legislation The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 The Wate...

Course Name: Environmental studies Course Code: 24AGNSVAC01 Name of the Program/Semester:BHMCT/SOL/SOHPE/SOET By: Ms. Harmandeep Kaur  UNIT-6 Environmental Treaties and Legislation The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 Role of NGOs in environment protection,  Environmental Treaties and Legislation Law provides a framework of regulating the use of environment. Such a framework is crucial for environmental management in a no. of ways and helps in regulation of resource use, protection of environment and biodiversity and formulation of stable , unambiguous undertakings and agreements.  1. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 This act came into force on 9th December. The act was amended in the years 1982 and 1986. It contains 7 chapters , 6 schedule and 66 sections. The main objective of this act is to assure conservation and management of wild life. “We speak for those who cannot speak for themselves” George Thorndike Angell, 1869  Sections: Section 9 and 11- Animals included in schedule I,II,III can not be hunted such as Dolphins, Spparrows, bulbul, Ducks Etc. Killing of a dangerous wild animal in self defence would not be considered an offence. Section 17A,17B,17C and 17D- Picking , uprooting etc of specified plants is strictly prohibited. Permission may be guaranteed for educational and scientific study. Section 18 and 27 and 38 – Powers to State Govt. to declare any area as a sanctuary. Provision of constituting Central Zoo, Destruction, fire , entry with weapons is strictly prohibited. Section 39- Declaration of wild animals as govt. property. Section 44- Trading without licence is prohibited. Hunting is punishable. Punishment may be imprisonment up to 5 years and fine may be from Rs.5000- Rs.25000. Salient Features of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 Applicable all over India except Jammu and Kashmir which has its own Act. Hunting of any scheduled animal prohibited- Exceptions- mice, rats, common crow and fruit bats. Hunting- also includes capturing and trapping a wild animal  What can an individual do? 1) If you observe an act of poaching, inform the local Forest Department Official OR report the event through the press. Follow up to check that action is taken by the concerned authority. 2) Say ‘no’ to the use of wildlife products 3) Reduce the use of wood and wood products wherever possible. 4) Avoid misuse of paper because it is madefrom bamboo and wood, which destroys wildlife habitat. 5)Do not harm animals. 6) Do not disturb birds nests. 7) When you visit the Zoo do not tease the animals by throwing stones. 8) If you come across an injured animal do what you can to help it. 9) If the animal needs medical care and expert attention contact the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in your city. 10) Create awareness about biodiversity conservation 11) Join organizations, which are concernedwith protection of biodiversity 2. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 The Government has formulated this Act in 1974 to be able to prevent pollution of water by industrial, agricultural and household wastewater that can contaminate our water sources. Controlling the point sources by monitoring levels of different pollutants is one way to prevent pollution by giving a punishment to a polluter. The main objectives is to provide for prevention, control and abatement of water pollution and the maintenance or restoration of the wholesomeness of water. It is designed to assess pollution levels and punish polluters. The Central Government and State Governments have set up Pollution Control Boards that monitor water pollution.  Power of Central Board Power to advise the Central Government on any matters. Coordinates the activities of the State Boards and also resolves disputes. Provide technical assistance and guidelines to State Boards to carry out investigations and research relating to water pollution, and organizes training for people involved in the process. Organizes awareness program on water pollution through mass media and also publishes data regarding water pollution. Main function of the Central Board is to promote the cleanliness of rivers lakes streams and wells in the country.  Power of State Board Power to advise the State Government on any matters. It collects and disseminates information on water pollution and participates in research in collaboration with the Central Board. and guidelines to State Boards. Inspects sewage or trade effluents, treatment plants, purification plants and the systems of disposal plans the utilization of sewage water for agriculture. Have the power to obtain information from officers empowered by it who make surveys, keep records of flow, volume, and other characteristics of the water.. Has the power of inspecting any plant record, register, document or any material object, and can conduct a search in any place.  What can an individual do? 1) Inform the Pollution Control Board of any offender who is polluting water 2) Do not dump wastes into a household or industrial drain which can directly enter any water body, such as a stream, river, pond, lake or the sea 3) Do not use toilets for flushing down waste items. 4) Use compost instead of chemical fertilizers in gardens. 5) Do not bath,Wash directly into water bodies 6) Donot dump waste into water bodies.  3. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 The Forest Conservation Act of 1980 was enacted to control deforestation. It ensured that forestlands could not be de-reserved without prior approval of the Central Government. No person is allowed to make clearings or set fire to a Reserved Forest Cattle are not permitted to trespass into the Reserved Forest Felling, collecting of timber, bark or leaves, collecting any forest product is punishable with imprisonment for a term of six months, or with a fine which may extend to Rs.500. Offences may be seized by any Forest Officer or Police Officer. Any Forest Officer, even without an order from the Magistrate or a warrant, can arrest any person against whom a reasonable suspicion exists  What can an individual do? Be alert to destructive activities in your local green areas Be in touch with concerned local NGOs and associations. Create awareness about the existence and value of National Parks and Sanctuaries Pressurize the authorities to implement the forest and wildlife laws and rules to protect green areas Use better, ecologically sensitive public transport and bicycle tracks. Do not litter in a forest area. Participate in preservation of greenery, by planting, watering and caring for plants  4. The Air (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT 1981 Sources of air pollution such as industry, vehicles, powerplants, etc. are not permitted to release particulate matter etc. Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) have been set up by Government to measure pollution levels in the atmosphere and at certain sources by testing the air by using air sampling equipment. This Act is created ‘to take appropriate steps for the preservation of the natural resources of the earth which among other things includes the preservation of high quality air and ensures controlling the level of air pollution.  Power and Functions of the Board To implement legislation created to improve the quality of air and to prevent and control air pollution in the country. Coordinates the activities of the State Boards and also resolves disputes. Collects and disseminates information in respect of matters relating to air pollution. Have the right to inspect at all reasonable times any control equipment, industrial plant, or manufacturing process and give orders to take the necessary steps to control pollution. Have powers to declare air pollution control areas after consulting with the State Board. Persons managing industry are to be penalized if they produce emissions of air pollutants in excess of the standards laid down by the State Board.  What can an individual do? When you see a polluting vehicle take down the number and send a letter to the Road Transport Office (RTO) and the Pollution Control Board (PCB) Use cars only when absolutely necessary. Use public transport Do not use air fresheners and other aerosols and sprays which contain CFCs Do not smoke in a public place Coughing can spread bacteria and viruses. Use a handkerchief.  5. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 1. This Act is created ‘to take appropriate steps for the preservation of the natural resources of the earth which among other things includes the preservation of high quality air and ensures controlling the level of air pollution. 2. The main objectives of the Act are as follows: (a) To provide for the Prevention, Control and abatement of air pollution. (b) To provide for the establishment of Central and State Boards with a view to implement the Act. (c) To confer on the Boards the powers to implement the provisions of the Act and assign to the Boards functions relating to pollution  Rules to regulate environmental pollution. 1. the standards of quality of air, water or soil for various areas and purposes; 2. the maximum allowable limits of concentration of various environmental pollutants (including noise) for different areas; 3. the procedures and safeguards for the handling of hazardous substances; 4. the prohibition and restrictions on the handling of hazardous substances in different areas; 5. the prohibition and restrictions on the location of industries and the carrying on of processes and operations in different areas; 6. the procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents which may cause environmental pollution and for providing for remedial measures for such accidents. Thank You….