This Act provides for the protection of environment in India. As per the definition, the term environment includes water, air and land and the inter-relationship which exists among and between water, air and land, and human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organism and property. The Act consists of the following Chapters: (I) Preliminary; (II) General Powers of the Central Government; (III) Prevention, Control and Abatement of Environmental Pollution; (IIIA) Fund, Accounts and Audit; (IV) Miscellaneous.
Chapter I contains the short title, extent, commencement date and definitions. Chapter II provides the Central Government the powers to take measures to protect and improve the environment through means of planning, establishment of environmental quality standards, examination of manufacturing processes, collection and dissemination of information, preparation of manuals, etc. Further, the Central Government can make rules to regulate environment pollution. The Government has the power to issue directions, concerning, inter alia, the closure, prohibition or regulation of any industry, operation or process and the regulation of the supply of electricity or water or any other service. Chapter III makes provisions in respect of pollution control through emission or discharge of environment pollutants or hazardous substances. It also contains provisions regarding testing, sampling, inspection, and other control measures by the Central Government. The penalties for contravention of various sections is laid down and the procedure to be followed by adjudicating officer is laid down. Chapter IIIA establishes the Environmental Protection Fund for the promotion of awareness, education and research for the protection of environment and such other purposes as may be prescribed.