Introduction

Environmental protection is an integral part of today’s society, but many people lack even basic
knowledge on what they can do to help protect our environment. The destruction of the
environment and the depletion of natural resources are significant issues that are ever-present.

Environmental protection is the practice of protecting the natural environment against various
human activities that degrade, destroy, or otherwise reduce its quality for future generations. It has
become a widespread issue in recent decades as human pressures on the environment have
increased exponentially.

Out of many ways, one way to protect the environment is by recycling – a way to reduce the carbon
footprint and conserve natural resources. It also decreases the amount of waste that goes into
landfills, which causes less pollution to water bodies. Another way is to use eco-friendly products in
your life which can contribute to a healthier environment by reducing the number of harmful
chemicals and toxins in the air, ground, and water.

Since the 1960s, environmental movements have created more awareness of the
multiple environmental problems. There is disagreement on the extent of the environmental impact
of human activity, so protection measures are occasionally debated.1

To protect the environment, we should be conscious of what we consume and how we consume it.
Many factors affect the quality of our air, water, and land, but it is best to start small by always
considering its impact on the environment.

Afforestation and tree plantation help protect our environment by reducing global warming, soil
erosion, etc. We can reduce our carbon footprint through carpooling instead of driving, which is
cheaper and reduces our energy usage and emissions.2

Environment is degrading which means the chances for survival of living organisms on earth is
decreasing. This is a very wrong notion. If we don’t start protecting our environment now, then
there is a huge possibility that we won’t be able to save our humanity in future.3

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_protection
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https://byjus.com/kids-learning/environmental-protection-essay/#:~:text=is%20environmental%20protection%3F-,Environmental
%20protection%20is%20the%20practice%20of%20protecting%20the%20natural%20environment,pollution%2C%20and
%20degradation%20of%20land.
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 Need for environmental protection
Things that are doing harm to the environment such as working in industries or factories,
commuting via fuel-driven vehicles, using air conditioners, etc have become an essential part of our
lives. The amount of energy that we are using is essential and there is no other alternative to it.

Over Population: Many parts of our planet are being over populated by human population. Over
population means more demands and less supply. This creates an imbalance and disturbs the
ecosystem as for human survival, the shelter of birds and animals are getting destroyed. This also
increases the fossil fuel consumption and the harmful impacts of it on the environment.

Pollution: Increased population leads to increased waste to make the supplies reach the required
rate. This wastes level leads to air and water pollution. The condition of pollution is so bad that to
date, 2.4 billion people do not have access to clean, drinkable water. Humanity is constantly
polluting the irreplaceable resources like air, water and soil, which takes millions of years to
replenish. Not only air, water and soil pollution, humanity is also responsible for noise, radiation
and light pollution.

Global Warming: The major cause for this is the increased level of CO 2, and that is because of the
increased rate of burning of fossil fuels. Current measurements of CO 2levels have exceeded above
400 ppm breaking every record dating back 400,000 years. And this has led to increase in earth’s
temperature, which leads to melting of glaciers and increase in ocean level to rise.

Non-Veg Diet: Human’s digestive tract is a long one like that of herbivores. But still, most of the
human population relies on non-vegetarian diet.

To grow a hen of 1 kilo, many kilos of wheat is required, but 1 kilo of wheat can satisfy the hunger
of 2 persons. Hence, this non-veg diet is really expensive to the environment.

Deforestation: Deforestation is required for creating land space for making roads and homes for
humans. This leads to destruction of the habitat of wild animals and birds. It also leads to constant
increase of level of CO. Since there are no trees to absorb this gas so it remains in the atmosphere
leading to global warming.

Excess Usage of Useless Commodities: For the sake of vanity, we use commodities such as leather
shoes, belts and jackets which are made from the skin of animals without thinking about the impact
it has on the animals. Animals suffer because of this while we adorn such decorative items made
from their nails and tusks.

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Pollution and Environment

Our entire human existence is dependent on the nature itself. We depend on the nature for a tiny pin
to the most complex man-made constructions. Environment has come to our aid in every way
possible.

Ozone layer which prevents ultraviolet rays from sun to enter our atmosphere is getting depleted
due to the increase in harmful gases causing pollution in the environment. Because of the increasing
demands of the increasing human population, the pollution is increasing.

Man started polluting the environment since the first fire was produced. From then to now, man has
been polluting the environment in the name of development.

Due to cumulative effect of ozone depletion and greenhouse effect the temperature on earth is rising
continuously resulting in global warming.4

As a result of which glaciers at the poles are melting and contributing to rise in the sea level, many
major cities inhabited by humans are predicted to submerge in water in next few decades.

Post effects of this environmental degradation are beyond our imagination, need of the hour is to
preserve our environment in the best way possible, not only because it is our moral duty to do that,
but because it’s the only way to survive from the harm.

Due to exponential growth of population along with industrialization, the quality of environment is
degrading. There is a crucial need for conservation and preservation of the environment.

Cause of Environmental Degradation

Human activities are the major cause of environmental degradation because most of the activities,
humans do harm the environment in some way. The activities of humans that causes environmental
degradation is pollution, defective environmental policies, chemicals, greenhouse gases, global
warming, ozone depletion, etc.

All these affect the environment badly. Besides, these the overuse of natural resources will create a
situation in the future there will be no resources for consumption. And the most basic necessity of
living air will get so polluted that humans have to use bottled oxygen for breathing.5

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Social factors

 Population: The consumption of natural resources and the production of waste are the main
ways that population affects the environment.
It is also exposed to various environmental pressures like biodiversity loss, air and water
pollution, and increased demand on arable land.
 Poverty: It is considered that poverty is both a cause and an effect of environmental
deterioration when individuals lack the essentials for survival. For instance, they can be
fighting for their lives and lacking access to clean water, suitable shelter, enough clothing, or
medicines.
 Urbanization: Due to the ecological challenges and the lack of prospects for productive
employment in rural areas, poor families are moving to cities in ever-increasing numbers.

Economic factors

 Market failure: The absence of or a dysfunctional market for environmental goods and
services is a major contributor to environmental degradation.

 Economic development: The pace and distribution of economic growth have an impact on
the nature of environmental issues.

Environmental deterioration is a result of economic development, particularly

industrialization-based economic development.

 Impact on agricultural development: Agricultural developments cause nutrient loss,

salinization of the land, and soil erosion.

Water bodies can get contaminated by leaching from the heavy use of fertilisers and
pesticides. Land degradation is also a result of intensive agriculture and irrigation.

 Transport activities: Transportation operations affect the environment in a variety of ways,

including air pollution, noise from traffic, and oil spills from marine transportation.

Political and administrative factors

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Environmental degradation is caused by a combination of administrative and political factors,
including a lack of visionary leadership, politicians' traditional role in formulating policy, and
incorrect application of environmental law.

Environmental factors

 Some of the long-term environmental effects of habitat fragmentation have the potential to
wipe out entire ecosystems.

When development destroys stable expanses of land, habitats become fragmented. Roads
that may cut through forests are one example, as are pathways that meander through
prairies. On the surface, it might not seem like a bad idea, but there are major repercussions.

 Air and water pollution, sadly, are the main contributors to environmental deterioration.
Contaminants brought into the ecosystem by pollution have the potential to harm or even
eradicate some plant and animal species.

 Acid rain results from the reaction of moisture in the air with Sulphur Dioxide (SO 2) from
coal plant emissions. Lakes and streams can get acidified and contaminated by acid rain.
The effects on the soil are comparable.

 Destruction of ozone layer

Effects of environmental degradation

Impact on human health: Environmental deterioration has a significant negative effect on human
health. Around the world, poor water quality causes millions of deaths and billions of illnesses each
year. Water shortage and a reduction in the quality of foods are two effects of environmental
degradation.

Atmospheric changes: Environmental deterioration can change various naturally occurring

processes, including the water cycle and routine animal and plant functions. Deforestation and
mining are further environmental degradation factors that obliterate the natural land cover.

Scarcity of natural resources: Environmental degradation can cause a shortage of resources,

including arable land, water, genetic resources, medicinal plants, and food crops. These factors
include over-exploitation of natural resources, pollution, and deforestation.6
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Pollution of air, water, and soil can lead to various diseases, and that’s why protecting the
environment is crucial for maintaining a healthy living environment for everyone.

Need for Protecting Environment

Protecting Human Health

A clean environment directly influences our health. Air, water, and soil pollution can cause
respiratory issues and more severe illnesses. Environmental protection helps minimize these risks
and creates a healthy living environment for all.

Preserving Biodiversity

The environment is not only a habitat for humans but also a shared home for many other species.
Biodiversity is crucial to maintaining the balance and health of ecosystems, and environmental
degradation threatens the existence of various plant and animal species. Therefore, protecting the
environment helps preserve biodiversity.

Preserving Natural Resources

Components of the environment, such as water, air, soil, minerals, and energy, are essential for life
and economic development. Protecting the environment contributes to the sustainable management
of these resources, preventing depletion or pollution and ensuring a stable and abundant life for
humans.

Mitigating Climate Change

Besides pollution, climate change poses a global threat, leading to extreme weather events and
rising sea levels. Environmental protection actions, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and
promoting renewable energy use, can slow down climate change and restore a more balanced global
environment.

Creating a Better Living Environment

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Ultimately, environmental protection goes beyond immediate personal benefits, aiming to create a
sustainable future where people can live in a clean and safe environment. This not only improves
the current quality of life but also ensures a healthy world for future generations. 7

Present-day environmental protection acts and policies

Before the independence, the laws and policies for the environmental protection act existed but after
the independence at the Stockholm Conference, the National Council for Environmental Policy
and Planning was established in 1972.

Later, this became the Ministry of Environment and Forests. This is today one of the main bodies
for the protection of the environment.

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,

1974

The purpose of this act was to prevent and control water pollution and to maintain or restore the
country’s water wholesomeness.

This act mainly focuses to prohibit the discharge of pollutants into the water bodies and also puts
penalties on those who do not comply with the said acts.

At the Centre, the Central Prevention & Control Board (CPCB), and at the State, the State
Prevention & Control Board (SPCBs) are there to lay down the standards for the protection of the
water bodies.

The cess is gathered to supplement the funds available to the Central Board and State Boards for the
prevention and control of water pollution, which was established by the Water (Prevention and
Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The Act last underwent revision in 2003.

The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,

1981

The purpose of this act is to prevent and control air pollution and also maintain the pollutants
realized into the air.

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The Boards at the Centre and the State have been built to carry out the purpose of air protection.
There were standards established under the Air Acts for the protection of Air quality.

These standards were laid down by prohibiting the use of polluting fuels and substances in the air.
Through this Act, the State was empowered with the right to declare any area as having polluted air.

The Environment Protection Act, 1986

The purpose of this act was to protect and improve environmental conditions. Through this act,
there is a framework established for the studying and implementation of the long-term requirements
of the environment for its protection.

The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010

This is a tribunal established to provide a basis for the effective disposal of cases that are related to
environmental protection and conservation. This Act had the establishment of NGT to deal with
environmental laws.

In light of the National Green Tribunal’s establishment under the National Green Tribunal Act of
2010 dated October 18, 2010, the National Environment Appellate Authority established under
Section 3(1) of the National Environment Appellate Authority Act of 1997 stands dissolved.

Some of the other acts that are important from a viewpoint of environmental protection are:

 The Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

 The Forest Conservation Act 1980.
 Public Liability Insurance Act 1991.
 The Biological Diversity Act 2022.

Constitutional aspects of environmental protection

The of India is a living document and has in past years invalidated a lot of provisions related
to environmental protection and conservation. The provisions such as who has the power to make
laws regarding the environmental laws, how the laws are to be enacted, what can be the possible
ways to protect the environment, and many more.

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Under the Environmental Protection Act, of 1986 the word environment has been defined as
“environment includes water, air and land and the interrelationship which exists among and
between air, water and land, and human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organism, and
property”.

Provision of the Constitution

At the Stockholm Conference, the Global Movement led the establishment of the 42nd Amendment
of the Indian Constitution in 1976. The environmental provisions were added to the Constitution.
An example is that Article 48-A[1] was added to the Directive Principles of State Policy by this
particular amendment.

Fundamental rights

These Articles of Constitution of India state the right to a clean environment:

 Article 14 states that every citizen is entitled to equality before the law and also gets equal
protection from the law. This article is a way to have the state practice fairness between the
citizens.
 Article 19(1) can also be used in a way to deal with noise pollution.
 Article 21 states that no person shall be deprived of the right to life and personal liberty.
 Article 32 states the right to file a petition for constitutional remedies. Petitions can be filed
under this section for matters related to environmental protection.

Fundamental duties
Article 51-A(g): This article mentions that every citizen must preserve and enhance the natural
environments such as the forests, lakes, rivers, animals, etc.
Also, both the State and every person have the responsibility to preserve the environment.

Directive principles of state policy

Article 48-A: This article states that the State shall make every effort to protect the nation’s forests
and wildlife, as well as to preserve and advance the environment. 8

Individual Roles in Environmental Protection

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Although waste, emission, and wastewater treatment may seem macroscopic to most individuals,
everyone can contribute significantly to environmental protection by performing small tasks. Here
are some practical measures:
Use Biodegradable Products

Instead of using plastic products such as cups, straws, and plastic spoons, you can switch to using
products with natural origins.

These are biodegradable items that help minimize negative environmental impacts because they can
naturally decompose without causing pollution.

Plant Trees

Planting trees is an encouraging solution. Trees not only enhance green spaces but also effectively
purify the air, reduce pollution, and provide a sense of relaxation for humans.

Conserve Energy and Water

This is a practical, easy-to-implement measure that demonstrates significant results when

individuals take responsibility for protecting the environment.

Simply turn off lights and taps when not in use and choose energy-efficient devices to contribute to
environmental protection.

Participate in Environmental Protection Activities

The state of environmental pollution is sure to improve more quickly if many individuals
implement solutions simultaneously.

One can seek and participate in activities and events organized by environmental organizations,
such as tree planting projects, clean-up campaigns, or support for environmental organizations, as a
fresh way to contribute to a cleaner, greener environment.

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 Conclusion
With pollution increasing each year and causing deterioration of the natural environment, it has
become necessary to take steps to protect the natural environment. As we know that the reason for
all these problems is humans, governments should make policies to restrict their activities that are
causing harm to the environment.

Environmental protection has always been practiced by humans in one form or another. However,
as anthropogenic pressures on the environment have escalated over the past century, the need for
systematic environmental protection has increased.

This has led to considerable experimentation with the domestic and international measures that are
used to achieve environmental protection objectives. Some of these have been successful, but the
overall picture is one of failure.

Due to the failings of the past and greater awareness of the complexity of environmental problems,
there is a growing acceptance that environmental protection is best achieved through the use of a
multipronged approach. This requires the use of a combination of regulatory, economic, voluntary,
and information instruments, where the policy mix is determined on the basis of the available
evidence regarding cost-effectiveness.

The international challenge lies in the development of effective and equitable approaches to global
environmental problems that are supported by a well-resourced bureaucracy and appropriate
financial mechanisms. The threat posed by climate change has added greater urgency to the push
for effective international environmental governance arrangements.

Environment Protection acts have been put in place to stop people from damaging environment in
the race of becoming better than others. Individuals just think about themselves.

These acts are a way to make them realize that we are standing at the verge of environmental
degradation.

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However, all these efforts will go in vain until the individuals consider saving the environment as
their very own responsibility. We all have to come together, individually, to save our planet by
saving our environment.

Bibliography
i. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_protection

ii. https://byjus.com/kids-learning/environmental-protection-essay/#:~:text=is

%20environmental%20protection%3F-,Environmental%20protection%20is%20the

%20practice%20of%20protecting%20the%20natural%20environment,pollution%2C

%20and%20degradation%20of%20land.

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vi. https://www.longdom.org/open-access/causes-and-factors-of-environmental-degradation-

92871.html

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 SADANLAL SANWALDAS KHANNA
GIRLS’ DEGREE COLLEGE,
PRAYAGRAJ
(A Constituent College of University of Allahabad)

A project submitted undertaken in partial fulfillment of the

B.A. LLb (Hons.)- 5th Semester course under Sarojlalji
Mehrortra Centre of Legal Studies (Department of
Law), S.S. Khanna Girls’ Degree College, Prayagraj.

NEED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL

PROTECTION

Submitted By:
Under the Guidance of:

Kirti Mishra Shivangi Shivi

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 Semester: 5th (Assistant
Professor)

Roll No.: 18 Department

of Law

S.S. Khanna
Girls’ Degree

College,
Prayagraj

Table of Contents

i. Acknowledgement

ii. Introduction

iii. Need for Environment Protection

iv. Pollution and Environment

v. Benefits of Environment

vi. Cause of Environmental Degradation

vii. Environmental Protection’s Measures

viii. Constitutional Aspects and Provisions

ix. Individual Roles in Protecting Environment

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x. Conclusion

xi. Bibliography

Acknowledgement

Behind this project, there are many some people who

helped me in the completion of this project. I heartily

acknowledge those people who have contributed their

efforts directly or indirectly in completing my project.

I would like to give my sincere thanks to our respected

faculty member of Law Department, Shivangi Shivi

Ma’am, [Assistant Professor], and others who helped me,

guided and extended my moral support.

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However, as I have studied from various sources and the

recommended books; anything missing or incorrect due to

oversight is deeply regretted.

Thank you!!

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