3 - The Framework and Implementation of Indian Environmental Policy

Summary

The spirit of environmental protection and improvement, embedded in the Indian Constitution has proved to be an important guideline while formulating policies, laws, and regulations during the past 25 years. The Indian Constitution underscores the significance of the state and citizen's efforts in protection and improvement of the natural environment (see Box 3.1 for further details). India has witnessed a great deal of environmental awakening, environmental debate and polarization, environmental jurisprudence, and emergence of environmental regulations. In view of the provisions articulated in the Constitution, the Union of India has been conscientiously making efforts in further introducing new legislation and rules to protect our natural heritage and endowments. This has resulted in evolution of new broad based laws, which can have far-reaching consequences in the direction of sustainability. Lately, the Gol has been making our regulatory standards more stringent and regulatory protocols more comprehensive.

During this period the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Gol articulated three policy statements namely Policy Statement for Abatement of Pollution of 1992, National Conservation Strategy and the Policy Statement on Environment and Development of 1992 as well as the Draft National Water Policy of 1998.

In this chapter, we would examine several aspects associated with the three national policies formulated by the Gol. These are presented in the format of three case examples; referring to their salient features, analyzing gaps and interpreting implementability of the policies.