Environmental studies

Environmental studies deal with every issue that affects an organism. It is essentially a
multidisciplinary approach that brings about an appreciation of our natural world and human
impacts on its integrity. It is an applied science as it seeks practical answers to making human
civilization sustainable on the earth’s finite resources. Its components include biology,
geology, chemistry, physics, engineering, sociology, health, anthropology, economics,
statistics, computers and philosophy.

Scope

Introduction ‘Environment’ is derived from the French word Environment which means to
encircle or surround. All the biological and non-biological things surrounding an organism
are thus included in environment. Environment is Thus defined as “the sum total of water, air
and land, interrelationships that exist among them and with the human beings, other living
organisms and property”. Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Thus, in order to
study environment, one needs knowledge inputs from various disciplines.

• Life Sciences including Botany, Zoology, Microbiology, Genetics, Biochemistry and

Biotechnology help in understanding the biotic component and their interactions.

• The physical and chemical structure of the abiotic components and energy transfer and flow
are under-stood with the help of basic concepts of Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Atmospheric
Science, Oceanography and Geography.
• Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science serve as effective tools in environmental
modelling and management.

• Subjects like Education, Economics, Sociology and Mass communication provide the inputs
for dealing with the socio-economic aspects associated with various developmental activities.

• A synthesis with Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Hydraulics and Chemical

Engineering forms the basis for various technologies dealing with the control of
environmental pollution, waste-treatment and development of cleaner technologies that are
important for protection of the environment.

• Environmental laws provide the tools for effective management and protection of the
environment. Environmental Studies, therefore, is a multidisciplinary subject where different
aspects are deal with a holistic approach

Environment is derived from the French word Environner, which mean encircle or
surrounding. Environment is a complex of many variables, which surrounds man as well as
the living organisms. Environmental studies describe the interrelationships among organisms,
the environment and all the factors, which influence life on earth, including atmospheric
conditions, food chains, the water cycle, etc. It is a basic science about our earth and its daily
activities, and therefore, this science is important for one and all.

Scope of environmental studies Environmental studies discipline has multiple and multilevel
scopes. This study is important and necessary not only for children but also for everyone. The
scopes are summarized as follows:

1. The study creates awareness among the people to know about various renewable and
nonrenewable resources of the region. The endowment or potential, patterns of utilization and
the balance of various resources available for future use in the state of a country are analysed
in the study.

2. It provides the knowledge about ecological systems and cause and effect relationships.

3. It provides necessary information about biodiversity richness and the potential dangers to
the species of plants, animals and microorganisms in the environment.

4. The study enables one to understand the causes and consequences due to natural and main
induced disasters (flood, earthquake, landslide, cyclones etc.,) and pollutions and measures to
minimize the effects.
5. It enables one to evaluate alternative responses to environmental issues before deciding an
alternative course of action.

6. The study enables environmentally literate citizens (by knowing the environmental acts,
rights, rules, legislations, etc.) to make appropriate judgments and decisions for the protection
and improvement of the earth.

7. The study exposes the problems of over population, health, hygiene, etc. and the role of
arts, science and technology in eliminating/ minimizing the evils from the society.

8. The study tries to identify and develop appropriate and indigenous eco-friendly skills and
technologies to various environmental issues.

9. It teaches the citizens the need for sustainable utilization of resources as these resources are
inherited from our ancestors to the younger generating without deteriorating their quality.

10. The study enables theoretical knowledge into practice and the multiple uses of
environment.

Importance of environmental study

Environmental study is based upon a comprehensive view of various environmental systems.

It aims to make the citizens competent to do scientific work and to find out practical solutions
to current environmental problems. The citizens acquire the ability to analyze the
environmental parameters like the aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric systems and their
interactions with the biosphere and anthrosphere.

Importance

• World population is increasing at an alarming rate especially in developing countries.

• The natural resources endowment in the earth is limited.

• The methods and techniques of exploiting natural resources are advanced.

2 • The resources are over-exploited and there is no foresight of leaving the resources to the
future generations.
• The unplanned exploitation of natural resources lead to pollution of all types and at all
levels. • The pollution and degraded environment seriously affect the health of all living
things on earth , including man.

• The people should take a combined responsibility for the deteriorating environment and
begin to take appropriate actions to space the earth.

• Education and training are needed to save the biodiversity and species extinction.

• The urban area, coupled with industries, is major sources of pollution.

• The number and area extinct under protected area should be increased so that the wild life is
protected at least in these sites.

• The study enables the people to understand the complexities of the environment and need
for the people to adapt appropriate activities and pursue sustainable development, which are
harmonious with the environment.

• The study motivates students to get involved in community action, and to participate in
various environmental and management projects.

• It is a high time to reorient educational systems and curricula towards these needs.

• Environmental studies take a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human interactions

with the natural environment. It integrates different approaches of the humanities, social
sciences, biological sciences and physical sciences and applies these approaches to
investigate environmental concerns.

• Environmental study is a key instrument for bringing about the changes in the knowledge,
values, behaviors and lifestyles required to achieve sustainability and stability within and
among countries. Environmental studies deal with every issue that affects an organism. It is
essentially a multidisciplinary approach that brings about an appreciation of our natural world
and human impacts on its integrity.

It is an applied science as it seeks practical answers to making human civilization sustainable

on the earth's finite resources. Its components include: 1. Biology 2. Geology 3. Chemistry 4.
Physics 5. Engineering 6. Sociology 7. Health 8. Anthropology 9. Economics 10. Statistics
and 11. Philosophy.
Specific Importance:

Understanding environmental problems

Promoting sustainable development
Developing environmental policies and regulations
Encouraging environmental awareness and education.

Limitations

Complexity of environmental problems

Lack of data and information

Political and economic constraints

Limited resources

Link: https://theintactone.com/2023/05/06/environmental-studies-meaning-nature-scope-
importance-and-limitations/#:~:text=Lack%20of%20Data%20and%20Information,problems
%20and%20develop%20effective%20solutions.
Wildlife (Protection) Act in 1972

The Indian Parliament enacted the Wildlife (Protection) Act in 1972, which provides for the
safeguard and protection of the wildlife (flora and fauna) in the country. This is important
legislation and forms an integral part of the environment and ecology.

This Act provides for the protection of the country’s wild animals, birds, and plant species, in
order to ensure environmental and ecological security. Among other things, the Act lays down
restrictions on hunting many animal species. The Act was last amended in the year 2006. An
Amendment bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in 2013 and referred to a Standing
Committee, but it was withdrawn in 2015.

Constitutional Provisions for the Wildlife Act

Article 48A of the Constitution of India directs the State to protect and improve the
environment and safeguard wildlife and forests. This article was added to the Constitution by
the 42nd Amendment in 1976.

Article 51A imposes certain fundamental duties for the people of India. One of them is to
protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife and
to have compassion for living creatures.

History of wildlife protection legislation in India

 The first such law was passed by the British Indian Government in 1887 called the
Wild Birds Protection Act, 1887. The law sought to prohibit the possession and sale
of specified wild birds that were either killed or captured during a breeding session.
 A second law was enacted in 1912 called the Wild Birds and Animals Protection Act.
This was amended in 1935 when the Wild Birds and Animals Protection
(Amendment) Act 1935 was passed.
 During the British Raj, wildlife protection was not accorded a priority. It was only in
1960 that the issue of protection of wildlife and the prevention of certain species from
becoming extinct came into the fore.

Need for the Wildlife Protection Act

Wildlife is a part of ‘forests’ and this was a state subject until the Parliament passed this law
in 1972. Now it is Concurrent List. Reasons for a nationwide law in the domain of
environment particularly wildlife include the following:
 1. India is a treasure-trove of varied flora and fauna. Many species were seeing a rapid
decline in numbers. For instance, it was mentioned by Edward Pritchard Gee (A
naturalist), that at the turn of the 20th century, India was home to close to 40000
tigers. But, a census in 1972 showed this number drastically reduced to about 1827.
2. A drastic decrease in the flora and fauna can cause ecological imbalance, which
affects many aspects of climate and the ecosystem.
3. The most recent Act passed during the British era in this regard was the Wild Birds
and Animals Protection, 1935. This needed to be upgraded as the punishments
awarded to poachers and traders of wildlife products were disproportionate to the
huge financial benefits that accrue to them.
4. There were only five national parks in India prior to the enactment of this Act.

Salient Features of Wildlife Protection Act

This Act provides for the protection of a listed species of animals, birds, and plants, and also
for the establishment of a network of ecologically-important protected areas in the country.

 The Act provides for the formation of wildlife advisory boards, wildlife wardens,
specifies their powers and duties, etc.
 It helped India become a party to the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

 CITES is a multilateral treaty with the objective of protecting endangered

animals and plants.

 It is also known as the Washington Convention and was adopted as a result

of a meeting of IUCN members.

 For the first time, a comprehensive list of the endangered wildlife of the country was
prepared.
 The Act prohibited the hunting of endangered species.
 Scheduled animals are prohibited from being traded as per the Act’s provisions.
 The Act provides for licenses for the sale, transfer, and possession of some wildlife
species.
 It provides for the establishment of wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, etc.
 Its provisions paved the way for the formation of the Central Zoo Authority. This is
the central body responsible for the oversight of zoos in India. It was established in
1992.
 The Act created six schedules which gave varying degrees of protection to classes of
flora and fauna.

 Schedule I and Schedule II (Part II) get absolute protection, and offences
under these schedules attract the maximum penalties.

 The schedules also include species that may be hunted.

  The National Board for Wildlife was constituted as a statutory organization under
the provisions of this Act.

 This is an advisory board that offers advice to the central government on

issues of wildlife conservation in India.

 It is also the apex body to review and approve all matters related to wildlife,
projects of national parks, sanctuaries, etc.

 The chief function of the Board is to promote the conservation and

development of wildlife and forests.

 It is chaired by the Prime Minister.

 The Act also provided for the establishment of the National Tiger Conservation
Authority.

 It is a statutory body of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate

Change with an overall supervisory and coordination part, performing
capacities as given in the Act.

 Its mandate is to strengthen tiger conservation in India.

 It gives statutory authority to Project Tiger which was launched in 1973 and
has put the endangered tiger on a guaranteed path of revival by protecting it
from extinction.

Protected Areas under the Wildlife Protection Act

There are five types of protected areas as provided under the Act. They are described below.

1. Sanctuaries: “Sanctuary is a place where injured, abandoned, and abused wildlife is

allowed to live in peace in their natural environment with limited or no human intervention.”

1. They are naturally-occurring areas where endangered species are protected from
poaching, hunting, and predation.
2. Here, animals are not bred for commercial exploitation.
3. The species are protected from any sort of disturbance.
4. Animals are not allowed to be captured or killed inside the sanctuaries.
5. A wildlife sanctuary is declared by the State government by a Notification.
Boundaries can be altered by a Resolution of the State Legislature.
6. Human activities such as timber harvesting, collecting minor forest products, and
private ownership rights are permitted as long as they do not interfere with the
animals’ well-being. Limited human activity is permitted.
7. They are open to the general public. But people are not allowed unescorted. There are
restrictions as to who can enter and/or reside within the limits of the sanctuary. Only
public servants (and his/her family), persons who own immovable property inside,
 etc. are allowed. People using the highways which pass through sanctuaries are also
allowed inside.
8. Boundaries of sanctuaries are not generally fixed and defined.
9. Biologists and researchers are permitted inside so that they can study the area and its
inhabitants.
10. The Chief Wildlife Warden (who is the authority to control, manage and
maintain all sanctuaries) may grant permission to persons for entry or residence in
the sanctuary for the study of wildlife, scientific research, photography, the
transaction of any lawful business with persons residing inside, and tourism.
11. Sanctuaries can be upgraded to the status of a ‘National Park’.
12. Examples: Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary (Rann of Kutch, Gujarat); Vedanthangal Bird
Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu (oldest bird sanctuary in India); Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
(Karnataka).
2. National Parks: “National Parks are the areas that are set by the government to conserve
the natural environment.”

 A national park has more restrictions as compared to a wildlife sanctuary.

 National parks can be declared by the State government by Notification. No
alteration of the boundaries of a national park shall be made except on a resolution
passed by the State Legislature.
 The main objective of a national park is to protect the natural environment of the area
and biodiversity conservation.
 The landscape, fauna, and flora are present in their natural state in national parks.
 Their boundaries are fixed and defined.
 Here, no human activity is allowed.
 Grazing of livestock and private tenurial rights are not permitted here.
 Species mentioned in the Schedules of the Wildlife Act are not allowed to be hunted
or captured.
 No person shall destroy, remove, or exploit any wildlife from a National Park or
destroy or damage the habitat of any wild animal or deprive any wild animal of its
habitat within a national park.
 They cannot be downgraded to the status of a ‘sanctuary’.
 Examples: Bandipur National Park in Karnataka; Hemis National Park in Jammu &
Kashmir; Kaziranga National Park in Assam. See more on List of National Parks in
India.
3. Conservation Reserves: The State government may declare an area (particularly those
adjacent to sanctuaries or parks) as conservation reserves after consulting with local
communities.

4. Community Reserves: The State government may declare any private or community land
as a community reserve after consultation with the local community or an individual who has
volunteered to conserve the wildlife.
5. Tiger Reserves: These areas are reserved for the protection and conservation of tigers in
India. They are declared on the recommendations of the National Tiger Conservation
Authority.

The amended Wildlife Act doesn’t allow any commercial exploitation of forest produce
in both wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, and local communities are allowed to
collect forest produce only for their bona fide requirements.

Schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act

There are six schedules provided in the Wildlife Protection Act. They are discussed in the
table below.

Schedule I Schedule II

 This Schedule covers endangered species.  Animals under this list are also
 These species need rigorous protection and accorded high protection.
therefore, the harshest penalties for violation  Their trade is prohibited.
of the law are under this Schedule.  They cannot be hunted except under
 Species under this Schedule are prohibited to threat to human life.
be hunted throughout India, except under  Examples: Kohinoor (insect),
threat to human life. Assamese Macaque, Bengal
 Absolute protection is accorded to species on Hanuman langur, Large Indian Civet,
this list. Indian Fox, Larger Kashmir Flying
 The Trade of these animals is prohibited. Squirrel, Kashmir Fox, etc.
 Examples: tiger, blackbuck, Himalayan
Brown Bear, Brow-Antlered Deer, Blue
whale, Common Dolphin, Cheetah, Clouded
Leopard, hornbills, Indian Gazelle, etc.

Schedule III & IV Schedule V

 This list is for species that are not  This schedule contains animals that
endangered. can be hunted.
 This includes protected species but the  Examples: mice, rat, common crow,
penalty for any violation is less compared to fruit bats, etc.
the first two schedules.
 Examples: hyena, Himalayan rat, porcupine,
flying fox, Malabar tree toad, etc.

Schedule VI
  This list contains plants that are forbidden from cultivation.
 Examples: pitcher plant, blue vanda, red vanda, kuth, etc.

The Water (prevention and control of pollution) Act, 1974

The Act came into force in 1974 and is applicable to the states of Assam, Bihar, Madhya
Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Tripura, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Kerala,
and the union territories. The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 is a
comprehensive legislation that regulates agencies responsible for checking on water pollution
and ambit of pollution control boards both at the centre and states.

It was adopted by the Indian parliament with the aim of prevention and control of Water
Pollution in India and to restore and maintain the wholesomeness of water for the
establishment. The Act also confers some powers to the established bodies such as the central
board and the state board to control pollution of the water bodies.

Objectives of Water Act

 To provide for prevention, control and abatement of water pollution

 For maintenance or restoration of the wholesomeness of water.
 For the establishment of pollution control water boards.
 To assess pollution levels and punish polluters.

Section 2:
(d) Occupier- It means the person who has control over the affairs of the factory or the
premises, and it includes the person in possession of the substance.

(dd) Outlet- It includes any conduit pipe or channel, open or closed, carrying sewage or trade
effluent or any other holding arrangement which causes, or is likely to cause, pollution.

(e) Pollution- It means such contamination of water or such alteration of the physical,
chemical or biological properties of water or such discharge of any sewage or trade effluent
or of any other liquid, gaseous or solid substance into water (whether directly or indirectly) as
may, or is likely to, create a nuisance or render such water harmful or injurious to public
health or safety, or to domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural or other legitimate uses,
or to the life and health of animals or plants or of acquatic organisms.

(g) Sewage effluent- It means effluent from any sewerage system or sewage disposal works
and includes sullage from open drains.

(j) Stream- It includes river, water course (whether flowing or for the time being dry), inland
water (whether natural or artificial), sub-terranean waters, sea or tidal waters to such extent
or, as the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify in this
behalf.
(k) Trade effluent- It includes any liquid, gaseous or solid substance which is discharged from
any premises used for carrying on any [industry, operation or process, or treatment and
disposal system], other than domestic sewage.

Agencies for controlling Water Pollution:

There are two agencies set up as per the Act for controlling and preventing water
pollution

1. Central Board- Central Pollution Control Board:

o Constitution and Composition (Section 3)

The Central Government through a notice in the official gazette has the power
to assign or set up a Central Board named as Central Pollution Control Board.
As far as the composition of the board is concerned the Central Board is to
contain the following members:

 A chairman who has the knowledge or has practical experience in

dealing with cases relating to environmental protection. The chairman
is to be appointed by the central government only
 Not more than 5 officials to represent the central government.
 Not more than 5 members to be nominated by the central government
from the members of the State Board.
 Maximum 3 members appointed by the central government to
represent the interests of agriculture, fisheries, trade or any other
interest as the government may seem fit.
 2 persons to represent the companies or corporations owned, controlled
or by the central government.
 A full-time member secretary having complete knowledge, experience
and qualification of scientific management and prevention of
environmental pollution.
o Functions of Central Board (Section 16):
  Advise the Central Government on any matter concerning the
prevention and control of water pollution.
 Coordinate the activities of the State Boards and resolve disputes
among them.
 provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry
out and sponsor investigations and research relating to problems of
water pollution and prevention, control or abatement of water
pollution.

 Plan and organize the training of persons engaged or to be engaged in
for the prevention, control or abatement of water pollution on such
terms and conditions as the Central Board may specify.
 Organize through mass media a comprehensive program regarding the
prevention and control of water pollution.

State Board- State Pollution Control Board:

 Constitution and Composition (Section 4)

The state government through an official notice in the Gazette has the power to assign
or set up a state board named as State Pollution Control Board. The composition of
the state board is as follows:

o A Chairman who either has the knowledge or some experience in dealing with
cases relating to environmental pollution.
o Not more than 5 members appointed by the state government to represent the
government.
o Not more than 2 persons by the state government who are functioning as
members of the local authorities within the state
o Not more than 3 persons nominated by the state government to represent the
interest of fisheries, agriculture, trade and any other interest as the government
may seem fit.
o 2 person from companies, corporations which are either controlled, owned or
managed by the state.
o A member secretary who has the knowledge, qualifications, and experience in
dealing with cases pertaining to environmental pollution.
 Functions of State Board (Section 17):

o To plan a comprehensive program for preventing and controlling the pollution

of the wells and streams in the state and to secure its execution.
o To advise the State Government on matters relating to prevention and
controlling water pollution.
o Collaborating with the central board to train persons employed or to be
employed in preventing, controlling water pollution.

To lay down, modify the effluent standards of sewage and trade effluents and for the quality
of receiving water resulting from the discharge of effluents and to classify waters of the state.
Meetings: (Section 8)
The Board shall meet at least once in three months.
Appointment of Committees: (Section 9)
It empowers the Board to constitute/appoint as many committees as it may think fit.

Penalties

 If any person fails to comply with the orders of the board under subsection 2 and 3 of
Section 20 then in that case on conviction he is punishable for imprisonment for 3
months or fine or both.
 If the person fails to comply with orders of the board under clause e of subsection 1 of
Section 32 or with subsection 2 of Section 33 then, in that case, the person would be
punishable with imprisonment for 6 months extending to 6 years or a fine or both.
 Apart from the above-mentioned penalties. Section 42 mentions penalties for different
kinds of Acts namely:

o If any person removes, destroys or pull down any notice put up by the board.
o If someone obstructs the member of the board or any other person who is
Acting under the board.
o If a person fails to produce any information as required by the member of the
board for the performance of his duties.
o Or if he gives any information to the members which he knows to be false.

o Then In all the above Acts if the person is convicted he would be punishable
by imprisonment for a maximum period of 3 months or fine that may extend
up to 10,000 rupees or both.

Conclusion:
Water pollution is a big issue in India and controlling and preventing it is
another big issue, till now we are not able to create awareness among the
people regarding the importance of conserving water bodies, this Act certainly
provides various agencies that will look to prevent and control water pollution,
the Act lays down various procedures for filing a complaint and the powers of
each and every board.

However more needs to be done and the Act should be made more
comprehensive, more participation should be given to the locals and
punishments should be made stricter so that it Acts as a strong deterrence.
Above all these more emphasis should be given on the implementation aspect
as just by making laws you cannot control pollution; proper implementation is
also required. To evolve methods of utilizing the sewage and suitable trade
effluents in agriculture.
o The state Board has the authority to set up laboratories to enable the board to
perform its function efficiently, including collecting samples of water from
any stream or sewage or trade effluents.
Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Act 1981

The Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Act was the result of the extreme
consequences caused by climate change in the 1970s. In June 1972, the UN organised a
United Nations General Assembly on Human Environment in Stockholm. The reasons for
extreme climate changes were found to be various types of pollutants in the environment.
During the Assembly, a proposal was approved urging all nations to protect natural resources
from air pollution and reduce the existing pollution level for a healthier environment.

Air Act 1981 Notes PDF

India passed Air Act 1981 in its efforts to combat air pollution and the harm caused by it.
The preamble for the Air pollution act affirms that it aims towards the prevention, control and
abatement of air pollution. It also states that to fulfil the purposes and aims of the Air
Prevention and Control of Pollution Act 1981, special Boards will be created. These boards
will act as creators, supervisors and propellers of various policies to reduce the level of air
pollution in India.

Main Objective of Air Pollution Act

Air Act 1981 was created after the United Nations, at the suggestion of Sweden, organised a
global conference to discuss and debate the issue of pollution and the degradation of natural
resources. Air Pollution was already a major problem in India due to rapid industrialization.
Several reasons, such as forest fires, improper industrial practices, fumes from transport,
environmental variables, etc., have been contributing to air pollution in the country.

After the assembly, a resolution to protect the environment and its resources was passed. This
also gave India the much-needed opportunity to work on the increasing air pollution in the
country. The Indian government, under Article 253, which talks about the preservation of
natural resources, passed the Air (Prevention and Control of Air Pollution) Act, 1981, to
help tackle air pollution by preventing and controlling it.

Air Act 1981: Terms and Definitions

Air Act, under its provisions, has many important terms and definitions. These are created to
help organisations identify the pollutants and create awareness as well as strategies to reduce
their numbers. The important definitions under Air Act 1981 are listed below:

 Air Pollution – As per Section 2 (b), air pollution is defined as the presence of air
pollutants in the atmosphere.
 Air Pollutant – It is defined in Section 2 (a) as any solid, liquid, or gaseous matter that
may impair or damage the environment, humans, ecosystems, wildlife, or even
properties.
 The noise was also included in the list of harmful substances in the amendment made
to the Air Act in 1987.
Constitution of Boards Under Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Act

Under Section 2 (g), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was established. It has
jurisdiction over the entire country. The Air Act also mandated the establishment of State
Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) for all Indian states. The functions of these were to act as
subsidiaries of CPCB and carry out its directives.

Sections 3 and 4 of the Air Act 1981 also give these boards appropriate power. There is a
certain set of responsibilities and power which the Board will have, and they have to work
under that ambit. The central and all state boards must also have a Chairman and a full-time
Secretary to look after their operations.

Salient Features of Air Act 1981

The Air Act 1981 has several provisions under it that are drafted to reduce and control air
pollution. However, there are a few prominent features of the Air Act that must be known
by everyone. These are important clauses and are listed down below:

 It is mandated that the states impose emission standards for industries and
automobiles after reviewing with the central board and considering its air quality
standards as per the AQI.
 There is also a provision under the air pollution act for SPCBs that states that they are
free to test any facilities and can collect fly ash or dust samples from any source for
the purpose of examination.
 In 1987, an amendment to the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Act also included
noise pollution and formed provisions to reduce it.
 All operational industries inside specified air pollution control zones are directed by
the Air Act to obtain a permit from the State Boards.
 In the States where Water Pollution Control Boards are already created, the
responsibility to control air pollution must also be included in its list of
responsibilities as per Section 4. Also, new boards must be set up in states where there
aren’t any.

Penalties under Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Act

The Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Act 1981 has a number of penalties included in
it. To ensure all the citizens comply with the rules and do not contribute to air pollution, there
are directives mentioned in the act. These are aimed towards ensuring air pollution is reduced
and mitigated wherever possible.

As per the Air act, anyone who does not comply with the policies and regulations of the
Central Pollution Control Board can face a one-year prison sentence. This can be extended to
6 years with a fine. Additionally, a daily fee of Rs. 5000 will be imposed if the rules are still
not followed. The matters related to this can be taken to court as well if the complaint is made
or authorized by CPCB officials.
THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ACT, 1986

Environment Protection Act (EPA)

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. The Act was passed
by the Government of India under the Article 253 of the Constitution of India, which
empowers to union government to enact laws to give effect to international agreements
signed by the country. The purpose of the Act is to implement the decisions of the United
Nations Conference on the Human Environment. They relate to the protection and
improvement of the human environment and the prevention of hazards to human beings,
other living creatures, plants and property. The Act is an “umbrella” legislation that has
provided a framework for the environmental regulation regime in India, which covers all
major industrial and infrastructure activities and prohibits and regulates specific activities in
coastal areas and eco-sensitive areas. The Act also provides for coordination of the activities
of various central and state authorities established under other environment-related laws, such
as the Water Act and the Air Act.[1

India’s original Constitution did not contain any provision for the protection of the natural
environment. However, the Fundamental Duties, which were added by the 42nd Amendment
to the Constitution, prescribed the protection of the environment including forests, lakes,
rivers and wildlife as a duty of the citizens of the country.

This amendment also added new Directive Principles of State Policy, one of which was
Article 48A, which directed the State to protect and improve the environment and to
safeguard forests and wildlife.

These developments were a result of the United Nations Conference on Human Environment,
held in Stockholm in 1972. First, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 was enacted. Then, the
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 was passed, followed by the Air
(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981. Then in 1986, the EPA was passed by the
Parliament, in the wake of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, which occurred on Dec 2, 1984 (Know
more about the tragedy in the link).

Aims and Objectives of the Environment Protection Act

The chief aims and objectives of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 are listed below.

1. Implementing the decisions made at the United Nations Conference on Human

Environment held in Stockholm.
2. Creation of a government authority to regulate industry that can issue direct orders
including closure orders.
3. Coordinating activities of different agencies that are operating under the existing laws.
4. Enacting regular laws for the protection of the environment.
 5. 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.
6. Engaging in the sustainable development of the environment.
7. Attaining protection of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Main Provisions of Environment Protection Act

The EPA empowers the Centre to “take all such measures as it deems necessary” in the
domain of environmental protection.

 Under the law, it can coordinate and execute nationwide programmes and plans to
further environmental protection.
 It can mandate environmental quality standards, particularly those concerning the
emission or discharge of environmental pollutants.
 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.
 The EPA explicitly bars the discharge of environmental pollutants in excess of
prescribed regulatory standards.
 There is also in place a specific provision for handling hazardous substances, which is
prohibited unless in compliance with regulatory requirements.
 The Act empowers any person, apart from authorised government officers, to file a
complaint in a court regarding any contravention of the provisions of the Act.

The Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 (FCA, 1980)

The Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 (FCA, 1980) is an act by the Parliament of India
which ensures conservation of forest and its resources.

It was enacted by the Parliament of India in order to control the ongoing deforestation of the
forests of India. It came into force on October 25, 1980 containing five sections.

Amid news reports mentioning future amendments to the FCA 1980 by the Environment
Ministry, the act and its provisions become important from the current affairs perspective.

Explore The Ultimate Guide to IAS Exam Preparation

Download The E-Book Now!

This article will further give details about the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 within the
context of the Civil Services Examination.
Candidates can read similar environment articles from the links below:

Black Carbon Environmental Tax

Narmada Bachao Andolan Air Quality Index

Get more Polity Notes for UPSC in the linked article.

Need for Forest Conservation Act, 1980

Forests are an important resource that nature can bestow upon mankind. Therefore, it is the
duty of every citizen to preserve the ecosystems of forests. But due to rapid deforestation, the
cycle of nature is itself being disrupted. Therefore, the need to bring about a law to ensure the
preservation of forest was needed.

One of the first legal drafts to protect forest tracts was the Indian Forest Act, 1865 replaced
by a 1927 version of the same act. However, it was more geared towards protecting the
commercial interests of the British Empire in India.

The act gave authority to the British to restrict tribal activities by levying taxes on timber and
forest services. In other words, it mainly regulated the cutting of timber and flow of raw
materials rather than protecting forests.

Upon independence, the President of India enforced the Forest (Conservation) Ordinance in
1980 which was later repealed by virtue of Section 5 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
Under the 1980 Act, the restriction was made on the use of the forests for non-forest
purposes.

Objectives of the Forest Conservation Act 1980

The aim of the Forest is to preserve the forest ecosystem of India by fulfilling the following
objectives:
 1. Protect the forest along with its flora, fauna and other diverse ecological components
while preserving the integrity and territory of the forests.
2. Arrest the loss of forest biodiversity
3. Prevent forest lands being converted into agricultural, grazing or for any other
commercial purposes and intentions.

Features of the Forest Conservation Act 1980

The Forest Conservation Act of 1980 come with the following features:

1. The Act restricts the state government and other authorities to take decisions first
without permission from the central government.
2. The Forest Conservation Act gives complete authority to the Central government to
carry out the objectives of the act.
3. The Act levies penalties in case of violations of the provisions of FCA.
4. The Forest Conservation Act will have an advisory committee which will help the
Central government with regard to forest conservation.

Important Sections of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980

Section 1: Title and scope

The law applies to the whole of India except for Jammu and Kashmir. However, when Article
370 was removed, it meant all laws at the central level became applicable. But only 37 laws
apply to Jammu and Kashmir at the moment and the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 is not
one of them

Section 2: Restriction of forests being used for non-forest purposes.

The section lists restrictions where state authorities cannot make laws regarding forest
without the permissions of the Central Government. The emphasis is on ‘non forest purposes’
which means that clearing forest land for the planting of:

1. Tea
2. Coffee
3. Spices
4. Rubber
5. Palms
6. Oil-bearing
7. Medicinal plants
Section 3: Advisory committee
As per Section 3 of this Act, the Central government has the power to constitute an advisory
committee to advice on matters related to advising the central government on the preservation
of forests

For a list of important acts that transformed India, click on the linked article.

Amendments to the Forest Conservation Act, 1980

In order to balance economic and ecological concerns regarding the Forest Conservation Act,
1980 several amendments were proposed by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change in March 2021. Some amendments were as follows:

1.The proposed new ‘section 1A’ created provision which exempts survey and exploration
for underground oil and natural gas. In other words, such activities will no longer be
classified as a ‘non-forest activity’ and will not require permission from the government,

However, there will be certain conditions laid by the Central Government to carry out such
activities, one of which being, survey and drilling activities will not be carried out within the
proximity of wildlife sanctuaries.

2. Land acquired for railway networks will not be applicable to FCA and be exempt. Of
course, certain guidelines will be laid down by the Central government, which will include
planting trees to compensate for the loss of forest lands.

3. Section 2 of the FCA requires government approval for leasing forest lands not owned by
the central government for any commercial purposes to private entities.

This clause has been deleted in the proposed amendment. This will enable state governments
to lease forest lands without the Central government’s approval.

4. A new explanation to Section 2 proposes to exempt plantation of native species of palm

and oil-bearing trees from the definition of “non-forest purpose”.

The government will only impose conditions for compensatory afforestation and payment of
other levies and compensations.

5. The proposed amendments to FCA add to the list of non-forestry purposes activities such
as building checkpoints, fence boundary, and communication infrastructure.

It may also add ecotourism facilities approved under the Forest Working Plan or Working
Scheme approved by the central government.
Biodiversity Definition

“Biodiversity is the variation among living organisms from different sources including
terrestrial, marine and desert ecosystems, and the ecological complexes of which they are a
part.”

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity describes the richness and variety of life on earth. It is the most complex and
important feature of our planet. Without biodiversity, life would not sustain.

The term biodiversity was coined in 1985. It is important in natural as well as artificial
ecosystems. It deals with nature’s variety, the biosphere. It refers to variabilities among
plants, animals and microorganism species.

Biodiversity includes the number of different organisms and their relative frequencies in an
ecosystem. It also reflects the organization of organisms at different levels.

Biodiversity holds ecological and economic significance. It provides us with nourishment,

housing, fuel, clothing and several other resources. It also extracts monetary benefits through
tourism. Therefore, it is very important to have a good knowledge of biodiversity for a
sustainable livelihood.

Also Read: Flagship Species

Types of Biodiversity

There are the following three different types of biodiversity:

 Genetic Biodiversity
 Species Biodiversity
 Ecological Biodiversity

LEVELS
 Types of Biodiversity

Species diversity

Species diversity refers to the variety of different types of species found in a particular area.
It is the biodiversity at the most basic level. It includes all the species ranging from plants to
different microorganisms.

No two individuals of the same species are exactly similar. For example, humans show a lot
of diversity among themselves.

Genetic diversity

It refers to the variations among the genetic resources of the organisms. Every individual of a
particular species differs from each other in their genetic constitution. That is why every
human looks different from each other. Similarly, there are different varieties in the same
species of rice, wheat, maize, barley, etc.

Ecological diversity

An ecosystem is a collection of living and non-living organisms and their interaction with
each other. Ecological biodiversity refers to the variations in the plant and animal species
living together and connected by food chains and food webs.

It is the diversity observed among the different ecosystems in a region. Diversity in different
ecosystems like deserts, rainforests, mangroves, etc., include ecological diversity.

Also Read: Biodiversity in Plants and Animals

Importance of Biodiversity

Biodiversity and its maintenance are very important for sustaining life on earth. A few of the
reasons explaining the importance of biodiversity are:

Ecological Stability

Every species has a specific role in an ecosystem. They capture and store energy and also
produce and decompose organic matter. The ecosystem supports the services without which
humans cannot survive. A diverse ecosystem is more productive and can withstand
environmental stress.

Economic Importance

Biodiversity is a reservoir of resources for the manufacture of food, cosmetic products and
pharmaceuticals.

Crops livestock, fishery, and forests are a rich sources of food.

Wild plants such as Cinchona and Foxglove plant are used for medicinal purposes.

Wood, fibres, perfumes, lubricants, rubber, resins, poison and cork are all derived from
different plant species.

The national parks and sanctuaries are a source of tourism. They are a source of beauty and
joy for many people.

Ethical Importance

All species have a right to exist. Humans should not cause their voluntary extinction.
Biodiversity preserves different cultures and spiritual heritage. Therefore, it is very important
to conserve biodiversity.

Biodiversity in India

India is one of the most diverse nations in the world. It ranks ninth in terms of plant species
richness. Two of the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots are found in India. It is the origin of
important crop species such as pigeon pea, eggplant, cucumber, cotton and sesame. India is
also a centre of various domesticated species such as millets, cereals, legumes, vegetables,
medicinal and aromatic crops, etc.
India is equally diverse in its faunal wealth. There are about 91000 animal species found
here.

However, diversity is depleting at a drastic rate and various programmes on biodiversity

conservation are being launched to conserve nature.

NATURAL CYCLES AND FLOW:

https://theintactone.com/2023/05/06/natural-cycles-and-flows-material-and-energy/
#:~:text=Natural%20cycles%20and%20flows%20refer,nitrogen%20cycle%2C%20and
%20phosphorus%20cycle.

HOTSPOTS

Sustainable development goals : UN Website, link is given below:

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/