LEGISLATIONS RELATED TO ENVIRONMENT
FOREST ACT, 1972
• This act protects forest land from being used for farming, buildings, or industrial work.
• It says no part of forest land can be used for non-forest purposes without government permission.
• An advisory committee is made to guide the government on forest matters.
• The law supports forest conservation and controls tree cutting.
• People who destroy forests without approval can be punished.
FOREST (CONSERVATION) ACT, 1980
• This act was made to stop deforestation in India.
• It says state governments must take approval from the central government before using forest
land.
• It prevents clearing of forests for roads, dams, buildings, or mining without proper checks.
• It helps to protect the balance of nature and preserve forest ecosystems.
• Its goal is to reduce soil erosion, save wildlife, and maintain rainfall.
WILDLIFE PROTECTION ACT, 1972
• This act stops illegal hunting, killing, and trading of wild animals and birds.
• It allows the government to create national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
• It forms a wildlife advisory board to protect animals and birds.
• People who harm protected species can be jailed or fined.
• It helps protect biodiversity and save endangered species.
WATER (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, 1974
• This act prevents pollution of rivers, lakes, wells, and other water bodies.
• It establishes Central and State Pollution Control Boards to check water quality.
• The boards can inspect industries and take action against those who pollute water.
• It makes it compulsory for factories to treat wastewater before releasing it.
• Polluters are punished with fines and legal action under this law.
AIR (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, 1981
• This law controls air pollution from industries, vehicles, and other sources.
• It empowers Pollution Control Boards to set air quality standards.
• Industries must take permission before releasing smoke or gases.
• The board can test the air and take samples from pollution sources.
• People breaking rules can face legal punishment or shutdown orders.
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ACT, 1986
• This law was passed after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy to avoid future disasters.
• It gives wide powers to the central government to protect the environment.
• It covers all types of pollution – air, water, soil, and chemical hazards.
• The government can set rules for waste handling and chemical storage.
• Anyone harming the environment can be punished under this act.
PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE ACT, 1991
• This act provides fast help to people hurt in industrial or chemical accidents.
• It makes it compulsory for hazardous industries to take insurance.
• People affected by accidents can get immediate compensation without delay.
• An Environment Relief Fund is created and maintained by the industries.
• It ensures safety and justice to people harmed by pollution-related accidents.
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL TRIBUNAL ACT, 1995
• This law creates a special court called a tribunal for environmental damage cases.
• It includes judges and experts to handle pollution or disaster-related complaints.
• Victims of pollution or industrial accidents can claim compensation here.
• The tribunal gives faster justice than normal courts.
• It helps in protecting public health and solving environmental problems legally.
LEGISLATIONS AND ACTS REGULATING ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE
SHORE BOMBAY NUISANCE ACT, 1853
• This is one of the oldest Indian laws to manage public nuisance in coastal areas.
• It was made to stop pollution in port and shore areas of Bombay.
• It gave authorities power to remove garbage and harmful materials near the shore.
• It aimed to maintain sanitation and hygiene in busy shipping areas.
• This act helped to reduce foul smells and disease spread from coastal pollution.
INDIAN PENAL CODE (IPC), 1860 – NUISANCE PROVISIONS
• The IPC includes sections to punish public nuisances that affect health.
• It deals with actions like polluting water, blocking drains, and improper waste disposal.
• These sections are useful in stopping people or groups from spreading filth.
• Offenders can be fined or jailed for causing environmental harm.
• It supports basic public hygiene by controlling bad environmental behavior.
INDIAN FISHERIES ACT, 1897
• This law regulates fishing in rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.
• It bans harmful fishing practices like poisoning or using explosives.
• It protects fish from dying due to water pollution or overfishing.
• It helps in maintaining clean water and safe food from aquatic sources.
• Fishermen and industries can be fined if they pollute fishing areas.
INDIAN PORTS ACT, 1907
• This act manages sanitation and pollution in and around Indian ports.
• It gives power to port authorities to prevent waste dumping in water.
• It stops oil spills and industrial pollution from ships and ports.
• The act ensures that ships follow safety and cleanliness standards.
• It supports marine environmental hygiene and safety.
BENGAL SMOKE NUISANCE ACT, 1905
• This act was made to control smoke pollution in urban and industrial areas.
• It applies to parts of Bengal where smoke from chimneys caused health issues.
• It allows inspections of smoke sources and punishes excessive smoke release.
• The law encourages use of clean fuels and smoke control devices.
• It promotes clean air and prevents breathing problems in crowded cities.
MOTOR VEHICLE ACT, 1938
• This law controls vehicle pollution and road safety in India.
• It makes emission control certificates compulsory for all vehicles.
• Old or damaged vehicles releasing excess smoke can be fined.
• The law helps to reduce air pollution in towns and cities.
• It promotes road discipline and healthy urban air.
FACTORY ACT, 1948
• This act ensures safety and hygiene for workers inside factories.
• It requires proper ventilation, sanitation, and waste disposal in factories.
• Factories must prevent exposure to toxic gases, dust, or chemicals.
• Clean drinking water and toilets are made compulsory at work sites.
• The law protects workers and promotes industrial environmental health.
MAHARASHTRA PREVENTION OF WATER POLLUTION ACT, 1953
• This is one of the first state-level laws to stop water pollution.
• It controls waste discharge into rivers, lakes, and public water sources in Maharashtra.
• Industries are required to treat waste before releasing it into water.
• It inspired the later Water Act of 1974 at the national level.
• This act protects drinking water and public health in the state.
PREVENTION OF FOOD ADULTERATION ACT, 1954
• This act protects people from eating contaminated or adulterated food.
• It bans mixing harmful substances in food like colors, chemicals, or dirt.
• Food inspectors can check shops and factories and take samples.
• Strict punishments are given for selling unsafe food items.
• Clean environment and hygiene are ensured through food safety.
RIVER BOARDS ACT, 1956
• This act allows the creation of River Boards by the central government.
• These boards plan the use of rivers and prevent their pollution.
• They help different states to work together for river safety.
• The act supports clean water, flood control, and river conservation.
• It ensures balanced development and pollution-free rivers.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT (RADIATION PROTECTION RULES), 196
• This act controls the use of radioactive substances in science and medicine.
• It ensures safe handling, transport, and disposal of radioactive waste.
• It protects workers and the public from harmful radiation exposure.
• The act supports environmental hygiene in hospitals, labs, and industries.
• Strict safety rules are applied wherever radiation is used.
GUJARAT SMOKE NUISANCE ACT, 1963
• This act controls smoke pollution in Gujarat, especially in industrial cities.
• It checks smoke coming from factories, kilns, and vehicles.
• Authorities can fine industries for crossing smoke limits.
• The act promotes clean air and helps reduce respiratory diseases.
• It is similar to the Bengal Smoke Nuisance Act but used in Gujarat.
INSECTICIDES ACT, 1968
• This law controls the use, sale, and storage of insecticides and pesticides.
• It prevents misuse of harmful chemicals that pollute air, soil, and water.
• All insecticides must be tested and approved before use.
• It protects farmers, animals, and the environment from poisoning.
• Safe handling and labeling rules are made compulsory.
