ENVIRONMENTAL

CONSERVATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
01 02
INTRODUCTION LAWS

03 04
EXAMPLES & CONCLUSION
CHALLENGES
01
INTRODUCTION
What is environment?
 The environment refers to the surrounding natural world that
includes air, water, soil, plants, animals, and other living and non-
living elements.

What Is Environmental Conservation?

Environmental conservation refers to the practice of protecting

and preserving the natural environment from harmful human
activities, with a goal of maintaining ecological balance and
ensuring the well-being of present and future generations. It
encompasses a broad range of actions, from wildlife protection to
pollution control and sustainable resource management.
 Why do we need laws?

Environment conservation laws are

legal frameworks designed to protect
the environment and natural
resources, ensuring sustainable
development and preventing
degradation. These laws regulate
human activities that impact air, water,
soil, forests, wildlife, and ecosystems.
HOW CAN STUDENTS
HELP IN PROTECTING
ENVIRONMENT
STEP 1 : Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:
Students can practice waste management by reducing the amount of
waste they generate, reusing items like water bottles and bags, and
recycling paper, plastic, and other recyclable materials. Promoting the use
of digital materials instead of printed handouts also minimizes paper waste.

STEP 2 : Conserve Energy and Water:

Turn off lights, computers, and other electronic devices when not in use.
Limit water use by closing taps properly and fixing leaks in schools or
homes.

STEP 3 : Plant trees:

Trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide, purifying air, and
providing habitat for wildlife. Planting trees helps combat climate changes
and improve air quality.
STEP 4 : Avoid single-use plastics :
Say no to plastic bags, bottles, and straws by using reusable
alternatives. Bring lunch in reusable containers rather than
disposable packaging.

STEP 5 : choose sustainable products :

Opting for eco-friendly products, such as those made from
recycled materials or produced sustainably, supports
environmental conscious business.

STEP 6 : Use Eco-friendly Transportation:

Encourage walking, cycling, or using public transportation to
reduce the carbon footprint. Students can also carpool to school,
which helps reduce air pollution and traffic congestion.
STEP 7 : organize environment awareness campaigns :
Participate in or initiate school programs like tree planting, clean-up drives,
and awareness workshops. Use social media to spread awareness about
environmental issues and sustainable living.

STEP 8 : Advocate for Environmental Policies:

Engage in community discussions or student councils to propose eco-
friendly policies. Participate in environmental clubs, contribute to local
sustainability projects, or volunteer for NGOs focused on environmental
protection.
Support Biodiversity:

Create school gardens, plant native species, and take part in

conservation efforts to protect local wildlife. Students can learn more
about ecosystems and advocate for their protection. By adopting these
habits and promoting them within their communities, students play an
essential role in the global effort to protect the environment.
 Environment (Protection) Act, 1986:

This is the overarching legislation that provides the central

framework for environmental protection in India. It empowers the
central government to take measures to protect and improve
environmental quality.

Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974:

This act focuses on preventing and controlling water pollution. It

establishes pollution control boards at the central and state
levels to monitor and regulate water quality.
 Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981:

This act deals with air pollution control. It sets standards for
air quality and empowers authorities to take action against
polluters.
❖ Setting standards for air quality in urban and industrial
areas.
❖ Regulating the emission of pollutants from vehicles and
industries.
❖ Promoting the use of cleaner fuels and technologies.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972:

This act aims to protect India's diverse wildlife. It

establishes national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and
tiger reserves, and prohibits hunting and trade of
endangered species.

* Establishment of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries

to protect endangered species and their habitats.
* Ban on hunting and trade of endangered species.
* Project Tiger and Project Elephant for the conservation
of specific species.
Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980:

This act regulates the use of forest land and aims to conserve
forest cover. It requires prior approval from the central
government for any non-forest use of forest land.
* Regulating the use of forest land and preventing
deforestation.
* Promoting afforestation and reforestation programs.
* Encouraging community-based forest management.
TAKE CARE OF THE WORLD
 Example OF
LAW
Environment Protection Act,
1986
One significant environmental law is the Environment Protection Act, 1986
(EPA) in India. This legislation was enacted in response to the Bhopal gas
tragedy (gas leak from a Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, India, released toxic
methyl isocyanate, leading to thousands of deaths and long-term health
consequences for survivors)and is one of the most comprehensive laws
aimed at safeguarding the environment.

The EPA provides a framework for the protection and improvement of the
environment. It empowers the central government to take necessary actions
to regulate pollution, protect the environment, and impose penalties for
environmental damage.
 importance & NEED OF EPA
Rising Pollution Levels: The growing industrialization and urbanization in India have led to
an increase in air, water, and soil pollution, making stringent environmental laws essential.

Climate Change: India is highly vulnerable to climate change, and laws like the EPA are
critical to mitigate the impact of climate change on ecosystems and livelihoods.

Biodiversity Conservation: The preservation of India's rich biodiversity, including forests,

wildlife, and natural habitats, requires the protection provided by laws like the EPA.

Health Concerns: The degradation of the environment is closely linked to public health
issues, such as respiratory diseases, waterborne illnesses, and other hazards.

Legal Framework for Environmental Protection: The EPA provides a legal structure to deal
with all kinds of environmental issues, covering air, water, and land pollution, and ensuring
accountability.
A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS
Key Challenges in Implementation of environmental law in India

Implementing environmental law in India faces several key challenges due to various socio-
economic, administrative, and political factors. Here are some of the main issues:

● Environmental agencies often face shortages of funding, skilled personnel, and necessary
equipment, making enforcement challenging. Regulatory agencies may be influenced by
political or business interests, leading to Tax enforcement or selective application of the
law. Although India has specialized environmental courts like the National Green Tribunal,
the overall judicial system is often overburdened, causing delays in case resolution.

● There is a lack of robust infrastructure to monitor pollution levels and compliance across
the country, especially in remote and rural areas. Inconsistent and incomplete data on
environmental indicators hinder proper assessment, policymaking, and enforcement of
environmental laws.
● India has multiple environmental laws that sometimes overlap or contradict each other, causing
confusion and compliance difficulties. Constant changes and updates to environmental
regulations create uncertainty for businesses and enforcement agencies, making long -term
compliance planning difficult.

● There is limited public understanding of environmental laws and the importance of compliance,
which undermines grassroots support for enforcement efforts. While laws allow for public
participation, there are often practical barriers to meaningful involvement, especially for
marginalized communities.

● There is often a trade-off between economic growth and environmental protection. In many
cases, developmental projects take precedence over environmental regulations. The need to
support industries and agriculture can lead to relaxed enforcement of environmental standards,
especially when these sectors are economically significant.
● While some environmental regulations are delegated to state or local authorities, there is often a
lack of uniformity in how they are implemented and enforced across different regions. Local
authorities may lack the expertise or resources to effectively implement and enforce
environmental laws, resulting in varying levels of environmental protection across the country.

● There are cases of bias and manipulation in Environmental Impact Assessments, leading to
approvals for projects that may not meet environmental standards. Certain projects, especially
those deemed crucial for national interest, may be exempt from thorough EIA processes,
potentially compromising environmental protection.

● Many protected areas overlap with lands inhabited by indigenous or local communities, leading
to conflicts over resource use and conservation objectives. Despite laws in place, wildlife
poaching and illegal logging persist due to inadequate enforcement and economic incentives for
local communities to engage in such activities.
QUESTIONS ROUND?
 Conclusion:
The ultimate objective of 'Environment Policy' is to
ensure environmentally sound development in all
sectors.
Thus Environment policy is to provide the basic premise to
define the goals of economic and social development in
terms of sustainability in the respective sector and in
overall national planning.
THANK YOU!