Environment Protection Act, 1986
| Environment Protection Act, 1986 | |
|---|---|
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| Enacted by | Parliament of India |
| Date commenced | 09 January 1986 |
Environment Protection Act, 1986 is an Act of the Parliament of India. In the wake of the Bhopal Tragedy, the Government of India enacted the Environment Protection Act of 1986 under Article 253 of the Constitution. The purpose of the Act is to implement the decisions of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environments 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 designed to provide a framework for central government coordination of the activities of various central and state authorities established under previous laws, such as the Water Act and the Air Act.
Objectives of the Act
- To co-ordinate the activities of the various regulatory agencies already in existence.
- Creation of an authority or authorities with adequate powers for environmental protection.
- Regulation of discharge of environmental pollutants and handling of hazardous substance.
- Speedy response in the event of accidents threatening environmental and deterrents punishment to those who endanger human environment, safety and health.