Environment Protection In India

Environment
Environment it includes water, air and land and the inter relationship which exists between water, air and land and human being, other living creatures, plants, micro organisms and property.

 Environmental Pollutant- Any solid, liquid or gaseous substance present in such concentration as may be, or tend to be injurious to environment. Hazardous Substance- Any substance or preparation which, by reasons of its chemical or physico-chemical properties, is liable to cause harm to human beings or other living creatures.

 Handling- In relation to any substance, it means the manufacturing, processing, treatment, packaging, storage, transportation, use, collection, destruction, conversion, offering for sale, etc. Occupier- It means a person who has control over the affairs of the factory or the premises, and includes, in relation to any substance, the person in possession of the substance.

Type of Environmental Pollutions

1. Sound Pollution- Man-made-noises-from machines automobiles, trains, planes, explosives and firecrackers, etc-are more contentious. Noise is an inescapable by-product of the industrial environment, which is increasing with advances in industrialization and urbanization. 2. Air Pollution- Modernization and progress have led to air getting more and more polluted over the years. The industries like thermal power plants, cement, steel, and mines are among these that emit a great deal of pollutants into the air.

3. Water pollution- Most of todays cleaning products are synthetic detergents and come from the petrolchemical industries. These and other chemical contained in washing powder affect the health of all forms of life in the water. 4. Soil pollution- As our lifestyle is changing day by day, we are using plastic more and more, By the disposal of the industrial waste the fertility of the soil will decrease this lead to the soil pollution.

Sources and causes for the pollution

Combustion, Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Warfare, Chemical plants, Coal-fired power plants, Oil refineries, Petrochemical plants, N uclear waste, Large livestock farms (dairy cows, pigs, poultry, etc.), PVC factories, Plastics factories

Environment Protection Act

An Act to provide for the protection and improvement of environment and formatters connected therewith. In 1980, the Dept. of Environment was established in India. Later on it became the Ministry of Environment and Forests in 1985. EPA,1986 came into force soon after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

Objective
Objective is, to provide the protection and improvement of environment. EPA, article 48A, specifies that the State shall protect and improve the environment. Also should safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. Acc. to sec 51(A) every citizen shall protect the environment. EPA is applicable to whole India, including J&K.

Powers Provided by The Act to Central Govt.

To make rules to regulate environmental pollution; To notify standards and maximum limits of pollutants of air, water, and soil for various areas and purposes; Prohibition and restriction on the handling of hazardous substances, and location of industries (Sections 3-6). Under Sec (3): may constitute authority or authorities for the purpose of exercising of performing such of the powers and functions; Under Sec (4): may appoint a person for inspection;

 Under Sec (5): may issue directions in writing to any officers or any authority to comply; Under Sec (6): it empower the government to make rules to achieve the object of the Act. Under Sec (7): persons carrying on industry, operation etc. not to allow emission or discharge of environmental pollutants in excess of the standards; Under Sec (8): persons handling hazardous substances must comply with procedural safeguards.

Penalty
Whoever Person found to be the cause of pollution, may be liable for punishment for a term which may extend to five years or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees or both (Sec 15, 16, 17). If they do not comply, fine of Rs. 5000 per day extra will be charged, if they do not comply for more than one year, then imprisonment may extend up to 7 years. Section 17 specifies that Head of the department/ incharge of small unit may be liable for punishment if the owner /occupier produce enough evidence of innocence. The State Govt. has the power to close or cancel or deny the authorization to run the factory/institution/hospital whichever is causing pollution.

What is Global Warming?

Global Warming is defined as the increase of the average temperature on Earth. As the Earth is getting hotter, disasters like hurricanes, droughts and floods are getting more frequent.

How Global Warming happens?

A combination of light and heat energy from the sun reaches Earth and warms the land, oceans and air. When Earths surface warms up, it radiates heat which rises towards the sky.
A few gases in the atmosphere called the greenhouse gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane etc.) absorb this heat and prevent it from escaping into space, thus warming happens.

Causes
Carbon Dioxide from Power Plants. Carbon Dioxide Emitted from Cars. Carbon Dioxide from Airplanes. Deforestation. Large usage of Electricity

Effects of Global Warming

Temperature changes. Solar variation. Greenhouse effect. Rising sea levels. Increase in droughts. Imbalance in eco system

How to Prevent Global Warming

Replace a regular incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb. Plant a tree. Raise Awareness. Reuse your shopping bag. Choose Energy Efficient Appliances On a New Purchase. Reduce waste. Do not leave appliances on standby

 Switch to green power. Choose Alternative Transportation.