Let us think, why do we need to protect the environment globally and who will take the responsibility for its monitoring? The answer would be that environmental resources are scarce and take several years to develop. To manage and protect these resources, two important programmes have been proposed by the United Nations: the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Both work for sustainable human and environmental development at the global level.
The UNDP is an international development agency devoted to the notion of “Sustainable Human Development”. It was founded in 1965 with its headquarters in New York, United States of America. It coordinates development work of the United Nations and is funded entirely through voluntary contributions from UN member states.
UNDP works in over 177 countries and territories to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on areas such as poverty eradication and sustainable livelihoods. It provides and administers most technical assistance offered by the UN system to individual countries for their social and economic development.
Environmental concerns are deeply embedded in project planning and implementation within the UNDP. Every development project proposal is reviewed for potential negative environmental impacts. The agency also assists countries in building capacity for sustainable development in line with Agenda 21.
UNDP programmes for specific countries are designed on five-year cycles. At the end of each cycle, a new Country Cooperative Framework (CCF) is developed. Each framework integrates the Environmental Overview Programme (EOP), which ensures consideration of a country's unique environmental features and potential impacts.
The EOP includes:
In September 2015, world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all. The UNDP now works to reinforce frameworks addressing development, disaster risk reduction, and climate change.
According to the UNDP’s agenda, the following Signature Solutions have been identified:
UNDP also champions the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities, and the most vulnerable (www.undp.org).
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established following the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972. This conference, with its slogan ‘Only One Earth’, was the first major international meeting that placed the environment on the global policy agenda and initiated a wave of key international treaties.
UNEP was created to promote economic growth that aligns with environmental protection, marking a shift in the UN's approach to sustainable development.
The UNEP headquarters is located in Nairobi, Kenya. It functions as the leading global authority on environmental issues, raising awareness and guiding global environmental policy. Its mission is “to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations” (www.unep.org).
The Brundtland Commission's report, ‘Our Common Future’, emphasized the interconnection between the environment and development. It introduced the concept of Sustainable Development defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
Sustainable development means not using non-renewable resources faster than alternatives can be found, or renewable resources faster than they can regenerate. It also requires controlling pollutants so they can be neutralized naturally. UNEP’s mission in this area was significantly strengthened during the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development (Earth Summit) in Rio de Janeiro.
The work of UNEP is structured around seven broad themes:
You have studied earlier about the United Nations Conference on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity, both of which were significant outcomes of the Rio Earth Summit. Between the Stockholm Conference (1972) and the Rio Conference (1992), numerous international agreements came into effect to safeguard the environment.
Notable treaties and conventions include:
These agreements reflect the global commitment to addressing diverse environmental issues through cooperative international action.
Most developing countries have established institutions and enacted environmental laws based on their unique environmental conditions and challenges. Some have seen partial success in managing these issues. Global financial bodies like the World Bank advocate for economic incentives and market-based strategies as solutions for environmental protection.
However, these institutions often fail to evaluate the success or relevance of such policies before recommending their application in developing countries, which frequently lack the necessary resources and experience to effectively implement market-based environmental policies.
In the 1980s, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented the Clean Air Act to manage pollution through discharge permits. These permits could be traded internally and externally by firms—encouraging cost-effective pollution control.
This led to a legal framework using market-based tools. Notably, Title IV of the 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act introduced a trading system for SO2 (Sulfur Dioxide) emissions to combat Acid Rain.
Countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands employed economic instruments such as taxes on fertilizers, gasoline, and other polluting inputs via effluent charge systems. These taxes were meant to act as pollution deterrents.
However, when tax levels were low, they failed as deterrents—becoming a regular revenue source instead of an effective policy tool. This illustrates a common issue: minimal penalties often result in non-compliance, as people prefer paying small fines over following environmental regulations.
While the strategies mentioned are promising, accurate monitoring, transparency, a reliable legal system, and realistic trade incentives are often lacking in the developing and transitional world.
Weak government institutions and poor enforcement mechanisms significantly hinder effective implementation of environmental policies. Developing countries must move beyond merely replicating Western models.
It is vital for developing countries to formulate their own environmental policies tailored to their specific environmental conditions and challenges. This includes:
Only then can they sustainably and effectively address environmental issues in their respective regions.
India has a long history of environmental regulation, with various laws enacted during the colonial era to tackle environmental issues. These include:
Many of these laws remain in force post-independence, though ineffective implementation has limited their impact on curbing environmental degradation.
India is among the few nations to amend its Constitution to include environmental protection. The 42nd Amendment (1976) introduced Articles 48A and 51A(g):
Article 253 empowers the Parliament to legislate on matters related to international treaties, but some environmental subjects fall under the State List (e.g., water), requiring state-level collaboration via Article 252.
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was passed in 1974 after much deliberation, followed by the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act in 1981. A single agency was tasked with implementing both laws.
After the 1972 Stockholm Conference, India established the National Committee on Environmental Planning and Coordination (NCEPC) to evaluate projects and ecosystems and promote environmental education.
Subsequent laws included the Wildlife Protection Act and the Atomic Energy Act. The MoEF created the Environmental Action Plan (1993) to integrate environmental concerns into development planning through:
Modern environmental issues, mostly human-induced, call for eco-friendly policies and regulation to ensure the survival of all life forms through sustainable development.
India has taken legal, regulatory, and promotional steps to support environmental sustainability. Understanding the Constitution’s role in these efforts is essential for every citizen.
Population growth places increasing pressure on land, leading to deforestation and the shrinking of wildlife habitats. Along with this, rising consumerism has fueled demand for luxury and vanity products, adversely affecting wildlife.
Protecting wildlife is not just the responsibility of the government, but also of every individual. As per the Indian Constitution, it is our duty to protect the natural environment, including forests, rivers, lakes, and wildlife.
The Ministry of Environment and Forests serves as the lead agency in overseeing and enforcing environmental protection efforts in the country.
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 was enacted to provide for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants with a comprehensive ecological approach. According to the Act:
“Wildlife includes any animal, bees, butterflies, crustaceans, fish, and moths, and aquatic or land vegetation that forms a part of any habitat.”
The Act empowers state governments to take necessary actions for the protection of forests and wildlife and bans the hunting of certain rare and endangered species.
The Act establishes the Central Zoo Authority, which defines minimum standards for housing, upkeep, and veterinary care for animals in zoos.
This body also guides and regulates zoo operations to ensure ethical and ecological standards are met.
The Act designates wildlife as property of the government. Any private possession of wildlife or wildlife articles must be declared and surrendered when reported.
Trade in wild animals and their derivatives (e.g., ivory, taxidermy items, trophies, meat from captive animals) is strictly prohibited under this law.
Authorized officials have the right to search premises, vehicles, vessels, baggage, or possessions if there is suspicion of illegal possession or trade.
Water is an essential element for life. Sustainable management of water resources is crucial for protecting the environment and ecosystem. Standard water management practices should be followed by both industries and households to avoid contamination.
Discharge of wastewater into natural water bodies like ponds, lakes, rivers, estuaries, and seas poses a serious environmental risk.
The Act defines pollution as:
“Contamination of water or alteration of its physical, chemical, or biological properties due to discharge of sewage, trade effluents, or any other substances that may harm public health, safety, legitimate uses, or aquatic life.”
Sewage effluents refer to waste from sewer systems and disposal works, while industrial effluents include liquid, gaseous, or solid discharges from industries or trade activities (excluding domestic sewage).
The Act provides for the establishment of Central and State Pollution Control Boards to implement its provisions. These boards are empowered with judicial authority, and non-compliance is a punishable offence.
According to the Act:
Enacted following the Water Act of 1974, the Water Cess Act, 1977 aimed to help meet the expenses of the Central and State Pollution Control Boards. It allowed for the levy and collection of a cess on water consumed by certain industries and local authorities.
A 25% rebate was available for those who established treatment plants for sewage or trade effluents.
The Act provides for the prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution in India. It defines:
Industries must obtain permission from the State Pollution Control Board and ensure that emissions remain within specified limits.
Ambient air quality standards vary depending on location—industrial, commercial, residential, or silent zones. Similarly, noise levels are zoned and regulated accordingly.
The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 was enacted to regulate the diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes and maintain a balance between development and conservation of natural heritage.
Key aim: To stop indiscriminate diversion of forest areas while meeting developmental needs responsibly.
Under the Act, prior approval from the Central Government is mandatory for diversion of forest lands for non-forestry purposes including:
Note: The Act does not apply to works related to forest conservation and management such as check-posts, fire lines, communication, fencing, culverts, dams, water holes, etc.
Authorities are held accountable under this Act. Negligence may result in imprisonment. Forestland diversion is allowed for necessary projects like:
Mitigation measures include:
CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority) was established at the national level to monitor these implementations.
The Ministry of Environment and Forests also set up a monitoring cell to ensure compliance by user agencies.
India’s forests are categorized into four main types:
Overexploitation increases vulnerability to natural disasters like floods and droughts. Forests play a key role in:
1952 Policy: Recommended increasing forest cover to 33% of India’s total land area.
1988 Policy Revision: Introduced updated objectives:
The Environmental Protection Act (EPA) was enacted in 1986 under Article 253 of the Indian Constitution, following the Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984).
This is an umbrella legislation designed to provide a framework for the Central Government to coordinate the activities of various central and state authorities, such as those established under the Water Act and the Air Act.
The Act defines the environment to include “water, air, land and their relationship with human beings, other living creatures, plants, and microorganisms.”
The Act empowers the Central Government to take necessary measures for:
The Central Government may impose restrictions on areas where certain industries, operations, or processes can or cannot be carried out. They may be allowed under certain safeguards.
The Act gives the Central Government the authority to:
The government has evolved and notified emission and effluent standards for 61 categories of industries.
The government has the power to collect samples of air, water, soil, or other substances as evidence of offences under the Act.
A special procedure may be prescribed for handling hazardous substances.
The standards for pollutants must be achieved within one year from the date of notification, especially for industries identified as highly polluting.
A private citizen may file a complaint, after giving 60 days' notice to the concerned authority.
The Department of Environment, Forests and Wildlife under MoEF is designated for the administration and enforcement of the Act.
The Act provides guidelines for:
Private citizens have the right to file cases against non-complying factories, and the board can prevent new industrial activities or the expansion of existing industries if they violate pollution laws.
Industrial plants have one year to comply with the emission or effluent standards as prescribed by the Act.
We are facing numerous challenges in the economic, social, political, cultural, and environmental dimensions. Natural resources play a vital role in providing livelihood security and supporting life-sustaining ecosystem services.
It is essential for everyone to understand the need to maintain a balance between sociocultural-economic values and the environment in the progress of development.
India is continuously contributing to international efforts with respect to the natural environment. The National Environmental Policy (NEP) of India is one of India’s commitments to ensuring a clean environment and making a positive contribution to global environmental initiatives.
The policy aligns with the Constitution under Articles 48 A and 51 A (g), which highlight the citizen’s responsibility for maintaining a healthy environment, interpreted in relation to Article 21.
The NEP 2006 sets a group of principles based on relevance, feasibility, costs, and technical and administrative aspects, including: sustainable development, the right to development, environmental protection, precautionary approach, economic efficiency, equity, legal liability, and setting environmental standards.
The main objectives of the New Environmental Policy (2006) are as follows:
Till now, you have studied various government policies and its judicial initiatives for the benefit of population as well as whole environment. Let us study further government initiation towards sustainable development of natural environment.
The Ministry of Environment and Forests has been funding towards research in various ways. The grant-in-aid projects and other funds are allocated for many research institutions and organizations working in different fields of studies under the broad ambit of environmental protection and management. It is aimed ‘to promote basic and applied research in various facets of ecology and environment’.
The main objectives of the research support are as follows:
It deals with the problems related to pollution and development of suitable cost-effective technologies for abatement of pollution. Emphasis is laid on development of eco-friendly biological and other interventions for prevention, abatement of pollution and development of strategies, technologies and instruments, etc. for control of pollution. Projects are also encouraged for:
Projects support identified thrust areas of environmental research from time to time.
This interdisciplinary research programme emphasizes ecological approaches for studying the relationship between human and environment. The programme deals with ‘green issues’ relating to:
The programme aims to develop a basis within the field of natural and social sciences for rational use and conservation of resources for the general improvement of the relationship between humans and their environment.
The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), an apex body in the national forestry research system, has been undertaking the holistic development of forestry research by need-based planning, promoting, conducting, and coordinating research, education, and extension covering all aspects of forestry. The council deals with solution-based forestry research in tune with emerging issues such as:
The Wildlife Division of the Ministry provides financial assistance as per the stipulated guidelines for research institutions, universities, and NGOs for research and development in the field of wildlife.
To understand the relationship between human beings and the environment, the Environmental Education, Awareness and Training programme was launched by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in 1983-84. The basic objectives are:
Various media including films, audio, visual and print, theatre, drama, advertisements, hoardings, posters, seminars, workshops, competitions, and meetings are used to spread messages concerning the environment.
The National Green Corps (NGC) was established in 2001-02 to create environmental awareness among children. The NGC has over 100,000 eco-clubs across the country. It emphasizes the importance of children in promoting environmental issues and building future leaders in environmental protection.
The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), located in New Delhi, is devoted to environmental education. Opened on 5th June 1978 (World Environment Day), it focuses on educational programs through exhibitions and activities. Although the primary target audience is school students, it has also developed programs for other groups, including persons with disabilities. The museum organizes outreach programs such as: