Environmental Management Concept, Environmental Legislation and Environmental Impact assessment

Environmental Management Concept, Environmental Legislation and Environmental Impact assessment

1. Concept of Environmental management Since 1990s the focus of economic development has shifted towards conservation and preservation of environment Hence there is a need for managers and entrepreneurs who respond to these changes in a suitable manner. Environmental management is a concept which is creating awareness and suggesting methods and solutions to the problems faced by the manufacturing sectors of the economy. Environmental management does not mean management of the environment Rather it refers to an optimum utilisation of limited resources between possible uses. It emphasises on efficient allocation of resources , protection and conservation of resources.

2. Need for Environmental management world has been facing serious threats and damage to the environment Green House Effect-Global Warming, Acid rainfall, Ozone Depletion, Nuclear disasters, Industrial No region in the world and no human society today are devoid and free of these problems. it is important to take action in the present times in order to make resources available for the future generations. The basic aim of environmental management is to satisfy basic human needs within the framework of possibilities and restrictions of environmental systems It broadens the concept in scope to include development and enhancement of environmental quality ,

3. Need for Environmental management It assesses the costs to the society and environment Environmental Management – planning the sustainable resource utilization practices It suggests solutions to protect environme nt for the current and future generations. It also does a legal evaluation of administrative and technical solutions to problems of environment. It promotes the use, maintenance and enhancement of resources at different levels of consumption. Environmental management plans - resource utilisation, management and disposal.

4. Environmental Legislation in India The Constitution of India in Part IV - Article 48A -‘Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wild life and the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country’. National Forest Policy originally framed in 1952 and revised in 1988 The Government of India enacted the Forest (Conservation) Act in 1980 which was amended in 1988 . According to this act, the State government has to take permission from the Central government for occupying land under reserved forest for non-forest purpose. The Environment Protection Act 1986 is an act that ‘provides for the protection and improvement of environment and the prevention of hazards to human beings, other living creatures, plants and property’.

5. Environmental Legislation in India The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 is an act empowers the state governments to enact water pollution legislation. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977 facilitates the water boards at both the central and state levels The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 it is mandatory for the state pollution control boards in consultation with the central pollution control board Hazardous Wastes ( Management and Handling) Rules, 1989 The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

6. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) EIA is an important management tool for ensuring optimal use of natural resources for sustainable development. EIA – “ formal process used to predict the environmental consequences of any development project .” The term ‘ environmental ’ is comprehensive and which consists of not only the natural (physical and biological) environment but also the socio-economic-political aspects. Based on the degree of environmental impact the projects are divided into three categories: 1. Category A : Projects with prominent adverse environmental impact which require a full EIA. 2. Category B : Projects with adverse environmental impact but of a lesser degree than category A impact. 3. Category C : Projects do not have adverse environmental impact. In this case EIA is not required.

7. EIA in India This process was introduced in India with the impact assessment of river valley projects in 1978-1979 EIA has now been made mandatory under the Environmental Protection Act, 1986 for 29 categories of developmental activities involving investments of Rupees 50 crores and above. Sectors identified for EIA: Mining projects Industrial projects Thermal Power projects River Valley, Multipurpose, Irrigation and Hydro-electricity projects Infrastructure Development and Miscellaneous projects Nuclear Power projects

8. Project proponent will prepare proposal Proposal will be submitted to EAC Environmental Appraisal Committee (EAC) Local body CPCB SPCB MLA MP MoEF NBSS & LUP Scientists Industrialist Legal advisors EAC Project Identification and Proposal Project Appraisal Project Implementation Project Monitoring Completion Report Evaluation EAC Public Opinion Final Decision

9. Concept of Carbon Bank and Carbon Credit Concept originated - Kyoto Protocol of 1997 implemented in the year 2005 “The limits on greenhouse-gas emissions set by the Kyoto Protocol are a way of assigning monetary value to the earth's shared atmosphere.” Developed economies and developing economies Developed economies to reduce the overall emissions of such gases by at least 5 % Kyoto Protocol does not set limits on the greenhouse-gas emissions of developing nations. ‘carbon market’ Countries not meeting their commitments will be able to "buy" compliance at higher prices.

10. Countries will get credit for reducing greenhouse-gas totals by planting or expanding forests ("removal units"). Emission Trading. Clean Development Mechanism Joint Implementation allows industrialised countries to meet part of their required cuts in greenhouse-gas emissions It is interesting to note that the Kyoto Protocol was passed in 1997 and gradually accepted by 156 countries but it was not signed by two important polluting countries – U.S.A. and Australia.

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