ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT MMS II (SEM IV)

THE ENVIRONMENT (PROTECTION) ACT, 1986

Ms. Sonali Murzello Asst. Professor, SJIMR

Purpose
An Act to provide for the protection and improvement of environment and for matters connected there with.

Definition
Environment" includes water, air and land and the inter- relationship which exists among and between water, air and land, and human beings, other living creatures, plants, microorganism and property. Hazardous substance" means any substance by reason of its chemical or physico-chemical properties or handling, is liable to cause harm to human beings, other living creatures, plant, micro-organism, property or the environment.

GENERAL POWERS OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

POWER OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT TO TAKE MEASURES TO PROTECT AND IMPROVE ENVIRONMENT Laying down standards for the quality of environment in its various aspects. Laying down standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources. Laying down procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents which may cause environmental pollution and remedial measures for such accidents.

GENERAL POWERS OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

Examination of such manufacturing processes, materials and substances as are likely to cause environmental pollution.
Carrying out and sponsoring investigations and research relating to problems of environmental pollution. Collection and broadcasting of information in respect of matters relating to environmental pollution; Preparation of manuals, codes or guides relating to the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution;

RULES TO REGULATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules in respect of all or any of the matters (a) the standards of quality of air, water or soil for various areas and purposes; (b) the maximum allowable limits of concentration of various environmental pollutants (including noise) for different areas; (c) the procedures and safeguards for the handling of hazardous substances; (d) the prohibition and restrictions on the handling of hazardous substances in different areas;

PENALTY AND THE RULES, ORDERS AND DIRECTIONS

Penalties for non-compliance Imprisonment which may extend to 5 years with fine which may extend to 1 lakh rupees, OR both, In case of failure to pay the amount, an additional fine which may extend to Rs. 5,000/- per day

Coastal Regulation Zone

Introduction Coastal zones occupy less than 15% of the earths land surface but are inhabited by roughly 60% of the worlds population. Coastal habitats such as coral reefs, coastal mangroves, sea grass beds maintain a fragile balance in the ecosystem. India with its 7500km coastline in 9 coastal states holds about 49% of countrys population.

Regulation of permissible activities in CRZ area

The population load and multifaceted activity in the region have led to the deterioration in the quality of Coastal life.
No new construction activity will be permitted within 500 metres from the High Tide Line except that needed for carrying treated effluents and waste water discharges into the sea. This zone is considered No- development zone.

Classification of the CRZ

For the purpose of conserving and protecting the coastal areas and marine waters, the CRZ area shall be classified as follows,
CRZ-I A. The areas that are ecologically sensitive B. The area between Low Tide Line and High Tide Line

Classification of the CRZ

(ii) CRZ-II The areas that have been developed upto or close to the shoreline For the purposes of the expression developed area is referred to as that area within the existing municipal limits or in other existing legally designated urban areas which are substantially built-up and has been provided with drainage and approach roads and other infrastructural facilities, such as water supply and sewerage mains.

Classification of the CRZ

(iii) CRZ-III Areas that are relatively undisturbed and those do not belong to either CRZ-I or II which include coastal zone in the rural areas (developed and undeveloped).

Classification of the CRZ

(iv) CRZ-IV CRZ IV category include Andaman Nicobar, Lakshadweep and other small islands. In these areas dredging and under water blasting in and around coral formation are not permitted.

Prohibited activities within CRZ

Setting up of new industries and expansion of existing industries, manufacture or handling oil storage or disposal of hazardous substance. Setting up and expansion of fish processing units including warehousing except hatchery and natural fish drying in permitted areas. Land reclamation, bunding or disturbing the natural course of seawater. Discharge of untreated waste and effluents from industries, cities or towns and other human settlements. Dumping of city or town wastes including construction debris, industrial solid wastes, fly ash for the purpose of land filling.

Prohibited activities within CRZ

Port and harbour projects in high eroding stretches of the coast, except those projects classified as strategic and defence related. Reclamation for commercial purposes such as shopping and housing complexes, hotels and entertainment activities.

Mining of sand, rocks and other sub-strata materials except,rare minerals not available outside the CRZ area, exploration and exploitation of Oil and Natural Gas. Dressing or altering the sand dunes, hills, natural features including landscape changes for beautification, recreation and other such purpose.