The Environmental Protection Act (EPA) is a key environmental legislation in India that was enacted in 1986. The aim of the act is to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the protection and improvement of the environment and the prevention of environmental pollution. The EPA defines key terms related to the environment, such as pollution, hazardous substances, and environment, and sets out provisions for the prohibition and regulation of activities that are likely to cause environmental pollution or harm to the environment.
The act empowers the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) to set environmental standards for air, water, and soil quality and to enforce compliance through monitoring, penalizing polluters, and legal enforcement. The EPA also provides for public participation in environmental protection by providing for public hearings, access to information, and the right to file complaints about violations of environmental standards and regulations.