Module 5:
The Environment Protection Act 1986
Syllabus:
Introduction – objective of the act, Definition of important Terms-
Environment, Environment pollutant, Environment pollution, Hazardous
substance and occupier, Types of pollution, Powers of central Government
to protect environment in India.
→ Introduction
This act come into force on 19th November 1986. This act was passed in order to protect the
environment by central government of India. The government take the general measure to
protect the environment like restriction on industrial and other process or activities in specified
areas.
→ Objective of act
1. To Protect the Environment:
The Act aims to keep our air, water, and land clean and healthy. It works to stop pollution and
reduce harm to nature.
2. To Improve Environmental Quality:
It encourages actions to make the environment better, such as planting trees, cleaning rivers,
and reducing smoke from factories.
3. To Prevent Environmental Hazards:
The Act helps to stop harmful events like gas leaks, chemical spills, and fires that can hurt people,
animals, and the environment.
4. To Control Human Activities that Harm Nature:
It makes sure factories, industries, and other businesses follow rules to avoid polluting the
environment.
5. To Allow Government to Take Action:
The Act gives the central government the power to make rules, check pollution, and close or
control any activity that harms the environment.
6. To Support Sustainable Development:
It promotes growth and development in a way that does not damage nature, so future
generations can also enjoy a clean environment.
→ Definition
Environment
According to section 2(a) Environment” includes water, air and land and the inter-relationship
which exists among and between: water, air and land, human beings, other living creatures,
plants, micro-organisms, and property.
Environment pollutant
According to section 2(b) "Environmental pollution" means the presence in the
environment of any environmental pollutant.
Example: Dirty water from factories in rivers, Smoke from vehicles in the air
Hazardous Substance
According to Section 2(e) "Hazardous substance" means any substance or preparation which, by
reason of its chemical or physic-chemical properties or handling, is liable to cause harm to
human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organisms, property, or the environment.
Examples: Acids, Pesticides, Industrial chemicals, Radioactive materials
Occupier
According to Section 2(f)"Occupier" in relation to any factory or premises, means a person who
has control over the affairs of the factory or the premises and includes, in relation to any
substance, the person in possession of the substance.
Example: A factory manager who runs the daily operations, A company owner who stores
chemicals on their property
→ Types of Pollution
1. Air Pollution
Air pollution happens when harmful gases, dust, or smoke enter the air and
make it unsafe to breath.
Main Causes:
Smoke from vehicles and factories, Burning of garbage or fossil fuels
Effects:
Breathing problems like asthma, Acid rain, Global warming and climate change
2. Water Pollution
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans with harmful
substances.
Main Causes:
Throwing industrial waste and sewage into water, Oil spills, Plastic and chemical dumping
Effects:
Kills fish and aquatic life, Unsafe drinking water, Waterborne diseases like cholera
3. Land Pollution (Soil Pollution)
Land pollution happens when the ground is covered with waste or harmful chemicals.
Main Causes:
Littering and dumping of garbage, Use of harmful pesticides and chemicals, Mining and
deforestation
Effects:
Reduces soil fertility, Affects plant growth and food safety, Harms animals and humans
4. Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is caused by too much loud or disturbing sound in the environment.
Main Causes:
Loudspeakers, traffic, airplanes, construction sites
Effects:
Hearing problems, Stress and sleep disorders, Disturbs animals and birds
5. Light Pollution
Light pollution happens when too much artificial light brightens the night sky.
Main Causes:
Street lights, vehicles, buildings, advertisements
Effects:
Disturbs sleep in humans, confuses birds and animals, Reduces visibility of stars
6. Thermal Pollution
Thermal pollution occurs when hot water from factories or power plants is released into natural
water bodies.
Main Causes:
Cooling processes in industries, Nuclear or thermal power plants
Effects:
Raises water temperature, Harms fish and aquatic life
7. Radioactive Pollution
Radioactive pollution is the presence of harmful radioactive substances in the environment.
Main Causes:
Nuclear power plant accidents, Improper disposal of nuclear waste
Effects:
Causes cancer and genetic damage, Stays dangerous for thousands of years
→ Power and Responsibilities of central government to protect environment in India
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 gives the Central Government broad powers to take
action at the national level for environmental protection. These include:
1. Making Laws and Rules
The government can make new rules to protect the environment. These rules can be related to
air quality, water quality, noise levels, waste management, and more.
2. Setting Environmental Standards
It can fix limits for emissions (gases, smoke), noise, and discharge of waste. It decides how much
pollution is safe and acceptable.
3. Controlling Industrial Activities
The government can ban or limit certain industrial activities in environmentally sensitive areas.
It can control the location, operation, and type of industries.
4. Restricting Hazardous Substances
The government can make rules to regulate the use, sale, storage, and transport of hazardous
chemicals. It can ban dangerous materials that harm humans and nature.
5. Issuing Direct Orders
It has the power to order any person, company, or organization to stop polluting activities. It can
shut down factories or projects that are harming the environment.
6. Conducting Research and Surveys
The government can collect data on pollution and the environment. It can support research and
scientific studies to improve environmental policies.
7. Appointing Environmental Officers and Bodies
The government can set up special agencies or authorities to carry out environmental laws. It
can appoint officers to inspect, check, and control pollution.
8. Checking and Inspecting Industries
It can inspect factories and premises to check if they are following environmental laws. It can
collect samples of air, water, or soil for testing.
9. Handling Emergencies
In case of disasters (like gas leaks, oil spills, or chemical accidents), it can take immediate action
to protect public health and nature.
10. Protecting Ecosystems and Natural Areas
The government can declare certain areas as eco-sensitive zones where development is
restricted. It can take steps to protect wildlife, forests, rivers, and mountains.
11. Promoting Public Awareness
It can organize environmental education programs, campaigns, and training. It encourages
public participation in protecting the environment.
12. Punishing Law Breakers
It can take legal action against those who break environmental rules. This includes fines,
imprisonment, or shutting down polluting units.
Very Important MCQs - Environment Protection Act, 1986
1. In which year was the Environment (Protection) Act enacted?
A. 1984 B. 1986 C. 1990 D. 1972
Answer: B. 1986
2. The Environment Protection Act was passed after which major disaster?
A. Tsunami in 2004 B. Bhopal Gas Tragedy C. Flood in Uttarakhand D. Earthquake in Gujarat
Answer: B. Bhopal Gas Tragedy
3. Which section of the Act defines 'Environment'?
A. Section 3 B. Section 5 C. Section 2(a) D. Section 4
Answer: C. Section 2(a)
4. What is the main aim of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?
A. Promote industrial growth B. Reduce population C. Protect and improve the environment D.
Increase export
Answer: C. Protect and improve the environment
5. Who has the authority to take action under the Environment Protection Act?
A. State Government B. Supreme Court C. Central Government D. Local Panchayat
Answer: C. Central Government
6. According to the Act, what is considered an 'Environmental Pollutant'?
A. Water B. Oxygen C. A harmful chemical in high concentration D. Tree
Answer: C. A harmful chemical in high concentration
7. What is 'Environmental Pollution' as per Section 2(c)?
A. Planting more trees B. Noise below the limit C. Presence of a pollutant in the environment
D. Use of clean energy
Answer: C. Presence of a pollutant in the environment
A 'Hazardous Substance' under the Act is defined in:
A. Section 2(b) B. Section 2(d) C. Section
2(e) D. Section 3 Answer: C.
Section 2(e)
8. Which of the following is NOT a power of the Central Government under the Act?
A. Closing polluting industries B. Making environmental rules C. Conducting
inspections D. Providing free electricity
Answer: D. Providing free electricity
9. 'Occupier' means a person who:
A. Lives near a factory B. Visits the factory C. Controls the factory or
premises D. Owns a nearby house
Answer: C. Controls the factory or premises