Gyaansanchaar law

National Environment Policy 2006

India’s National Environmental Policy (NEP) was adopted in 2006 and was built upon on the existing policies

( e.g. National Forest Policy, 1988;

National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and Development, 1992;

the Policy Statement on Abatement of Pollution,1992

National Agriculture Policy, 2000

National Population Policy, 2000

National Water Policy, 2002 etc.).

The dominant theme of this policy was that while conservation of environmental resources is necessary to secure livelihoods and well-being of all, the most secure basis for conservation is to ensure that people dependent on particular resources obtain better livelihoods from the fact of conservation, than from degradation of the resource.

As the process of Economic Development hastens in the economy, the demand for natural resources also increases. It becomes critical that natural resources should be used in judicious manner so that these resources are not exploited for short term gain but used without harming the interest of future generations. Environmental factors are estimated as being responsible in some cases for nearly 20% of the burden of disease in India.

The National Environmental Policy is a response to our national commitment to a clean environment, mandated in the Constitution in Articles 48A and 51A (g), strengthened by judicial interpretation of Article 21. It is recognized that maintaining a healthy environment is not the states responsibility alone, but also that of every citizen.

A spirit of partnership should thus be realized throughout the spectrum of environmental management in the country. While the state must galvanize its efforts, there should also be recognition by each individual natural or institutional, of its responsibility towards maintaining and enhancing the quality of the environment and making positive contribution to international efforts.

The National Environment Policy is intended to be a guide to action: in regulatory reform, programs and projects for environmental conservation; and review and enactment of legislation, by agencies of the Central, State, and Local Governments.

The dominant theme of this policy is that while conservation of environmental resources is necessary to secure livelihoods and well-being of all, the most secure basis for conservation is to ensure that people dependent on particular resources obtain better livelihoods from the fact of conservation, than from degradation of the resource.

The policy also seeks to stimulate partnerships of different stakeholders, i.e. public agencies, local communities, academic and scientific institutions, the investment community, and international development partners, in harnessing their respective resources and strengths for environmental management.

Objectives of NEP

1. To protect and conserve critical ecological systems and resources
2. To ensure equitable access to environmental resources and quality for all sections of society, and in particular,
3. To ensure that poor communities, which are most dependent on environmental resources for their livelihoods, are assured secure access to these resources
4. To ensure judicious use of environmental resources to meet the needs and aspirations of the present and future generations
5. To integrate environmental concerns into policies, plans, programs, and projects for economic and social development.
6. To ensure efficient use of environmental resources in the sense of reduction in their use per unit of economic output, to minimize adverse environmental impacts.
7.  To apply the principles of good governance (transparency, rationality, accountability, reduction in time and costs, participation, and regulatory independence) to the management and regulation of use of environmental resources.
8.  To ensure higher resource flows, comprising finance, technology, management skills, traditional knowledge, and social capital, for environmental conservation through mutually beneficial multi stakeholder partnerships between local communities, public agencies, the academic and research community, investors, and multilateral and bilateral development partners.

National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and Development, 1992

The National Conservation Strategy and policy statement of Environment and Development is adopted in June 1992. The Policy

• Provides the basis for the integration and industrialisation of environmental considerations in the policies and programs of different sectors.
• Emphasises sustainable life styles and proper management and conservation of resources.
• Provides biomass on sustainable basis to the rural poor.
• Provides promotion between forests based industry and farmers.

The National Conservation Strategy and the Policy Statement on Environment and Development are in response to the need for laying down the guidelines that will help to weave environmental considerations into the fabric of national life and development process.

It is an expression of India’s commitment for reorienting policies and action in unison with the environmental perspective. It talks about the nature and dimensions of the environmental problems, actions taken in response to the problems and lists out priorities and strategies for action. It also views development policies from environmental perspectives and the support policies and systems required.