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SSC CGL Preparation – Day 20
Environment – Environmental Policies
🌱 1. What are Environmental Policies?
Environmental policies are laws, plans, and programs implemented by the government to protect the environment, promote sustainable development, and control pollution.
These policies provide the legal and institutional framework for conservation of natural resources and ensuring ecological balance.
📜 2. Key Environmental Policies and Acts in India
🟩 A. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- Umbrella legislation after Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984)
- Provides central government with powers to protect and improve the environment
- Allows government to take measures against air, water, and soil pollution
🔹 Covers air, water, noise, hazardous substances, waste management, etc.
🟦 B. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
- Protects wild animals, birds, and plants
- Provides for creation of National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves
- Specifies schedules for protection of various species (Schedule I → highest protection)
🟫 C. Forest Conservation Act, 1980
- Regulates diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes
- Requires central government approval for using forest land
- Focuses on conservation and sustainable use of forests
🟨 D. Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
- Controls and prevents air pollution
- Establishes Central and State Pollution Control Boards
- Authorizes boards to set emission standards and monitor air quality
🟦 E. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
- First environmental law in India
- Controls water pollution from industrial and municipal sources
- Empowers Pollution Control Boards to monitor, penalize polluters
🟩 F. National Green Tribunal (NGT) Act, 2010
- Established National Green Tribunal for fast-tracking environmental cases
- Deals with civil cases relating to environment protection and compensation
- NGT decisions are binding and appealable only in Supreme Court
🏛️ 3. Institutional Framework
| Institution | Role |
|---|---|
| MoEFCC (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) | Apex body for policy making |
| CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) | Sets environmental standards and monitors pollution |
| SPCBs (State Pollution Control Boards) | Enforce pollution control measures in states |
| NGT | Fast-track judicial body for environmental issues |
🌐 4. Major National Programs and Missions
| Program/Mission | Objective |
|---|---|
| National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) | Includes 8 missions on solar, energy, water, etc. |
| Green India Mission | Promote afforestation and ecosystem restoration |
| National Electric Mobility Mission (NEMM) | Promote electric vehicles |
| Swachh Bharat Abhiyan | Cleanliness and sanitation |
| Unnat Jyoti (UJALA) | Promote energy-efficient LED lighting |
| FAME Scheme | Faster Adoption of Electric Vehicles |
🌏 5. International Environmental Agreements India is Part Of
| Agreement | Objective |
|---|---|
| Paris Agreement (2015) | Limit global warming to below 2°C |
| Montreal Protocol (1987) | Control ozone-depleting substances |
| Kyoto Protocol (1997) | Reduce greenhouse gas emissions (developed nations) |
| CBD (1992) | Convention on Biological Diversity |
| RAMSAR Convention (1971) | Protect wetlands |
| CITES | Regulate trade in endangered species |
🔖 6. India’s Recent Environmental Commitments
- Net Zero Target by 2070 (COP26)
- Installed 175+ GW renewable capacity as of 2023
- Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) Movement
- National Hydrogen Mission
- Launch of Eco-sensitive Zones near wildlife sanctuaries
📊 7. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- Tool used to evaluate environmental consequences before project approval
- Mandated under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- Required for industries, mining, infrastructure projects, etc.
🔹 Involves public hearing, expert evaluation, and environmental clearance.
🧠 SSC CGL-Focused Key Points
- Wildlife Protection Act (1972) – Schedule system for species
- EIA – Required for major industrial and development projects
- NGT – Handles environmental cases and ensures speedy justice
- MoEFCC – Apex authority for environmental policies
- Air and Water Acts – Establish pollution control boards
- Green India Mission – Part of NAPCC
