The Environmental Protection Act of 1986

Environmental Protection Act of 1986

The Environmental Protection Act of 1986 is a significant legislation enacted by the Government of India to address environmental concerns and protect the environment from pollution and degradation. This act provides a framework for the prevention, control, and abatement of environmental pollution and the conservation of natural resources. It empowers the central government to take measures to protect and improve the environment and sets standards for the discharge of environmental pollutants.

Objectives of the Environmental Protection Act

The Environmental Protection Act of 1986 has several key objectives that aim to safeguard the environment and promote sustainable development:

1. Prevention and Control of Pollution: The act aims to prevent and control pollution of all forms, including air, water, and land pollution. It provides the necessary legal framework to regulate and monitor activities that may have adverse environmental impacts.

2. Conservation of Natural Resources: The act emphasizes the conservation of natural resources such as forests, wildlife, and biodiversity. It encourages the sustainable use of resources and the protection of ecologically sensitive areas.

3. Environmental Impact Assessment: The act requires the assessment of the potential environmental impacts of developmental projects before they are undertaken. This helps in identifying and mitigating any adverse effects on the environment.

4. Public Participation: The act promotes public participation in environmental decision-making processes. It ensures that the opinions and concerns of the public are taken into account while granting environmental clearances and permits.

5. Coordination and Cooperation: The act facilitates coordination and cooperation between the central government, state governments, and various stakeholders involved in environmental protection. It establishes mechanisms for effective implementation and enforcement of environmental laws.

Standards for Discharge of Environmental Pollutants

The Environmental Protection Act of 1986 sets standards for the discharge of environmental pollutants to control and minimize their adverse effects on the environment. These standards are crucial in ensuring that industries and other entities do not pollute the air, water, or land beyond permissible limits. Some of the key standards for the discharge of environmental pollutants include:

1. Air Pollution Control: The act sets emission standards for various pollutants released into the air, such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds. Industries and other sources of air pollution are required to install pollution control devices and comply with these standards.

2. Water Pollution Control: The act establishes effluent standards for different types of industries to regulate the discharge of pollutants into water bodies. It defines the maximum permissible limits for parameters such as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), and pH.

3. Noise Pollution Control: The act sets noise standards to control excessive noise levels in residential, commercial, and industrial areas. It defines permissible limits for noise during different times of the day and specifies noise limits for different zones.

4. Hazardous Waste Management: The act lays down guidelines for the management and disposal of hazardous wastes generated by industries. It mandates the safe handling, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous wastes to prevent their adverse impact on the environment and human health.

5. Environmental Clearance: The act requires industries and developmental projects to obtain environmental clearances before commencing their operations. These clearances are granted based on the compliance of the project with environmental standards and the submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.

The Environmental Protection Act of 1986 and its standards for the discharge of environmental pollutants play a crucial role in protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable development. By enforcing these standards, the government aims to minimize pollution, conserve natural resources, and maintain a healthy and clean environment for present and future generations.