Syllabus: GS2/Health; Government Policy & Interventions
Context
- Experts and policymakers are advocating for the establishment of an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency (EHRA) in India to focus on comprehensive and cohesive environmental governance amid rapid economic growth, coupled with increasing pollution levels.
About
- India is at a critical juncture in its environmental and public health journey. Rapid economic growth has brought significant environmental challenges, including increased greenhouse gas emissions and deteriorating public health indicators.
- To address these interconnected issues, experts and policymakers are advocating for the establishment of an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency (EHRA).
Need for EHRA in India
- Health Impacts of Environmental Pollution: Numerous studies have highlighted the detrimental health effects of exposure to air, water, and soil pollutants.
- For instance, exposure to PM2.5 is associated with respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases, as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes and mental health disorders.
- Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and financially disadvantaged groups, are at higher risk.
- Integrated Environmental and Health Governance: Currently, India’s environmental governance is managed by multiple agencies, including the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- However, there is a lack of coordination between these bodies and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), leading to fragmented efforts in pollution control and health risk mitigation.
- Comprehensive Data Management: An EHRA would centralise environmental and health data, providing a comprehensive view of environmental health risks.
- This integration would facilitate better decision-making and policy formulation, allowing for more effective tracking, regulation, and mitigation of environmental health impacts.
- Holistic Policy Approach: The agency would enable the development of policies that simultaneously address pollution control and health risk mitigation.
- It is essential for tackling the interconnected issues of climate, environment, health, and the economy.
- Enhanced Public Health Outcomes: By focusing on reducing exposure to environmental pollutants, the EHRA can help mitigate the health impacts of air, water, and soil pollution.
- It is particularly important for vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and financially disadvantaged groups.
| Important Environmental Legislation in India – The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: It empowers the central government to take measures to protect and improve the environment. 1. It provides the framework for the coordination of various environmental regulations and the establishment of authorities to tackle specific environmental issues. – The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: It aims to control and reduce air pollution by establishing pollution control boards at the central and state levels. 1. These boards are responsible for monitoring air quality and enforcing regulations to reduce emissions from industrial and vehicular sources. – The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: It focuses on preventing and controlling water pollution. 1. It establishes pollution control boards to oversee the implementation of policies and regulations aimed at maintaining and restoring the quality of water resources. – The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: It provides for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants. 1. It establishes protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries and regulates hunting, poaching, and trade in wildlife. – The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: It aims to conserve forests and regulate deforestation. 1. It requires prior approval from the central government for the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes and emphasizes the sustainable use of forest resources. – The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010: It establishes the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to handle cases related to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources. 1. The NGT provides a specialised forum for the expeditious disposal of environmental cases. |
Benefits of an EHRA
- Integrated Data Management: By consolidating data from various sources, the EHRA can provide a comprehensive view of environmental health risks, facilitating better decision-making and policy formulation.
- It allows for more effective tracking, regulation, and mitigation of environmental health impacts
- Holistic Policy Approach: The agency would enable the development of policies that simultaneously address pollution control and health risk mitigation, leading to more cohesive and effective governance.
- It aims to bridge the gap between environmental monitoring and health impact assessments, ensuring a holistic approach to environmental governance.
- Enhanced Public Health: With a focus on reducing exposure to environmental pollutants, the EHRA can help mitigate the health impacts of air, water, and soil pollution, particularly for vulnerable populations.
- Enhanced Compliance and Enforcement: A centralised agency could streamline enforcement mechanisms, ensuring better compliance with environmental regulations.
Concerns and Challenges in Establishing EHRA
- Establishing an EHRA will require overcoming several challenges, including bureaucratic barriers, stakeholder resistance, and the need for scientific expertise and enforcement mechanisms.
- Bureaucratic Inertia: The existing environmental governance framework is fragmented, with responsibilities spread across multiple ministries and departments.
- Integrating these functions into a single agency requires significant administrative restructuring and coordination.
- Industry Resistance: Industries may resist stricter regulations and oversight due to concerns about increased operational costs and compliance burdens.
- Effective stakeholder engagement and clear communication about the long-term benefits of improved environmental health standards are essential to mitigate this resistance.
- However, the potential benefits for public health and environmental sustainability make it a crucial step for India’s future.
Conclusion
- Establishing an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency in India is essential for addressing the profound and immediate environmental health challenges the country faces.
- By integrating environmental and health data, the EHRA can lead to more comprehensive and cohesive environmental governance, ultimately improving public health outcomes and ensuring sustainable development.
| Daily Mains Practice Question [Q] Do you believe that India urgently requires a dedicated environmental health regulatory agency to effectively address the growing challenges posed by environmental pollution and its impact on public health? Justify your stance with relevant examples and arguments. |
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