AUTHOR NAME : AKSHAY KUMAR SIROHI
DESIGNATION : ADVOCATE
REGISTERED : BAR COUNCIL OF DELHI
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW: SAFEGUARDING OUR PLANET AND GUIDING OUR COMMUNITIES
INTRODUCTION
In our fast-changing world, taking care of our environment has become important. The government makes rules called environmental laws to help with this. These rules are like protectors of nature and show our communities how to live in a good way. We must follow the rules and do our best to keep the environment clean and safe for all. While following the development process we all forgot our duties to keep the environment and ecosystem clean.
What are Environmental Laws?
Environmental laws are like special instructions made by governments to keep our environment safe. They cover many things, like keeping air and water clean, taking care of animals and plants, and managing trash. These rules are important to stop bad things from happening and to make sure everyone does their part to help the Earth.
Understanding Environmental Laws
Environmental laws are like special instructions made by the government. They are like the rules we follow at home or school, but these rules are for everyone to help take care of our environment. These laws cover many things, like how factories can’t put too much pollution in the air or water, and how we should recycle to keep our surroundings clean.
Why We Need Environmental Laws
• Protecting Our Natural Friends: We love animals, plants, and all the life around us. Environmental laws make sure we don’t hurt them and their homes. it keeps balance in nature. They make sure animals, plants, and people can all live together happily.
• Staying healthy: Some things in the Environment can make us sick if we don’t clean air and water. With the help of Environmental law, we must ensure everyone has clean air and water.
• Working together: Working together to protect our planet means that we all help to keep the earth safe and clean. When we join forces, we can solve big problems like pollution and make our planet stay healthy for us and the animals. We can work together by recycling, cleaning up, saving energy and water, planting trees, and telling others how important it is to take care of our environment. When we all pitch in, we make our planet a better place for everyone now and in the future.
• Responsible Land Use: These laws guide how we use our land. They determine where buildings can be constructed, how land can be developed, and how to reduce the impact of urbanization on the environment. This helps strike a balance between human needs and nature.
• Global Cooperation: Environmental laws aren’t limited to one country. Some international agreements and treaties bring nations together to address global environmental challenges. For example, the Paris Agreement aims to combat climate change on a worldwide scale.
• Environmental Impact Assessment: Before significant projects like building a new highway or factory can begin, environmental laws often require an assessment. This process examines the potential harm a project might cause to the environment and helps find ways to minimize it.
• Waste Management: These laws ensure that waste is disposed of properly. They promote recycling, safe disposal of hazardous waste, and measures to reduce the creation of garbage. This helps keep our environment clean and reduces the burden on landfills.
SOME ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS
• The Paris Agreement. It is like a promise that many countries made to each other to make our planet clean and safe. It was adopted by 196 parties at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, France, on 12 December 2015. It entered into force on 4 November 2016. All these countries agreed to work together to stop Earth from getting too warm. They want to use less pollution and find ways to make energy that doesn’t hurt the environment. It’s a bit like when friends agree to help each other – countries are teaming up to keep our world safe. This agreement reminds us that even though we live in different places, we are all connected and need to take care of our home. By following the Paris Agreement, countries hope to make our planet, healthier for everyone, where the air is clean, the temperature stays stable, and nature can thrive
• The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) 1981. After the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm in June 1972, in which India Participated, to take appropriate steps for the preservation of the natural resources of the earth which among other things include the preservation of the quality of air and or air pollution. The law has special rules for industries and factories to follow. They need to make sure they don’t release harmful things into the air, like smoke or chemicals. If they do, they can get in trouble. This law also talks about how the government can make plans to control air pollution in different areas and how people should be aware of the air quality. So, the Air( Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act is like a guarding for our air. It helps make sure that the air we breathe is not polluted and that our air. It helps make sure that the air we breathe is not polluted and that our environment stays healthy
• THE WATER (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) CESS ACT, 1977. This law helps to protect our water from getting polluted. It is like a set of rules to keep our rivers, lakes, and oceans clean and safe. This law was made in India to make sure that we use water wisely and don’t harm the environment. This law talks about something called “CESS” Which is like a little bit of money that industries and factories need to pay if they release waste into the water. The money collected is then used to clean up the water and make it safe again. It is a way to make sure that those who use water for their work also take care of it. The law helps in two big ways. First, it discourages industries from polluting water because they have to pay if they do. Second, the money is used to clean and protect the water bodies, so they stay fresh and healthy. This Act is like a guardian of our water. It makes sure that we treat water kindly
• Wildlife Protection Act (1972). This is a special law in India that works like a shield for animals and plants. This law was made to take care of our wildlife, which includes animals and plants that live in the wild and forests, This law helps protect this creature in a few important ways. It tells us which animals and plants are endangered, Which means there aren’t many left. It’s like giving them extra attention to keep them safe. The law also stops people from hunting or hurting these creatures, especially the ones that are endangered. The Wildlife Act also keeps a check on places like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, where these creatures live. It stops harmful activities from happening in these places, so animals and plants can live freely and happily. Some Indian Constitution provisions also cover this Act 42nd Amendment Act 1976, Article 51A (g) and Article 48A. This Act is like a superhero for animals and plans in India. It makes sure they are not hurt, helps them have a safe place to live, and reminds us all to respect and care for the wonderful creatures that share our world
Some Case law related to Environmental Law.
• Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India
• M. C. Mehta v. Union of India (Ganga River Pollution Case)
• Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board v. M. V. Nayadu
• M. C. Mehta v. Union of India (Shri Ram Food and Fertilizers Case / Oleum Gas Leakage Case)
Conclusion.
Taking care of our environment is a responsibility that we all share. From the air we breathe to the water we drink, and the animals and plants that make our worlds beautiful, everything is connected. It is like a big puzzle, and each one of us plays a part in making sure the pieces fit perfectly. By working together we can create a better future for ourselves and the generation to come. Just like how friends help each other and teams achieve big things, our collective efforts can make a huge difference. Every small action, like recycling a bottle or planting a tree, contributes to the bigger picture of a healthier planet. So, let’s keep working together, spreading awareness and supporting the laws that guide us towards a sustainable future. Whether we are kids, adults, or leaders of nations, we can all make positive changes that benefit our planet. By respecting nature, conserving resources, and caring for the creatures we share our world with, we are investing in a better tomorrow. In the end, the legacy we leave behind depends on the choices we make today. Let’s choose wisely, for a healthier, happier, and greener planet that we can proudly pass on to our future generations.
