India has a robust framework of environmental laws aimed at protecting and conserving
the environment. Here are some key legislations:
1. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: This is an umbrella legislation for the protection
and improvement of the environment. It empowers the central government to take
measures to protect and improve environmental quality.
2. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: This act aims to prevent and
control water pollution and maintain or restore the wholesomeness of water.
3. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: This act focuses on the
prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution.
4. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: It provides for the protection of wild animals, birds,
and plants.
5. The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010: This act established the National Green Tribunal
(NGT) for effective and expeditious disposal of cases related to environmental protection.
6. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002: It aims to conserve biological diversity and ensure
sustainable use of its components.
7. Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2018: This regulates activities in coastal
areas to protect the environment.
India's Constitution also emphasizes environmental protection through Directive Principles
of State Policy (Article 48A) and Fundamental Duties (Article 51A), which urge citizens and
the state to safeguard the environment.
The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) is a significant social movement in India that began
in 1985 to protest against the construction of large dams on the Narmada River. Led by
Medha Patkar, along with activists like Baba Amte, the movement raised concerns about
the displacement of tribal communities, environmental degradation, and inadequate
rehabilitation efforts.
The Sardar Sarovar Dam, one of the largest projects on the river, became a focal point of
the protests. The movement used hunger strikes, rallies, and legal actions to challenge the
project and advocate for the rights of affected communities. In 1991, the NBA received the
Right Livelihood Award for its efforts.
The movement played a crucial role in shaping India's environmental policies and raising
global awareness about the impact of large dam projects on local communities and
ecosystems.
The Chipko Movement was a grassroots environmental movement in India that began in
1973 in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand (then part of Uttar Pradesh). The word Chipko
means "to hug" in Hindi, reflecting the movement's primary tactic—villagers, especially
women, embraced trees to prevent them from being cut down.
Key Aspects of the Movement
• Cause: The movement was a response to deforestation and commercial logging,
which threatened local livelihoods and led to environmental degradation.
• Leadership: Led by Chandi Prasad Bhatt and Sunderlal Bahuguna, the movement
was deeply influenced by Gandhian principles of nonviolent resistance.
• Impact: The protests successfully halted tree felling in many areas and led to
government policies that restricted deforestation in the Himalayan region.
• Recognition: In 1987, the movement was awarded the Right Livelihood Award for its
dedication to forest conservation.
The Chipko Movement is considered one of the most influential environmental movements
in India, inspiring similar conservation efforts worldwide.
Global perspective
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global authority on
environmental issues. It was established in 1972 following the United Nations Conference
on the Human Environment in Stockholm
Key Facts About UNEP:
- Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya.
- Mission: To inspire, inform, and enable nations to improve their quality of life without
compromising that of future generations.
- Focus Areas: Climate change, ecosystem management, environmental governance,
pollution control, and sustainable development.
- Major Contributions:
- Played a key role in the creation of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC).
- Hosts secretariats for several environmental agreements, including the Convention on
Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
- Works with 193 Member States to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UNEP has been instrumental in shaping global environmental policies and promoting
sustainable development.
UNFCCC, which stands for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change. It is an international treaty adopted in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro
to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Aspects of UNFCCC
• Objective: To stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations and prevent dangerous
human interference with the climate system.
• Paris Agreement: The UNFCCC led to the Paris Agreement (2015), which aims to
limit global temperature rise to below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C.
• Annual Conferences: The Conference of the Parties (COP) meets every year to
discuss climate action. The upcoming COP30 will be held in Belém, Brazil.
• Kyoto Protocol: Before the Paris Agreement, the Kyoto Protocol (1997) set binding
emission reduction targets for developed nations.
The UNFCCC plays a crucial role in global climate negotiations and policy-making.