Some of the salient features of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, include:
- Objective: The primary objective of the Act is to protect and improve the environment, control and reduce pollution, and safeguard public health.
- Applicability: The Act applies to the whole of India and covers all environmental issues and concerns, including air and water pollution, hazardous substances, and environmental impact assessments.
- Definition of Pollutants: The Act defines various pollutants, including substances, noise, and other forms of pollution, which are harmful to the environment and human health.
- Regulatory Authorities: The Act establishes central and state-level regulatory authorities, such as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), to enforce and implement its provisions.
- Pollution Control Measures: It empowers the regulatory authorities to prescribe standards for emissions and discharges of pollutants into the environment. These standards help in controlling and reducing pollution levels.
- Power to Take Samples: The Act grants the regulatory authorities the power to take samples of emissions, effluents, and other substances for testing and analysis.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): The Act makes provisions for the assessment of the potential environmental impact of new projects, industrial activities, or development activities through the EIA process.
- Public Participation: It encourages public participation in environmental decision-making processes by requiring public hearings and consultations for certain projects and activities.
- Penalties and Punishments: The Act specifies penalties and punishments, including fines and imprisonment, for violations of its provisions. These penalties are meant to deter individuals and industries from polluting the environment.
- Emergency Response: It empowers the regulatory authorities to take emergency measures to prevent and mitigate environmental pollution in case of accidents or unforeseen incidents.
- Liability for Damage: The Act imposes liability on individuals, industries, or entities that cause environmental damage, and it provides for compensation to affected parties.
- Environmental Awareness: It emphasizes the need to raise public awareness about environmental issues and the importance of environmental protection.
- Amendment: The Act has been amended several times to strengthen environmental protection measures and address emerging environmental challenges.
Overall, the Environment Protection Act, 1986, serves as the cornerstone of environmental legislation in India, providing a legal framework for the protection and conservation of the environment and regulating activities that can have adverse environmental impacts. It has been instrumental in promoting sustainable development and safeguarding the well-being of both present and future generations.