The Union Environment Ministry proposes to soften the provisions of the EP Act (EPA) by replacing a clause that provides for imprisoning violators with one that only requires them to pay a fine.

Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986

• EP Act was passed under Article 253 of the Constitution, which empowers the Centre 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 UN 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.
• It was enacted in 1986 on the backdrop of Bhopal Gas Tragedy.
• The Act was last amended in 1991.

Why this Act?

• The Act is an “umbrella” legislation that has provided a framework for the environmental regulation regime in India.
• It 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.

Key provisions

• The Environment (Protection) Rules lay down procedures for setting standards of emission or discharge of environmental pollutants.
• The objective of Hazardous Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989 is to control the generation, collection, treatment, import, storage, and handling of hazardous waste.
• The Manufacture, Storage, and Import of Hazardous Rules define the terms used in this context, and sets up an authority to inspect, once a year.
• The Cells Rules,1989 were introduced with a view to protect the environment, nature, and health in connection with the application of gene technology and micro-organisms.

Try this PYQ:

Q. Consider the following statements:

The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to

1. State the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the Procedure and manner in which it sought.
2. Lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

 

Post your answers here.

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