Notes on Environment Law
Notes on Environment Law
II
Environmental Law
(as per syllabus of Shivaji University, Kolhapur)
(for Academic purpose and for private circulation only)
Edited & Prepared by Mahendra Subhash Khairnar, Asst. Prof., BV‘s Y C Law College, Karad Page 1
Notes Environmental Law, LL. B. I Sem. II
Index
Sr. No. Particulars Page No.
1. Cover page 1
2. Index 2
3. Syllabus 3
4. Question 5
Define the term ‗environment‘ and ‗pollution‘ under
different acts in India.
5. Short note - Indian tradition: Dharma of environment 9
6. Question 10
Environment and the Constitution of India
7. Short note- Polluter Pays Principle 12
8. Question 14
What is Sustainable Development- Discuss In Detail?
9. Short Note- The precautionary principle 16
10. Question 17
What are the Salient Features of the Environment
Protection Act, 1986?
11. Short note - Disaster Management 20
12. Question 22
What is mean by Environment Impact Assessment? What
are the methods of EIA?
13. Short note - The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 25
14. (May be separate question ) 26
Constitution of the National Board for Wild Life Under
the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
15. Short note - State Board for Wild Life 27
16. (may be separate question) 28
Constitution of Central Zoo Authority under the Wild
Life (Protection) Act, 1972
17. Short note - Stockholm Conference 30
18. Question 31
Write a full note on importance of The Earth Summit or
Rio Declaration.
19. Short note - Write about Animal welfare Board 37
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Notes Environmental Law, LL. B. I Sem. II
Paper No. IV
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
Syllabus
Edited & Prepared by Mahendra Subhash Khairnar, Asst. Prof., BV‘s Y C Law College, Karad Page 3
Notes Environmental Law, LL. B. I Sem. II
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Notes Environmental Law, LL. B. I Sem. II
Question
Define the term ‘environment’ and ‘pollution’ under different acts in India.
Answer
Introduction
Body of rules and regulations, and orders and statutes, concerned with the
maintenance and protection of the natural environment of a country. It provides
basis for measuring and apportioning liability in cases of environmental crime
and the failure to comply with its provisions.
Definition - Environment
According to Section 2(a) of the Environmental Protection Act, 1986,
‗Environment‘ includes;
a) Water, air and land
b) The inter-relationship which exists among and between,
i) water, air, land, and
ii) human beings, other living creatures, plants, microorganisms and property
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The Constitution of India also provides for the protection of the environment.
Article 48A of the Constitution specifies that the State shall endeavor to protect
and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the
country. Article 51 A further provides that every citizen shall protect the
environment.
Kinds of pollution
There are eight different types of pollution:
Water Pollution.
Air Pollution.
Soil Pollution.
Thermal Pollution.
Radioactive Pollution.
Noise Pollution.
Light Pollution.
Water Pollution
Air Pollution
Air pollution is the contamination of the natural air by mixing it with different
pollutants such as harmful fumes and chemicals. This contamination can be
caused by gases emitted by vehicles or from burning material or harmful fumes
emitted as a byproduct of industries.
Soil Pollution
Soil pollution, also known as land pollution is the contamination of the soil or
the land that prevents growth of natural life, which includes land used for
cultivating, wildlife as well as habitation.
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Thermal Pollution
Radioactive Pollution
Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is the loud noises that is created by human activity that disrupts
the standard of living in the affected area. Pollution can stem from things such as
traffic, railroads, concerts, loud music, airplanes, fireworks etc
Light Pollution
Effects of Pollution
4. Ozone Layer Depletion: Ozone layer is the thin shield high up in the sky that
stops ultra violet rays from reaching the earth. As a result of human activities,
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5. Infertile Land : Due to constant use of insecticides and pesticides, the soil
may become infertile. Plants may not be able to grow properly. Various forms of
chemicals produced from industrial waste is released into the flowing water
which also affects the quality of soil.
Causes of pollution
Human beings largely depend on their environment for survival and that is why
it is highly encouraged that each one avoids activities that may cause pollution.
Below are some of the major causes of pollution.
Mining: when mining activities take place, heavy machinery causes a release
of dust and other fumes into the atmosphere. This may result in toxicity of air
within the region.
Poor waste disposal: poor waste disposal is regarded as one of the major
causes of pollution because it is widely practiced. Both industries and
individual human beings contribute to this cause.
Fossil fuels: petroleum and coal are among some of the leading causes of
fossil fuel pollution.
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Answer
Introduction
Millions of Hindus recite Sanskrit mantras daily to revere their rivers, mountains,
trees, animals and the earth. Although the Chipko (tree-hugging) Movement is
the most widely known example of Hindu environmental leadership, there are
examples of Hindu action for the environment that are centuries old.
Environment concern
The earth — Devi — is a goddess and our mother and deserves our devotion
and protection. Many Hindu rituals recognize that human beings benefit from
the earth, and offer gratitude and protection in response. Many Hindus touch the
floor before getting out of bed every morning and ask Devi to forgive them for
trampling on her body.
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Question
Environment and the Constitution of India
Answer
Introduction
The constitution of India is not an inert but a living document which evolves and
grows with time. The preamble to our constitution ensures socialist pattern of the
society and dignity of the individual. Decent standard of living and pollution free
environment is an important attribute of life.
Constitutional provisions
Part III
The Constitution of India under part III guarantees fundamental rights. Right to
environment is also a right without which development of individual and
realisation of his or her full potential shall not be possible. Articles 21, 14 and 19
of this part have been used for environmental protection.
Part IV
Article 39(e), 47 and 48-A of the Directive Principles of State Policy have a
definite bearing of environmental problems. They, by themselves and
collectively impose a duty on the State to secure the health of the people,
improve public health and protect and improve the environment.
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Part IV A
Article 21 has received liberal interpretation from time to time after the decision
of the Supreme Court in Maneka Gandhi vs. Union of India, (AIR 1978 SC 597).
Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra vs. State, AIR 1988 SC 2187 (Popularly
known as Dehradun Quarrying Case). It is the first case of this kind in India,
involving issues relating to environment and ecological balance in which
Supreme Court directed to stop the excavation (illegal mining) under the
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
In M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India, AIR 1987 SC 1086 the Supreme Court treated
the right to live in pollution free environment as a part of fundamental right to
life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
In PA Jacob vs. The Superintendent of Police Kottayam, AIR 1993 Ker 1, the
Kerala High Court held that freedom of speech under article 19 (1)(a) does not
include freedom to use loud speakers or sound amplifiers. Thus, noise pollution
caused by the loud speakers can be controlled under article 19 (1) (a) of the
constitution.
Public Interest Litigation under Article 32 and 226 of the constitution of India-
In Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum vs. Union of India (1996) 5 SCC 647, the
Court observed that ―the Precautionary Principle‖ and ―the Polluter Pays
Principle‖ are essential features of ―Sustainable Development.‖
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Answer
Introduction
Meaning
Object
Scope
The Polluter pays principle originates from the economic theory of the
―internalization of externalities‖, which imposes on the polluters the social costs
borne by public authorities responsible for inspecting, monitoring and controlling
pollution.
Historical background
The Polluter pays principle was first referred to at the international level
explicitly in 1972 in a Council Recommendation on Guiding Principles
Concerning the International Economic Aspects of Environmental Policies of the
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
International arena
The polluter pays principle was also adopted in the ASEAN Agreement on
Conservation on Nature and Natural Resources adopted in 1985.
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Indian scenario
The Supreme Court of India inexplicitly applied the principle in the case of M.C.
Mehta v. Union of India in the year 1986. It was declared by the court that ‗we
have to evolve new principles and lay down new norms, which would adequately
deal with the new problems which arise in a highly industrialized economy‘.
It was for the first time in Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action v. Union of
India, that the court explicitly applied this principle. It was declared by the court
that redemption of the damaged environment is a part of the process of
sustainable development and as such polluter is liable to pay the cost of the
individual sufferers as well as the cost of reversing the damaged ecology.
There are certain statutes too, which directly or indirectly adhered to the polluter
pays principle.
The Public Liability Insurance Act of 1991 makes it a mandatory duty of all the
industries, which have a capital value of Rs. 2,00,000 to get insured under the
Act. The premium of such insurance shall be collected in the ‗Environment
Relief Fund‘ which shall be available with the collector of the district.
Similarly, The National Environmental Tribunal Act, 1995, also provides that
tribunal can award compensation on the ground of any damage to the
environment.
Conclusion:
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Question
What is Sustainable Development- Discuss In Detail ?
Answer
Introduction
With the ever growing economies and the need and greed for more, the doctrine
of Sustainable Development becomes the most relevant principle in today's
times.
Meaning
Evolution
For the first time, the doctrine of "Sustainable Development" was discussed in
the Stockholm Declaration of 1972.
Environmental Sustainability
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Notes Environmental Law, LL. B. I Sem. II
Many of the projects that are rooted in environmental sustainability will involve
replanting forests, preserving wetlands and protecting natural areas from
resource harvesting. .
In India
Judicial Overview:
For safeguarding the environment the lead role was played by Justice Kuldip
Singh, who famously came to be known as the 'Green Judge'.
The Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in Narmada Bachao Andolan vs. Union of
India observed that "Sustainable Development means what type or extent of
development can take place, which can be sustained by nature or ecology with or
without mitigation".
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NGT
In India the legislature enacted the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 (Act).
The Act, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established for effective and
expeditious disposal of cases involving multi-disciplinary issues relating to
environment.
Answer
Introduction
Meaning
In its simplest form, the precautionary principle (also known as PP) provides that
if there is a risk of severe damage to humans and/or the environment, absence of
incontrovertible, conclusive, or definite scientific proof is not a reason for
inaction.
Definitions
Definitions of the PP – The Rio Declaration (or Agenda 21) of 1992, states that:
In order to protect the environment, the precautionary approach shall be widely
applied by States according to their capabilities. Where there are threats of
serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used
as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental
degradation.
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International arena
Vellore Citizen Welfare Forum vs. Union of India. In the instant case, the
Supreme Court held that the precautionary principle and polluter pays principle
are a part of the environmental law of India.
Question
What are the Salient Features of the Environment Protection Act, 1986?
Answer
Introduction
Edited & Prepared by Mahendra Subhash Khairnar, Asst. Prof., BV‘s Y C Law College, Karad Page 17
Notes Environmental Law, LL. B. I Sem. II
Salient features
This Act has been brought into force from November, 1986. Its salient features
are:
(ii) Co-ordinate actions of States, officers and other authorities under this
Act,
(iii) Plan and execute a nationwide programme for prevention, control and
abatement of environmental pollution,
Object
It was enacted with the main objective to provide the protection and
improvement of environment and for matters connected therewith.
The air, water, land, living creatures as well as the environment in general is
becoming polluted at an alarming rate that needs to be controlled and curbed as
soon as possible.
Definitions
Section 2 of the EPA deals with definitions. Some important definitions provided
in the Section are:
Section 2 (a) ―Environment‖ includes water, air, and land and the
interrelationship that exists among and between water, air and land and human
beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organism and property. This
definition is not exhaustive but an inclusive one.
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Chapter III of the EPA deals with prevention, Control and abetment of
Environmental Pollution. Some important provisions of this chapter provide that,
No person carrying on any industry, operation or process shall discharge or emit
or permit to be discharged or emitted any environmental pollutant in excess of
such standards as may be prescribed.
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in 1974 to
provide for the prevention and control of water pollution, and for the maintaining
or restoring of wholesomeness of water in the country.
the Central Pollution Control Board and the State Pollution Control Board have
been established by the central and state authorities.
The Central Pollution Control Board, and State Pollution Control Boards
composition, terms and conditions of service of members are defined in Sections
3-12 of water (prevention and control of pollution) act, 1974.
The Board advises the government on any matter concerning the prevention and
control of water pollution. It coordinates the activities and provides technical
assistance and guidance. This policy sets the standards and penalties for non-
compliance for polluting bodies.
The Central Board may perform all or any of the following functions, namely,-
co-ordinate the activities of the State Boards and resolve disputes among
them;
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provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry out
and sponsor investigations and research relating to problems of water
pollution and prevention, control or abatement of water pollution;
collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data relating to water
pollution and the measures devised for its effective prevention and control
and prepare manuals, codes or guides relating to treatment and disposal of
sewage and trade effluents and disseminate information connected
therewith;
Answer
Introduction
Meaning
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Need
The Disaster Management Act, 2005 has 11 chapters and 79 sections. that
extends to the whole of India. The Act provides for "the effective management of
disasters and for matters connected there with or incidental threat.
Its chairperson is the Prime Minister. Not more than nine other members can be
there. Vice Chairpersons is appointed from amongst members by the
Chairperson. Executive Committee is chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry
entrusted with the work of the Disaster Management.
Its Chairperson is the Chief Minister of the concerned State. Other members not
exceeding eight are there. And in addition, Chairperson of the State Executive
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Question
Answer
Introduction
Meaning
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Need / Object
The purpose of the assessment is to ensure that decision makers consider the
environmental impacts when deciding whether or not to proceed with a project.
Scope
EIA looks into various problems, conflicts and natural resource constraints
which may not only affect the viability of a project but also predict if a project
might harm to the people, their land, livelihoods and environment.
Evolution
The EIA process finds its origin from United States where due to huge public
pressure; the government enacted National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in
1970s. The role of EIA process was formally recognized at the Earth Summit in
Rio Conference in 1992
In India
In India, there is an elaborate EIA process involving many steps such as
Screening, Preliminary Assessment, Scoping, Main EIA including public
hearing, appraisal etc.
First of all, the developer has to prepare an EIA report with the help of an
environment consultant. On the basis of such report, the EIA may be
either comprehensive EIA or Rapid EIA.
If the EIA report has to incorporate the data of all four seasons of a year,
it is called Comprehensive EIA.
If the EIA report has only one season data, then it‘s called Rapid EIA.
Method
The Important Procedure Involved in the Environmental Impact Assessment in
India are:
1. Project Proposal:
Any proponent embarking on any major development project shall notify IAA
(Impact Assessment Agency) in writing by the submission of a project proposal.
The project proposal shall include all relevant information available including a
land-use map in order to move to the next stage which is screening. The
submission of a project proposal signifies the commencement of the EIA
process.
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Notes Environmental Law, LL. B. I Sem. II
2. Screening:
Screening is done to see whether a project requires environmental clearance as
per the statutory notifications. At this stage, the project proponent decides the
type of project and also about requirement of Environmental Clearance. If
required, the proponent may consult IAA.
6. EIA Report:
An EIA report should provide clear information to the decision-maker on the
different environmental scenarios without the project, with the project and with
project alternatives. The proponent prepares detailed Project report and provides
information in logical and transparent manner. The IAA examines if procedures
have been followed as per MoEF notifications.
7. Public Hearing:
After the completion of EIA report the law requires that the public must be
informed and consulted on a proposed development after the completion of EIA
report. The State Pollution Control Boards will conduct the public hearing before
the proposals are sent to MOEF for obtaining environmental clearance.
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with but also to observe whether the predictions made in the EIA reports are
correct or not.
Answer
Introduction
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted
for protection of plants and animal species. the Act established schedules of
protected plant and animal species; hunting or harvesting these species was
largely outlawed.
Scope
The Act provides for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants; and for
matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto. It has six
schedules which give varying degrees of protection.
Definition
Under the Act the term ―animal‖ includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians,
fish, other chordates and invertebrates and also includes their young and eggs;
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(1) The Central Government shall, constitute the National Board for Wild
Life consisting of the following members, namely:—
Members
(c) three Members of Parliament of whom two shall be from the House of the
People and one from the Council of States;
(d) Member, Planning Commission in-charge of Forests and Wild Life;
(e) five persons to represent non-governmental organisations to be nominated by
the Central Government;
(f) ten persons to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst
eminent conservationists, ecologists and environ-mentalists;
(g) the Secretary to the Government of India in-charge of the Ministry or
Department of the Central Government dealing with Forests and Wild Life;
(h) the Chief of the Army Staff;
(i) the Secretary to the Government of India in-charge of the Ministry of
Defence;
(j) the Secretary to the Government of India in-charge of the Ministry of
Information and Broadcasting;
(k) the Secretary to the Government of India in-charge of the Department of
Expenditure, Ministry of Finance;
(l) the Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Tribal Welfare;
(m) the Director-General of Forests in the Ministry or Department of the Central
Government dealing with Forests and Wild Life;
(n) the Director-General of Tourism, Government of India;
(o) the Director-General, Indian Council for Forestry Research and Education,
Dehradun;
(p) the Director, Wild Life Institute of India, Dehradun;
(q) the Director, Zoological Survey of India;
(r) the Director, Botanical Survey of India;
(s) the Director, Indian Veterinary Research Institute;
(t) the Member-Secretary, Central Zoo Authority;
(u) the Director, National Institute of Oceanography;
(v) one representative each from ten States and Union territories by rotation, to
be nominated by the Central Government;
(w) the Director of Wild Life Preservation who shall be the Member-Secretary of
the National Board.
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Constitution of State Board for Wild Life under the Wild Life (Protection) Act,
1972
(a) the Chief Minister of the State and in case of the Union territory, either
Chief Minister or Administrator, as the case may be—
Chairperson;
(b) the Minister in-charge of Forests and Wild Life— Vice
Chairperson;
Members
(c) three members of the State Legislature or in the case of a Union territory with
Legislature, two members of the Legislative Assembly of that Union territory;
(d) three persons to represent non-governmental organisations dealing with wild
life to be nominated by the State Government;
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(e) ten persons to be nominated by the State Government from amongst eminent
conservationists, ecologists and environ-mentalists including at least two
representatives of the Scheduled Tribes;
(f) the Secretary to the State Government or the Government of the Union
territory, as the case may be, in-charge of Forests and Wild Life;
(g) the Officer in-charge of the State Forest Department;
(h) the Secretary to the State Government, Department of Tribal Welfare;
(i) the Managing Director, State Tourism Development Corporation;
(j) an officer of the State Police Department not below the rank of Inspector-
General;
(k) a representative of the Armed Forces not below the rank of a Brigadier to be
nominated by the Central Government;
(l) the Director, Department of Animal Husbandry of the State;
(m) the Director, Department of Fisheries of the State;
(n) an officer to be nominated by the Director, Wild Life Preservation;
(o) a representative of the Wild Life Institute of India, Dehradun;
(p) a representative of the Botanical Survey of India;
(q) a representative of the Zoological Survey of India;
(r) the Chief Wild Life Warden, who shall be the Member- Secretary.
Constitution of Central Zoo Authority under the Wild Life (Protection) Act,
1972
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exercise the powers conferred on, and to perform the functions assigned to it
under this Act.
Composition
(2) The Authority shall consist of—
(a) chairperson;
(b) such number of members not exceeding ten; and
(c) member-secretary, to be appointed by the Central Government.
Term of office
Section 38B- Term of office and conditions of service of Chairperson and
members, etc.—
(1) The chairperson and every member [other than the Member-Secretary] shall
hold office for such period, not exceeding three year
(2) The chairperson or a member may by writing under his hand addressed to the
Central Government, resign from the office of chairperson or, of the member.
Disqualification
(3) The Central Government shall remove a person from the office of
chairperson or member referred to in sub-section (2) if that person—
(a) becomes an undischarged insolvent;
(b) gets convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for an offence which in the
opinion of the Central Government, involves moral turpitude;
(c) becomes of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court;
(d) refuses to act or becomes incapable of acting;
(e) is, without obtaining leave of absence from the authority, absent from three
consecutive meetings of the Authority; or
(f) in the opinion of the Central Government has so abused the position of
chairperson
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Answer
The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment was held
in Stockholm, Sweden from June 5–16 in 1972.
The meeting agreed upon a Declaration containing 26 principles concerning the
environment and development; an Action Plan with 109 recommendations, and a
Resolution.
Principles of the Stockholm Declaration:
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Conclusion
One of the seminal issues that emerged from the conference is the recognition for
poverty alleviation for protecting the environment. The Indian Prime
Minister Indira Gandhi in her seminal speech in the conference brought forward
the connection between ecological management and poverty alleviation.
Question
Write a full note on importance of The Earth Summit or Rio Declaration.
Answer
Introduction
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Recognizing the integral and interdependent nature of the Earth, our home,
Proclaims that:
Principle 1
They are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature.
Principle 2
States have, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the
principles of international law, the sovereign right to exploit their own resources
pursuant to their own environmental and developmental policies, and the
responsibility to ensure that activities within their jurisdiction or control do not
cause damage to the environment of other States or of areas beyond the limits of
national jurisdiction.
Principle 3
Principle 4
Principle 5
All States and all people shall cooperate in the essential task of eradicating
poverty as an indispensable requirement for sustainable development, in order to
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decrease the disparities in standards of living and better meet the needs of the
majority of the people of the world.
Principle 6
The special situation and needs of developing countries, particularly the least
developed and those most environmentally vulnerable, shall be given special
priority. International actions in the field of environment and development
should also address the interests and needs of all countries.
Principle 7
Principle 8
To achieve sustainable development and a higher quality of life for all people,
States should reduce and eliminate unsustainable patterns of production and
consumption and promote appropriate demographic policies.
Principle 9
Principle 10
Environmental issues are best handled with the participation of all concerned
citizens, at the relevant level. At the national level, each individual shall have
appropriate access to information concerning the environment that is held by
public authorities, including information on hazardous materials and ctivities in
their communities, and the opportunity to participate in decision-making
processes. States shall facilitate and encourage public awareness and
participation by making information widely available. Effective access to judicial
and administrative proceedings, including redress and remedy, shall be provided.
Principle 11
Principle 12
Principle 13
States shall develop national law regarding liability and compensation for the
victims of pollution and other environmental damage. States shall also cooperate
in an expeditious and more determined manner to develop further international
law regarding liability and compensation for adverse effects of environmental
damage caused by activities within their jurisdiction or control to areas beyond
their jurisdiction.
Principle 14
Principle 15
Principle 16
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Notes Environmental Law, LL. B. I Sem. II
Principle 17
Principle 18
States shall immediately notify other States of any natural disasters or other
emergencies that are likely to produce sudden harmful effects on the
environment of those States. Every effort shall be made by the international
community to help States so afflicted.
Principle 19
States shall provide prior and timely notification and relevant information to
potentially affected States on activities that may have a significant adverse
transboundary environmental effect and shall consult with those States at an
early stage and in good faith.
Principle 20
Principle 21
The creativity, ideals and courage of the youth of the world should be mobilized
to forge a global partnership in order to achieve sustainable development and
ensure a better future for all.
Principle 22
Indigenous people and their communities and other local communities have a
vital role in environmental management and development because of their
knowledge and traditional practices. States should recognize and duly support
their identity, culture and interests and enable their effective participation in the
achievement of sustainable development.
Principle 23
Principle 24
Edited & Prepared by Mahendra Subhash Khairnar, Asst. Prof., BV‘s Y C Law College, Karad Page 35
Notes Environmental Law, LL. B. I Sem. II
Principle 25
Principle 26
Principle 27
States and people shall cooperate in good faith and in a spirit of partnership in
the fulfilment of the principles embodied in this Declaration and in the further
development of international law in the field of sustainable development.
Edited & Prepared by Mahendra Subhash Khairnar, Asst. Prof., BV‘s Y C Law College, Karad Page 36
Notes Environmental Law, LL. B. I Sem. II
Answer
Introduction
The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is a statutory advisory body
advising the Government of India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change.
Object
The Animal Welfare Board of India was established in 1962 under Section 4
of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,1960.
It frames a range of rules on how animals ought to be humanely treated
everywhere. It has also frequently litigated to have stricter laws to ensure
animals were not unduly harassed or tortured....
Functions of AWBI
It recognises Animal Welfare Organisations by granting them recognition
if they meet its guidelines.
It also appoints key people to the positions of (Hon) Animal Welfare
Officers, who serve as the key point of contact between the people, the
government and law enforcement agencies.
It suggests changes to laws and rules about animal welfare issues.
It also offers guidance to organisations and officials such as police to
help them to interpret and apply the laws.
It issues publications to raise awareness of various animal welfare issues.
It provides financial assistance to recognised AWOs.
Conclusion
India‘s first national animal welfare law, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Act, 1960, criminalizes cruelty to animals, though exceptions are made for the
treatment of animals used for food and scientific experiments. The 1960 law also
created the Animal Welfare Board of India to ensure the anti-cruelty provisions
were enforced and promote the cause of animal welfare.
Edited & Prepared by Mahendra Subhash Khairnar, Asst. Prof., BV‘s Y C Law College, Karad Page 37