Authors : Kanase B.T. and Wagh A.
Page Nos : 17-21
Description :
In the Indian Constitution it is clearly stated that it is the duty of the state to protect and
improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. It imposes a duty on
every citizen ‘to protect and improve the natural environ
ment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife’.
Reference to the environment has also been made in the Directive Principles of State Policy as well as the
Fundamental Rights. The Department of Environment was established in India in 1980 to ensure a
healthy environment for the country. This later became the Ministry of Environment and Forests in
1985.The constitutional provisions are backed by a number of laws
–
acts, rules, and notifications. The
EPA (Environment Protection Act), 1986 came into force
soon after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and is
considered an umbrella legislation as it fills many gaps in the existing laws. Thereafter a large number of
laws came into existence as the problems began arising, for example, Handling and Management of
Hazardous
Waste Rules in 1989.
