Understanding Environmental Policies in India

According to a 2023 poll conducted by Gallup and the Lloyd's Register Foundation, 62 per cent of Indians view climate change as one of the country's threats, with 37 per cent considering it "very serious" [1]. India has committed to improving the environment, including protecting forests, waterways, and wildlife, with a series of environmental policies. Many recent changes evolved in response to the challenge to balance development whilst fighting climate change, underscoring the country’s commitment to the environment and sustainability. 

Explore the benefits of studying environmental policies in India, working in this field, and the pivotal role the country’s environmental policies and legislation play now and in the future.

What are environmental policies in India?

India has a range of environmental policies and legislation in place to protect the environment. These include policies to address pollution of wildlife, waterways, air, and forests. Many policies also protect animals, wildlife, and biodiversity. 

After a UN conference focusing on environmental issues in 1972, India formed the National Council for Environmental Policy and Planning to help regulate ecological issues. The council later became the Ministry of Environment and Forests, which led to additional organisations like the State Pollution Control Board and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

These bodies and others take a keen interest in environmental issues and contribute to developing essential policies. Some of India’s environmental laws contributing to the protection of the environment and wildlife include the following:

• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: This act tackles poaching, smuggling, and illegal trading of animals, plants, and birds. It went into effect in 1972 and receives periodic updates. 

• The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution Act), 1974: This act focuses on restoring and maintaining India’s waterways, with strict guidelines around waste and sewage discharge. 

• The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution Act), 1981: This policy restricts air pollutants released by vehicles, industry, and power plants, and it allows for designated air pollution areas.

• The Environmental Protection Act, 1986: This act was born out of the 1974 UN conference on environmental issues, demonstrating India’s commitment to environmental protection and pollution reduction. The act breaks down into multiple rules covering various areas of the policy. 

• The Forest Conservation Act, 1988: This act deals specifically with deforestation, with a 2006 addition covering the protection of tribes and traditional forest dwellers who live in India’s forests.

• The Energy Conservation Act, 2001: This act set standards for energy consumption to help control waste and increase efficiency.

• The Biological Diversity Act, 2002: This act addresses sustainable development, protecting local growers, and conserving biological diversity. 

• The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010: This act examines the liability related to handling hazardous substances and supports the victims of environmental damage. 

Why are environmental policies in India important?

India’s environmental policies protect the environment, wildlife, and people who populate India. They also contribute to India’s broader global commitment to protecting the environment as a member of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). 

Certain bodies and organisations take vital roles in ensuring India’s environmental policies are adhered to and up to date. These include:

• The Ministry of Environment and Forests

• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

Why choose to study environmental policies?

Studying environmental law can put you on the path to influencing the ecological work and progress India produces. Environmental law undergraduate and postgraduate courses focus on climate change, pollution control, sustainable development, and environmental policies and legislation.

If environmental conservation appeals to you, studying environmental policy or environmental law has several benefits.

Gain an understanding of concerns.

Studying environmental policies can give you a broader understanding of the ecological concerns faced by India and the rest of the world. It allows you to understand the laws and policies on a deeper level, giving you the knowledge necessary to make fundamental, tangible changes for the better of the environment.

Support environmental concerns in India.

Understanding the complexities of legislation and the legal framework underpinning each can give you a platform to effect change in your country. This knowledge helps you to know whether people and organisations adhere to policies and laws and raises awareness on issues that need engagement and support.

Learn new skills.

Studying environmental policy provides you with a range of workplace and technical skills you can use in various jobs. Skills include analytical thinking, advocacy, law, understanding social justice, negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making. 

Expand your network.

Networking can help you start your career. In environmental policy courses, you’ll have the opportunity to meet many professionals and other students with experiences, ideas, knowledge, and connections that you can utilise. You may also have access to relevant clubs and societies where you can network further. 

Getting started with a career in environmental policies

If you have an interest in environmental policies in India, you’ll find a range of courses to consider, possible avenues to gain experience, and ideas for future job roles. Gaining a robust foundation in the theories and practices necessary for the positions you pursue is an excellent starting point. 

Education

To start, consider studying environmental policies to gain a relevant qualification. You’ll find environmental law courses available, including undergraduate degrees, postgraduate degrees, diplomas, and certifications. The level at which you study depends on the job you wish to apply for. An undergraduate degree in environmental policy or environmental law is a good starting point, followed by a postgraduate degree. 

Experience

Many of the positions you might pursue require a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, which could mean spending ample time in a lab-based position if you want to go into environmental science or perhaps working with a non-governmental organisation before pursuing a position in environmental law. You can even pursue an internship whilst at university to help you get some experience whilst completing your degree. 

Careers in environmental policy

In addition to education and experience in environmental policy, consider the area where you want to work. Some jobs could include the following:

• Environmental analyst: ₹1,86,721 [1]

• Environmental technician: ₹15,169 [2]

• Environmental consultant: ₹26,323 [3]

• Ecologist: ₹1,20,807 [4]

Next steps with Coursera

India is positioned to become a global leader in environmental policies, leading global initiatives to accelerate the implementation of green technology and leading by example in both the public and private sectors. To build a career that’s part of the country’s environmental policies, consider continuing your education with an online course on Coursera. For example, you might check out Introduction to Environmental Law and Policy from the University of North Carolina or Introduction to Sustainability from the University of Illinois to build a solid foundation.