Wildlife amendments to ‘save entrepreneurs from harassment’

Wildlife amendments to ‘save entrepreneurs from harassment’

Subject :Environment

Section : Biodiversity

Context: The Centre’s proposed amendments to decriminalise certain provisions of the Environment Protection Act (EPA), were to “save law abiding citizens/ entrepreneurs from undue harassment in case of minor non-compliances

What is the Environment (Protection) Act,1986?

• The EPA, 1986 establishes the framework for studying, planning, and implementing long-term requirements of environmental safety and laying down a system of speedy and adequate response to situations threatening the environment.’
• Background:
  • The roots of the enactment of the EPA lies in the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held at Stockholm in June,1972 (Stockholm Conference), in which India participated, to take appropriate steps for the improvement of the human environment.
  • The Act implements the decisions made at the Stockholm Conference.
• Constitutional Provisions:
  • The EPA Act was enacted under Article 253 of the Indian Constitution which provides for the enactment of legislation for giving effect to international agreements.
  • Article 48A of the Constitution specifies that the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.
  • Article 51A further provides that every citizen shall protect the environment.
• Powers of the Central Government:
  • EPA empowers the Central Government to establish authorities charged with the mandate of preventing environmental pollution in all its forms and to tackle specific environmental problems that are peculiar to different parts of the country.
  • EPA also empower the Government to:
    • Plan and execute a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution.
    • Lay down standards for the quality of the environment in its various aspects like emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources.
  • The Central government as per the Act has the power to direct:
    • The closure, prohibition or regulation of any industry, operation or process.
    • The stoppage or regulation of the supply of electricity or water or any other service.