Environmental Governance in India: Acts, Initiatives & Institutions

Environmental Governance in India is a complex interplay of environmental legislations, policies, initiatives, and institutions aimed to protect and conserve the environment. It has played a crucial role in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability in the country. This article aims to study in detail the Environmental Governance in India, its meaning, evolution, components, and other related aspects.

What is Environmental Governance?

• Environmental Governance refers to the systems and processes in place to manage environmental resources and protect the environment.
• It encompasses the laws, policies, initiatives, and institutions that guide human interactions with nature.
• In other words, it’s about how we make decisions about the environment, who is involved in those decisions, and how those decisions are implemented.

Environmental Governance in India

• Environmental Governance in India comprises the rules, practices, policies and institutions that shape how people in the country interact with the environment.
• It defines how the country and the people interact with and manage its environment and natural resources.

Evolution of Environmental Governance in India

Environmental Governance in India has evolved over a long period from ancient times till now.

Ancient Period

• In ancient India, the environmental protection was a moral duty which was imposed on people by religious scriptures, seers, and other agencies.
• One of the earliest codified environmental laws was enacted by Emperor Ashoka during the third century B.C.

Pre-Constitutional Period

• In the pre-constitutional period, there were a few legislations which were enacted to protect the wildlife from exploitation.
• Some of the prominent environmental legislations of this period include – the Cattle Trespass Act, 1871, the Elephants Preservation Act, 1879, the Indian Forest Act, 1927, etc.

Post-Constitutional Period

• After the United Nations Conference on Human Environment in Stockholm in 1972, India took a series of steps to protect the environment and wildlife in a better way.
• India’s structured journey towards environmental protection began with the inclusion of environmental protection as a Directive Principle of State Policy in the Constitution through the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976.
• The establishment of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) in 1985 marked a significant step towards environmental protection.
• Subsequently, India has enacted several landmark legislations, including the Environment Protection Act, Wildlife Protection Act, Forest Conservation Act, and Water Act.
• Simultaneously, several environmental policies and initiatives were launched, and environmental organisations were established to set up a robust framework for environmental protection and governance in India.

Key Components of Environmental Governance in India

• Environmental Governance in India operates through a wide range of environmental laws, policies, initiatives, and institutions.
• Each of these key elements of environmental protection and governance in India has been described below.

Environmental Laws in India

• Environmental laws in India form a comprehensive framework designed to safeguard the country’s environment, natural resources, and ecological balance.
• Starting in the early 1970s, several key environmental legislations have been enacted in the country to protect the environment and ecology in a comprehensive way.
• Some of the prominent environmental acts, policies and rules in India include:
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
  • Environment Protection Act, 1986
  • National Forest Policy, 1988
  • Forest Rights Act, 2006
  • Coastal Regulation Zone Notifications (CRZ Notifications)
  • Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 and 2017
  • Ozone Depleting Substances Rules, 2000
  • Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Read our detailed article on Environmental Laws in India.

Environmental Organisations in India

• Post-1970s, India has seen the emergence of numerous environmental organisations dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability.
• These organisations play a critical role in addressing issues such as pollution, deforestation, climate change, and wildlife conservation.
• Some of the prominent environmental organisations in India include:
  • Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)
  • Central Zoo Authority (CZA)
  • National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
  • Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)
  • National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
  • National Green Tribunal (NGT)
  • Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA)

Environmental Initiatives in India

• A number of environmental initiatives have been undertaken in India, which are aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, conservation, and pollution control.
• These initiatives span governmental policies, non-governmental programs, and community-driven projects.
• Some of the prominent environmental initiatives in India include:
  • Joint Forest Management (JFM)
  • National Bamboo Mission (NBM)
  • National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP)
  • Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI)
  • Lighting a Billion Lives
  • Eco-Mark
  • Urban Services Environmental Rating System
  • Biodiversity Conservation and Rural Livelihood Improvement Project (BCRLIP)
  • National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF)
  • National Electric Mobility Plan (NEMP)
  • Science Express Biodiversity Special
  • National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA)
  • Mangroves for Future, etc.

Read our detailed article on Environmental Initiatives in India.

Challenges in Environmental Governance in India

Despite a robust framework, the implementation of environmental protection and governance in India faces several challenges:

• Weak Implementation: Despite robust laws, implementation remains a major challenge due to factors such as lack of adequate manpower, corruption, political interference, etc.
• Weak Coordination: The overlapping responsibilities of various agencies and lack of coordination among central and state institutions often lead to inefficiencies in environmental management.
• Lack of Public Awareness: Limited awareness about environmental issues hinders public participation and compliance.
• Emerging Challenges: Climate change, pollution, and waste management pose new challenges to environmental protection.
• Data and Monitoring: Inconsistent data and inadequate monitoring infrastructure affect the effective enforcement and implementation of environmental policies.
• Balancing Development and Conservation: India’s rapid economic growth poses challenges in balancing developmental needs with environmental conservation.

Way Ahead

In order to strengthen environmental protection in India, the following suggested measures can be undertaken:

• Strengthening Institutions: Strengthening the capacity and coordination of environmental institutions at both the central and state levels.
• Effective Implementation: Improving the enforcement of environmental laws through better monitoring, increased penalties for non-compliance, and greater transparency can help ensure adherence to regulations.
• Public Participation: Promoting public awareness and participation in environmental decision-making can lead to more inclusive and effective governance.
• Sustainable Development: Integrating environmental considerations into development planning and adopting sustainable practices can help balance economic growth with environmental protection.
• Green Technologies: Promoting Green Technologies such as renewable energy sources can aid in better environmental management.

Conclusion

Environmental Governance in India has been continuously evolving as per the need to manage the country’s diverse environmental challenges. Through a combination of environmental legislation, policies, initiatives, and institutional mechanisms, India aims to protect its environment while pursuing sustainable development. Addressing existing challenges and implementing effective measures will be crucial for enhancing environmental protection in India and ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future.

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