National Policies on Environment and abatement of pollution

National Policies on Environment and abatement of pollution

Answer:-

National Environment Policy (NEP)

The National Environment Policy (NEP) was established in 2006 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to guide India’s approach to sustainable development and environmental protection. It aims to balance economic growth with the conservation of natural ecosystems, ensuring that development occurs without compromising environmental integrity.

Objectives of the NEP:

• Intra-generational Equity: Ensure that all groups in society, especially vulnerable ones, have fair access to resources and a healthy environment. The aim is to ensure no one is left behind, especially in terms of resource access and quality.
• Inter-generational Equity: Safeguard resources and ecosystems for future generations.
• Livelihood Security for the Poor: Support sustainable means of livelihood for those who are economically disadvantaged. This involves providing opportunities that allow people to meet their needs today, without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same.
• Pollution Control: Work on reducing pollution in air, water, and soil. This can be done by enforcing strict regulations and ensuring effective monitoring and control of pollution sources.
• Integration of Environmental Concerns in Economic and Social Development: Make sure that development policies and practices consider environmental impacts, ensuring that growth does not harm the environment but instead promotes sustainability.
• Legal and Regulatory Framework: Strengthen and update laws and policies that protect the environment. These should be enforced effectively to meet evolving challenges and needs.
• Environmental Governance: Improve institutional capacity to manage the environment. This includes promoting transparency, accountability, and public involvement in environmental decision-making.
• Public Participation and Education: Raise public awareness and educate people about environmental issues. Encourage their active participation in conservation efforts and policies that protect the environment.

Pollution Abatement

Pollution abatement refers to measures taken to reduce, control, or eliminate pollution from the environment. These measures can be:

1. Technological: For instance, using catalytic converters in vehicles to reduce air pollution.
2. Regulatory: Enforcing laws to limit waste discharge into water bodies.
3. Behavioral: Encouraging practices such as reducing thermostat settings to decrease energy consumption.

India has introduced various programs to combat pollution across multiple sectors:

1. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
   • Aims to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 20-30% in 122 cities by 2024.
   • Focus on air quality monitoring, public awareness, and promotion of cleaner vehicles like electric vehicles (EVs).
2. Namami Gange Programme
   • Focuses on cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga River.
   • Includes the construction of sewage treatment plants (STPs), surface cleaning, and afforestation projects along the river.
3. Swachh Bharat Mission
   • Aims to eliminate open defecation and improve solid waste management.
   • Involves toilet construction, waste segregation, and solid and liquid waste management.
4. National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
   • Focuses on the cleaning and conservation of the Ganga and its tributaries.
   • Includes waste treatment infrastructure, pollution monitoring, and regulation of industrial discharges.
5. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
   • Works on controlling air and water pollution.
   • Monitors industrial emissions, sets up continuous emission monitoring systems, and oversees water quality monitoring.
6. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
   • Provides LPG connections to rural households to reduce indoor air pollution.
   • Raises awareness about the health risks of using traditional biomass fuels.
7. Green India Mission (GIM)
   • Aims to increase forest cover through afforestation and reforestation.
   • Focuses on improving biodiversity, addressing pollution through carbon sequestration, and enhancing ecosystem services.
8. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR
   • Targets reducing air pollution during high pollution periods in Delhi and surrounding regions.
   • Includes measures like bans on construction, restrictions on vehicle entry, and road dust control.
9. National Water Mission
   • Works to ensure sustainable water management and prevent water pollution.
   • Promotes water recycling, efficient use of resources, and stricter regulations on industrial pollution.
10. E-Waste Management Rules, 2016

• Addresses the growing problem of e-waste pollution.
• Includes e-waste collection and recycling programs, as well as extended producer responsibility (EPR) for proper management.

11. Cleaner Air and Waste Management Initiatives

• Supports alternatives to stubble burning in agriculture.
• Improves waste management infrastructure in urban areas through scientific landfills and composting.

12. Vehicle Emission Norms and Electric Mobility

• Aims to reduce vehicular pollution by implementing Bharat Stage (BS) VI emission norms.
• Promotes the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) through subsidies and the development of charging infrastructure.