This is general legislation law in order to rectify the gaps and laps in the above Acts. This Act empowers the Central government to fix the standards for quality of air, water, soil and noise and to formulate procedures and safe guards for handling of hazard substances.
Objectives of Environmental act :
i) To protect and improvement of the environment.
ii) To prevent hazards to all living creatures and property.
iii) To maintain harmonious relationship between humans and their environment.
Important Features of Environment Act :
1. The Act further empowers the Government to lay down procedures and safe guards for the prevention of accidents which cause pollution and remedial measures if an accident occurs.
2. The Government has the authority to close or prohibit or regulate any industry or its operation, if the violation of the provisions of the Act occur.
3. The penal sections of the Act contain more stringent penalties. Any person who fails to comply or who contravenes any provision of the Act shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term extending to five years or be punishable with fine up to Rupees one lakh or both.
4. If the violation continues, an additional fine of Rupees five thousands per day may be imposed for the entire period of violation of rules.
5. The Act fixes the liability of the offence punishable under Act on the person who is directly in charge. Whether he/she is the director or Manager or Secretary or any other officer, unless he/she proves that it was committed without his/her knowledge or consent.
6. The Act empowers the officer of Central Government to inspect the site or the plant or the machinery for preventing pollution; and to collect samples of air, water, soil or other material from any factory or its premises for testing.
The Environment ( Protection ) Act is the most comprehensive legislation with powers for the central government to directly act, avoiding many regulatory authorities or agencies.
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