Sub: Business planning and regulations
Module: 5
Environmental Regulations
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 authorizes the central
government to protect and improve environmental quality, control and
reduce pollution from all sources, and prohibit or restrict the setting
and /or operation of any industrial facility on environmental grounds.
This is also known as umbrella legislation as it enables the central
government to take necessary measures as it deems necessary to protect
and improve the environment, and to prevent, control and decrease
environmental pollution.
Environment Protection Act, 1986 is an Act of the Parliament of India.
It was enacted in May 1986 and came into force on 19 November 1986.
It has 26 sections and 4 chapters. The Act is widely considered to have
been a response to the Bhopal gas leak.
This law can impose restrictions on the location of industries. The law
gives the government the power of entry for examination, testing of
equipment and other purposes and power to analyse the sample of air,
water, soil or any other substance from any place.
Environment can be defined as a sum total of all the living and non-
living elements and their effects that influence human life. While all
living or biotic elements are animals, plants, forests, fisheries, and birds,
non-living elements include water, land, sunlight, rocks, and air.
Aims and Objectives of the EPA
• Implementing the decisions made at the United Nations Conference on Human
Environment held in Stockholm.
• Creation of a government authority to regulate industry that can issue direct orders
including closure orders.
• Coordinating activities of different agencies that are operating under the existing
laws.
• Enacting regular laws for the protection of the environment.
• Imposing punishments and penalties on those who endanger the environment,
safety and health. For each failure or contravention, the punishment includes a
prison term of up to five years or a fine of up to Rs. 1 lakh, or both. This can also
be extended for up to seven years in cases.
• Engaging in the sustainable development of the environment.
What is objective of Environmental Protection Act 1986?
The primary objective of EPA is to protect and improve the environment
and environmental conditions. It also implements the decisions made at
the UN Conference on Human Environment that was held in Stockholm
in the year 1972. To take strict actions against all those who harm the
environment.
What is the main provisions of the Environment Protection Act of
1986?
The Act covers all forms of pollution; air, water, soil and noise. It
provides the safe standards for the presence of various pollutants in the
environment. It prohibits the use of hazardous material unless prior
permission is taken from the Central Government.
Environmental Clearance (EC) for the certain project has been made
compulsory by the MoEF, i.e. Ministry of Environment & Forests, via
its notification released under the norms of Environment (Protection)
Act, 1986.
In order to control pollution and punish the polluters, the government has passed
various Laws.
The six laws related to environmental protection and wildlife are:
• The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986;
• The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980;
• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972;
• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974;
• Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and
• The Indian Forest Act, 1927.
These Laws safeguards the nature and the ecosystems for the betterment of human
beings.
Global warming is a gradual increase in the earth’s
temperature generally due to the greenhouse effect caused
by increased levels of carbon dioxide, CFCs, and other
pollutants.
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather
patterns. These shifts may be natural, but since the 1800s, human
activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to
the burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and gas), which produces heat-
trapping gases.
What do CFCs stand for? What is the role of CFC in global
warming?
CFCs stand for chlorofluorocarbons. Ozone layer is responsible for
protecting the surface of the earth from the sun’s harmful radiations.
CFCs destroy the ozone layer of the atmosphere. This makes the way
for the ultraviolet rays to reach the earth, thus, increasing the
temperature which leads to global warming.
"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the
present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs.“
Sustainable development is development that is grounded in five
dimensions, which have been expressed through the “5 P's”, or five pillars
of sustainable development:
people, planet, prosperity, as well as peace and partnerships.
The two examples of sustainable development are: [Link] energy:
Harnessing the solar energy to reduce pollution in the environment. [Link]
Rotation : Planting different types of crops on the same land on a rotational
basis for improving soil fertility.
Sustainable Development Goals
• Society. These goals prioritize satisfying the diversified needs of the population, such
as food, health, and education being among the most basic. Maintaining human
capital (knowledge, skills, and capabilities) is mostly the responsibility of educational
systems, but corporations also provide substantial training opportunities to their
workforce.
• Economy. These goals promote improvements in the welfare of populations. Key
concepts are related to achieving or sustaining economic growth, maximizing profits,
increasing competitiveness, and expanding markets. Globalization has given a new
dimension to economic development by enabling an extended range of comparative
advantages. However, like all economic processes, globalization promotes growth
differently as regions and social classes capture their opportunities differently. This
has led to inequalities.
• Environment. These goals concern the footprint of human activities on
environmental systems, notably their carrying capacity. The overarching issue of
climate change remains salient, particularly over the issue of carbon emissions.
key strategies for promoting sustainability in the workplace
• Encourage remote and hybrid work. ...
• Go paperless. ...
• Conserve energy. ...
• Conserve water. ...
• Encourage sustainable transportation. ...
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. ...
• Become involved in the community. ...
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030
Agenda
• Eliminate Poverty
• Erase Hunger
• Establish Good Health and Well-Being
• Provide Quality Education
• Enforce Gender Equality
• Improve Clean Water and Sanitation
• Grow Affordable and Clean Energy
• Create Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Increase Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• Reduce Inequality
• Mobilize Sustainable Cities and Communities
• Influence Responsible Consumption and Production
• Organize Climate Action
• Develop Life Below Water
• Advance Life On Land
• Guarantee Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• Build Partnerships for the Goals