The aftermath of tragedy: Environment Protection Act, 1986

Humans tend to forget the past and move on. Only those who have truly suffered a malady or its consequences know the value of rectifying mistakes and not repeating them. Man and nature co-exist and they both need one another. But what happens when man-made disasters take a toll and harm every living being? As a response to one of the deadliest tragedies in India, a series of acts were introduced, the most effective being the Environment Protection Act of 1986.

Environmental Protection Act 1986 ; Image Source: ipleaders

Shockwaves were sent across the country when the Bhopal gas leak happened.

The residents of Bhopal slept in peace, unaware of the danger that would befall them.

On the night of 2nd December 1984, methyl isocyanate leaked from Union Carbide. The gas leak was fatal enough to kill anyone in the nearby vicinity and cause long-term harm to anyone within a 20-kilometre radius. The survivors of the Bhopal gas tragedy lament that to be alive is a fate worse than death. From seeing genetic newborns with congenital faults, increased mortality rates, and unexplained and never-ending skin diseases and health problems- the problem is far from over.

The 1984 Bhopal gas leak was the most substantial calamity to have caused turmoil on Indian soil. Adequate measures had not been put in place, resulting in the deaths of many and a loss of stability.

Initially, land, water and air were viewed differently and had specific laws. However, after the Bhopal gas leak, the government prepared a comprehensive plan highlighting how all-natural elements are connected. And harm to one can prove dangerous to all. Unlike previous regulations, the new reforms also stated the pollutants standards and highlighted the industrial liabilities that need reporting. Finally, there were adequate forums to report industrial accidents.

The Environment Protection Act was implemented all over the country on 19th November 1986. It consists of four chapters and twenty-six sections accentuating the responsibilities and roles of industries and government bodies to protect the environment.

Motivating factors for drafting an umbrella act like the Environment Protection Act 1986 were the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and the Stockholm Conference.

A notable feature of this act is certain areas do not come under its purview, owing to their ecological sensitivity. These include the Doon valley in Dehradun, Aravallis, Coastal regions, and other areas.

Although the act is all-encompassing and protective of humans and nature while trying to reconcile the relationship between the two, there have been recent amendments that dilute the impact of this legislation.

However, the media, environmental activists, ecologists, scientists, and locals have voiced concerns over the deteriorating conditions of the natural world. In such times, to have the Enviroment Protection Act is like taking a step in the right direction which helps us identify our responsibilities to nature and ourselves.