The key points of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, are as follows:
- The Act aims to promote conservation and prevent hazards to humans, animals, plants, and property.
- It establishes regulatory authorities such as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) to implement and enforce environmental laws.
- The central government is empowered to require environmental clearance for potentially polluting projects and regulate activities impacting the environment.
- It authorizes regulatory bodies to set emission and discharge standards to control and mitigate pollution.
- The Act provides powers to regulate, manage, and ensure the safe handling, transportation, and disposal of hazardous substances.
- Penalties for offenses include fines, imprisonment, and closure of non-compliant industries, with provisions for increasing penalties for continued violations.
- Public participation is encouraged, allowing citizens to file complaints and seek legal remedies for environmental violations.
- The Act introduced mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for assessing potential environmental impacts before project clearance.
- It grants broad powers to the central government to take necessary actions, investigate pollution sources, and issue regulations, orders, or directives to protect the environment.
These points summarize the comprehensive approach of the Act toward pollution control, environmental management, and sustainable development.
