Question

How was the environment in India treated before the Bhopal Gas tragedy? Explain the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Answer 1

Instructions: Explain the lack of environmental protection laws before 1984 and the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Solution:

• In 1984, there were very few laws to protect the environment in India.
• Environment was treated as a free entity and anybody was allowed to pollute it without facing any repercussions.
• However, in the wake of the Bhopal Gas tragedy in 1984, the government was forced to implement laws to protect the environment in India.

Provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986:

• This act lays down quality standards that the factories and industries have to maintain.
• The act also allows the authorities to impose a restriction on the location of industries in certain areas.
• This act also puts an upper limit on the amount of pollutants that can be released in the environment.
• Along with this, this act empowers the authorities to impose a penalty on those who endanger the environment.