The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is an umbrella legislation, under which most of the pollution control regulations were framed. Central Government has the power to take all such measures as it deems necessary and expedient for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of the environment and land, and controlling and abating environmental pollution. It is in exercise of these powers that the Central Government has enacted rules for controlling noise pollution, waste management, coastal zone management, hazardous waste management, Ozone protection, batteries waste management, bio-medical waste management, e-waste management, plastic control measures, environmental clearance, etc were issued.
Anyone who fails to comply with or contravenes any of the provisions of EPA or EPR, or any of the notifications issued, is punishable with imprisonment for a term of up to five years with a fine that may extend to one lakh rupees.
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 contains a schedule which shows certain industries the minimum standards to be maintained of pollutant.
