Introduction

 In this article you will learn about " Environment Protection Act, 1986 UPSC " in simple language so that you will be able to understand it. But first of all you should know the definition of an environment. Environment can be defined as a sum total of all living and non-living things that effect the life of organism . It includes the natural surroundings in which we live. Environment is very important for us because it provides us all those things due to which we are able to survive. 

What Is The Environment Protection Act, 1986? 

The Environment Protection Act was enacted in May 1986 and came into force on 19 November 1986. The act was passed by the Parliament of India under the Article 253 of the Constitution of India. The act is applicable to the whole of India. Environment Protection Act was a result of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in stockholm in June 1972. India also participated in the conference and raised its concern for the environment. The main objective of this act is to protect the environment from harmful materials and to develop the environment. 




Need For The Environment Protection Act, 1986

Environment protection is a big issue today because due to more industries or modernisation the environment around us is getting worse. Just as it is important to protect forest and animals, similarly the environment should also be protected so that the people living on the earth can get natural things. After the Bhopal Gas Tragedy the government started paying attention to environment protection because this was the biggest disaster in which lot of people were killed. Environment protection is necessary so that in future people do not have to face such natural disasters and they can live their lives well. 


Objectives Of The Environment Protection Act, 1986

  • To implement the decisions of the central government relating to the environment protection and improvement. 
  • To promote sustainable development means development of overall economy without compromising the ability of  future generations to meet their own needs. 
  • To protect the natural environment including forests, river, air and wildlife of the country. 
  • To create new groups of people for the protection of environment. 
  • To provide punishment to the offenders of environment protection rules. 

Powers Of The Central Government Under This Act

  • Power to take all such measures which is necessary to protect and improve the environment. 
  • Power to appoint officers so that rules can be enforced. 
  • Power to make rules on the matters relating to environment protection. 
  • Power to ask for the the reports and information relating to environment protection from any officer and state government. 
  • Power to inspection to see whether the rules and regulations of the government are being followed are not. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1. When was The Environment Protection Act implemented? 
The Environment Protection Act was implemented in May 1986 and came into force on 19 November 1986.

Question 2. Who started Environment Day? 
The United Nations General Assembly started World Environment Day in 1972 . 

Question 3. When is Environment Day celebrated? 
Environment Day is celebrated on 5th June. 

Question 4. Why 5 June is celebrated as Environment Day? 
June 5 is celebrated as Environment Day because the stockholm conference started from this day.