Environment Ethics, Policies and Inclusive Environment Protection Mechanism in India (With Special Reference to Environmental Inquisition)

Abstract

From Arthashastra by Kautilya to Bombay Nuisance Act in British regime to recent National Environment Policy, India is way ahead in terms of formulation of policies. Even strong constitutional and legislative frameworks exist. Mandatory Environment Impact Assessment and submission of annual Environmental Statement is also a strong indicator of environmental regulation. Despite having this strong framework, bureaucratic corruption has made it very easy to get government clearances for projects that deteriorate environment. A number of social, economic and institutional factors have made the realisation of existing policies difficult. Although the policy to combine the elements of economic efficiency, intergenerational equity, social concerns and environmental protection has been regularly updated, more emphasis has been given to the promotion of policies and programmes for economic growth through intensive resource and energy use, as is evident in natural resource depletion. Present paper illustrates the environmental ethics and protection techniques in India. Keywords: Environmental ethics, protection, Environmental policy, Environment impact assessment